1. Previously on The West Wing:Copy !req
2. - Jed!
- I can't do the job, Abbey.Copy !req
3. Do you understand? I can't do it.Copy !req
4. - Where's Donna?
- She got a new job, I think.Copy !req
5. I've got her cell
if you wanna give her a call.Copy !req
6. - Pick your dream candidate?
- I don't know how this works.Copy !req
7. You pick the smartest, most capable . . .Copy !req
8. . . . most honorable individual you can
think of, and you have a conversation.Copy !req
9. - I'm not running for Congress again.
- I'm not talking about Congress.Copy !req
10. Josh should have called.
I could have saved him a trip.Copy !req
11. They don't have anyone else?Copy !req
12. A Latino district, and they cannot
come up with a decent Democrat?Copy !req
13. You'd think.Copy !req
14. - Did you leave it open with him?
- No.Copy !req
15. I would break you in half.Copy !req
16. He knows I'm not going back
to the House.Copy !req
17. Give me a hand. These guys are out.Copy !req
18. Look at how big this kid is.Copy !req
19. I mean, he's down to my knees.
When did this happen?Copy !req
20. Shooting up. It's that time.Copy !req
21. He's got his own smell.Copy !req
22. So, what did he want?Copy !req
23. He's not worried about
the House anymore.Copy !req
24. Supposed to walk Russell
through a Cinco de Mayo parade . . .Copy !req
25. - . . . establish his Chicano street cred?
- Not quite.Copy !req
26. I hate politicians
who wear cowboy boots.Copy !req
27. That's the least of his problems.Copy !req
28. Women spend their entire lives
trying to get out of heels.Copy !req
29. What possible use is there?
The guy is a lawmaker.Copy !req
30. It's like going through life
wearing a welder's helmet.Copy !req
31. - He's not a bad guy.
- Well, his footwear's moronic.Copy !req
32. - He's just trying to get elected.
- Exactly.Copy !req
33. - God, this is good. You want some?
- What is it?Copy !req
34. - It's ice cream, melted. It's good like this.
- I'm fine.Copy !req
35. Josh wants me to run for president.Copy !req
36. - Of the United States?
- I'm pretty sure.Copy !req
37. Wow, they are hard up.Copy !req
38. I mean, you know what I mean. It's . . . .Copy !req
39. - Are you thinking about this?
- No.Copy !req
40. - You're not.
- Told him no.Copy !req
41. Told him no. What did he say?Copy !req
42. Man of conviction, right there.Copy !req
43. He's got it all figured out.
A nine-point plan. It's pretty interesting.Copy !req
44. Nine points?Copy !req
45. - Why not seven or three or . . .?
- I don't know.Copy !req
46. - This plan is supposed to make you . . .?
- Win.Copy !req
47. - Oh, my God. You're thinking about this.
- I told him no.Copy !req
48. Well, I'm going to bed. Those kids
are gonna be up in a couple hours.Copy !req
49. Don't forget the trash.Copy !req
50. The Bartlet administration
remains optimistic...Copy !req
51. about upcoming trilateral talks
with China and North Korea.Copy !req
52. South Korea offers energy assistance
to its power-starved neighbors.Copy !req
53. It's quarter past the hour
and this is Morning Edition.Copy !req
54. The first chink in the armor of the
Washington-Pyongyang stalemate...Copy !req
55. - ... appeared last month in Beijing.
- Oh, my God.Copy !req
56. Chinese President Lian agreed
to broker talks—Copy !req
57. Are you kidding me?Copy !req
58. - Well, good morning.
- Right.Copy !req
59. I love it when it's cold enough
to make the mud crusty.Copy !req
60. - You don't have to do this.
- Sorry.Copy !req
61. You have the full text of this blog thing
from the Rohmer Report?Copy !req
62. Go.Copy !req
63. "What team does she play on?Copy !req
64. Washington abuzz
with fresh allegations . . .Copy !req
65. . . . that a certain former
Bartlet administration press secretary . . .Copy !req
66. . . . may have more than a passing interest
in pursuing what many have described . . .Copy !req
67. . . .as a radical homosexual agenda. "
And it goes on.Copy !req
68. - To say what?
- You played sports at Berkeley . . .Copy !req
69. . . . and were the first girl
in Ohio Prep history to dunk a basketball.Copy !req
70. - Oh, Lord God.
- And that's pretty much it.Copy !req
71. - Did Tommy call?
- Tommy?Copy !req
72. Burly Tommy Keller
with the mop on top?Copy !req
73. Two dinners at the Oval Room last week,
the reason I'm wearing this necklace . . .Copy !req
74. . . . who's picking you up
at 7 tonight Tommy?Copy !req
75. - He called?
- No.Copy !req
76. - Everybody in there?
- All here. Five minutes early.Copy !req
77. Well, great.Copy !req
78. - Morning.
- Morning, C.J.Copy !req
79. Lovely.Copy !req
80. I've never been more attracted to you.Copy !req
81. Restrain yourself.
Last night's House vote . . .Copy !req
82. . . . means we have a budget
headed for conference committee.Copy !req
83. We don't wanna get hung up
on a bunch of silly HHS riders . . .Copy !req
84. . . .like two years ago.
We're close, but it's not a—Copy !req
85. - Slam-dunk.
- Hey, now Charlie made a funny.Copy !req
86. Guys, our whole agenda's riding on this.
We can't afford another shutdown.Copy !req
87. We've got the president's legacy.Copy !req
88. This is our last chance to do good,
and it all lives or dies with this budget.Copy !req
89. Track this closely.Copy !req
90. We gonna get college loan
and Pell expansions?Copy !req
91. - Yeah, both versions.
- Just got a list of Republican conferees.Copy !req
92. - Wilkinson?
- I thought it was a seniority thing.Copy !req
93. They can do whatever they want.Copy !req
94. - Why they do it behind closed doors.
- Isn't this it for him?Copy !req
95. I thought he was going to Kansas
to sell flat globes.Copy !req
96. - Was he in on budget negotiations?
- Didn't see him.Copy !req
97. We keep an eye out. Hit the phones.
Will, what do you got?Copy !req
98. VP is speaking to the NAACP
next week.Copy !req
99. - I'm coordinating with policy shops.
- You want help?Copy !req
100. - You talking to me?
- I may be able to help.Copy !req
101. - You're offering to help the VP?
- I can help you with those guys.Copy !req
102. - "Those guys"?
- You're the whitest guy on the planet.Copy !req
103. Yeah. Got any particular insights
you wanna share?Copy !req
104. Is it weird?
Did it just get weird in here?Copy !req
105. - A little.
- What else? Kate, where's Uzbekistan?Copy !req
106. Something big blew up.
Doesn't appear to be nuclear.Copy !req
107. We're going over the pictures now.
We really have no idea.Copy !req
108. Never open these meetings
to the public.Copy !req
109. Keep me posted.
President's working from the residence.Copy !req
110. - if you need him, bring it to me.
- He okay?Copy !req
111. He's fine. Temporary balance problems.
Just precautionary.Copy !req
112. We don't wanna risk another fall.Copy !req
113. You wanna send a message of love,
bring this budget home.Copy !req
114. Excuse me, I have to craft a personal
statement supporting reproductive arts.Copy !req
115. - Hang in there.
- Yeah, yeah.Copy !req
116. - There's a basketball in the trash.
- Nothing but net.Copy !req
117. - Don't put out a statement.
- I will be respectful.Copy !req
118. - We don't need this distraction now.
- It feels funny.Copy !req
119. - Be more articulate.
- This can't be a coincidence.Copy !req
120. Rumors about your sexuality the same
day Republicans shove Wilkinson . . .Copy !req
121. - . . . on the budget committee?
- You're acting like a dog in Pompeii.Copy !req
122. Hold off on the statement.
Let me make some calls.Copy !req
123. You're drastically overestimating
the political potency of my sex life.Copy !req
124. Not possible.Copy !req
125. - This is great.
- Sir?Copy !req
126. I have a neurological disorder,
and you've got me doing calisthenics.Copy !req
127. Can I put this in a book
I'm gonna write?Copy !req
128. If I wanted to exercise,
I never would've become an economist.Copy !req
129. - Curtis, my friend, how you doing today?
- Just fine, sir.Copy !req
130. Well, a mighty blessing
upon your mighty frame, son.Copy !req
131. Appreciate that.
What can I do for you?Copy !req
132. - Is my wife about?
- I believe she is, sir.Copy !req
133. Thank you. Okay.Copy !req
134. You got me trying to do stuff
I couldn't do before I got sick.Copy !req
135. When you're feeling wobbly, that's
a good opportunity for range of motion.Copy !req
136. Terrific. I'll just pretend
I'm a crustacean.Copy !req
137. - Use it or lose it.
- Could be said . . .Copy !req
138. . . . for the power of the presidency.Copy !req
139. - Good Lord, Jed, are you all right?
- I'm fine. I just . . . .Copy !req
140. Thank you, Curtis. I may need you.
I'll holler.Copy !req
141. - Right outside the door, sir.
- You bet.Copy !req
142. - Great kid.
- I'd like to watch him eat a pie.Copy !req
143. - You on your way?
- I got a quick meet . . .Copy !req
144. . . . with your doctor and C.J.
later this morning . . .Copy !req
145. . . . five interviews and three receptions
this afternoon.Copy !req
146. - Oh, jeez.
- Hell's where you gotta keep smiling . . .Copy !req
147. . . . and you can't take off
your pantyhose.Copy !req
148. Want me in the C.J. meeting?Copy !req
149. If you wanna hear yourself referred to
in the third person.Copy !req
150. I didn't think my schedule
would be so light on protein.Copy !req
151. Well, it's all right, Jed.Copy !req
152. You can afford to lose a few pounds.Copy !req
153. - I'll see you this evening.
- I'll be here.Copy !req
154. - He in there?
- Yeah. Don't go in.Copy !req
155. - He alone?
- How do you mean?Copy !req
156. - Not with others.
- That is correct.Copy !req
157. - He'll be fine.
- Step away from the door.Copy !req
158. Hey, one second. You all right?Copy !req
159. - How's this?
- I'll tell you after I read it.Copy !req
160. Come on in.Copy !req
161. She likes it closed.Copy !req
162. - Interesting girl.
- Yeah. I think I lost the temp lottery.Copy !req
163. She's making me finish
one thing at a time. It's insane.Copy !req
164. - Tell her to back off.
- You tell her.Copy !req
165. - Call Donna.
- I can't.Copy !req
166. You may have to resort to manhood.Copy !req
167. I'm the victim.
How am I supposed to be a man?Copy !req
168. This Wilkinson thing
seem strange to you?Copy !req
169. I got calls out to the minority leader
and the conferees.Copy !req
170. I'm gonna call the whip
then see Wilkinson.Copy !req
171. We'll get this budget locked up.Copy !req
172. Why did you go to Houston?Copy !req
173. - Why'd you go to Houston? Santos?
- Yeah.Copy !req
174. - What'd he say?
- He's not running.Copy !req
175. - Could have used him in the House.
- Yeah, it's a shame.Copy !req
176. - You went all the way down there?
- I like him a lot.Copy !req
177. Russell and Hoynes
both still after you?Copy !req
178. - Yeah.
- Make up your mind?Copy !req
179. I'm here with you to the bitter end,
with bells on.Copy !req
180. Vinick makes his way
through the primaries . . .Copy !req
181. . . . there's not gonna be
a Democratic Party.Copy !req
182. No. I know. I'm on it.Copy !req
183. You're done. Leave.Copy !req
184. I don't know what you're talking about.
This girl's fantastic.Copy !req
185. Minority leader on one.Copy !req
186. Yes, senator, we understand. Sure.Copy !req
187. And we appreciate the restraint
you've shown . . .Copy !req
188. . . . through this entire budget process.Copy !req
189. - Yeah, yeah.
- Thank you.Copy !req
190. And you know this White House
is gonna back you 100 percent.Copy !req
191. Sit, sit.Copy !req
192. Yeah, Baker's my next call.
Thanks for the heads up.Copy !req
193. Oh, I'm fine.
I only use the Internet to shop.Copy !req
194. Thanks for asking.Copy !req
195. - Cripes. What's up?
- So I have some interview requests.Copy !req
196. - Go ahead.
- The Advocate, Out...Copy !req
197. The Village Voice,
The San Francisco Chronicle...Copy !req
198. - Make my stinking day.
- . . . Washington Times...Copy !req
199. . . . Goddess Monthly, Nantucket
Republican and Field Hockey Quarterly.Copy !req
200. - Field hockey?
- I just made that one up as a joke.Copy !req
201. - Aren't you perky as all get-out.
- It seems to be isolated . . .Copy !req
202. - . . .to just the—
- Sports fans. And the statement?Copy !req
203. I wanna be sure this doesn't distract
from the government.Copy !req
204. Yeah, I've been struggling with this.Copy !req
205. Deny something
you have no problem with . . .Copy !req
206. . . . and make it publicly clear
this is private.Copy !req
207. That'd be great.Copy !req
208. Okey-dokey.Copy !req
209. - Hey. President still in the residence?
- Yeah.Copy !req
210. We found out what Wilkinson's doing
in the conference.Copy !req
211. - Federal ban on gay marriage.
- Sanctity of Marriage Act.Copy !req
212. - They're attaching it to the budget?
- To avoid spending the rest . . .Copy !req
213. . . . of our days in gridlock,
we ban gay marriage.Copy !req
214. Oppose it, we paint the whole party
as out of touch . . .Copy !req
215. . . . with traditional American values
for the election.Copy !req
216. - And the budget goes down in flames.
- Margaret!Copy !req
217. Call the residence.
We need to see the president now.Copy !req
218. I looked over your résumé.
I think we both know it's an undersell.Copy !req
219. What I'd take to the vice president
is the knowledge you've gleaned . . .Copy !req
220. . . . over six years on the frontlines.Copy !req
221. I think we can safely say
you've picked up a lot.Copy !req
222. I try to pay attention.Copy !req
223. I just wanna make sure
I'm not starting a turf war.Copy !req
224. Hate to find the deputy chief
at my door with a switchblade.Copy !req
225. You're not poaching me.
I need to move on.Copy !req
226. And Josh is . . . .Copy !req
227. - He'll find someone to answer his phone.
- Well, we can use you. No question.Copy !req
228. And not as anybody's assistant.Copy !req
229. - Sanctity of Marriage?
- That's right.Copy !req
230. - On the budget?
- Yes, sir.Copy !req
231. Didn't they attach family planning
to a highway bill last year?Copy !req
232. - They did.
- What's with these people?Copy !req
233. - Can't stop talking about sex.
- if they can't have it.Copy !req
234. Am I having a flashback,
or is my brain going?Copy !req
235. Last time they called it
Marriage Recognition Act.Copy !req
236. - First term pocket veto.
- Who is this?Copy !req
237. - Wilkinson.
- What's he doing on the committee?Copy !req
238. - That's what we said.
- It's a guts move by the leadership.Copy !req
239. - We slap it down.
- Threaten a veto.Copy !req
240. Make it clear this ambush is
unacceptable. Get a statement going.Copy !req
241. They'll think twice
before forcing shutdown.Copy !req
242. I disagree.Copy !req
243. It's a bad pitch. Don't swing.Copy !req
244. There any doubt it would get overturned
by the courts?Copy !req
245. Well, it's not likely. So far,
anything short of full recognition . . .Copy !req
246. . . . for same sex partners
is a constitutional no-go.Copy !req
247. This amendment is pure symbolism.
Is it worth holding up our entire agenda?Copy !req
248. Get it off the bill, guys.Copy !req
249. - And if we can't?
- Just get it off the bill.Copy !req
250. - Thank you, Mr. President.
- Thank you, sir.Copy !req
251. Wilkinson's more of a federalist
than an ideologue.Copy !req
252. Why's he suggesting
we override the states?Copy !req
253. The courts will take care of that.
We need this budget.Copy !req
254. At the end of the day,
you may have to sign it.Copy !req
255. - What was that about?
- Well, he didn't say he wouldn't veto it.Copy !req
256. - He didn't say he would.
- We can get this done.Copy !req
257. - Wanna enlighten us?
- He wants it off the bill.Copy !req
258. - We got that.
- We won't play chicken . . .Copy !req
259. . . .in the middle of a budget round.Copy !req
260. We're always in the middle
of a budget round.Copy !req
261. With a president who can't go
down stairs?Copy !req
262. He's not running again.
Why can't we help him?Copy !req
263. He made the call.
Let's get it off the bill.Copy !req
264. Try and dole out some budgetary pork
to members of the committee.Copy !req
265. - See if we can get this killed.
- Okay.Copy !req
266. - Maybe Sioux City needs a monorail.
- I'm late for the first lady.Copy !req
267. Share your feelings with Wilkinson.
Talk him down.Copy !req
268. With what? A threat that the president
might actually sign it?Copy !req
269. You'll figure it out.Copy !req
270. He has a 50 percent chance of
developing secondary-progressive MS . . .Copy !req
271. . . . because the lesions have accelerated
here. That's pretty common.Copy !req
272. - You don't know how to stop it?
- Give me 10 years and stem cells.Copy !req
273. Sorry.Copy !req
274. We need to focus on the best way
to manage his symptoms . . .Copy !req
275. - . . .in this unique environment.
- That's what this is.Copy !req
276. - Stress?
- Can't be good.Copy !req
277. Before and after pictures
around this place are intense.Copy !req
278. No more back-to-back
marathon meetings.Copy !req
279. An hour, max. His legs are gonna
cramp and spasm.Copy !req
280. Don't want him kicking out
the Resolute desk.Copy !req
281. - Or one of the Joint Chiefs.
- How many hours a day?Copy !req
282. Depends. Six or seven, tops,
and he's gonna need a nap midday.Copy !req
283. A nap? He's gonna love that.Copy !req
284. It's the public time
that's gonna be tough.Copy !req
285. Standing behind podiums, shaking hands,
Cabinet meetings.Copy !req
286. So more phone, more memos,
things he can read and sign.Copy !req
287. Too much reading may lead
to optical problems.Copy !req
288. You're gonna have to limit
reading materials.Copy !req
289. - Oh, Lord.
- Anything else?Copy !req
290. High temperatures can trigger attacks.
Gotta keep the Oval below 70.Copy !req
291. Okay. So we'll do a daily report on the
president's condition in morning staff.Copy !req
292. The bottom line is, we have to be
prepared for anything, every day.Copy !req
293. Got a minute?Copy !req
294. - You should call so I can gather my wits.
- Sorry.Copy !req
295. You've seen The Federal Government
Are a Bunch of Dinks.com?Copy !req
296. - What if I reject the premise?
- They're all over the C.J. thing.Copy !req
297. - Anything new?
- Her high school basketball stats.Copy !req
298. Apparently, she was all-Dayton.Copy !req
299. - You heard about the amendment?
- Just now.Copy !req
300. - The president wants it off the budget.
- Okay.Copy !req
301. It'd be nice if the vice president
made a statement against it . . .Copy !req
302. - . . . maybe called Wilkinson.
- The VP is pro-marriage.Copy !req
303. As are we all. I've been married
almost twice. Same woman.Copy !req
304. - That's unique.
- We're fine with it.Copy !req
305. Okay, then.Copy !req
306. - So the VP will make a statement?
- What's the president's position?Copy !req
307. - He wants it off the bill.
- What's his position?Copy !req
308. - That he wants it off the bill.
- And if it stays on the bill?Copy !req
309. We need your help on this.Copy !req
310. Right. This is a lose-lose for us, Toby.Copy !req
311. Coming out for it hurts us
in the primaries.Copy !req
312. Coming out against it hurts us
in the general.Copy !req
313. I'd have to advise the VP
to wait and see.Copy !req
314. I wanna kill it before it learns
to walk.Copy !req
315. I don't know why you're here.
Talk to the president about a veto.Copy !req
316. Yeah. Good idea.Copy !req
317. - It's getting bigger.
- Oh, hi.Copy !req
318. Sorry. You wanted an update
on this Internet rumor.Copy !req
319. - It's getting bigger?
- Blogs are saturated . . .Copy !req
320. . . . and now there's a query
from the Post.Copy !req
321. They're doing a piece
on strategic bloggering.Copy !req
322. - What are you, 4'10"?
- Me? I'm 4'11 " .Copy !req
323. - I can't believe we're the same species.
- There's your update.Copy !req
324. I know we shouldn't say anything, but
are you sure we shouldn't say anything?Copy !req
325. Be great to get it off the Net . . .Copy !req
326. . . . but it would seem like a comment
on the marriage act.Copy !req
327. Plus, a statement brings this
to every news outlet.Copy !req
328. - I was gonna say—
- Not a peep? Thanks for your advice.Copy !req
329. - The conferees are waiting.
- Tommy didn't call?Copy !req
330. - Crickets. Guy's starting to tick me off.
- Crickets?Copy !req
331. - Senator Wilkinson.
- Oh, I've been waiting for an emissary.Copy !req
332. Figured it'd be the vice president.Copy !req
333. Senator, you're one of this country's
great federalists.Copy !req
334. You believe in state and local control
of education.Copy !req
335. - I do.
- State and local law enforcement.Copy !req
336. - Yep.
- I'm not sure you think . . .Copy !req
337. . . . there should be
a federal government at all.Copy !req
338. Well, we lost that fight
some time ago, didn't we?Copy !req
339. So why would you want
an unprecedented, top-down . . .Copy !req
340. . . . federal mandate
to govern every state's marital laws?Copy !req
341. Now that we have
a federal government . . .Copy !req
342. - . . .it can protect national values.
- Like individual freedoms?Copy !req
343. I was thinking
of the institution of marriage.Copy !req
344. When the budget's done . . .Copy !req
345. . . . let's get a group to talk about it.Copy !req
346. I don't need another study
to tell me what's right.Copy !req
347. Senator, I'm not criticizing
the sincerity of your beliefs.Copy !req
348. Well, that's refreshing.Copy !req
349. Toby, do you believe the Bible
to be literally true?Copy !req
350. Yes, sir. But I don't think either of us
is smart enough to understand it.Copy !req
351. The president wants this
off his budget.Copy !req
352. Well, if you're here to threaten a veto,
now's the time to do it.Copy !req
353. I'm a busy man. I don't appreciate
your coming here with hollow threats.Copy !req
354. And I don't appreciate people
spreading rumors . . .Copy !req
355. . . . about C.J. Cregg.Copy !req
356. I don't know how to use a typewriter,
much less a computer.Copy !req
357. I think the president
is gonna sign it, Toby.Copy !req
358. And I think that you're here
because you think he might sign it too.Copy !req
359. Marla, I need the numbers
for the meeting.Copy !req
360. The earmarks for the conferees.Copy !req
361. Can you get that? I'm late here.
Oh, jeez.Copy !req
362. - Hello.
- I don't like to be yelled at.Copy !req
363. I would like to have the earmarks
so that I can go and do my job.Copy !req
364. Earmarks. Is that frat boy for pork?Copy !req
365. - Here you go.
- Thank you.Copy !req
366. Three hundred thousand dollars
for potato-storage research?Copy !req
367. - Starches are vital.
- How vital is $50 million . . .Copy !req
368. - . . . for an indoor rain forest in Iowa?
- It attracts tourism.Copy !req
369. And mosquitoes, I'm guessing.Copy !req
370. I'm trying to get some distinguished
members of Congress to remove . . .Copy !req
371. . . .a hateful, gay-bashing amendment
from the budget.Copy !req
372. By bribing them with taxpayers'
hard-earned money?Copy !req
373. I don't know if you read the memo,
but I set budget policy.Copy !req
374. - You alphabetize and sort.
- Josh.Copy !req
375. You got a second?Copy !req
376. - Yeah. Come in.
- You're gonna be late.Copy !req
377. So, what are you working on?Copy !req
378. Actually, right now, trying to build
an indoor rain forest.Copy !req
379. - Well, good luck with that.
- I'm sorry about landing on you like that.Copy !req
380. - My wife wants to kill you.
- I got a lot of women mad at me.Copy !req
381. - You ought to work on that.
- I do have to go to this meeting.Copy !req
382. - Budget glitch we're trying to sort out.
- So would this be a package deal?Copy !req
383. - The budget?
- No.Copy !req
384. I've been thinking about
your nine-point plan.Copy !req
385. - Really?
- Yeah. But I would like to add a 10th.Copy !req
386. - What's that?
- You.Copy !req
387. The filing deadline's next Thursday.Copy !req
388. I'm in, if you're in with me.Copy !req
389. So no one here is troubled
that the Paper Reduction Act . . .Copy !req
390. . . .is more than 500 pages long?Copy !req
391. Let's just see if we can squeeze it down,
save a couple of trees.Copy !req
392. - Thank you.
- Thank you, Mr. Vice President.Copy !req
393. You can always tell a bureaucrat,
but you can't tell him much.Copy !req
394. - Unless you tell him in triplicate.
- What do you need, Toby?Copy !req
395. - Sanctity of Marriage.
- Yeah, yeah. Will gave me the heads up.Copy !req
396. - He helpful?
- Not as obedient as he used to be.Copy !req
397. That's good to hear.
That's rough about C.J.Copy !req
398. Yeah, it's a rough town.
Mr. Vice President . . .Copy !req
399. . . .I know you don't wanna get ahead
of the president . . .Copy !req
400. . . . but we need you to come out
against the marriage act.Copy !req
401. - Why would I wanna do that?
- A clear signal from the White House . . .Copy !req
402. - . . . and Wilkinson will fold.
- I think Will is right.Copy !req
403. I'm gonna have to pass.Copy !req
404. Mr. Vice President, this amendment
isn't about protecting marriage.Copy !req
405. It's about institutionalizing the last
acceptable form of discrimination.Copy !req
406. You can't just sit back and allow
the religious right . . .Copy !req
407. - . . .to hijack the social agenda.
- I know—Copy !req
408. Presidential campaigning has to be
about more than duck and cover.Copy !req
409. This is an opportunity for you
to stand up—Copy !req
410. I've got a nephew who's gay.Copy !req
411. I love this kid. His name's Todd.Copy !req
412. I want him to have the same rights
and opportunities as everybody else.Copy !req
413. He wants to go to West Point. It makes
me sick we'd send him into battle . . .Copy !req
414. . . .to defend a union,
but he can't enter into one.Copy !req
415. - Come out against this.
- We're not there yet.Copy !req
416. 5000 years of socialization didn't go out
the window with the Village People.Copy !req
417. You do this wrong, and there'll be
a backlash that sets us back 50 years.Copy !req
418. You do it right, we'll be there in 10.Copy !req
419. And in the meantime,
what message are we sending?Copy !req
420. We're making progress.Copy !req
421. We've got domestic partnerships,
nondiscrimination laws.Copy !req
422. Besides, demographics or destiny,
kids don't give a damn about this.Copy !req
423. You would tell the president
to sign this, then?Copy !req
424. I'd tell him to get his budget . . .Copy !req
425. . . . and so would my nephew.Copy !req
426. Tommy?Copy !req
427. - Any Tommy?
- No Tommy to give.Copy !req
428. - Boston Globe wants—
- Oh, my God.Copy !req
429. —to know if we're gonna comment
on the amendment.Copy !req
430. - A voice out of nowhere.
- MSNBC too.Copy !req
431. That's ridiculous.
I went to, like, three Mystics games.Copy !req
432. Fox News, both mean Irish guys,
whole bunch of websites . . .Copy !req
433. . . . 11 more newspapers
and be quick about it.Copy !req
434. - They're all writing about me.
- Not exactly.Copy !req
435. But the amendment gives them license
to mention rumors.Copy !req
436. President wants a budget
with no amendment. That's the line.Copy !req
437. - And work up a statement.
- I thought we decided not to.Copy !req
438. Just in case. Respectful, non-defensive,
not that there's anything wrong with it.Copy !req
439. - I tried that.
- And?Copy !req
440. And I gave up because it's stupid.Copy !req
441. - Is that an option around here?
- Toby suggested it might be.Copy !req
442. - What else did he suggest?
- That the chief of staff . . .Copy !req
443. . . . doesn't issue personal statements that
read like letters to Soap Opera Digest.Copy !req
444. - Not that I'm a subscriber.
- I'd like a draft on my desk in an hour.Copy !req
445. What are you doing?Copy !req
446. - I got a bad temp.
- This is where you become just sad.Copy !req
447. Call Donna.Copy !req
448. - What happened with Wilkinson?
- He won't budge.Copy !req
449. When God starts talking to people,
limits the debate. How's the pork?Copy !req
450. Not having much luck
with the other conferees.Copy !req
451. Carson wants 600 grand
for alternative salmon products.Copy !req
452. I think we should just ditch the budget
and open a grocery store.Copy !req
453. - This amendment's gonna pass.
- They don't wanna vote against marriage.Copy !req
454. We'll run out of salmon products before
they vote against church and family.Copy !req
455. How I hate this issue. It's like walking
around town holding a sick chicken.Copy !req
456. If the president isn't willing to veto . . .Copy !req
457. . . .I don't know how we
nickel-and-dime our way out.Copy !req
458. So we don't even try.Copy !req
459. C.J.'s caving, VP thinks the country's
not ready to fight discrimination . . .Copy !req
460. . . . and for all I know,
the president's in naptime.Copy !req
461. No one wants to get near this issue.
Even Hoynes is hedging.Copy !req
462. Three-paragraph statement.
Can't even tell if he thinks . . .Copy !req
463. - . . . there should be a Congress.
- He put out a statement?Copy !req
464. He said it deserves thoughtful study.Copy !req
465. "Thoughtful study"? He said that?Copy !req
466. Straddling the political divide
like an adonis.Copy !req
467. - He was on Judiciary with Wilkinson?
- Yeah. Long time.Copy !req
468. So Santos stopped by.Copy !req
469. Filing deadline's in two days.
He wants me to go with him.Copy !req
470. - To Texas? What for?
- New Hampshire.Copy !req
471. Why does he wanna go
to New Hampshire?Copy !req
472. To run for president.Copy !req
473. I kind of talked him into it.
I think I gotta go with him.Copy !req
474. - I laid out a nine-point plan.
- Is one of the points a military junta?Copy !req
475. Okay. I'm gonna go back
to my office now.Copy !req
476. You can't leave.
We're not done here.Copy !req
477. You can't skip out with the president
lying flat on his back.Copy !req
478. Seven years, you're gonna leave
with a get-well card?Copy !req
479. - Gotta think about the ninth year.
- You're gonna tell the president . . .Copy !req
480. - . . .you just found a better horse?
- There you are.Copy !req
481. - Hi.
- Secretary of agriculture is calling.Copy !req
482. - Something about a fruit laboratory.
- Thank you.Copy !req
483. So maybe we'll get Carson after all.Copy !req
484. If I make any progress,
I'll get you a new whip count.Copy !req
485. You getting through all the files?Copy !req
486. Yeah, I'm almost up to
the Hoover administration.Copy !req
487. Margaret give you call sheets
for the conferees?Copy !req
488. Yep. I spoke to McKenna.Copy !req
489. - He's fine on the education offsets.
- Figured you just had a heart attack.Copy !req
490. - They had to take your call.
- Whatever it takes.Copy !req
491. Drives me crazy when they
use the budget as a social soapbox.Copy !req
492. It's a popular issue. No one wants to be
the first one to line up against it.Copy !req
493. If you live your life
underneath a magnifying glass . . .Copy !req
494. . . .you tend to stay away
from the heat.Copy !req
495. - How you holding up?
- Feeling a little over-interpreted.Copy !req
496. The Internet thing.Copy !req
497. Am I wrong to wanna set the record
straight, no pun intended?Copy !req
498. When I was labor secretary,
The National Enquirer ran a story . . .Copy !req
499. . . . that I'd married Elizabeth Taylor
while skydiving over New Mexico.Copy !req
500. I'm a heterosexual.Copy !req
501. I don't know why I just said that except,
as of today, I'm the most famous . . . .Copy !req
502. Not famous, but apparently
the most powerful lesbian on the planet.Copy !req
503. And the fact of the matter is,
I'm absolutely crazy . . .Copy !req
504. . . . about this man I just met
and had two fabulous dinners with . . .Copy !req
505. . . .in the space of one week.Copy !req
506. A man who hasn't called me today . . .Copy !req
507. . . . probably because he's of
the undependable gender . . .Copy !req
508. . . . or maybe he has even less
of an idea about how to deal . . .Copy !req
509. . . . with my alleged
and fictitious lesbianism than I do.Copy !req
510. So he'll just remain silent . . .Copy !req
511. . . .like a submarine under the icecap,
and drift away.Copy !req
512. Just like the legion of other cowards . . .Copy !req
513. . . . whom I spent my life
staring at the phone . . .Copy !req
514. . . . panting like a collie
for table scraps . . .Copy !req
515. . . . until I became successful
and started to scare them . . .Copy !req
516. . . . with the very independence
they required me to have so that now . . .Copy !req
517. . . .I'm looking at some bad numbers,
if you know what I'm talking about.Copy !req
518. But what was I supposed to do?Copy !req
519. Turn down an opportunity
to serve the president . . .Copy !req
520. . . . who I believe in and adore?Copy !req
521. You just wanna share it
with someone, you know?Copy !req
522. - So if you wanna send more call sheets—
- Sure. No, that'd be a great idea.Copy !req
523. I need you to stay, Leo.
So does the president.Copy !req
524. C.J., Toby needs you.Copy !req
525. Wilkinson won't move,
the vice president has chosen . . .Copy !req
526. . . . this moment to find his noble core . . .Copy !req
527. . . . and Hoynes may be
behind this whole thing.Copy !req
528. - Hoynes?
- We have to put the president . . .Copy !req
529. - . . . with Wilkinson.
- That's not gonna happen.Copy !req
530. - How's Hoynes involved?
- Doesn't matter.Copy !req
531. The president has to threaten a veto
to get this off the bill.Copy !req
532. - President's not ready to veto.
- You told him not to.Copy !req
533. - I'm not willing to sink the budget.
- Over your dating life.Copy !req
534. No, over an empty gesture that's gonna
be struck down by the courts.Copy !req
535. So that's what we're gonna do. Pass
the buck and pray for judicial restraint.Copy !req
536. President's resting. We can't haul him
down when we can't do what he asked.Copy !req
537. You're afraid because it'll call attention
to this garbage they're running.Copy !req
538. No, I'm too busy composing my letter
to the editor of Soap Opera Digest.Copy !req
539. Josh is thinking of leaving.Copy !req
540. - What?
- To help Matt Santos run for president.Copy !req
541. - The congressman from Texas?
- Leo's gone.Copy !req
542. Josh has a foot out the door.Copy !req
543. It's you and I,
we're gonna have to run this thing.Copy !req
544. We gonna stand for something
or just change the sheets . . .Copy !req
545. . . . for the president's hospital bed?Copy !req
546. We fight an amendment with no practical
impact and massive popular support?Copy !req
547. Yes, we should fight it.
Fight the symbol. Yes.Copy !req
548. Symbols matter.Copy !req
549. If they didn't, why would you care what
they say on the Internet?Copy !req
550. I have to go downstairs
for a quick meeting.Copy !req
551. C.J. called me.Copy !req
552. God forbid anyone should see me
bumming around the West Wing.Copy !req
553. Might think I'm actually
running the country.Copy !req
554. - This gonna be your idea of resting?
- Only gonna take a couple of minutes.Copy !req
555. We have a situation here, Jed.Copy !req
556. I feel like a guest at the most secure
bed and breakfast on the planet.Copy !req
557. What's so important
that you'd risk your health?Copy !req
558. - The Sanctity of Marriage Act.
- Oh, that old chestnut?Copy !req
559. I was hoping for at least
an international crisis.Copy !req
560. Hold the fish loosely, Jed, or it's gonna
flop right out of your hands.Copy !req
561. - I wanna put my pants on.
- What?Copy !req
562. My pants. I can't put them on.Copy !req
563. Oh, okay.Copy !req
564. - Here.
- How body from spiritCopy !req
565. Does slowly unwind
Until we are pure spirit at the endCopy !req
566. You gonna quote poetry now?Copy !req
567. So this is why
they make you take vows.Copy !req
568. Yep. This is why.Copy !req
569. Could you overnight this
up to David at Concord, please?Copy !req
570. - New Hampshire office up and running?
- Eleven of them. Cheaper to buy in bulk.Copy !req
571. Little different than Orange County
three years ago, huh?Copy !req
572. - This guy's got a pulse for starters.
- Well, technically speaking, sure.Copy !req
573. Don't miss the romance
of the upstart campaign?Copy !req
574. Sorry to make you waste a walk.
Toby already tried to go over my head.Copy !req
575. Remind him the vice president and I
actually do talk every once in a while.Copy !req
576. You know, he really appreciates
your offer to help on this NAACP stuff.Copy !req
577. Sure. Great.Copy !req
578. You good?Copy !req
579. - How's Donna working out?
- Great.Copy !req
580. She have an office yet?
I didn't see her out in the bullpen.Copy !req
581. She headed to New Hampshire
for a couple of weeks.Copy !req
582. Excellent.Copy !req
583. Well, next time you see her,
tell her I say hi.Copy !req
584. Of course.Copy !req
585. Okay, see you guys
on the plane tomorrow.Copy !req
586. Where are you off to?Copy !req
587. South Carolina in the morning,
Georgia in the afternoon.Copy !req
588. - Working on your Southern strategy?
- And my winter tan.Copy !req
589. - You could use a couple of rays yourself.
- I'm not so much in for tanning . . .Copy !req
590. . . . but I'll give it some thoughtful study.Copy !req
591. The luxury of being out
of public office.Copy !req
592. I don't have to take a position on every
issue before the Congress.Copy !req
593. You served with Wilkinson
on the Judiciary Committee, right?Copy !req
594. I did. He's a good man. I mean,
he is out there, but he's for real.Copy !req
595. Won't take a cent of PAC money.
It's unbelievable.Copy !req
596. So you encouraged him to visit
his righteous indignation down . . .Copy !req
597. . . . on the budget process, make Russell
swing to the right on gay marriage . . .Copy !req
598. . . . slay him with the Democratic faithful
in the primary? It makes sense.Copy !req
599. I'm just confused who the viable
candidate is when Russell's gone.Copy !req
600. You underestimate
the American public.Copy !req
601. Generally a good policy.
I don't trust their judgment.Copy !req
602. I forgot you work
for the president of Cuba.Copy !req
603. I trust their aspirations,
just like all those guys in the white wigs.Copy !req
604. - Some were slave owners, I hear.
- Exactly.Copy !req
605. - C.J. too? That your handiwork?
- No.Copy !req
606. No, I feel terrible about that.Copy !req
607. I'm gonna win this thing, Toby.Copy !req
608. Hey.Copy !req
609. So are the queers gonna destroy
marriage as we know it, or what?Copy !req
610. I have no idea.
I'm handing out pork like Popsicles.Copy !req
611. Wilkinson's meeting
with the president.Copy !req
612. - Thought he was in the residence today.
- Yeah, so did the first lady.Copy !req
613. I'd steer clear.Copy !req
614. Oh, I'm not getting anywhere near
that one.Copy !req
615. - So I think I found my guy.
- Yeah?Copy !req
616. - That's good.
- Matt Santos.Copy !req
617. - He said yes. He's gonna do it.
- Santos?Copy !req
618. - Really?
- I know. I got this nine-point pl—Copy !req
619. I don't need to hear it.
You smell a moment, you gotta go.Copy !req
620. I don't wanna leave you guys with just
a candygram and a get-well card.Copy !req
621. We'll be fine.Copy !req
622. Come with me.
I think this guy may be the real deal.Copy !req
623. I already found my guy.Copy !req
624. I don't know how to tell him, Leo.Copy !req
625. Hey.Copy !req
626. Hey.Copy !req
627. Agriculture's still dragging their feet
on this Appalachian fruit thing.Copy !req
628. It was Hoynes.Copy !req
629. He wanted to force Russell
to support the Sanctity of Marriage Act.Copy !req
630. Heartwarming.Copy !req
631. So Santos, huh?Copy !req
632. What are you gonna do
when this is done?Copy !req
633. Whatever I can to stave off the chaos,
mayhem and self-interest . . .Copy !req
634. . . . that lies just beneath
our civil disguise.Copy !req
635. So not the private sector.Copy !req
636. The money would have to be
unbelievable.Copy !req
637. - See you.
- Yeah.Copy !req
638. - You all set, sir?
- I'm fine, Nancy. Bring him on in.Copy !req
639. Mr. President, Senator Wilkinson.Copy !req
640. Sam.Copy !req
641. - Well, you look terrific, Mr. President.
- Thank you.Copy !req
642. - Sorry I can't get up, but I can't get up.
- You're in our prayers.Copy !req
643. I appreciate that, Sam. I really do.Copy !req
644. Now, tell me what I can do
to get your amendment off my budget.Copy !req
645. Against nature.Copy !req
646. Men leaving the natural use
of the woman . . .Copy !req
647. . . . burned in their lust
toward one another.Copy !req
648. Men with men, working that
which is unseemly. Romans.Copy !req
649. Would it offend you, Sam,
if I said this amendment represents . . .Copy !req
650. . . .a selective interpretation
of the Scriptures?Copy !req
651. A complete inversion
of the values of Jesus Christ?Copy !req
652. No, sir, it wouldn't offend me.
I'm secure in my faith.Copy !req
653. Isn't there something in that book
about forgiveness?Copy !req
654. - Aren't we all God's children?
- Of course we are.Copy !req
655. Which is why the government
shouldn't institutionalize behavior . . .Copy !req
656. . . .in opposition to our faith.Copy !req
657. What gives us the right
to visit our faith upon the country?Copy !req
658. One nation under God.
What gives us the right not to?Copy !req
659. - You talked to John Hoynes about this?
- John's a friend of mine.Copy !req
660. But I introduced this amendment
because I believe you want to sign it.Copy !req
661. You told me as much six weeks ago
at the prayer breakfast.Copy !req
662. That civil unions are one thing . . .Copy !req
663. . . . but that marriage is between
a man and a woman.Copy !req
664. I can't stand up anymore.Copy !req
665. - Sir?
- I've lost my balance.Copy !req
666. It should come back,
but it's gone now.Copy !req
667. - Are you dizzy, sir?
- No, I just can't find my balance.Copy !req
668. It went away.Copy !req
669. I try thinking it back, but it's difficult
because it's not a static thing.Copy !req
670. Once it's gone, it's hard to imagine
having it back again . . .Copy !req
671. . . . and it's disheartening to realize that
thinking just isn't gonna get it done.Copy !req
672. You've just got to trust
that you'll happen onto it again.Copy !req
673. You only have one more year,
Mr. President.Copy !req
674. Yeah, I've got a great future
behind me.Copy !req
675. Attaching this to the budget
gives you all the cover you need.Copy !req
676. How is this our job, Sam?Copy !req
677. I raised my right hand and swore an oath
to uphold the Constitution . . .Copy !req
678. . . . of the United States of America.Copy !req
679. Where was your left hand,
Mr. President?Copy !req
680. This was sent over
from the northwest gate.Copy !req
681. - It says "Oval Room at 9. "
- Yeah.Copy !req
682. - Are the press still in there?
- Yeah.Copy !req
683. This is your statement.Copy !req
684. Hey, I just wanted to tell you guys
that the Sanctity of Marriage Act's . . .Copy !req
685. . . . been removed from the budget
at the president's urging.Copy !req
686. The conferees are moving towards
a clean budget bill.Copy !req
687. It should be on the president's desk
tomorrow.Copy !req
688. - Are we on the record here?
- Sure. What the hell.Copy !req
689. Are you a homosexual?Copy !req
690. You know what?Copy !req
691. I've spent the last 14 hours being
snickered at by United States senators . . .Copy !req
692. . . . being ostracized
on the World Wide Web . . .Copy !req
693. . . . having my own colleagues
question my ability to do my job.Copy !req
694. And I let it get to me.Copy !req
695. So I don't think it really matters
whether I'm gay or straight . . .Copy !req
696. . . . or the best women's
basketball player in Ohio Valley history.Copy !req
697. - No one should be treated this way.
- You didn't answer the question.Copy !req
698. That's right,
because it's none of your business.Copy !req
699. Josh, he can see you now.Copy !req
700. - Mr. President.
- Josh.Copy !req
701. - How you feeling?
- Not too bad.Copy !req
702. Sir, I never imagined . . .Copy !req
703. . . . that I would be having
this conversation.Copy !req
704. Any word on—?Copy !req
705. Russell for president.Copy !req
706. I wanted to start this journey
in the place where it all started for me.Copy !req
707. Soon, we will be inundated
by the polls and the punditry . . .Copy !req
708. . . . and the prognostications.
All the nonsense . . .Copy !req
709. . . . that goes with our
national political campaigns.Copy !req
710. But none of that matters.Copy !req
711. This is the place that matters.Copy !req
712. Because every day, children walk into
this schoolhouse to glimpse their futures.Copy !req
713. To ask for hope.Copy !req
714. They may not know they need it yet,
but they do.Copy !req
715. And I am here to tell you
that hope is real.Copy !req
716. In a life of trials,
in a world of challenges...Copy !req
717. hope is real.Copy !req
718. In a country where families
go without health care...Copy !req
719. where some go without food...Copy !req
720. some don't even have a home
to speak of, hope is real.Copy !req
721. In a time of global chaos
and instability . . .Copy !req
722. . . . where our faiths collide
as often as our weapons, hope is real.Copy !req
723. Hope is what gives us the courage
to take on our greatest challenges...Copy !req
724. to move forward together.Copy !req
725. We live in cynical times.Copy !req
726. I know that.Copy !req
727. But hope is not up for debate.Copy !req
728. There is such a thing as false science.
There's such a thing as false promises.Copy !req
729. I am sure that I'll have my share
of false starts in this campaign...Copy !req
730. but there is no such thing
as false hope.Copy !req
731. There is only hope.Copy !req
732. And with your help
and your hard work . . .Copy !req
733. and the hopes of good people
all across this land...Copy !req
734. . . .I hereby announce my candidacy
for president of these United States.Copy !req