1 00:00:05,406 --> 00:00:07,041 C.J.: Here it comes. 2 00:00:07,108 --> 00:00:09,777 TV ANCHOR: With 17% of the precincts reporting 3 00:00:09,843 --> 00:00:12,580 we are now ready to call the Illinois primary 4 00:00:12,646 --> 00:00:14,548 for former New Hampshire... Yeah! 5 00:00:14,615 --> 00:00:16,717 PAUL BEGALA: Some people dream of going to the moon 6 00:00:16,784 --> 00:00:19,220 or some people dream of hitting a home run 7 00:00:19,287 --> 00:00:21,122 for the Yankees in the seventh game of the series. 8 00:00:21,189 --> 00:00:22,856 I always dreamed about electing a president 9 00:00:22,923 --> 00:00:24,525 and then maybe... helping to change the world. 10 00:00:24,592 --> 00:00:26,394 Victory is mine! Victory is mine! 11 00:00:26,460 --> 00:00:28,129 Great day in the morning, people. 12 00:00:28,196 --> 00:00:29,029 Victory is mine. 13 00:00:29,097 --> 00:00:30,198 Good morning, Josh. 14 00:00:30,264 --> 00:00:31,699 I drink from the keg of glory. 15 00:00:31,765 --> 00:00:33,401 Donna, bring me the finest muffins 16 00:00:33,467 --> 00:00:34,968 and bagels in all the land. 17 00:00:35,035 --> 00:00:36,770 It's going to be an unbearable day. 18 00:00:36,837 --> 00:00:40,074 MICHELLE CRISCI MEYERCORD: I remember the first paycheck. 19 00:00:40,141 --> 00:00:42,143 Of course you need to cash it and pay rent 20 00:00:42,210 --> 00:00:44,645 but there's a small part of me that thought 21 00:00:44,712 --> 00:00:45,779 "I could frame it." 22 00:00:45,846 --> 00:00:47,115 Come join the campaign. 23 00:00:50,284 --> 00:00:51,585 How much does it pay? 24 00:00:51,652 --> 00:00:53,020 How much were you making before? 25 00:00:53,087 --> 00:00:55,323 $550,000 a year. This pays $600 a week. 26 00:00:55,389 --> 00:00:57,425 So this is less? Yes. 27 00:00:57,491 --> 00:00:59,660 Do you want those who will be sycophants 28 00:00:59,727 --> 00:01:02,263 who will defer to you under any circumstances 29 00:01:02,330 --> 00:01:03,864 to gain your favor? 30 00:01:03,931 --> 00:01:07,201 Or do you want people who will tell you the brutal truth 31 00:01:07,268 --> 00:01:08,502 even though they know 32 00:01:08,569 --> 00:01:11,071 it might not be the popular thing to say? 33 00:01:11,139 --> 00:01:12,840 Everything you do says 34 00:01:12,906 --> 00:01:14,642 "For God's sakes, Leo, I don't want to be 35 00:01:14,708 --> 00:01:16,177 a one-term President." 36 00:01:16,244 --> 00:01:18,312 Did I not say put our guys on the FEC? 37 00:01:18,379 --> 00:01:19,413 No, sir, you did not... 38 00:01:19,480 --> 00:01:20,181 Leo! 39 00:01:20,248 --> 00:01:21,215 No. You said 40 00:01:21,282 --> 00:01:23,083 "Let's dangle our feet 41 00:01:23,151 --> 00:01:25,085 in the water" of whatever the hell it is 42 00:01:25,153 --> 00:01:26,554 we dangle our feet in 43 00:01:26,620 --> 00:01:28,456 when we want to make it look like we're trying 44 00:01:28,522 --> 00:01:29,890 without pissing too many people off. 45 00:01:29,957 --> 00:01:31,592 First place, White House closets 46 00:01:31,659 --> 00:01:33,461 are a lot bigger than anybody knows 47 00:01:33,527 --> 00:01:35,329 and there was a phone in this closet 48 00:01:35,396 --> 00:01:37,265 and so, I was in there, and I thought 49 00:01:37,331 --> 00:01:38,666 "Okay, I'll be 15 minutes." 50 00:01:38,732 --> 00:01:40,401 It went on an hour, and by that time 51 00:01:40,468 --> 00:01:41,835 I had to go to the bathroom. 52 00:01:41,902 --> 00:01:44,638 So I picked up the phone called his, uh, secretary 53 00:01:44,705 --> 00:01:46,574 and said, "Marie, get me out of here. 54 00:01:46,640 --> 00:01:48,809 I'm freezing, and I've got to go to the head." 55 00:01:48,876 --> 00:01:51,212 That was my introduction to the West Wing. 56 00:01:51,279 --> 00:01:53,847 PRESIDENT BARTLET: How are you doing? 57 00:01:53,914 --> 00:01:55,216 We met last night. 58 00:01:55,283 --> 00:01:57,351 You were singing and dancing in a bathrobe. 59 00:01:57,418 --> 00:01:58,752 Yes, sir. Why were you in the closet? 60 00:01:58,819 --> 00:02:00,454 I had to pee. 61 00:02:00,521 --> 00:02:03,391 They won't let me smoke inside, but you can pee in Leo's closet. 62 00:02:03,457 --> 00:02:07,295 The Oval Office is awesome. 63 00:02:07,361 --> 00:02:11,399 It's a pressure cooker, really 64 00:02:11,465 --> 00:02:14,835 for anybody who has that... responsibility. 65 00:02:14,902 --> 00:02:17,405 I'm tired, I'm cranky, and my wife's in Argentina. 66 00:02:17,471 --> 00:02:19,273 Let's get this over with. 67 00:02:19,340 --> 00:02:22,410 DEE DEE MYERS: You have your good days and your bad days 68 00:02:22,476 --> 00:02:25,346 and in the middle of any workday, it's your job. 69 00:02:25,413 --> 00:02:28,115 Uh, I think that's the good news about it. 70 00:02:28,182 --> 00:02:29,450 It's a very human place. 71 00:02:29,517 --> 00:02:30,884 If you did an interview 72 00:02:30,951 --> 00:02:33,120 with everybody that worked in our administration-- 73 00:02:33,187 --> 00:02:35,989 from the White House staff to the Cabinet members on down-- 74 00:02:36,056 --> 00:02:38,192 and you asked them, "How are you doing today?" 75 00:02:38,259 --> 00:02:41,495 all of them would tell you three things-- I'll bet you anything. 76 00:02:41,562 --> 00:02:42,896 "I enjoy having my life back. 77 00:02:42,963 --> 00:02:44,998 "I enjoy having more time with my family 78 00:02:45,065 --> 00:02:46,300 "and more time to myself. 79 00:02:46,367 --> 00:02:48,702 I'm making more money than I was." 80 00:02:48,769 --> 00:02:52,373 And the third thing they'd say is, "But I sure miss the work." 81 00:02:52,440 --> 00:02:54,275 I sure miss the work. 82 00:02:54,342 --> 00:02:57,311 There's is nothing, nothing like it. 83 00:02:57,378 --> 00:03:00,348 I've never felt like this before. 84 00:03:00,414 --> 00:03:01,515 It doesn't go away. 85 00:03:01,582 --> 00:03:03,584 ...here now, the President. 86 00:03:03,651 --> 00:03:05,519 My fellow Americans, good evening... 87 00:04:11,785 --> 00:04:15,155 GENE SPERLING: I literally ran from Capitol Hill 88 00:04:15,222 --> 00:04:17,090 down to, uh, the White House 89 00:04:17,157 --> 00:04:21,362 and I remember, as you start going towards the gate-- 90 00:04:21,429 --> 00:04:23,464 I was with a friend-- and just saying 91 00:04:23,531 --> 00:04:26,033 "If I ever take this for granted just shoot me." 92 00:04:26,099 --> 00:04:29,470 I remember very distinctly walking down the path 93 00:04:29,537 --> 00:04:32,205 from the northwest gate to the West Wing 94 00:04:32,272 --> 00:04:34,041 uh, and thinking, "Oh, my God" 95 00:04:34,107 --> 00:04:37,210 You know, "I'm actually... this is where I work." 96 00:04:37,277 --> 00:04:39,480 But by the time your foot's crossed the threshold 97 00:04:39,547 --> 00:04:41,081 into the building 98 00:04:41,148 --> 00:04:43,817 you were so overwhelmed with what you had to do 99 00:04:43,884 --> 00:04:46,520 that you immediately switched into let's-get-it-done mode. 100 00:04:46,587 --> 00:04:48,322 It's a nice morning, Mr. McGarry. 101 00:04:48,389 --> 00:04:51,158 We'll take care of that in a hurry, won't we, Mike? 102 00:04:51,224 --> 00:04:52,059 Yes, sir. 103 00:04:53,894 --> 00:04:56,196 BONNIE: Don't kill the messenger, Leo. 104 00:04:56,263 --> 00:04:58,098 Oh, why the hell not, Bonnie? 105 00:04:58,165 --> 00:05:01,669 MARLIN FITZWATER: Starting every day at the White House 106 00:05:01,735 --> 00:05:03,704 is a marvelous kind of, of upper 107 00:05:03,771 --> 00:05:06,707 in terms of getting you excited about life. 108 00:05:06,774 --> 00:05:09,443 Because, first, you get a private parking place 109 00:05:09,510 --> 00:05:11,945 and you go in through these big gates that open up 110 00:05:12,012 --> 00:05:14,982 that kind of protect you from the rest of the world. 111 00:05:15,048 --> 00:05:17,385 So, right away, you think, "I'm really special." 112 00:05:17,451 --> 00:05:19,086 And then you walk up the stairs 113 00:05:19,152 --> 00:05:22,923 and a Marine stands there, and clicks his heels... 114 00:05:22,990 --> 00:05:24,324 and you think 115 00:05:24,392 --> 00:05:25,559 "I am really special." 116 00:05:25,626 --> 00:05:27,795 And then you go in the West Wing lobby 117 00:05:27,861 --> 00:05:30,297 and there's a fellow there who takes your coat 118 00:05:30,364 --> 00:05:32,032 and asks if you're having a good day 119 00:05:32,099 --> 00:05:33,934 and hands you a paper, and you think 120 00:05:34,001 --> 00:05:37,070 "This is the greatest place in the world for... ever." 121 00:05:37,137 --> 00:05:38,639 And then you go in your office 122 00:05:38,706 --> 00:05:40,874 and there's Helen Thomas waiting for you 123 00:05:40,941 --> 00:05:44,077 you say, "Well, there are some problems with this job, but... 124 00:05:44,144 --> 00:05:45,679 nevertheless, it's a good deal." 125 00:05:45,746 --> 00:05:47,715 And then somebody comes to me and says 126 00:05:47,781 --> 00:05:49,316 "You know, we might have room 127 00:05:49,383 --> 00:05:52,520 "for one of the deputy economic advisors in the West Wing. 128 00:05:52,586 --> 00:05:53,954 Would you be interested?" 129 00:05:54,021 --> 00:05:56,690 And I said, "Oh, to have an office in the West Wing 130 00:05:56,757 --> 00:05:58,926 I would take half of a windowless closet" 131 00:05:58,992 --> 00:06:01,395 and that's pretty much what they gave me. 132 00:06:01,462 --> 00:06:03,096 LEO: It's right over here... 133 00:06:03,163 --> 00:06:05,666 442. 134 00:06:05,733 --> 00:06:09,336 PEGGY NOONAN: There was a lot of garbage and air-conditioning ducts 135 00:06:09,403 --> 00:06:10,538 outside my office. 136 00:06:10,604 --> 00:06:11,972 It was always dark. 137 00:06:12,039 --> 00:06:14,141 On the most beautiful day, it was dark. 138 00:06:14,207 --> 00:06:15,443 When I was new, I was told 139 00:06:15,509 --> 00:06:17,210 "You have to go to a certain woman. 140 00:06:17,277 --> 00:06:18,912 "She's in charge of the furniture. 141 00:06:18,979 --> 00:06:22,382 "She'll come to your office, look at it, bring you furniture. 142 00:06:22,450 --> 00:06:24,151 She'll bring you couches and desks." 143 00:06:24,217 --> 00:06:26,820 So I called her up, and she very nicely came down. 144 00:06:26,887 --> 00:06:29,389 She looked around at the office they had given me 145 00:06:29,457 --> 00:06:32,960 and obviously this office said, "totally unimportant person." 146 00:06:33,026 --> 00:06:37,831 I'm working in the steam pipe trunk distribution venue? 147 00:06:37,898 --> 00:06:39,967 No, you're working in your office. 148 00:06:40,033 --> 00:06:41,969 Well... 149 00:06:42,035 --> 00:06:46,974 BETTY CURRIE: I walked into the office and I looked around... 150 00:06:47,040 --> 00:06:48,776 Thank you, for the help. 151 00:06:48,842 --> 00:06:51,211 ...and I said, "Well, this can't be my office. 152 00:06:51,278 --> 00:06:52,379 It's obviously a mistake." 153 00:06:52,446 --> 00:06:53,714 It was just beautiful. 154 00:06:53,781 --> 00:06:55,549 They had two dozen fresh roses. 155 00:06:55,616 --> 00:06:57,685 So I said, "I'll sit down and wait 156 00:06:57,751 --> 00:07:00,420 for someone to come take me to my office." 157 00:07:00,488 --> 00:07:02,723 So I sat there and waited, with my coat on 158 00:07:02,790 --> 00:07:05,392 and then they came to tell me this was my office. 159 00:07:05,459 --> 00:07:08,662 Almost everybody walks into the Oval Office 160 00:07:08,729 --> 00:07:11,231 and gets cotton in their mouth. 161 00:07:11,298 --> 00:07:13,033 Their tongue gets tied. 162 00:07:13,100 --> 00:07:14,768 If I could just get a glass of water... 163 00:07:14,835 --> 00:07:17,705 No problem. We keep it in here. 164 00:07:17,771 --> 00:07:21,675 ( boisterous laughter ) 165 00:07:21,742 --> 00:07:24,011 Mr. President, I'm so sorry to interrupt. 166 00:07:24,077 --> 00:07:26,079 Not at all. We're just having a nightcap. 167 00:07:26,146 --> 00:07:29,016 I'd like you to meet Barry Haskel from the FEC. 168 00:07:29,082 --> 00:07:32,019 PRESIDENT BARTLET: Well, may I present Treasury Secretary Kenneth... 169 00:07:32,085 --> 00:07:33,554 How are you? Mr. Attorney General. 170 00:07:33,621 --> 00:07:34,688 Dan Larson. 171 00:07:34,755 --> 00:07:36,423 Of course, CIA director Rob Konrad. 172 00:07:36,490 --> 00:07:37,357 It's good to see you. 173 00:07:37,424 --> 00:07:38,826 Barry, I'm Jed Bartlet. 174 00:07:38,892 --> 00:07:41,361 I understand you're thinking about helping us out. 175 00:07:41,428 --> 00:07:42,696 That makes me so happy. 176 00:07:45,132 --> 00:07:47,000 Quite often, very articulate people would come 177 00:07:47,067 --> 00:07:48,702 in the Oval Office to ask a favor 178 00:07:48,769 --> 00:07:50,904 and when they got there, they couldn't speak. 179 00:07:50,971 --> 00:07:52,706 Or they couldn't bring themselves to ask me 180 00:07:52,773 --> 00:07:54,207 to comply with their request 181 00:07:54,274 --> 00:07:56,810 so they would... I would say, "What did you come for?" 182 00:07:56,877 --> 00:07:58,646 "Well..." They would just fumble around 183 00:07:58,712 --> 00:07:59,880 and then they'd go out later 184 00:07:59,947 --> 00:08:01,849 and tell my staff member what they wanted 185 00:08:01,915 --> 00:08:04,051 but they couldn't bring themselves to ask 186 00:08:04,117 --> 00:08:07,220 for a mundane request in the presence of the Oval Office. 187 00:08:10,090 --> 00:08:12,726 C.J.: See, it's all about budgeting your time. 188 00:08:12,793 --> 00:08:15,195 This time, this hour, this is my time-- 189 00:08:15,262 --> 00:08:16,564 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. 190 00:08:16,630 --> 00:08:17,998 I can work out, as you see. 191 00:08:18,065 --> 00:08:20,400 I can think about personal matters. 192 00:08:20,467 --> 00:08:22,402 I can... meet an interesting man. 193 00:08:22,469 --> 00:08:24,504 ( pager beeping ) The trick is... 194 00:08:24,572 --> 00:08:25,305 Your beeper's going. 195 00:08:25,372 --> 00:08:26,373 What? 196 00:08:26,439 --> 00:08:28,108 I think your beeper's going. 197 00:08:28,175 --> 00:08:30,410 GERGEN: The White House is an all-consuming job. 198 00:08:30,477 --> 00:08:32,746 But you go in and give it everything you've got... 199 00:08:32,813 --> 00:08:34,081 ( C.J. shrieks ) 200 00:08:34,147 --> 00:08:35,816 ...recognizing that the President 201 00:08:35,883 --> 00:08:37,517 is in a different position. 202 00:08:37,585 --> 00:08:39,553 The President is engaged in a marathon. 203 00:08:39,620 --> 00:08:41,321 His aides are engaged in a sprint 204 00:08:41,388 --> 00:08:42,856 and they have to keep working 205 00:08:42,923 --> 00:08:44,825 in order to make the White House work. 206 00:08:44,892 --> 00:08:47,895 People really viewed it as a once-in-a-lifetime shot 207 00:08:47,961 --> 00:08:51,164 and you would have a life in a... and sleep after. 208 00:08:52,566 --> 00:08:54,301 ( snoring ) 209 00:08:54,367 --> 00:08:55,535 Josh! 210 00:08:55,603 --> 00:08:57,070 ( snorts and coughs ) 211 00:08:57,137 --> 00:08:58,806 Hi. 212 00:08:58,872 --> 00:09:00,774 On Capitol Hill at least, you knew 213 00:09:00,841 --> 00:09:03,744 when you were out of session, you were out of session 214 00:09:03,811 --> 00:09:06,113 and when you had a break, you had a break. 215 00:09:06,179 --> 00:09:08,515 When I went to the White House, there is no break. 216 00:09:08,582 --> 00:09:10,383 What are your plans? We're having drinks 217 00:09:10,450 --> 00:09:12,119 we're having dinner, we are dancing, we are having dessert. 218 00:09:12,185 --> 00:09:13,687 No problem. You can do all those things 219 00:09:13,754 --> 00:09:15,488 except for the drinks, the dancing and the dessert. 220 00:09:15,555 --> 00:09:18,158 Josh... You need to be done with dinner in an hour and five minutes. 221 00:09:18,225 --> 00:09:19,426 Do you see what I'm wearing? 222 00:09:19,492 --> 00:09:21,862 If you want to have sex, you better do it during dinner. 223 00:09:21,929 --> 00:09:24,064 BEGALA: It's not so much the hours as it is 224 00:09:24,131 --> 00:09:25,565 the constant focus. 225 00:09:25,633 --> 00:09:27,901 So that you're never off the job. 226 00:09:27,968 --> 00:09:30,604 You're never not at the White House. 227 00:09:30,671 --> 00:09:32,840 Even when you're sleeping. 228 00:09:32,906 --> 00:09:34,875 It's time for the President's wake-up call. 229 00:09:34,942 --> 00:09:36,376 WOMAN ( over phone ): Lucky you. 230 00:09:36,443 --> 00:09:37,544 Let me put you through. 231 00:09:37,611 --> 00:09:40,147 ( phone ringing ) 232 00:09:40,213 --> 00:09:42,249 KRIS ENGSKOV: I guess I would say 233 00:09:42,315 --> 00:09:46,153 when you wake up the President, you do so very carefully. 234 00:09:46,219 --> 00:09:46,954 What? 235 00:09:47,020 --> 00:09:48,789 Good morning, Mr. President. 236 00:09:48,856 --> 00:09:50,090 It's Charlie. I... 237 00:09:50,157 --> 00:09:53,326 What could you possibly want right now? 238 00:09:53,393 --> 00:09:54,762 Sir, it's 6:30 AM... 239 00:09:54,828 --> 00:09:56,596 Who the hell is this? 240 00:09:56,664 --> 00:09:59,132 Sir... I need you to dig in now. 241 00:09:59,199 --> 00:10:02,936 It wasn't a nightmare; you really are the President. 242 00:10:03,003 --> 00:10:04,437 You know, it was a 50-50 shot-- 243 00:10:04,504 --> 00:10:06,907 you know, either he was in a great mood and he was up 244 00:10:06,974 --> 00:10:08,408 or he wasn't and he was not. 245 00:10:08,475 --> 00:10:09,677 Mr. President. 246 00:10:11,011 --> 00:10:12,412 Charlie, are you aware 247 00:10:12,479 --> 00:10:14,815 you're committing a federal crime right now? 248 00:10:14,882 --> 00:10:16,984 I'll take my chances with the Feds, Mr. President. 249 00:10:17,050 --> 00:10:18,351 It's 7:00. 250 00:10:18,418 --> 00:10:20,553 How did you know the First Lady wasn't going to be naked 251 00:10:20,620 --> 00:10:21,989 when you came in here? 252 00:10:22,055 --> 00:10:23,691 Come to think of it, where the hell is my wife? 253 00:10:23,757 --> 00:10:25,092 Argentina. 254 00:10:25,158 --> 00:10:27,360 MEYERS: You had no time for anything 255 00:10:27,427 --> 00:10:28,762 so, uh, not having a spouse 256 00:10:28,829 --> 00:10:30,630 and certainly not having children 257 00:10:30,698 --> 00:10:34,301 relieved me of a lot of conflict and inner anguish, I thought. 258 00:10:34,367 --> 00:10:37,570 'Cause I saw all my friends with families just in agony. 259 00:10:37,637 --> 00:10:40,640 This is the most important thing 260 00:10:40,708 --> 00:10:42,575 I'll ever do, Jenny. 261 00:10:42,642 --> 00:10:43,911 I have to do it well. 262 00:10:43,977 --> 00:10:46,714 It's not more important than your marriage. 263 00:10:48,716 --> 00:10:49,983 It is more important 264 00:10:50,050 --> 00:10:52,085 than my marriage right now. 265 00:10:52,152 --> 00:10:54,454 These few years, while I'm doing this 266 00:10:54,521 --> 00:10:55,689 yes, it's more important 267 00:10:55,756 --> 00:10:57,758 than my marriage. 268 00:10:59,326 --> 00:11:01,261 MEYERS: It's very hard on marriages. 269 00:11:01,328 --> 00:11:04,364 I think, people don't see their children very often. 270 00:11:04,431 --> 00:11:07,234 Uh, and I think that's part of the sacrifice. 271 00:11:07,300 --> 00:11:09,870 The flip side of it is 272 00:11:09,937 --> 00:11:12,706 it's about as exciting a place to work as, uh 273 00:11:12,773 --> 00:11:14,942 as there is, on the Earth. 274 00:11:15,008 --> 00:11:18,678 ( cello plays classical music) 275 00:11:29,222 --> 00:11:32,159 GERGEN: Everyone has unforgettable days in the White House. 276 00:11:32,225 --> 00:11:34,494 Usually when things-- a bill's passed 277 00:11:34,561 --> 00:11:36,563 or some big achievement. 278 00:11:36,629 --> 00:11:38,398 Sometimes, when things have really gone badly. 279 00:11:38,465 --> 00:11:40,901 But there are glamorous days, too, that you look back and say 280 00:11:40,968 --> 00:11:42,669 "Wow, I can't believe that really happened." 281 00:11:42,736 --> 00:11:45,138 I had the privilege of going with President Reagan 282 00:11:45,205 --> 00:11:47,074 to, uh, a summit conference in Versailles. 283 00:11:47,140 --> 00:11:49,009 When the meeting was over 284 00:11:49,076 --> 00:11:52,045 we woke up in the morning in the Versailles Palace. 285 00:11:52,112 --> 00:11:55,248 We walked out to helicopters, went over, got on Air Force One 286 00:11:55,315 --> 00:11:57,250 and flew to see the Pope for lunch. 287 00:11:57,317 --> 00:11:59,019 We had this session with the Pope-- 288 00:11:59,086 --> 00:12:00,587 which was, like, glorious. 289 00:12:00,653 --> 00:12:03,523 We got back on helicopters, went out to Air Force One 290 00:12:03,590 --> 00:12:06,193 flew to London and had dinner at Windsor Palace 291 00:12:06,259 --> 00:12:07,694 with the Queen. 292 00:12:07,761 --> 00:12:09,296 And I thought, "I can't," you know 293 00:12:09,362 --> 00:12:10,263 "This is unbelievable." 294 00:12:10,330 --> 00:12:12,399 How can one have a more interesting 295 00:12:12,465 --> 00:12:13,934 richer experience than that? 296 00:12:14,001 --> 00:12:15,869 The White House does that sometimes. 297 00:12:15,936 --> 00:12:18,939 It is, it's a place where things can happen, and you say 298 00:12:19,006 --> 00:12:20,273 "This is magical." 299 00:12:20,340 --> 00:12:22,275 It was almost a small amusement park 300 00:12:22,342 --> 00:12:23,410 on the South Lawn. 301 00:12:23,476 --> 00:12:25,678 It had a Ferris wheel and great picnic. 302 00:12:25,745 --> 00:12:28,816 And it was Friday afternoon, and you have a crazy week 303 00:12:28,882 --> 00:12:30,918 and you're exhausted, and you think 304 00:12:30,984 --> 00:12:33,553 "Okay, we'll go by the picnic for a few hours." 305 00:12:33,620 --> 00:12:37,390 And you get in line and you ride the Sizzler with Alan Greenspan 306 00:12:37,457 --> 00:12:39,726 and you think, "This job is crazy." 307 00:12:39,793 --> 00:12:41,128 When we'd come back from trips 308 00:12:41,194 --> 00:12:42,996 we would land at Andrews Air Force Base 309 00:12:43,063 --> 00:12:44,531 and get off the plane onto Marine One 310 00:12:44,597 --> 00:12:47,334 which was the helicopter that the President would fly on. 311 00:12:47,400 --> 00:12:48,936 And, uh, the helicopter's not that big 312 00:12:49,002 --> 00:12:50,570 and there's just a few people on it 313 00:12:50,637 --> 00:12:53,273 and the Aide's seat was right behind the President's. 314 00:12:53,340 --> 00:12:55,308 And when we'd fly, we'd take off from Andrews 315 00:12:55,375 --> 00:12:57,310 and we'd fly across Maryland over the DC line. 316 00:12:57,377 --> 00:12:59,779 And then, the route into DC was over the Capitol 317 00:12:59,847 --> 00:13:01,181 and you sort of make a right turn 318 00:13:01,248 --> 00:13:02,883 around the Washington Monument 319 00:13:02,950 --> 00:13:04,584 close enough where you could literally 320 00:13:04,651 --> 00:13:07,520 at night, feel like you could reach out and touch it 321 00:13:07,587 --> 00:13:10,824 and then you'd swerve right onto the South Lawn 322 00:13:10,891 --> 00:13:12,492 and you could see it lit up. 323 00:13:12,559 --> 00:13:15,128 And here's the President sitting three feet from you 324 00:13:15,195 --> 00:13:17,998 and you realize that you were in a really special place. 325 00:13:29,209 --> 00:13:32,445 I realized I had been through three phases 326 00:13:32,512 --> 00:13:34,381 while I was there, and they were three phases 327 00:13:34,447 --> 00:13:36,283 that pretty much everybody went through. 328 00:13:36,349 --> 00:13:38,551 First phase: you are brand-new. 329 00:13:38,618 --> 00:13:39,987 You are lucky to be there. 330 00:13:40,053 --> 00:13:41,554 You see all these people 331 00:13:41,621 --> 00:13:44,757 from people you see on Meet the Press on Sunday 332 00:13:44,824 --> 00:13:47,060 to people who just look like geniuses 333 00:13:47,127 --> 00:13:49,029 or really brilliant people. 334 00:13:49,096 --> 00:13:50,197 They are big people. 335 00:13:50,263 --> 00:13:51,631 They have significant jobs. 336 00:13:51,698 --> 00:13:54,467 And you know you just got in here by a fluke. 337 00:13:54,534 --> 00:13:55,135 You're lucky. 338 00:13:55,202 --> 00:13:56,569 Keep your head down. 339 00:13:56,636 --> 00:13:58,605 Don't let anyone know how stupid you are. 340 00:13:58,671 --> 00:13:59,873 Do your best. 341 00:13:59,940 --> 00:14:01,875 I'm admitting to you that... 342 00:14:01,942 --> 00:14:03,710 there are things I do not know. 343 00:14:03,776 --> 00:14:05,178 And I'm telling you that I don't think 344 00:14:05,245 --> 00:14:06,779 anybody would have any trouble imagining 345 00:14:06,846 --> 00:14:09,482 that there are things you do not know. 346 00:14:09,549 --> 00:14:11,051 That's phase one. 347 00:14:11,118 --> 00:14:14,187 Phase two is you've been there for maybe a year. 348 00:14:14,254 --> 00:14:16,289 You've done some work. 349 00:14:16,356 --> 00:14:18,425 You've gotten to know people. 350 00:14:18,491 --> 00:14:21,161 You've gotten to understand the plant and how things work. 351 00:14:21,228 --> 00:14:22,295 You have some friends. 352 00:14:22,362 --> 00:14:24,097 And you realize, "You know what? 353 00:14:24,164 --> 00:14:25,933 "This is the great blessing of my life 354 00:14:25,999 --> 00:14:28,701 but I think I feel equal to these people." 355 00:14:28,768 --> 00:14:30,303 Let me see if I have this. 356 00:14:30,370 --> 00:14:32,739 A hurricane has picked up speed and power 357 00:14:32,805 --> 00:14:34,074 and is heading for Georgia. 358 00:14:34,141 --> 00:14:36,309 Management and Labor are coming here to work out 359 00:14:36,376 --> 00:14:37,844 a settlement to avoid a crippling strike 360 00:14:37,911 --> 00:14:39,312 that will begin at midnight tonight 361 00:14:39,379 --> 00:14:41,148 and the government's planning a siege on 18 362 00:14:41,214 --> 00:14:43,183 to 40 of its citizens, all the while, we host 363 00:14:43,250 --> 00:14:44,717 a state dinner for the President of Indonesia? 364 00:14:44,784 --> 00:14:46,386 Yeah. You got it. 365 00:14:46,453 --> 00:14:48,388 NOONAN: That's phase two. Phase three-- 366 00:14:48,455 --> 00:14:50,223 you all of a sudden know everything 367 00:14:50,290 --> 00:14:51,925 and you realize how frail we are 368 00:14:51,992 --> 00:14:53,193 how imperfect we are 369 00:14:53,260 --> 00:14:55,628 how half-dumb or fully dumb we are. 370 00:14:55,695 --> 00:14:57,330 And you think, "Oh, my God. 371 00:14:57,397 --> 00:14:59,299 We're running the country?" 372 00:14:59,366 --> 00:15:01,101 What time is it in Tokyo? 14 hours ahead. 373 00:15:01,168 --> 00:15:03,070 I thought it was 13. Eastern daylight. 374 00:15:03,136 --> 00:15:04,104 So, it's 14 hours ahead? 375 00:15:04,171 --> 00:15:05,372 Yes. 376 00:15:05,438 --> 00:15:06,773 We're sure it's ahead and not behind? 377 00:15:06,839 --> 00:15:08,541 Guys, the clock's on the wall. 378 00:15:09,642 --> 00:15:10,777 JOSH: Okay, so it's almost 379 00:15:10,843 --> 00:15:12,679 11:00 in Tokyo? Yes. 380 00:15:12,745 --> 00:15:16,416 KARL ROVE: This is not writing a paper in high school. 381 00:15:16,483 --> 00:15:18,018 You very quickly come to understand 382 00:15:18,085 --> 00:15:20,353 that the decisions that you help frame... 383 00:15:20,420 --> 00:15:23,890 have a power and a might and a significance 384 00:15:23,957 --> 00:15:26,659 that is pretty awesome at times. 385 00:15:26,726 --> 00:15:27,860 Cautious optimism, Josh. 386 00:15:27,927 --> 00:15:29,629 Nothing bad is going to happen this week. 387 00:15:29,696 --> 00:15:30,663 Exercise cautious optimism. 388 00:15:30,730 --> 00:15:31,531 Look, there is no real... 389 00:15:31,598 --> 00:15:33,200 ( thudding ) 390 00:15:33,266 --> 00:15:35,402 PANETTA: The White House can fall apart very fast. 391 00:15:35,468 --> 00:15:36,536 One story 392 00:15:36,603 --> 00:15:37,837 in the morning news 393 00:15:37,904 --> 00:15:39,639 one event during the day 394 00:15:39,706 --> 00:15:41,674 and you literally can have people running around 395 00:15:41,741 --> 00:15:43,576 like chickens with their heads cut off. 396 00:15:43,643 --> 00:15:44,877 Ginger? Yeah. 397 00:15:44,944 --> 00:15:46,913 Public Liaison wrote up talking points two hours ago. 398 00:15:46,980 --> 00:15:48,315 Pull them. They're no good anymore. 399 00:15:48,381 --> 00:15:49,682 When are they going to have new ones? 400 00:15:49,749 --> 00:15:50,650 Public Liaison? Yeah. 401 00:15:52,019 --> 00:15:54,254 HBOTH:n hour. We got to call the network 15 minuteand make sure 402 00:15:54,321 --> 00:15:56,823 we get one of our people on every single broadcast tonight. 403 00:15:56,889 --> 00:15:58,258 Okay, let's try not to do that a lot. 404 00:15:58,325 --> 00:15:59,659 DUBERSTEIN: You're on the inside 405 00:15:59,726 --> 00:16:01,661 but you can't let too much out. 406 00:16:01,728 --> 00:16:04,497 You say something at a cocktail party 407 00:16:04,564 --> 00:16:08,168 or sitting around, watching TV with some new friends 408 00:16:08,235 --> 00:16:11,138 and it may be on the network news that night. 409 00:16:11,204 --> 00:16:12,372 What the hell happened? 410 00:16:12,439 --> 00:16:13,440 DUBERSTEIN: You have to be guarded 411 00:16:13,506 --> 00:16:15,275 in what you say around town. 412 00:16:15,342 --> 00:16:17,710 I gave Ann Stark the quote, and she fed it to a reporter. 413 00:16:17,777 --> 00:16:19,112 Why did you give her the quote? 414 00:16:19,179 --> 00:16:20,647 It wasn't a quote when I gave it to her. 415 00:16:20,713 --> 00:16:22,249 What the hell was it? 416 00:16:22,315 --> 00:16:24,417 I misunderstood my relationship with Ann Stark. 417 00:16:24,484 --> 00:16:25,285 Yes, you did. 418 00:16:25,352 --> 00:16:26,619 The year is one week old. 419 00:16:26,686 --> 00:16:28,555 The legislative session hasn't begun 420 00:16:28,621 --> 00:16:31,691 and we can't put a fork full of waffles in our mouth 421 00:16:31,758 --> 00:16:33,326 without coughing up the ball. 422 00:16:34,294 --> 00:16:35,595 I have press in ten minutes. 423 00:16:35,662 --> 00:16:36,696 Figure it out. 424 00:16:36,763 --> 00:16:39,032 Tell me what you're going to do. 425 00:16:39,099 --> 00:16:40,600 FITZWATER: Well, the press corps has 426 00:16:40,667 --> 00:16:42,169 to be stationed at the White House 427 00:16:42,235 --> 00:16:43,403 in the briefing room all day long 428 00:16:43,470 --> 00:16:45,305 waiting for news to break out 429 00:16:45,372 --> 00:16:47,874 and they always seem to me like a pride of lions-- 430 00:16:47,940 --> 00:16:50,377 that they would just kind of 431 00:16:50,443 --> 00:16:52,879 lazily walk around the room and read their newspapers 432 00:16:52,945 --> 00:16:54,847 and drink coffee and talk to each other. 433 00:16:54,914 --> 00:17:00,120 But if they were aroused by a huge story or by news 434 00:17:00,187 --> 00:17:02,155 they just sprang into action. 435 00:17:02,222 --> 00:17:03,790 Can you tell us anything? 436 00:17:03,856 --> 00:17:04,924 His name? Where he's from? 437 00:17:04,991 --> 00:17:06,093 Ethnicity? 438 00:17:06,159 --> 00:17:08,027 If you guys suspect a motive? 439 00:17:08,095 --> 00:17:09,929 Yes, Steve, I can tell you all those things 440 00:17:09,996 --> 00:17:12,365 because when I said we weren't releasing any information 441 00:17:12,432 --> 00:17:14,467 whatsoever, I meant except his name, his address 442 00:17:14,534 --> 00:17:16,303 his ethnicity, and what we think his motive was. 443 00:17:16,369 --> 00:17:18,071 ALL: C.J.? 444 00:17:18,138 --> 00:17:20,473 FITZWATER: And they were at your throat in a minute 445 00:17:20,540 --> 00:17:23,476 and so you had to always walk among them, very carefully 446 00:17:23,543 --> 00:17:26,113 kind of like a white hunter who was worried about 447 00:17:26,179 --> 00:17:28,948 whether or not he was going to get his tail end eaten off. 448 00:17:29,015 --> 00:17:30,250 ( laughs ) 449 00:17:30,317 --> 00:17:31,684 There's a lot of ways to screw up. 450 00:17:31,751 --> 00:17:33,253 There's a lot of different ways to do it. 451 00:17:33,320 --> 00:17:34,854 I'm sorry, Joan. C.J., would you say 452 00:17:34,921 --> 00:17:36,022 that the President's situation 453 00:17:36,089 --> 00:17:37,590 makes it harder for him to focus? 454 00:17:37,657 --> 00:17:39,526 MYERS: For me, it was the flip comeback. 455 00:17:39,592 --> 00:17:42,162 To be honest with you, Paul, I think the President's relieved 456 00:17:42,229 --> 00:17:43,696 to be focusing on something that matters. 457 00:17:43,763 --> 00:17:45,798 MYERS: Sometimes you say something 458 00:17:45,865 --> 00:17:47,734 and as it's coming out of your mouth 459 00:17:47,800 --> 00:17:48,768 you're like, "Oh, no. 460 00:17:48,835 --> 00:17:50,036 Put that back." 461 00:17:50,103 --> 00:17:51,738 Obviously, what I meant to say was... 462 00:17:51,804 --> 00:17:53,140 Excuse me. Did you just say 463 00:17:53,206 --> 00:17:54,741 he was relieved? 464 00:17:54,807 --> 00:17:56,176 Obviously, what I mean... 465 00:17:56,243 --> 00:17:57,477 ALL: C.J. 466 00:17:57,544 --> 00:17:59,045 MYERS: It's just such 467 00:17:59,112 --> 00:18:00,613 a down side of the job. 468 00:18:00,680 --> 00:18:04,284 There's no way you can sit there and brief every day 469 00:18:04,351 --> 00:18:07,854 half an hour to an hour, depending on what's happening 470 00:18:07,920 --> 00:18:09,389 and not make mistakes. 471 00:18:09,456 --> 00:18:11,958 I was going to go out and tell the press corps 472 00:18:12,024 --> 00:18:13,193 on live television 473 00:18:13,260 --> 00:18:15,295 that we had started the invasion. 474 00:18:15,362 --> 00:18:17,497 And I said, "Mr. President, you don't suppose 475 00:18:17,564 --> 00:18:19,699 "Noreiga is laying in bed with his mistress 476 00:18:19,766 --> 00:18:22,535 "looking through his toes at television would see me 477 00:18:22,602 --> 00:18:25,104 announce the invasion of his country, would you?" 478 00:18:25,172 --> 00:18:27,907 And the President looked at me at first like I was crazy 479 00:18:27,974 --> 00:18:30,377 and then said, "You better wait till 1:30." 480 00:18:32,979 --> 00:18:35,415 Honest to God. 481 00:18:35,482 --> 00:18:37,617 It doesn't matter what the hell the hearing turns up. 482 00:18:37,684 --> 00:18:38,685 It's a hearing. 483 00:18:38,751 --> 00:18:41,321 This one is drugs, so it's sexy. 484 00:18:41,388 --> 00:18:44,157 This is Geraldo's dream come true. 485 00:18:44,224 --> 00:18:46,025 So, don't get up with me, okay? 486 00:18:46,092 --> 00:18:48,628 I am throwing you a rope. 487 00:18:48,695 --> 00:18:50,129 Something I'd like the two of you to remember 488 00:18:50,197 --> 00:18:51,698 the next time you're mouthing off 489 00:18:51,764 --> 00:18:54,033 on Face the Nation, you can't get anything done 490 00:18:54,100 --> 00:18:56,569 'cause House Republicans are vindictive. 491 00:18:56,636 --> 00:18:59,739 PRESIDENT FORD: I was in the House of Representatives 492 00:18:59,806 --> 00:19:02,375 for 25 and a half years, and I disagreed 493 00:19:02,442 --> 00:19:04,544 with the occupant of the White House 494 00:19:04,611 --> 00:19:06,746 whether it was Democrat or Republican. 495 00:19:06,813 --> 00:19:07,914 I used to say 496 00:19:07,980 --> 00:19:12,051 "How can he be so autocratic, so dictatorial? 497 00:19:12,118 --> 00:19:13,820 "Why doesn't he understand 498 00:19:13,886 --> 00:19:17,757 that the Congress is doing the right thing?" 499 00:19:17,824 --> 00:19:19,091 Well, when I moved 500 00:19:19,158 --> 00:19:21,861 from one end of Pennsylvania Avenue 501 00:19:21,928 --> 00:19:26,098 to the other end and occupied the Oval Office 502 00:19:26,165 --> 00:19:30,770 my perspective changed significantly. 503 00:19:30,837 --> 00:19:35,174 And then, I would look down at the Congress and say 504 00:19:35,242 --> 00:19:37,410 "What are those people doing over there? 505 00:19:37,477 --> 00:19:40,247 How can they be so irresponsible?" 506 00:19:40,313 --> 00:19:41,481 We need to be investigated 507 00:19:41,548 --> 00:19:42,782 by someone who wants to kill us 508 00:19:42,849 --> 00:19:43,983 just to watch us die. 509 00:19:44,050 --> 00:19:46,185 We need someone perceived by the American people 510 00:19:46,253 --> 00:19:47,220 to be irresponsible 511 00:19:47,287 --> 00:19:49,188 untrustworthy, partisan 512 00:19:49,256 --> 00:19:51,090 ambitious and thirsty for the limelight. 513 00:19:51,157 --> 00:19:52,525 Am I crazy, or is this not a job 514 00:19:52,592 --> 00:19:54,394 for the U.S. House of Representatives? 515 00:19:54,461 --> 00:19:56,529 A member said, um 516 00:19:56,596 --> 00:20:01,100 "Last night I had a dream, and Jesus talked to me." 517 00:20:01,167 --> 00:20:05,204 I said, "What did Jesus say?" 518 00:20:05,272 --> 00:20:07,474 He said, "Jesus said 519 00:20:07,540 --> 00:20:12,945 "that I really ought to support this economic plan. 520 00:20:13,012 --> 00:20:18,785 "But... Jesus also said that I could support this plan 521 00:20:18,851 --> 00:20:22,322 if I got approval for a casino in my district." 522 00:20:24,791 --> 00:20:26,526 How do you do this to a Democratic President? 523 00:20:26,593 --> 00:20:28,094 State tax costs 65 cents on the dollar. 524 00:20:28,160 --> 00:20:29,228 That's not my point. 525 00:20:29,296 --> 00:20:30,563 Why would anyone want to build up... 526 00:20:30,630 --> 00:20:32,164 That's not my point. Well, what's... ? 527 00:20:32,231 --> 00:20:33,333 You were with us yesterday 528 00:20:33,400 --> 00:20:34,467 and now you're holding us hostage. 529 00:20:34,534 --> 00:20:35,768 ( bangs gavel ) 530 00:20:35,835 --> 00:20:37,304 Josh, we can't have this meeting 531 00:20:37,370 --> 00:20:39,506 every time the President wakes up in the morning 532 00:20:39,572 --> 00:20:40,973 and decides to make the world better. 533 00:20:41,040 --> 00:20:43,209 Why don't you take your legislative agenda 534 00:20:43,276 --> 00:20:44,611 and shove it up your ass? 535 00:20:44,677 --> 00:20:46,713 That is out of line, Congressman. 536 00:20:46,779 --> 00:20:48,715 ...and though I compromise, I draw a line in the sand. 537 00:20:48,781 --> 00:20:50,583 I'm there to ensure that only multimillionaires 538 00:20:50,650 --> 00:20:52,251 and not billionaires are exempt from the estate tax. 539 00:20:52,319 --> 00:20:53,252 Toby! 540 00:20:53,320 --> 00:20:54,854 Re-elect the President, Bonnie. 541 00:20:54,921 --> 00:20:57,123 He's on the side of millionaires and not billionaires. 542 00:20:57,189 --> 00:20:58,391 I don't like what I've just been 543 00:20:58,458 --> 00:21:00,259 accused of. I'm afraid that's tough. 544 00:21:00,327 --> 00:21:02,329 You owe an apology... ( gavel banging ) 545 00:21:02,395 --> 00:21:04,331 Lowest Latino unemployment in history. 546 00:21:04,397 --> 00:21:06,666 More small business loans for Hispanic entrepreneurs 547 00:21:06,733 --> 00:21:08,535 and the biggest drop in Latino poverty in two decades. 548 00:21:08,601 --> 00:21:09,502 That's what I got in the last election. 549 00:21:09,569 --> 00:21:11,070 What do I get in this one? 550 00:21:11,137 --> 00:21:13,673 You know, I'm so sick of Congress, I could vomit. 551 00:21:17,043 --> 00:21:18,978 What do you want? 552 00:21:19,045 --> 00:21:21,414 Washington is a... is a zero-sum place. 553 00:21:21,481 --> 00:21:25,017 Uh, and I-I was really surprised by that. 554 00:21:25,084 --> 00:21:27,720 You know, it's almost like there's a finite pool of power 555 00:21:27,787 --> 00:21:29,722 and if somebody has a little piece of it 556 00:21:29,789 --> 00:21:31,491 somebody else is giving it up. 557 00:21:31,558 --> 00:21:36,896 And, uh, that makes people really aggressive 558 00:21:36,963 --> 00:21:40,600 and covetous of what they have, and, uh, unwilling to give it up 559 00:21:40,667 --> 00:21:43,736 and willing to do... sort of fight fiercely 560 00:21:43,803 --> 00:21:45,372 and dirty, if that's what it takes 561 00:21:45,438 --> 00:21:47,374 to hang on to what they have. 562 00:21:47,440 --> 00:21:49,008 Vince Foster, may his soul rest in peace 563 00:21:49,075 --> 00:21:51,611 called it "The blood sport of Washington" 564 00:21:51,678 --> 00:21:56,015 which is destroying people as part of a process. 565 00:21:56,082 --> 00:21:59,652 Journalists destroy people to get ahead sometimes. 566 00:21:59,719 --> 00:22:01,087 Some would admit that. 567 00:22:01,153 --> 00:22:04,891 Politicians destroy people to get ahead sometimes. 568 00:22:04,957 --> 00:22:06,158 Some would admit that. 569 00:22:06,225 --> 00:22:09,261 Are there alcoholics working in the White House? 570 00:22:09,328 --> 00:22:11,330 I would imagine that there are. 571 00:22:11,398 --> 00:22:13,132 You would imagine? 572 00:22:13,199 --> 00:22:14,367 Statistics suggest. 573 00:22:14,434 --> 00:22:15,868 You know for sure that there are? 574 00:22:18,871 --> 00:22:20,206 Yes. 575 00:22:20,272 --> 00:22:21,508 What are their names? 576 00:22:21,574 --> 00:22:23,042 What are you, crazy? 577 00:22:23,109 --> 00:22:25,277 Well, you don't think the public has a right to know? 578 00:22:25,344 --> 00:22:26,579 Drinking isn't against the law. 579 00:22:26,646 --> 00:22:27,980 I'm speaking of a higher standard. 580 00:22:28,047 --> 00:22:30,249 He's not going to tell you the names of people 581 00:22:30,316 --> 00:22:31,017 he knows to be alcoholics. 582 00:22:31,083 --> 00:22:32,919 Move on. 583 00:22:32,985 --> 00:22:35,254 BEGALA: It's all well and good for a Republican President 584 00:22:35,321 --> 00:22:36,489 to beat up on labor 585 00:22:36,556 --> 00:22:37,824 or a Democrat to beat up on business. 586 00:22:37,890 --> 00:22:39,759 When have you stood up to your friends? 587 00:22:39,826 --> 00:22:42,228 When have you gone to people who have been there for you 588 00:22:42,294 --> 00:22:43,596 and say, "I know you're my friend 589 00:22:43,663 --> 00:22:45,164 but I got to put the country first." 590 00:22:45,231 --> 00:22:46,198 Here's what I think. 591 00:22:46,265 --> 00:22:47,967 Screw the environmental lobby? 592 00:22:48,034 --> 00:22:49,068 Did I say that? 593 00:22:49,135 --> 00:22:50,437 Did I say, "Screw the environmental lobby?" 594 00:22:50,503 --> 00:22:51,804 You didn't say anything. 595 00:22:51,871 --> 00:22:53,205 That's right, and before I even open my mouth 596 00:22:53,272 --> 00:22:54,674 you decide I'm going to say 597 00:22:54,741 --> 00:22:57,043 "screw the environmental lobby?" I apologize. 598 00:22:57,109 --> 00:22:58,678 There's an extent to which 599 00:22:58,745 --> 00:23:01,247 we've got to screw the environmental lobby. 600 00:23:01,313 --> 00:23:02,415 Yeah. 601 00:23:02,482 --> 00:23:04,016 Mario Cuomo once said 602 00:23:04,083 --> 00:23:07,153 that "we campaign in poetry, but govern in prose" 603 00:23:07,219 --> 00:23:10,523 and I think that, you know, we all do that 604 00:23:10,590 --> 00:23:12,391 and then, when it's all said and done, you look back 605 00:23:12,459 --> 00:23:14,193 and sometimes you think 606 00:23:14,260 --> 00:23:16,496 "Well, maybe that's something I shouldn't have given away." 607 00:23:16,563 --> 00:23:18,064 And sometimes you look back and think 608 00:23:18,130 --> 00:23:20,366 "Maybe I shouldn't have been quite so hard-headed 609 00:23:20,433 --> 00:23:23,235 and compromised a little more." 610 00:23:23,302 --> 00:23:27,507 But I think, on balance, our system works quite well 611 00:23:27,574 --> 00:23:28,808 and I must tell you 612 00:23:28,875 --> 00:23:30,710 the day I walked out of the White House 613 00:23:30,777 --> 00:23:34,380 I was more idealistic than the day I walked in. 614 00:23:34,447 --> 00:23:35,915 We agree on nothing, Max. 615 00:23:35,982 --> 00:23:37,950 You know why? 616 00:23:38,017 --> 00:23:40,386 'Cause I'm a lily-livered, bleeding heart liberal 617 00:23:40,453 --> 00:23:41,821 egghead Communist. 618 00:23:41,888 --> 00:23:43,122 Yes, sir. 619 00:23:43,189 --> 00:23:46,893 And I'm a gun-toting, redneck son of a bitch. 620 00:23:46,959 --> 00:23:48,160 Yes, you are. 621 00:23:48,227 --> 00:23:49,829 We agree on that. 622 00:23:49,896 --> 00:23:52,264 We also agree on campaign finance. 623 00:23:52,331 --> 00:23:53,466 Yes, sir. 624 00:23:53,533 --> 00:23:54,366 So, Max, can I count 625 00:23:54,433 --> 00:23:55,434 on your support 626 00:23:55,502 --> 00:23:57,403 to confirm my candidates? 627 00:23:57,470 --> 00:24:00,873 And what do I get in exchange? 628 00:24:03,810 --> 00:24:06,713 The thanks of a grateful President. 629 00:24:06,779 --> 00:24:08,881 Good answer, sir. 630 00:24:08,948 --> 00:24:10,583 Thank you. 631 00:24:13,720 --> 00:24:15,522 WOMAN: Telephone, Leo. 632 00:24:15,588 --> 00:24:16,889 I'm in the shower. 633 00:24:16,956 --> 00:24:17,957 It's POTUS. 634 00:24:18,024 --> 00:24:20,493 WOMAN 2: A message was just passed up 635 00:24:20,560 --> 00:24:22,194 to the cockpit for you. 636 00:24:22,261 --> 00:24:24,497 I'm not sure I've got it right: 637 00:24:24,564 --> 00:24:26,833 "POTUS in a bicycle accident"? 638 00:24:26,899 --> 00:24:28,568 ( sighs ) 639 00:24:28,635 --> 00:24:31,571 Tell your friend Potus he's got a funny name. 640 00:24:31,638 --> 00:24:33,773 I would, but he's not my friend, he's my boss. 641 00:24:33,840 --> 00:24:35,441 It's not his name, it's his title. 642 00:24:35,508 --> 00:24:36,743 POTUS? 643 00:24:36,809 --> 00:24:39,311 President of the United States. 644 00:24:39,378 --> 00:24:40,980 I'll call you! 645 00:24:41,047 --> 00:24:45,585 When you first get there, being referred to as "POTUS" 646 00:24:45,652 --> 00:24:48,855 or FLOTUS or VPOTUS is sort of disorienting. 647 00:24:48,921 --> 00:24:51,123 And then, uh, you get used to it 648 00:24:51,190 --> 00:24:53,893 and it just becomes a part of the daily 649 00:24:53,960 --> 00:24:56,929 kind of culture of the White House. 650 00:24:56,996 --> 00:24:58,731 A modern president who is a natural 651 00:24:58,798 --> 00:25:02,101 will almost breathe in the presidency-- 652 00:25:02,168 --> 00:25:03,903 breathe it in-- 653 00:25:03,970 --> 00:25:06,706 straighten out his shoulders and walk forward. 654 00:25:06,773 --> 00:25:08,675 And whatever reality he walks into 655 00:25:08,741 --> 00:25:10,943 he is bringing the presidency with him. 656 00:25:11,010 --> 00:25:13,379 CHILDREN ( in unison ): Good morning 657 00:25:13,445 --> 00:25:15,815 Mr. President. 658 00:25:15,882 --> 00:25:17,717 Oh, that sounded pretty weak to me. 659 00:25:17,784 --> 00:25:18,885 Let's try it again. 660 00:25:18,951 --> 00:25:21,387 ( louder ): Good morning 661 00:25:21,453 --> 00:25:22,321 Mr. President! 662 00:25:22,388 --> 00:25:23,890 That's better. 663 00:25:23,956 --> 00:25:27,393 But when he breathes it in and brings it into the world 664 00:25:27,459 --> 00:25:30,730 he is presenting the American presidency to the world 665 00:25:30,797 --> 00:25:32,531 and that is a big thing. 666 00:25:32,599 --> 00:25:34,734 I know I'm the President of something... 667 00:25:34,801 --> 00:25:37,069 CHILDREN: America! 668 00:25:37,136 --> 00:25:38,805 Yes! Thank you. I am the President 669 00:25:38,871 --> 00:25:40,539 of the United States of America. 670 00:25:40,607 --> 00:25:41,574 Now, who has a question? 671 00:25:41,641 --> 00:25:42,909 He better be well-meaning. 672 00:25:42,975 --> 00:25:44,443 He better have his act together. 673 00:25:44,510 --> 00:25:47,580 What's your favorite part about being President? 674 00:25:47,647 --> 00:25:48,547 I'm doing it 675 00:25:48,615 --> 00:25:49,616 right now. 676 00:25:49,682 --> 00:25:51,350 Who's next? 677 00:25:51,417 --> 00:25:52,752 GERGEN: It's almost as if somebody whispers 678 00:25:52,819 --> 00:25:54,386 in their ear, you know? 679 00:25:54,453 --> 00:25:57,590 "There's room up on Mount Rushmore for one more face." 680 00:25:57,657 --> 00:25:58,958 ( chuckles ) 681 00:25:59,025 --> 00:26:01,393 "And if you do well, you might get there." 682 00:26:01,460 --> 00:26:03,429 Ah, now there isn't room up there. 683 00:26:03,495 --> 00:26:04,631 I've checked it out. 684 00:26:04,697 --> 00:26:06,833 But that sense pervades the White House 685 00:26:06,899 --> 00:26:08,835 and so you want to encourage that. 686 00:26:08,901 --> 00:26:10,837 Why shouldn't I stand up and say 687 00:26:10,903 --> 00:26:13,706 "We are going to cure cancer in ten years"? 688 00:26:14,941 --> 00:26:16,876 PRESIDENT CARTER: The fear of failure 689 00:26:16,943 --> 00:26:18,878 by an incumbent President or his staff 690 00:26:18,945 --> 00:26:21,380 is one of the very deterring factors 691 00:26:21,447 --> 00:26:23,616 in making courageous decisions. 692 00:26:23,683 --> 00:26:25,451 It'll be seen as a political ploy. 693 00:26:25,517 --> 00:26:26,753 PRESIDENT BARTLET: Why? 694 00:26:26,819 --> 00:26:29,221 It can be seen as self-serving. How? 695 00:26:29,288 --> 00:26:30,957 And so, if you take a chance and fail 696 00:26:31,023 --> 00:26:32,491 you know, there's no doubt 697 00:26:32,558 --> 00:26:35,061 there's a deleterious effect on your popularity. 698 00:26:35,127 --> 00:26:37,764 Whereas if you take a chance and succeed, it's very good. 699 00:26:37,830 --> 00:26:39,498 It's always a danger you have to take. 700 00:26:39,565 --> 00:26:40,366 Sam? 701 00:26:40,432 --> 00:26:41,701 Yes, sir? 702 00:26:41,768 --> 00:26:42,669 Why shouldn't I do it? 703 00:26:42,735 --> 00:26:43,903 I think you should. 704 00:26:43,970 --> 00:26:46,605 I think ambition is good. 705 00:26:46,673 --> 00:26:49,375 I think overreaching is good. 706 00:26:49,441 --> 00:26:51,644 I think giving people a vision of government 707 00:26:51,711 --> 00:26:53,479 that's more than Social Security checks 708 00:26:53,545 --> 00:26:54,914 and debt reduction is good. 709 00:26:54,981 --> 00:26:56,248 I think 710 00:26:56,315 --> 00:26:57,884 governments should be optimistic. 711 00:26:57,950 --> 00:26:59,218 A good staff does that. 712 00:26:59,285 --> 00:27:01,553 A good staff, you know, comes together and says 713 00:27:01,620 --> 00:27:02,755 "We're so lucky to be here 714 00:27:02,822 --> 00:27:04,623 "and we have some great things to do. 715 00:27:04,691 --> 00:27:05,892 "Let's just buck up the boss. 716 00:27:05,958 --> 00:27:07,894 "We'll just help him the best we can. 717 00:27:07,960 --> 00:27:10,429 Give him the best shot we can, and we'll do okay." 718 00:27:10,496 --> 00:27:11,463 We have to say what we feel. 719 00:27:11,530 --> 00:27:12,865 Let government-- no matter 720 00:27:12,932 --> 00:27:14,801 what its failures in the past-- 721 00:27:14,867 --> 00:27:17,169 and in times to come, for that matter-- 722 00:27:17,236 --> 00:27:20,773 government can be a place where people come together 723 00:27:20,840 --> 00:27:24,576 and where no one gets left behind. 724 00:27:24,643 --> 00:27:29,315 No one... 725 00:27:29,381 --> 00:27:31,918 gets left behind. 726 00:27:33,886 --> 00:27:36,155 BEGALA: Benjamin Franklin said that 727 00:27:36,222 --> 00:27:37,623 "Our critics are our best friends 728 00:27:37,690 --> 00:27:39,058 "for they show us our failures. 729 00:27:39,125 --> 00:27:40,259 "They show us our weaknesses. 730 00:27:40,326 --> 00:27:41,928 They reveal our flaws." 731 00:27:41,994 --> 00:27:45,431 American voters like guts, and Republicans have got 'em. 732 00:27:45,497 --> 00:27:48,935 And in three years, one of them is going to beat you. 733 00:27:49,001 --> 00:27:52,839 PRESIDENT CARTER: One of the things that any top leader needs 734 00:27:52,905 --> 00:27:55,041 is to have people whom you trust 735 00:27:55,107 --> 00:27:58,044 that will actually tell you the brutal truth 736 00:27:58,110 --> 00:28:00,679 even if it's contrary to what they know 737 00:28:00,747 --> 00:28:03,149 your desires or beliefs might be. 738 00:28:03,215 --> 00:28:05,818 Well, you've gone through everyone who works for you 739 00:28:05,885 --> 00:28:07,353 and everyone who's married to you 740 00:28:07,419 --> 00:28:09,455 I didn't know who else you could get mad at 741 00:28:09,521 --> 00:28:12,058 so I was afraid the American people might be next. 742 00:28:12,124 --> 00:28:14,593 One of the things that you have to have 743 00:28:14,660 --> 00:28:15,995 when you're Chief of Staff 744 00:28:16,062 --> 00:28:18,364 to the President of the United States 745 00:28:18,430 --> 00:28:19,799 is a relationship of trust. 746 00:28:19,866 --> 00:28:21,901 And it means that you can basically 747 00:28:21,968 --> 00:28:23,435 blow off at the President 748 00:28:23,502 --> 00:28:25,671 and the President can blow off at you. 749 00:28:25,738 --> 00:28:27,206 What are you talking about? 750 00:28:27,273 --> 00:28:29,641 I'm talking about 286 American Marines in Beirut! 751 00:28:29,708 --> 00:28:30,743 I'm talking about Somalia! 752 00:28:30,810 --> 00:28:32,411 I'm talking about Nairobi! 753 00:28:32,478 --> 00:28:34,546 And you think ratcheting up the body count's 754 00:28:34,613 --> 00:28:35,915 going to act as a deterrent? 755 00:28:35,982 --> 00:28:36,983 You're damn right, I do. 756 00:28:37,049 --> 00:28:38,417 Oh, then you are just as stupid 757 00:28:38,484 --> 00:28:40,419 as these guys who think capital punishment's 758 00:28:40,486 --> 00:28:42,321 going to be a deterrent for drug kingpins. 759 00:28:42,388 --> 00:28:45,758 DR. HENRY KISSINGER: To tell truth to power 760 00:28:45,825 --> 00:28:49,061 in a mature White House should not be a problem. 761 00:28:49,128 --> 00:28:54,600 Uh, what is a problem is if you tell the President something 762 00:28:54,666 --> 00:28:57,904 that is very contrary to his opinions 763 00:28:57,970 --> 00:29:00,206 and very contrary to what he'd like to hear. 764 00:29:00,272 --> 00:29:02,408 It's proportional, it's reasonable 765 00:29:02,474 --> 00:29:04,443 it's responsible, it's merciful-- 766 00:29:04,510 --> 00:29:05,711 it's not nothing. 767 00:29:05,778 --> 00:29:07,179 Four high-rated military targets... 768 00:29:07,246 --> 00:29:09,481 Which they'll rebuild again in six months. 769 00:29:09,548 --> 00:29:11,650 Then we'll blow them up again in six months! 770 00:29:11,717 --> 00:29:13,019 We're getting really good at it. 771 00:29:13,085 --> 00:29:16,455 GERGEN: It's very, very hard 772 00:29:16,522 --> 00:29:20,960 to speak truth to power when the truth is unpleasant. 773 00:29:21,027 --> 00:29:23,262 Um, I think it's one of the toughest things 774 00:29:23,329 --> 00:29:25,231 especially a young person has to do 775 00:29:25,297 --> 00:29:27,233 and the only way you can do it 776 00:29:27,299 --> 00:29:29,535 is if you're willing to walk out the door 777 00:29:29,601 --> 00:29:31,137 if he doesn't take your advice 778 00:29:31,203 --> 00:29:33,405 or you're willing to walk out the door 779 00:29:33,472 --> 00:29:34,807 if he goes over the line. 780 00:29:34,874 --> 00:29:36,208 ( scoffs ) 781 00:29:36,275 --> 00:29:39,445 Oh, man, Leo... 782 00:29:39,511 --> 00:29:42,014 I think of all the work you put in 783 00:29:42,081 --> 00:29:43,515 to get me to run. 784 00:29:43,582 --> 00:29:45,351 I think of all the work you did 785 00:29:45,417 --> 00:29:46,552 to get me elected. 786 00:29:46,618 --> 00:29:49,621 I could pummel your ass with a baseball bat. 787 00:29:49,688 --> 00:29:52,258 ( both laughing ) 788 00:29:55,094 --> 00:29:59,398 A president needs to be both revered and feared. 789 00:29:59,465 --> 00:30:02,568 He can't just be "one of the boys." 790 00:30:02,634 --> 00:30:04,603 I don't know how to address you. 791 00:30:04,670 --> 00:30:06,973 Would you prefer "Jeb" 792 00:30:07,039 --> 00:30:09,175 or "Mr. President"? 793 00:30:09,241 --> 00:30:10,977 To be honest, I'd prefer "Mr. President." 794 00:30:11,043 --> 00:30:12,211 That's fine. 795 00:30:12,278 --> 00:30:13,379 You understand why, right? 796 00:30:13,445 --> 00:30:14,380 Do I need to know why? 797 00:30:14,446 --> 00:30:15,381 It's not ego. 798 00:30:15,447 --> 00:30:16,448 I didn't think it was. 799 00:30:16,515 --> 00:30:18,117 There's certain decisions I have to make 800 00:30:18,184 --> 00:30:19,651 while I'm in this room... 801 00:30:19,718 --> 00:30:21,353 Do I send troops into harm's way? 802 00:30:21,420 --> 00:30:23,722 Which fatal disease gets the most research money? 803 00:30:23,789 --> 00:30:24,891 Sure. 804 00:30:24,957 --> 00:30:27,226 It's helpful in those situations 805 00:30:27,293 --> 00:30:31,197 not to think of yourself as the man but as the office. 806 00:30:31,263 --> 00:30:33,599 Then "Mr. President" it is. 807 00:30:33,665 --> 00:30:36,002 PRESIDENT CARTER: The most difficult issues 808 00:30:36,068 --> 00:30:39,171 and the most controversial questions 809 00:30:39,238 --> 00:30:42,708 are the ones that finally wind up on the President's desk. 810 00:30:42,774 --> 00:30:45,978 And so inherently during an average day's work 811 00:30:46,045 --> 00:30:49,081 the President has to make some tough decisions 812 00:30:49,148 --> 00:30:53,920 and there is no appeal if it's an executive decision. 813 00:30:53,986 --> 00:30:58,357 So, that's part of life, and, uh, we ask for it. 814 00:30:58,424 --> 00:31:02,494 And, uh, almost invariably we ask for a second term 815 00:31:02,561 --> 00:31:04,230 to do it again. 816 00:31:04,296 --> 00:31:09,535 So, it's an exhilarating and challenging and unpredictable 817 00:31:09,601 --> 00:31:12,871 and, uh, adventurous and gratifying life 818 00:31:12,939 --> 00:31:14,106 being President. 819 00:31:14,173 --> 00:31:16,442 MAN: Ladies and gentlemen 820 00:31:16,508 --> 00:31:17,376 boys and girls 821 00:31:17,443 --> 00:31:19,445 the President of the United States. 822 00:31:19,511 --> 00:31:21,447 This is a great job. 823 00:31:21,513 --> 00:31:23,983 PANETTA: I'm one who believes that if a president 824 00:31:24,050 --> 00:31:26,618 does what he believes is right for the country 825 00:31:26,685 --> 00:31:30,156 that that's... that's what the American people want. 826 00:31:30,222 --> 00:31:32,959 What would be the next thing that challenges us, Toby? 827 00:31:33,025 --> 00:31:34,560 That makes us go farther 828 00:31:34,626 --> 00:31:35,928 and work harder? 829 00:31:35,995 --> 00:31:38,998 You know that when smallpox was eradicated 830 00:31:39,065 --> 00:31:40,599 it was considered 831 00:31:40,666 --> 00:31:45,304 the single greatest humanitarian achievement of this century? 832 00:31:45,371 --> 00:31:47,506 GERGEN: I think the best thing about our best Presidents 833 00:31:47,573 --> 00:31:49,808 has been that they have a sense of how much better 834 00:31:49,875 --> 00:31:50,776 we can be than we are. 835 00:31:50,842 --> 00:31:51,843 And they have a sense 836 00:31:51,910 --> 00:31:53,312 of potential, of possibility. 837 00:31:53,379 --> 00:31:55,247 To maintain that sense of possibility 838 00:31:55,314 --> 00:31:56,983 about who-who we can be as a people 839 00:31:57,049 --> 00:31:59,151 and then encourage us to have great dreams. 840 00:31:59,218 --> 00:32:00,819 That's when leaders produce action. 841 00:32:00,886 --> 00:32:03,622 That's what you want to keep alive in the White House. 842 00:32:03,689 --> 00:32:06,892 PRESIDENT BARTLETT: Surely, we can do it again 843 00:32:06,959 --> 00:32:08,427 as we did in the time 844 00:32:08,494 --> 00:32:11,363 when our eyes looked towards the heavens. 845 00:32:11,430 --> 00:32:12,864 And with outstretched fingers... 846 00:32:12,931 --> 00:32:16,402 we touched the face of God. 847 00:32:21,740 --> 00:32:23,976 MAN: Mr. President, I have House Resolution 10: 848 00:32:24,043 --> 00:32:25,011 The Death Tax Elimination Act. 849 00:32:25,077 --> 00:32:26,612 It bears the signatures 850 00:32:26,678 --> 00:32:29,615 of both the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate 851 00:32:29,681 --> 00:32:30,749 and is presented to you 852 00:32:30,816 --> 00:32:32,584 by the Congress of the United States 853 00:32:32,651 --> 00:32:35,087 for your signature or veto. 854 00:32:35,154 --> 00:32:37,389 The President said, "I can't accept it. 855 00:32:37,456 --> 00:32:41,160 "It may cost me the election 856 00:32:41,227 --> 00:32:44,430 but I'm just not going to do it." 857 00:32:44,496 --> 00:32:47,533 And at that point in time, I just.... 858 00:32:47,599 --> 00:32:49,401 I had the sense 859 00:32:49,468 --> 00:32:52,238 that the President of the United States 860 00:32:52,304 --> 00:32:55,007 has made a very tough decision. 861 00:32:55,074 --> 00:32:57,609 It's the right decision for the country 862 00:32:57,676 --> 00:33:01,213 but it's a very tough decision, because suddenly 863 00:33:01,280 --> 00:33:04,083 the whole issue of "Can you be reelected 864 00:33:04,150 --> 00:33:06,585 as President of the United States?" 865 00:33:06,652 --> 00:33:09,888 has to meet the substance of what you believe in. 866 00:33:09,955 --> 00:33:12,024 JOSH: Sir, if the House successfully overrides 867 00:33:12,091 --> 00:33:13,425 the veto, we're going to look weak. 868 00:33:13,492 --> 00:33:16,162 If the House successfully overrides the veto 869 00:33:16,228 --> 00:33:17,596 we are weak. 870 00:33:19,065 --> 00:33:20,499 And what you believe in 871 00:33:20,566 --> 00:33:21,967 has to come first. 872 00:33:22,034 --> 00:33:23,169 Send it back. 873 00:33:23,235 --> 00:33:25,003 KISSINGER: The decisions you make 874 00:33:25,071 --> 00:33:27,173 are 51/49... 875 00:33:27,239 --> 00:33:29,908 and closer than that. 876 00:33:29,975 --> 00:33:32,911 And there's no good technical answer 877 00:33:32,978 --> 00:33:36,648 so... you need 878 00:33:36,715 --> 00:33:39,118 some moral convictions. 879 00:33:39,185 --> 00:33:42,288 With the responsibility as President 880 00:33:42,354 --> 00:33:46,225 I had to get the Nixon problem off my desk. 881 00:33:46,292 --> 00:33:50,196 I signed the pardon, and I knew it was right 882 00:33:50,262 --> 00:33:54,300 but I also knew it would be controversial. 883 00:33:54,366 --> 00:33:58,337 But a president has to make those judgments 884 00:33:58,404 --> 00:34:01,573 and he ought to do it on what's right 885 00:34:01,640 --> 00:34:04,576 and not what public surveys show. 886 00:34:04,643 --> 00:34:07,113 Yes, ultimately, you have to do what's right. 887 00:34:07,179 --> 00:34:09,148 The most difficult thing, really 888 00:34:09,215 --> 00:34:11,617 was when the hostages were taken. 889 00:34:11,683 --> 00:34:14,520 I could have been very popular, I think 890 00:34:14,586 --> 00:34:17,889 if I had launched a military attack on Iran. 891 00:34:17,956 --> 00:34:20,526 All three scenarios are comprehensive, meet the obligations 892 00:34:20,592 --> 00:34:23,362 of proportional response and pose minimum risk 893 00:34:23,429 --> 00:34:25,297 to American personnel and assets. 894 00:34:25,364 --> 00:34:27,233 But my decision was 895 00:34:27,299 --> 00:34:28,934 to be patient. 896 00:34:29,000 --> 00:34:30,969 And to negotiate, and ultimately 897 00:34:31,036 --> 00:34:34,540 my goal was to preserve the integrity of my country. 898 00:34:34,606 --> 00:34:38,310 Although I lost the election, maybe partially because of that 899 00:34:38,377 --> 00:34:41,513 every hostage did come home, safe and free 900 00:34:41,580 --> 00:34:45,016 and we didn't kill innocent people in Iran. 901 00:34:45,083 --> 00:34:49,121 Well, it looks easy in retrospect, 25 years later 902 00:34:49,188 --> 00:34:51,190 but it was very difficult at the time. 903 00:34:51,257 --> 00:34:52,824 GERGEN: Harry Truman, 1948. 904 00:34:52,891 --> 00:34:58,864 He signed an executive order with regard to the military 905 00:34:58,930 --> 00:35:01,233 to desegregate the military. 906 00:35:01,300 --> 00:35:02,601 And his advisers warned him 907 00:35:02,668 --> 00:35:04,703 "If you do that, you might lose the election." 908 00:35:04,770 --> 00:35:06,638 And he said, "This is more important. 909 00:35:06,705 --> 00:35:09,308 "I'm going to do it because it's the right thing to do. 910 00:35:09,375 --> 00:35:11,677 "And if I lose the election, I lose the election. 911 00:35:11,743 --> 00:35:13,145 That's final." 912 00:35:13,212 --> 00:35:15,314 And of course, he went on to win the election. 913 00:35:15,381 --> 00:35:17,383 But that's one of the reasons all of us have 914 00:35:17,449 --> 00:35:18,784 such a high regard for Harry Truman 915 00:35:18,850 --> 00:35:20,519 because he was one of the examples. 916 00:35:20,586 --> 00:35:22,388 And there have been many others. 917 00:35:22,454 --> 00:35:24,756 He was a model for saying, "Let's put the country first 918 00:35:24,823 --> 00:35:26,725 and we'll worry about our election later." 919 00:35:26,792 --> 00:35:28,860 And we're going to lose some of these battles-- 920 00:35:28,927 --> 00:35:31,330 and we might even lose the White House-- 921 00:35:31,397 --> 00:35:34,065 but we're not going to be threatened by issues. 922 00:35:34,132 --> 00:35:36,602 We're going to put them front and center. 923 00:35:36,668 --> 00:35:39,104 We're going to raise the level 924 00:35:39,171 --> 00:35:41,507 of public debate in this country. 925 00:35:41,573 --> 00:35:44,210 And let that be our legacy. 926 00:35:45,844 --> 00:35:48,547 That sound all right to you, Josh? 927 00:35:49,815 --> 00:35:51,283 I serve at the pleasure 928 00:35:51,350 --> 00:35:53,819 of the President of the United States. 929 00:35:53,885 --> 00:35:55,554 Good. 930 00:35:58,524 --> 00:36:00,259 Well, let's get in the game. 931 00:36:00,326 --> 00:36:03,729 PRESIDENT CLINTON: Nothing the President does 932 00:36:03,795 --> 00:36:07,566 is possible without the talent and the devotion 933 00:36:07,633 --> 00:36:11,470 and the hard work of the staff and the Cabinet. 934 00:36:11,537 --> 00:36:13,339 And so, I think it's very important 935 00:36:13,405 --> 00:36:15,207 that every President acknowledge-- 936 00:36:15,274 --> 00:36:17,309 and that the American people understand-- 937 00:36:17,376 --> 00:36:18,744 that this is a teamwork. 938 00:36:18,810 --> 00:36:21,112 It's a group enterprise, and the President 939 00:36:21,179 --> 00:36:23,181 has to be responsible for the mistakes 940 00:36:23,249 --> 00:36:24,683 that are made on the big calls. 941 00:36:24,750 --> 00:36:26,585 But a lot of the really good things 942 00:36:26,652 --> 00:36:28,420 that happen day in and day out 943 00:36:28,487 --> 00:36:30,889 are because of the other people who work there. 944 00:36:30,956 --> 00:36:32,524 I just felt, every day 945 00:36:32,591 --> 00:36:35,193 that it was such a privilege to be there 946 00:36:35,261 --> 00:36:36,695 and that there was 947 00:36:36,762 --> 00:36:39,231 just such a sense of responsibility 948 00:36:39,298 --> 00:36:42,268 to get things right that it just drove me-- 949 00:36:42,334 --> 00:36:45,437 and drove many others-- to want to, you know 950 00:36:45,504 --> 00:36:48,006 put in that extra hour, go that extra mile. 951 00:36:48,073 --> 00:36:50,609 Because what you were doing was ultimately 952 00:36:50,676 --> 00:36:53,345 for the President of the United States. 953 00:36:53,412 --> 00:36:56,282 And what you did right or wrong was going to affect 954 00:36:56,348 --> 00:36:59,951 tens, hundreds of thousands of people, sometimes millions. 955 00:37:00,018 --> 00:37:03,489 And that's a pretty inspiring force to keep you there 956 00:37:03,555 --> 00:37:05,857 an extra hour late at night. 957 00:37:08,126 --> 00:37:11,330 GERGEN: Working in the White House is a special institution. 958 00:37:11,397 --> 00:37:12,764 It's different from working 959 00:37:12,831 --> 00:37:14,966 in a lot of other institutions in our society. 960 00:37:15,033 --> 00:37:17,403 And there is a fraternity of people who work there 961 00:37:17,469 --> 00:37:19,004 who do look after each other 962 00:37:19,070 --> 00:37:22,274 because they have such a respect for the office of the President. 963 00:37:22,341 --> 00:37:24,109 This guy's walking down the street 964 00:37:24,175 --> 00:37:25,644 when he falls in the hole. 965 00:37:25,711 --> 00:37:27,679 The walls are so steep, he can't get out. 966 00:37:27,746 --> 00:37:30,215 A doctor passes by and the guy shouts up 967 00:37:30,282 --> 00:37:31,783 "Hey, you! Can you help me out?" 968 00:37:31,850 --> 00:37:33,719 The doctor writes a prescription 969 00:37:33,785 --> 00:37:35,921 throws it down in the hole and moves on. 970 00:37:35,987 --> 00:37:38,290 Then a priest comes along, and the guy shouts up 971 00:37:38,357 --> 00:37:41,360 "Father, I'm down in this hole. Can you help me out?" 972 00:37:41,427 --> 00:37:42,794 The priest writes out a prayer 973 00:37:42,861 --> 00:37:45,130 throws it down in the hole and moves on. 974 00:37:45,196 --> 00:37:46,565 Then a friend walks by. 975 00:37:46,632 --> 00:37:49,267 "Hey, Joe, it's me. Can you help me out?" 976 00:37:49,335 --> 00:37:51,202 And the friend jumps in the hole. 977 00:37:51,269 --> 00:37:53,171 Our guy says, "Are you stupid?! 978 00:37:53,238 --> 00:37:54,840 Now we're both down here!" 979 00:37:54,906 --> 00:37:56,308 The friend says, "Yeah 980 00:37:56,375 --> 00:37:58,209 "but I've been down here before 981 00:37:58,276 --> 00:37:59,678 and I know the way out." 982 00:38:02,448 --> 00:38:05,116 Long as I got a job, you got a job. 983 00:38:05,183 --> 00:38:07,085 You understand? 984 00:38:07,152 --> 00:38:10,389 Many people no longer believe this, but trust remains 985 00:38:10,456 --> 00:38:13,492 the coin of the realm in politics. 986 00:38:13,559 --> 00:38:16,662 A president who is trusted-- 987 00:38:16,728 --> 00:38:19,431 by the people, by the Congress 988 00:38:19,498 --> 00:38:22,534 by the press, by foreign countries-- 989 00:38:22,601 --> 00:38:25,504 is a president who can get a lot of good things done. 990 00:38:25,571 --> 00:38:28,173 You break that trust, you violate that trust 991 00:38:28,239 --> 00:38:29,975 everything else tumbles around you. 992 00:38:30,041 --> 00:38:32,911 On the day that Richard Nixon resigned 993 00:38:32,978 --> 00:38:36,715 my daughter was four years old, and my son was two years old. 994 00:38:36,782 --> 00:38:39,385 At 10:00 at night, I drove them downtown 995 00:38:39,451 --> 00:38:41,653 and parked in front of the White House. 996 00:38:41,720 --> 00:38:45,424 And I said to them, "Look, there isn't a soldier 997 00:38:45,491 --> 00:38:47,459 "there isn't a policeman 998 00:38:47,526 --> 00:38:50,462 "there isn't a gun anywhere to be seen. 999 00:38:50,529 --> 00:38:52,964 "The most powerful person on the planet 1000 00:38:53,031 --> 00:38:56,835 left this place on his own because of the rule of law." 1001 00:38:56,902 --> 00:39:00,038 Now, that may be corny, but I said to myself 1002 00:39:00,105 --> 00:39:03,642 "God bless America that made a system like this 1003 00:39:03,709 --> 00:39:06,912 where there's no military that I can find." 1004 00:39:06,978 --> 00:39:10,248 And I turned around, proud of my eloquence 1005 00:39:10,315 --> 00:39:12,651 and they were both sound asleep. 1006 00:39:12,718 --> 00:39:14,553 JOSH: Well, Toby, it's election night. 1007 00:39:14,620 --> 00:39:16,154 What do you say about a government 1008 00:39:16,221 --> 00:39:17,489 that goes out of its way 1009 00:39:17,556 --> 00:39:20,125 to protect even citizens that try to destroy it? 1010 00:39:21,693 --> 00:39:23,962 God bless America. 1011 00:39:27,265 --> 00:39:30,368 GERGEN: There are no silver linings out of September 11. 1012 00:39:30,436 --> 00:39:33,972 But one of the hopes that one draws after September 11 1013 00:39:34,039 --> 00:39:36,808 is that it did bring us together as a people. 1014 00:39:36,875 --> 00:39:38,744 And we began to appreciate again 1015 00:39:38,810 --> 00:39:40,746 how important public leadership is 1016 00:39:40,812 --> 00:39:42,681 whether it be firemen or policemen 1017 00:39:42,748 --> 00:39:44,550 or the teachers who rescued kids 1018 00:39:44,616 --> 00:39:46,685 from around the World Trade Center... 1019 00:39:46,752 --> 00:39:49,955 or whether it's the President of the United States. 1020 00:39:50,021 --> 00:39:50,856 The group from NASA's 1021 00:39:50,922 --> 00:39:52,591 assembling for their photo op. 1022 00:39:52,658 --> 00:39:55,761 At 7:00, you have cocktails in the Map Room... 1023 00:39:55,827 --> 00:39:57,963 BEGALA: I had done some work with John Kennedy, Jr. 1024 00:39:58,029 --> 00:40:00,432 He said the only memory he really had of his father 1025 00:40:00,499 --> 00:40:01,900 that he knew was his, was that desk. 1026 00:40:01,967 --> 00:40:03,802 His father used to hide candy in it. 1027 00:40:03,869 --> 00:40:06,071 That's why he crawled around in it like that. 1028 00:40:06,137 --> 00:40:08,073 So you see that, and you think about that 1029 00:40:08,139 --> 00:40:09,941 and the way that the light comes in... 1030 00:40:10,008 --> 00:40:13,712 And to realize that ever since Teddy Roosevelt 1031 00:40:13,779 --> 00:40:16,748 every President has sat in there 1032 00:40:16,815 --> 00:40:20,151 and tried their best and sweated blood. 1033 00:40:20,218 --> 00:40:22,320 And a thousand little weenie aides like me 1034 00:40:22,387 --> 00:40:23,889 have come in and out, you know 1035 00:40:23,955 --> 00:40:26,692 with their great arrogance and their great dreams... 1036 00:40:26,758 --> 00:40:29,427 And to know that you're one small link in that chain... 1037 00:40:29,495 --> 00:40:33,064 * 1038 00:40:39,938 --> 00:40:42,040 MYERS: It's a very human place 1039 00:40:42,107 --> 00:40:45,544 and the people who work there are very human. 1040 00:40:45,611 --> 00:40:46,712 And they're not imbued 1041 00:40:46,778 --> 00:40:49,347 with any super-extraordinary powers 1042 00:40:49,414 --> 00:40:51,950 and they just do the best they can. 1043 00:40:52,017 --> 00:40:54,586 And I think, regardless of party 1044 00:40:54,653 --> 00:40:57,623 from administration to administration 1045 00:40:57,689 --> 00:41:00,358 people go there with high hopes 1046 00:41:00,425 --> 00:41:02,761 and they work their hearts out 1047 00:41:02,828 --> 00:41:05,897 and they are fragile, and they make mistakes. 1048 00:41:05,964 --> 00:41:09,134 And it's a building full of human beings. 1049 00:41:10,569 --> 00:41:13,104 Okay, what's next?