1 00:00:04,772 --> 00:00:06,474 Previously on The West Wing... 2 00:00:06,540 --> 00:00:08,576 Oh, I hate this. Can I just go now? 3 00:00:08,642 --> 00:00:10,944 I don't think so. 4 00:00:11,011 --> 00:00:13,481 Mom's getting remarried. 5 00:00:13,547 --> 00:00:15,916 I know that. 6 00:00:15,983 --> 00:00:17,051 You know that? 7 00:00:17,118 --> 00:00:18,386 She called me. 8 00:00:18,452 --> 00:00:20,188 Do any of you guys know where the Dumpsters are? 9 00:00:21,855 --> 00:00:23,023 Yeah. It's okay. 10 00:00:23,091 --> 00:00:24,258 I'll find them. 11 00:00:25,193 --> 00:00:26,127 Who's that? 12 00:00:26,194 --> 00:00:27,661 A walking lawsuit. 13 00:00:27,728 --> 00:00:29,597 Toby's taking first chair on State of the Union. 14 00:00:29,663 --> 00:00:30,831 Not just writing it. 15 00:00:30,898 --> 00:00:32,066 The agenda? 16 00:00:32,133 --> 00:00:34,034 That's great. 17 00:00:42,943 --> 00:00:44,345 ( wolf whistles ) 18 00:00:44,412 --> 00:00:45,979 Now I remember why I love this night. 19 00:00:46,046 --> 00:00:47,248 You love this night because in two hours, 20 00:00:47,315 --> 00:00:48,249 you'll have a sour mash in hand 21 00:00:48,316 --> 00:00:50,050 and nothing to rewrite. 22 00:00:50,118 --> 00:00:51,985 Press conference was a hit. 23 00:00:52,052 --> 00:00:52,820 The President did well this morning. 24 00:00:52,886 --> 00:00:54,188 They ranting on cable 25 00:00:54,255 --> 00:00:55,856 about "That liberal pantywaist gone soft on crime"? 26 00:00:55,923 --> 00:00:56,857 What we expected. 27 00:00:56,924 --> 00:00:58,025 What? 28 00:00:58,092 --> 00:00:59,693 Extra gum for your big night. 29 00:00:59,760 --> 00:01:00,761 It's okay. 30 00:01:00,828 --> 00:01:02,596 We all get oral when we're nervous. 31 00:01:04,698 --> 00:01:07,000 You heading over to pace on the Hill? 32 00:01:07,067 --> 00:01:08,502 After I finish pacing here. 33 00:01:08,569 --> 00:01:09,737 Hmm. 34 00:01:09,803 --> 00:01:11,272 Did the special guests arrive? 35 00:01:11,339 --> 00:01:14,708 ( reporter on TV in background) 36 00:01:14,775 --> 00:01:16,744 ...the sixth such address 37 00:01:16,810 --> 00:01:17,845 this President... 38 00:01:17,911 --> 00:01:18,946 It's Gentle Ben. 39 00:01:19,012 --> 00:01:19,947 On hold. 40 00:01:20,013 --> 00:01:21,249 You put him on hold? 41 00:01:21,315 --> 00:01:22,383 That's what you told me to do! 42 00:01:22,450 --> 00:01:23,817 Carol, maybe you ought to... 43 00:01:23,884 --> 00:01:26,086 DONNA: C.J.? 44 00:01:26,154 --> 00:01:27,821 Donna, my darling, 45 00:01:27,888 --> 00:01:29,190 would you pick up line one 46 00:01:29,257 --> 00:01:30,258 and tell this guy 47 00:01:30,324 --> 00:01:32,793 you can't find me. 48 00:01:32,860 --> 00:01:34,128 What's wrong? 49 00:01:34,195 --> 00:01:35,963 JOSH: Leo won't want to tell him 50 00:01:36,029 --> 00:01:37,097 before the State of the Union. 51 00:01:37,165 --> 00:01:38,332 It might throw him off his game. 52 00:01:38,399 --> 00:01:39,600 But it doesn't change anything. 53 00:01:39,667 --> 00:01:41,369 You want him hit with it leaving the podium? 54 00:01:41,435 --> 00:01:43,637 One hour. Guy couldn't wait one hour? 55 00:01:43,704 --> 00:01:46,073 My God, Toby. 56 00:01:46,140 --> 00:01:47,408 Yeah, you're right. Sorry. 57 00:01:50,311 --> 00:01:51,879 He hasn't left, has he? 58 00:01:51,945 --> 00:01:53,947 They're having tea. 59 00:01:54,014 --> 00:01:55,849 You heard? 60 00:01:55,916 --> 00:01:57,685 It hit the wires? I got a call. 61 00:01:57,751 --> 00:01:59,119 Does the President know? 62 00:02:05,559 --> 00:02:08,196 Charlie? 63 00:02:08,262 --> 00:02:09,530 Ms. Anders. 64 00:02:09,597 --> 00:02:10,731 Ms? 65 00:02:10,798 --> 00:02:12,300 You sorry son of a... 66 00:02:12,366 --> 00:02:15,369 Charlie, are we...? 67 00:02:16,937 --> 00:02:18,472 I beg your pardon. 68 00:02:18,539 --> 00:02:19,807 CHARLIE: Mr. President, 69 00:02:19,873 --> 00:02:21,209 may I have a moment? 70 00:03:19,700 --> 00:03:20,568 Oh, my God. 71 00:03:20,634 --> 00:03:21,569 Yeah. 72 00:03:21,635 --> 00:03:25,105 I am so s... What did I just do? 73 00:03:25,172 --> 00:03:26,574 We can't do this. 74 00:03:26,640 --> 00:03:27,841 He's got a speech. Maybe you've heard of it. 75 00:03:27,908 --> 00:03:29,577 Any minute, we get the word and he goes. 76 00:03:29,643 --> 00:03:30,711 I have never hit anyone, 77 00:03:30,778 --> 00:03:32,045 not since my kid brother... 78 00:03:32,112 --> 00:03:33,647 You're a natural, then. 79 00:03:33,714 --> 00:03:34,482 You deserved it. 80 00:03:34,548 --> 00:03:36,317 We can't do this now. 81 00:03:36,384 --> 00:03:37,785 I shouldn't have come. 82 00:03:37,851 --> 00:03:39,587 How did you even get in? 83 00:03:39,653 --> 00:03:41,355 What? Without you to wave me in? 84 00:03:41,422 --> 00:03:43,123 We really can't do this. 85 00:03:43,190 --> 00:03:45,058 So, a one-night thing would have worked better for you? 86 00:03:45,125 --> 00:03:46,727 I know three weeks was too long. 87 00:03:46,794 --> 00:03:47,995 AGENT: Charlie? 88 00:03:48,061 --> 00:03:49,630 They're ready. 89 00:03:53,401 --> 00:03:55,669 ( R&B song plays ) 90 00:03:57,070 --> 00:04:00,308 * Yeah 91 00:04:00,374 --> 00:04:01,775 * Are you diggin' on me? * 92 00:04:01,842 --> 00:04:04,912 * Yeah 93 00:04:04,978 --> 00:04:07,214 * I'm diggin' on you, now, baby * 94 00:04:07,281 --> 00:04:09,750 * Yeah 95 00:04:09,817 --> 00:04:11,885 * Do you want a little bit of my love * 96 00:04:11,952 --> 00:04:12,953 * Yeah, yeah... 97 00:04:13,020 --> 00:04:13,787 Hey. 98 00:04:13,854 --> 00:04:14,488 Thanks for having me. 99 00:04:14,555 --> 00:04:15,956 Are you sneaking out? 100 00:04:16,023 --> 00:04:17,491 I break dance at 3:00. 101 00:04:17,558 --> 00:04:19,259 Happy New Year, Angela. 102 00:04:21,595 --> 00:04:22,863 MAN: Look, I'm not proud. 103 00:04:22,930 --> 00:04:24,332 I'll take my rights on the installment plan. 104 00:04:24,398 --> 00:04:25,866 A voting delegate for the District? 105 00:04:25,933 --> 00:04:27,935 Oh, they can give Utah their own chamber, for all I care. 106 00:04:28,001 --> 00:04:29,703 Yeah, but if we accept a specially-created House seat, 107 00:04:29,770 --> 00:04:31,004 it could be an obstacle to D.C. statehood. 108 00:04:31,071 --> 00:04:32,673 I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. 109 00:04:32,740 --> 00:04:34,041 I disagree. 110 00:04:34,107 --> 00:04:36,577 A seat for us, balanced by one for Mormon missionaries... 111 00:04:36,644 --> 00:04:37,911 Got that "something-for-everyone" feel? 112 00:04:37,978 --> 00:04:40,247 And it's coming from Congressman Drake. 113 00:04:40,314 --> 00:04:41,515 Drake didn't propose a bill. 114 00:04:41,582 --> 00:04:42,516 He floated a notion, 115 00:04:42,583 --> 00:04:43,684 probably because he took heat 116 00:04:43,751 --> 00:04:45,353 over sponsoring D.C. vouchers. 117 00:04:45,419 --> 00:04:46,253 So, you think it's just talk? 118 00:04:46,320 --> 00:04:47,488 Folks in the District 119 00:04:47,555 --> 00:04:49,022 are no closer to getting the vote 120 00:04:49,089 --> 00:04:50,223 than our ancestors were. 121 00:04:50,290 --> 00:04:51,992 Can I quote you on that? 122 00:04:52,059 --> 00:04:53,394 You're a reporter? 123 00:04:53,461 --> 00:04:57,765 Wannabe. I'm an intern at the Afro-American. 124 00:04:57,831 --> 00:04:59,500 Meeshell Anders. 125 00:04:59,567 --> 00:05:02,235 I read the Afro every time I'm in a barbershop. 126 00:05:02,302 --> 00:05:04,037 Well, that's our market penetration. 127 00:05:04,104 --> 00:05:05,639 I can't really give you that for attribution, Meeshell. 128 00:05:05,706 --> 00:05:08,476 But if you want to say a White House staffer... 129 00:05:08,542 --> 00:05:11,011 C.J.: Am I mad at you? 130 00:05:11,078 --> 00:05:12,980 It's not my question. It's Ben's. 131 00:05:13,046 --> 00:05:14,682 Ben... 132 00:05:14,748 --> 00:05:15,949 Of the husky voice, no last name, 133 00:05:16,016 --> 00:05:16,717 and the 907 area code. 134 00:05:16,784 --> 00:05:18,051 Oh. He said you never 135 00:05:18,118 --> 00:05:20,120 return his calls and are you mad at him. 136 00:05:20,187 --> 00:05:21,321 What did you say? 137 00:05:21,389 --> 00:05:23,023 That you'd have to get back. 138 00:05:23,090 --> 00:05:24,124 Toby! 139 00:05:24,191 --> 00:05:25,393 Great draft, Shakespeare. 140 00:05:25,459 --> 00:05:27,094 ( sighing ): Oh, thanks. 141 00:05:27,160 --> 00:05:28,529 Really, you nailed it. 142 00:05:28,596 --> 00:05:29,863 State of the Union's finished. 143 00:05:29,930 --> 00:05:31,365 Okay. 144 00:05:31,432 --> 00:05:32,933 What are you gonna do the next two weeks? 145 00:05:33,000 --> 00:05:34,167 ( sighs ) 146 00:05:34,234 --> 00:05:35,536 Dot the i's? 147 00:05:35,603 --> 00:05:36,870 I've got pollsters waiting. 148 00:05:36,937 --> 00:05:37,971 They tested this draft? 149 00:05:38,038 --> 00:05:38,972 That's their job. 150 00:05:39,039 --> 00:05:40,508 I'm sure they're gonna love it. 151 00:05:40,574 --> 00:05:42,209 ( sighs ) 152 00:05:42,275 --> 00:05:43,411 JOSH: Really? 153 00:05:43,477 --> 00:05:45,546 Joey Lucas stopped by? 154 00:05:45,613 --> 00:05:48,416 She was sorry you weren't in yet. Nice suit. 155 00:05:48,482 --> 00:05:50,884 Was it a heads-up pre-meeting kind of stopping by, 156 00:05:50,951 --> 00:05:53,253 or a long-time-no-see kind of stopping by? 157 00:05:53,320 --> 00:05:54,888 You know, I couldn't tell. 158 00:05:54,955 --> 00:05:55,389 How'd she look? 159 00:05:55,456 --> 00:05:57,357 Great. 160 00:05:57,425 --> 00:05:58,258 I heard she was seeing someone. 161 00:05:58,325 --> 00:05:59,527 Yeah, I think she is. 162 00:05:59,593 --> 00:06:01,795 Did she say she was seeing someone? No. 163 00:06:01,862 --> 00:06:02,596 So who knows? 164 00:06:02,663 --> 00:06:04,197 Maybe the time is ripe. 165 00:06:04,264 --> 00:06:06,066 Maybe not so much. 166 00:06:06,133 --> 00:06:07,735 That's not very supportive. 167 00:06:07,801 --> 00:06:10,170 Here at the start of a New Year 168 00:06:10,237 --> 00:06:11,472 with clean slates, 169 00:06:11,539 --> 00:06:13,707 broad horizons and anything's possible... 170 00:06:13,774 --> 00:06:14,775 Josh! 171 00:06:21,615 --> 00:06:23,183 ...and with women, 172 00:06:23,250 --> 00:06:25,753 the draft scored even higher. 173 00:06:25,819 --> 00:06:28,822 You can see spikes in all your policy priorities. 174 00:06:28,889 --> 00:06:31,992 In the 80 percentile in education and job retraining. 175 00:06:32,059 --> 00:06:34,462 Where's the "room to improve" addendum? 176 00:06:34,528 --> 00:06:35,696 There isn't any. 177 00:06:35,763 --> 00:06:37,898 We've never seen this before, 178 00:06:37,965 --> 00:06:39,467 but two weeks out, it looks like 179 00:06:39,533 --> 00:06:41,034 you've locked your State of the Union message. 180 00:06:41,101 --> 00:06:43,471 Well, that's impressive, Toby. 181 00:06:43,537 --> 00:06:47,107 Come on, the section on antiterrorism is... 182 00:06:47,174 --> 00:06:48,709 It didn't make people sing 183 00:06:48,776 --> 00:06:50,944 "Oh What A Beautiful Morning," but... 184 00:06:52,446 --> 00:06:53,547 She wants you to know 185 00:06:53,614 --> 00:06:54,982 that she actually sang that-- 186 00:06:55,048 --> 00:06:57,918 but it was well within the "interested" range. 187 00:06:57,985 --> 00:07:00,954 We'll put it out to mall tests next week, 188 00:07:01,021 --> 00:07:03,691 get feedback on the key paragraph. 189 00:07:03,757 --> 00:07:06,794 Yeah, 'cause we haven't really found that yet. 190 00:07:06,860 --> 00:07:09,062 It's not the writing that we'll examine. 191 00:07:09,129 --> 00:07:10,998 Mall tests are about tone-- 192 00:07:11,064 --> 00:07:13,834 how the President should deliver the speech. 193 00:07:13,901 --> 00:07:15,335 We'll hire a spokesman. 194 00:07:15,402 --> 00:07:18,171 An actor. 195 00:07:18,238 --> 00:07:19,406 Not a known actor. 196 00:07:19,473 --> 00:07:20,541 TOBY: Oh, that's better. 197 00:07:20,608 --> 00:07:21,942 Purchase intent can vary... 198 00:07:22,009 --> 00:07:23,343 "Purchase intent"? What are we doing? 199 00:07:23,410 --> 00:07:25,045 Selling cornflakes? 200 00:07:25,112 --> 00:07:27,180 Come out and watch. 201 00:07:27,247 --> 00:07:29,149 Good idea, Toby. 202 00:07:29,216 --> 00:07:31,785 Doesn't sound like you have anything else to do. 203 00:07:36,557 --> 00:07:37,691 The Freeway Alert Bill 204 00:07:37,758 --> 00:07:38,759 is on a fast track. 205 00:07:38,826 --> 00:07:40,060 The Senate may have something 206 00:07:40,127 --> 00:07:41,394 for the President to sign before they recess. 207 00:07:41,461 --> 00:07:43,063 Grants to track kidnappers? 208 00:07:43,130 --> 00:07:44,832 I think the President'd welcome that on his desk. 209 00:07:44,898 --> 00:07:47,801 Yeah, well, there's an amendment. 210 00:07:53,040 --> 00:07:54,307 MARGARET: Your flights are all confirmed-- 211 00:07:54,374 --> 00:07:55,776 Buffalo, Grand Rapids, Bradenton. 212 00:07:55,843 --> 00:07:57,978 Joey Lucas will meet you at the Michigan mall. 213 00:07:58,045 --> 00:08:00,413 Your research assistant has the latest itinerary. 214 00:08:00,480 --> 00:08:01,615 Then why tell me? 215 00:08:01,682 --> 00:08:04,618 I wasn't sure she... She's new. 216 00:08:04,685 --> 00:08:06,453 This position is kind of a jump for her. 217 00:08:06,520 --> 00:08:07,888 She compiled clippings at Energy. 218 00:08:07,955 --> 00:08:10,323 I know Leo's been pressuring you to hire someone. 219 00:08:10,390 --> 00:08:11,825 And I heard she was helpful 220 00:08:11,892 --> 00:08:13,293 during the shutdown, but... 221 00:08:13,360 --> 00:08:14,728 I thought I'd give her a shot. 222 00:08:14,795 --> 00:08:16,764 Just know, if she doesn't work out... 223 00:08:16,830 --> 00:08:18,599 Cab's here, Mr. Ziegler. 224 00:08:18,666 --> 00:08:20,367 Ready for blastoff? 225 00:08:20,433 --> 00:08:22,570 Uh-huh. 226 00:08:22,636 --> 00:08:24,605 Have a good trip. 227 00:08:33,947 --> 00:08:36,584 Can she write as well as she slow dances? 228 00:08:36,650 --> 00:08:38,385 Leo and Josh are already in there. 229 00:08:38,451 --> 00:08:39,519 You always move in so fast, 230 00:08:39,587 --> 00:08:40,353 or is she special? 231 00:08:40,420 --> 00:08:41,488 Not that it's any 232 00:08:41,555 --> 00:08:42,956 of your business, but we hit it off. 233 00:08:43,023 --> 00:08:44,658 And you can find time for a love life? 234 00:08:44,725 --> 00:08:46,359 I did have to cancel on her Sunday-- 235 00:08:46,426 --> 00:08:47,561 an attempted coup in Riyadh. 236 00:08:47,628 --> 00:08:48,328 Excuses, excuses. 237 00:08:48,395 --> 00:08:49,730 Tonight I thought 238 00:08:49,797 --> 00:08:51,164 I was home free with the President at the opera, 239 00:08:51,231 --> 00:08:53,500 but he bailed at intermission, and now you're here. 240 00:08:53,567 --> 00:08:54,835 Don't cancel. 241 00:08:54,902 --> 00:08:56,536 Go late. 242 00:08:56,604 --> 00:08:58,672 A demanding job is a strong aphrodisiac. 243 00:08:58,739 --> 00:09:00,240 Are you the devil? 244 00:09:00,307 --> 00:09:02,976 It's folks who act like angels Iworry about. 245 00:09:06,313 --> 00:09:07,848 It arrived? It did. 246 00:09:07,915 --> 00:09:10,250 The Hicks Amendment wasn't written in disappearing ink? 247 00:09:10,317 --> 00:09:11,084 Unfortunately. 248 00:09:11,151 --> 00:09:12,085 He can sign this. 249 00:09:12,152 --> 00:09:13,821 The body of the bill is right on. 250 00:09:13,887 --> 00:09:14,822 Helps communities mobilize 251 00:09:14,888 --> 00:09:16,523 when a child is abducted. 252 00:09:16,590 --> 00:09:17,691 But the amendment 253 00:09:17,758 --> 00:09:19,159 isn't limited to kidnapping. 254 00:09:19,226 --> 00:09:20,560 It toughens federal sentencing guidelines 255 00:09:20,628 --> 00:09:21,829 for all offenses. 256 00:09:21,895 --> 00:09:23,330 No congressman ever lost re-election 257 00:09:23,396 --> 00:09:24,464 for looking tough on crime. 258 00:09:24,531 --> 00:09:25,966 JOSH: Any president who vetoes 259 00:09:26,033 --> 00:09:28,301 a crime bill risks becoming the Pillsbury dough boy. 260 00:09:28,368 --> 00:09:29,637 Well, at least 261 00:09:29,703 --> 00:09:31,238 he's got ten working days to decide. 262 00:09:31,304 --> 00:09:32,472 If he does veto, it can wait 263 00:09:32,539 --> 00:09:33,707 until after the State of the Union. 264 00:09:33,774 --> 00:09:35,475 ( door opens ) 265 00:09:35,542 --> 00:09:37,377 Mr. President, Abbey. 266 00:09:37,444 --> 00:09:40,147 Turandot wasn't all you hoped for? 267 00:09:40,213 --> 00:09:42,115 Yeah, I'm becoming a culture wimp. 268 00:09:42,182 --> 00:09:43,550 Can't even sit through Puccini 269 00:09:43,617 --> 00:09:45,352 without banking a good night's sleep. 270 00:09:45,418 --> 00:09:47,855 And you certainly haven't done that lately. 271 00:09:47,921 --> 00:09:50,223 So, Congress launched another assault 272 00:09:50,290 --> 00:09:51,792 on judicial discretion? 273 00:09:51,859 --> 00:09:52,660 I think they were aiming at kidnappers. 274 00:09:52,726 --> 00:09:53,961 And slipped in 275 00:09:54,027 --> 00:09:55,763 the amendment hoping we wouldn't notice? 276 00:09:55,829 --> 00:09:56,964 JOSH: Indiana's in a budget crunch. 277 00:09:57,030 --> 00:09:58,999 They had to mothball a new state prison. 278 00:09:59,066 --> 00:10:01,101 Hicks'd probably like to reassure voters 279 00:10:01,168 --> 00:10:03,671 that the Federal Bureau of Prisons will take up the slack. 280 00:10:03,737 --> 00:10:05,105 This is what we were talking about. 281 00:10:05,172 --> 00:10:06,674 I should have issued those pardons. 282 00:10:06,740 --> 00:10:08,075 You've had a few things on your plate. 283 00:10:08,141 --> 00:10:09,409 Congress doesn't know I'm serious 284 00:10:09,476 --> 00:10:11,178 about these draconian sentences. 285 00:10:11,244 --> 00:10:13,080 Sir, I don't think issuing pardons 286 00:10:13,146 --> 00:10:14,648 would have stopped Congress. 287 00:10:14,715 --> 00:10:16,416 No, they've been at it for 30 years. 288 00:10:16,483 --> 00:10:17,885 War on Drugs, War on Crime. 289 00:10:17,951 --> 00:10:19,987 Somehow, it turned into a War on Judges. 290 00:10:20,053 --> 00:10:21,088 Apparently, we no longer need 291 00:10:21,154 --> 00:10:22,723 subtle minds on the bench. 292 00:10:22,790 --> 00:10:25,425 Is Counsel even working on a list of pardons? 293 00:10:25,492 --> 00:10:26,559 Of course. That's ongoing. 294 00:10:26,626 --> 00:10:28,228 PRESIDENT: But never gets done. 295 00:10:28,295 --> 00:10:30,330 Let's talk to Justice, get back into it. 296 00:10:30,397 --> 00:10:31,999 Yes, sir. 297 00:10:32,065 --> 00:10:35,168 Of course, with the run-up to the State of the Union, 298 00:10:35,235 --> 00:10:36,469 this isn't the best time. 299 00:10:36,536 --> 00:10:38,238 We need to stay focused. Yeah. 300 00:10:38,305 --> 00:10:40,140 The fallout over Gabriel Lessieur alone would be... 301 00:10:40,207 --> 00:10:40,941 Someone wants 302 00:10:41,008 --> 00:10:42,943 to pardon Gabriel Lessieur? 303 00:10:43,010 --> 00:10:44,211 ABBEY: I think Lessieur's case 304 00:10:44,277 --> 00:10:45,713 merits consideration. 305 00:10:45,779 --> 00:10:48,081 Sorry, ma'am. 306 00:10:48,148 --> 00:10:49,817 Not as sorry as you'll be if she gets started 307 00:10:49,883 --> 00:10:51,618 on what the FBI did or didn't do 308 00:10:51,685 --> 00:10:54,187 on that Indian Reservation in 1977. 309 00:10:54,254 --> 00:10:57,324 LEO: Sir, you know I'm only concerned with timing. 310 00:10:57,390 --> 00:10:58,558 This bill isn't perfect. 311 00:10:58,625 --> 00:10:59,693 But you sign it now, you arrive 312 00:10:59,760 --> 00:11:00,961 for the State of the Union 313 00:11:01,028 --> 00:11:03,330 in a spirit of renewed cooperation. 314 00:11:03,396 --> 00:11:04,732 Something to sleep on. 315 00:11:04,798 --> 00:11:06,133 Speaking euphemistically, of course. 316 00:11:06,199 --> 00:11:07,067 There's always hope. Good night, all. 317 00:11:07,134 --> 00:11:07,835 Good night, sir. 318 00:11:07,901 --> 00:11:09,002 Good night, Mr. President. 319 00:11:09,069 --> 00:11:10,403 Good night. Good night, Abbey, 320 00:11:10,470 --> 00:11:11,839 Good night, Charlie. Go home. 321 00:11:13,774 --> 00:11:17,044 Could there be a worse time to consider pardons? 322 00:11:17,110 --> 00:11:18,645 I don't want him distracted. 323 00:11:18,712 --> 00:11:20,647 Should I drag my feet? 324 00:11:20,714 --> 00:11:22,950 How about you don't break your neck. 325 00:11:23,016 --> 00:11:23,984 Is that how it usually works? 326 00:11:24,051 --> 00:11:24,852 The First Lady tees him up? 327 00:11:24,918 --> 00:11:26,253 Honestly, I've never 328 00:11:26,319 --> 00:11:28,688 seen her weigh in like that-- not on policy. 329 00:11:28,756 --> 00:11:30,190 You missed her homecoming. 330 00:11:30,257 --> 00:11:31,358 Okay, enough. 331 00:11:31,424 --> 00:11:32,893 But is this their dynamic? 332 00:11:32,960 --> 00:11:35,062 It's new to me. Leo? 333 00:11:35,128 --> 00:11:36,463 He's sleeping on it. 334 00:11:36,529 --> 00:11:38,698 That's all I heard. 335 00:11:50,410 --> 00:11:52,579 The President is not considering pardons at this time? 336 00:11:52,645 --> 00:11:54,614 Right. He is not considering a commutation 337 00:11:54,681 --> 00:11:56,049 of tribal leader Gabriel Lessieur, 338 00:11:56,116 --> 00:11:57,450 convicted in the deaths of two FBI agents 339 00:11:57,517 --> 00:11:58,151 in North Dakota? 340 00:11:58,218 --> 00:11:58,986 No. 341 00:11:59,052 --> 00:12:00,053 He is not considering clemency 342 00:12:00,120 --> 00:12:01,588 for a former Republican Governor, 343 00:12:01,654 --> 00:12:03,390 indicted for fraud and recently diagnosed with liver cancer? 344 00:12:03,456 --> 00:12:04,724 No. 345 00:12:04,792 --> 00:12:05,926 Why does everyone in my press room think he is? 346 00:12:05,993 --> 00:12:08,428 Maybe because we called 347 00:12:08,495 --> 00:12:10,363 the Assistant AG in charge of Clemencies 348 00:12:10,430 --> 00:12:12,032 and asked the Pardon Attorney from Justice 349 00:12:12,099 --> 00:12:14,467 to meet with the Counsel's office today. 350 00:12:14,534 --> 00:12:16,003 So, how about, 351 00:12:16,069 --> 00:12:18,105 "The on-going process of reviewing petitions 352 00:12:18,171 --> 00:12:20,040 "is proceeding, but the President is not 353 00:12:20,107 --> 00:12:21,674 considering pardons at this time." 354 00:12:21,741 --> 00:12:22,976 That works. 355 00:12:36,623 --> 00:12:37,690 What's all this? 356 00:12:37,757 --> 00:12:39,592 Counsel's office sent these over. 357 00:12:39,659 --> 00:12:41,895 They're the case files for today's meeting with the Pardon Attorney. 358 00:12:41,962 --> 00:12:43,363 I didn't think there'd be so many. 359 00:12:43,430 --> 00:12:46,099 There are only 36, but they aren't short stories. 360 00:12:46,166 --> 00:12:48,836 Each file has the original trial record 361 00:12:48,902 --> 00:12:50,203 a petition by the prisoner, 362 00:12:50,270 --> 00:12:51,771 the Bureau of Prisons' recommendation, 363 00:12:51,839 --> 00:12:53,106 the DOJ recommendation, 364 00:12:53,173 --> 00:12:55,775 White House Counsel's preliminary report... 365 00:12:55,843 --> 00:12:57,110 Don't leave them here. 366 00:12:57,177 --> 00:12:58,278 They said you wanted to take a look. 367 00:12:58,345 --> 00:12:59,746 I said we wanted to take a look. 368 00:12:59,813 --> 00:13:00,647 And when I said "we"... 369 00:13:00,713 --> 00:13:01,882 You meant me. 370 00:13:01,949 --> 00:13:03,083 I'll help you. 371 00:13:03,150 --> 00:13:04,084 Thanks. 372 00:13:04,151 --> 00:13:05,185 Move them. 373 00:13:05,252 --> 00:13:06,419 Right. 374 00:13:06,486 --> 00:13:08,355 You'll need a space where you can spread out. 375 00:13:08,421 --> 00:13:09,957 We'll need to be familiar with the specifics 376 00:13:10,023 --> 00:13:11,158 of each of these petitions. 377 00:13:11,224 --> 00:13:12,492 And when you say "we..."? 378 00:13:12,559 --> 00:13:14,127 That's the spirit. 379 00:13:14,194 --> 00:13:17,430 Each participant is paid $10 380 00:13:17,497 --> 00:13:20,667 to answer a battery of questions 381 00:13:20,733 --> 00:13:26,039 and then listen to one of three versions of the speech. 382 00:13:26,106 --> 00:13:29,476 In Booth A, we have Execution One. 383 00:13:29,542 --> 00:13:33,013 ACTOR: And we know that the hard work of forming 384 00:13:33,080 --> 00:13:37,117 this more perfect union belongs to us all. 385 00:13:37,184 --> 00:13:38,952 The state of our union is strong... 386 00:13:39,019 --> 00:13:41,021 Booth Two is Version B. 387 00:13:41,088 --> 00:13:44,491 The state of our union is strong. 388 00:13:44,557 --> 00:13:48,261 With courage, with faith in our democratic foundation 389 00:13:48,328 --> 00:13:49,329 and the human spirit it fosters... 390 00:13:49,396 --> 00:13:50,597 And Booth 3. 391 00:13:50,663 --> 00:13:54,334 ...that the hard work of forming this more perfect union 392 00:13:54,401 --> 00:13:56,803 belongs to us all. 393 00:13:56,870 --> 00:13:59,206 So, which one are they gonna go for? 394 00:13:59,272 --> 00:14:02,075 The Amana fridge, Samsonite luggage 395 00:14:02,142 --> 00:14:04,177 or Door Number 3? 396 00:14:04,244 --> 00:14:08,548 Most of my political clients are reassured to know 397 00:14:08,615 --> 00:14:10,350 that these tests work in sales. 398 00:14:10,417 --> 00:14:13,186 What about your commercial clients? 399 00:14:14,621 --> 00:14:16,589 They like knowing they work in politics. 400 00:14:16,656 --> 00:14:19,059 It's gotta be Version B. 401 00:14:19,126 --> 00:14:19,993 It's... it's strong, but not mean. 402 00:14:20,060 --> 00:14:21,828 That's the one, right? 403 00:14:21,895 --> 00:14:23,063 It is. 404 00:14:23,130 --> 00:14:25,933 B's showing a significant 26% movement 405 00:14:25,999 --> 00:14:27,667 in purchase intent. 406 00:14:27,734 --> 00:14:28,635 I need some coffee. 407 00:14:28,701 --> 00:14:29,669 RENA: Oh, I'll get it. 408 00:14:29,736 --> 00:14:31,004 No, I'd rather, thank you. 409 00:14:31,071 --> 00:14:32,372 Okay, well, d-don't forget. 410 00:14:32,439 --> 00:14:35,642 We're a left turn at the Mrs. Fields. 411 00:14:35,708 --> 00:14:38,545 CHARLIE: It's usually slow on weekends. We'll get takeout. 412 00:14:38,611 --> 00:14:43,216 And I'll give you a tour, if that sounds okay. 413 00:14:43,283 --> 00:14:45,185 E-mail me your date of birth and Social, so I can wave you in. 414 00:14:45,252 --> 00:14:47,254 I'll call you later? All right. 415 00:14:47,320 --> 00:14:48,989 Charlie, any chance of getting five minutes 416 00:14:49,056 --> 00:14:49,889 for a meet and greet next Friday? 417 00:14:49,957 --> 00:14:51,091 Friday? 418 00:14:51,158 --> 00:14:52,325 The Vice President is in Atlanta, 419 00:14:52,392 --> 00:14:53,226 and the Kaehlers are coming 420 00:14:53,293 --> 00:14:54,761 to town unexpectedly. 421 00:14:54,827 --> 00:14:55,929 They are...? 422 00:14:55,996 --> 00:14:57,697 Robert and Jean Kaehler. WestCo Mining. 423 00:14:57,764 --> 00:15:00,200 One of our most generous contributors west of the Rockies. 424 00:15:00,267 --> 00:15:01,501 I'll see what I can do. 425 00:15:01,568 --> 00:15:02,169 Thanks. 426 00:15:02,235 --> 00:15:03,403 Don't promise them. 427 00:15:09,442 --> 00:15:10,710 Yes, sir? 428 00:15:10,777 --> 00:15:12,579 Did you know Woodrow Wilson averaged 429 00:15:12,645 --> 00:15:15,815 344 acts of clemency a year? 430 00:15:15,882 --> 00:15:17,250 I didn't. 431 00:15:17,317 --> 00:15:19,452 Calvin Coolidge managed 326. 432 00:15:19,519 --> 00:15:21,154 FDR was over 300 yearly, 433 00:15:21,221 --> 00:15:25,458 for a grand total of 3,687. 434 00:15:25,525 --> 00:15:26,859 Until the last 40 years, 435 00:15:26,926 --> 00:15:28,996 Presidents routinely exercised their power-- 436 00:15:29,062 --> 00:15:30,930 as stated in the Constitution-- 437 00:15:30,998 --> 00:15:34,034 to give relief against harsh sentences. 438 00:15:34,101 --> 00:15:35,402 Recent presidents have averaged 439 00:15:35,468 --> 00:15:38,805 40, 20, and seven pardons a year. 440 00:15:38,871 --> 00:15:40,240 Why'd we get so stingy? 441 00:15:40,307 --> 00:15:42,575 Law and order's become a national concern. 442 00:15:42,642 --> 00:15:45,212 And the pardon process has become less transparent. 443 00:15:45,278 --> 00:15:47,914 No records kept, no rationales given. 444 00:15:47,981 --> 00:15:49,216 The ones we do remember-- 445 00:15:49,282 --> 00:15:51,018 the Eugene Debs, the Jimmy Hoffas-- 446 00:15:51,084 --> 00:15:52,219 were controversial, 447 00:15:52,285 --> 00:15:54,421 if not downright scandals. 448 00:15:54,487 --> 00:15:55,955 You understand, sir, 449 00:15:56,023 --> 00:15:57,490 I'm not against 450 00:15:57,557 --> 00:15:58,691 you issuing pardons. 451 00:15:58,758 --> 00:15:59,993 "The benign prerogative," 452 00:16:00,060 --> 00:16:01,594 that's what Hamilton called them. 453 00:16:01,661 --> 00:16:03,663 Benign? It's a bag of lit dynamite. 454 00:16:05,465 --> 00:16:08,568 Yeah, maybe the FBI bungled its investigation 455 00:16:08,635 --> 00:16:11,204 on an Indian reservation 30 years ago. 456 00:16:11,271 --> 00:16:14,774 And maybe we let the wrong guy go from puberty to retirement 457 00:16:14,841 --> 00:16:16,576 in a prison cell... 458 00:16:16,643 --> 00:16:19,579 And sure, maybe it would be a generous act of bipartisanship 459 00:16:19,646 --> 00:16:22,215 to forgive an ex-Governor who's battling cancer... 460 00:16:22,282 --> 00:16:23,550 Who would have never gone to trial 461 00:16:23,616 --> 00:16:27,154 if a Republican were sitting in this office. 462 00:16:27,220 --> 00:16:28,455 I know the First Lady has received 463 00:16:28,521 --> 00:16:30,490 letters from tribal leaders... 464 00:16:30,557 --> 00:16:32,925 Is Josh sitting in on this meeting with Justice today? 465 00:16:32,992 --> 00:16:34,861 He's in and out. 466 00:16:34,927 --> 00:16:37,864 The Attorney General sent a deputy with a heartbeat? 467 00:16:37,930 --> 00:16:39,199 Sir, I don't believe Fisk sent a Deputy AG. 468 00:16:39,266 --> 00:16:40,767 It's just the Pardon Attorney. 469 00:16:40,833 --> 00:16:43,203 The AG expects White House Counsel to sit down without...? 470 00:16:43,270 --> 00:16:44,171 Well, actually, Counsel 471 00:16:44,237 --> 00:16:45,205 isn't in this, either. 472 00:16:45,272 --> 00:16:47,274 It's more... preliminary. 473 00:16:48,741 --> 00:16:50,310 Is Deputy Counsel there? 474 00:16:52,979 --> 00:16:54,714 Who is in this meeting, Leo? 475 00:16:54,781 --> 00:16:56,383 WOMAN: So, that's my main concern. 476 00:16:56,449 --> 00:16:57,984 If Josh doesn't return... 477 00:16:58,051 --> 00:16:59,252 I'll get you an answer. 478 00:16:59,319 --> 00:17:00,520 We need guidance. 479 00:17:00,587 --> 00:17:02,789 Is the President looking for packing peanuts, 480 00:17:02,855 --> 00:17:03,723 or does he want to...? 481 00:17:03,790 --> 00:17:04,791 "Packing peanuts"? 482 00:17:04,857 --> 00:17:06,025 Yeah. 483 00:17:06,093 --> 00:17:07,727 ( door opens ) 484 00:17:07,794 --> 00:17:08,961 Please, everyone, sit. 485 00:17:09,028 --> 00:17:10,130 You're my Pardon Attorney? 486 00:17:10,197 --> 00:17:10,963 Yes, Mr. President. 487 00:17:11,030 --> 00:17:12,632 Portia Colgrave. 488 00:17:12,699 --> 00:17:15,735 PRESIDENT: You've survived three administrations 489 00:17:15,802 --> 00:17:16,869 in this job, am I right? 490 00:17:16,936 --> 00:17:17,904 You are, sir. 491 00:17:17,970 --> 00:17:19,806 So, how do I stack up so far? 492 00:17:19,872 --> 00:17:21,074 You're about at par. 493 00:17:21,141 --> 00:17:22,609 Which ain't saying much, is it? 494 00:17:22,675 --> 00:17:23,643 May I? 495 00:17:23,710 --> 00:17:25,578 Yes, sir. 496 00:17:25,645 --> 00:17:27,847 This is the list that we've been discussing? 497 00:17:27,914 --> 00:17:29,149 These are first-time offenders 498 00:17:29,216 --> 00:17:32,452 who've served at least five years 499 00:17:32,519 --> 00:17:34,654 of a ten-year-or-longer sentence under the guidelines. 500 00:17:34,721 --> 00:17:36,089 Ten years or longer. 501 00:17:36,156 --> 00:17:37,690 All nonviolent? 502 00:17:37,757 --> 00:17:39,659 Oh, yes, Mr. President. 503 00:17:39,726 --> 00:17:41,194 So, where were you? 504 00:17:41,261 --> 00:17:43,763 We were about to discuss packing peanuts. 505 00:17:45,832 --> 00:17:48,368 CHARLIE: So, this is the Roosevelt Room, which was the President's office 506 00:17:48,435 --> 00:17:50,069 until FDR decided he deserved some sunlight 507 00:17:50,137 --> 00:17:51,404 and built the Oval. 508 00:17:51,471 --> 00:17:53,072 Here's the Communications Bullpen... 509 00:17:53,140 --> 00:17:54,474 Wait, wait, wait, slow down, Charlie. 510 00:17:54,541 --> 00:17:56,042 I'm a little overwhelmed. 511 00:17:56,109 --> 00:17:57,877 It's part of my plan to sweep you off your feet. 512 00:17:57,944 --> 00:17:58,911 You already did that. 513 00:17:58,978 --> 00:18:00,413 You were pretty easy. 514 00:18:00,480 --> 00:18:02,882 And boy, was I relieved when you called again. 515 00:18:02,949 --> 00:18:04,951 I never do that. 516 00:18:05,017 --> 00:18:06,619 I'm actually kind of a prude. 517 00:18:06,686 --> 00:18:07,987 Fooled me. 518 00:18:08,054 --> 00:18:09,722 This is the West Lobby. 519 00:18:09,789 --> 00:18:11,158 You should get your bearings for when you come back. 520 00:18:11,224 --> 00:18:12,525 What do you mean? 521 00:18:12,592 --> 00:18:14,026 I talked to C.J. about getting you into... 522 00:18:14,093 --> 00:18:15,328 C.J. Cregg? 523 00:18:15,395 --> 00:18:16,896 Next week, the President's meeting 524 00:18:16,963 --> 00:18:19,166 with some college editors for Martin Luther King Day, 525 00:18:19,232 --> 00:18:22,635 and I asked C.J. if it would be okay for you to join. 526 00:18:22,702 --> 00:18:25,305 Did you say something after "President?" 527 00:18:25,372 --> 00:18:27,740 It'll be an intimate group of 60. 528 00:18:27,807 --> 00:18:30,042 Thank you. I'm nervous already. 529 00:18:30,109 --> 00:18:31,744 I read your piece; you got game. 530 00:18:31,811 --> 00:18:32,812 Hey, Donna. 531 00:18:32,879 --> 00:18:33,880 Hey, Charlie. 532 00:18:33,946 --> 00:18:35,215 Donna Moss, Meeshell Anders. 533 00:18:35,282 --> 00:18:36,048 Hi. Nice to meet you. 534 00:18:36,115 --> 00:18:37,250 Nice to meet you. 535 00:18:37,317 --> 00:18:39,352 I'm giving Meeshell the nickel tour. 536 00:18:39,419 --> 00:18:40,887 It's pretty great, huh? We all forget. 537 00:18:40,953 --> 00:18:42,455 Yeah, it's amazing. 538 00:18:42,522 --> 00:18:44,023 We've got food coming, if you want to join us. 539 00:18:44,090 --> 00:18:45,158 Oh, you're too polite. 540 00:18:45,225 --> 00:18:46,459 He's too polite. 541 00:18:46,526 --> 00:18:48,295 What are you doing here today? 542 00:18:48,361 --> 00:18:50,830 Don't ask, it's too depressing. 543 00:18:50,897 --> 00:18:52,865 Nice to meet you. 544 00:18:52,932 --> 00:18:54,834 ( sighs ) 545 00:19:09,249 --> 00:19:12,018 PRESIDENT: "Packing peanuts." That's what they're called. 546 00:19:12,084 --> 00:19:13,320 The low-profile cases? 547 00:19:13,386 --> 00:19:15,154 Apparently, these nameless offenders 548 00:19:15,222 --> 00:19:17,290 can be useful insulation for any cronies 549 00:19:17,357 --> 00:19:18,491 I may want to spring. 550 00:19:18,558 --> 00:19:19,759 Are you getting pressure...? 551 00:19:19,826 --> 00:19:22,128 All over my call sheet. 552 00:19:22,195 --> 00:19:24,063 I'd been thinking if I commute a Chippewa 553 00:19:24,130 --> 00:19:25,365 and an indicted Republican, 554 00:19:25,432 --> 00:19:27,234 they might cancel each other out. 555 00:19:27,300 --> 00:19:29,469 But they're off the front burner now? 556 00:19:29,536 --> 00:19:31,204 I know how you feel about Lessieur. 557 00:19:31,271 --> 00:19:32,305 I'll consider him in the future. 558 00:19:32,372 --> 00:19:35,308 But it's these packing peanuts-- 559 00:19:35,375 --> 00:19:37,544 these victims of Minimums-- that are bugging me. 560 00:19:37,610 --> 00:19:40,012 That's what Congress pushed front and center 561 00:19:40,079 --> 00:19:41,381 with this amendment. 562 00:19:41,448 --> 00:19:43,015 I can't sign a bill that toughens guidelines 563 00:19:43,082 --> 00:19:46,619 and ties judges' hands, then turn around next month 564 00:19:46,686 --> 00:19:48,755 and advocate judicial discretion. 565 00:19:48,821 --> 00:19:49,822 What's in this? 566 00:19:49,889 --> 00:19:50,890 Just warm milk. 567 00:19:50,957 --> 00:19:51,858 Does this ever work? 568 00:19:51,924 --> 00:19:53,826 It has. 569 00:19:55,995 --> 00:19:58,898 Are you worried this might be another Wallace Turner? 570 00:19:58,965 --> 00:20:00,300 A little, sure. 571 00:20:00,367 --> 00:20:02,869 You were a new Governor, 572 00:20:02,935 --> 00:20:05,805 and you listened to the advice of your parole board. 573 00:20:05,872 --> 00:20:10,243 His victim's family probably isn't too comforted by that. 574 00:20:10,310 --> 00:20:12,645 Leo's worried it's the wrong time for pardons. 575 00:20:12,712 --> 00:20:14,914 Leo hates to see you sleepless and distracted 576 00:20:14,981 --> 00:20:17,884 when you're about to announce your agenda for the year. 577 00:20:17,950 --> 00:20:20,287 Do you hate to see me sleepless and distracted? 578 00:20:20,353 --> 00:20:23,022 This is just your preamble. 579 00:20:23,089 --> 00:20:25,792 You're about to be inspired. 580 00:20:25,858 --> 00:20:28,027 MEESHELL ( laughing ): Wait. Never mind! 581 00:20:28,094 --> 00:20:29,762 No, it's right here. 582 00:20:29,829 --> 00:20:31,864 Um... 583 00:20:36,969 --> 00:20:38,204 ( keys clank ) 584 00:20:38,271 --> 00:20:39,672 Good finale. 585 00:20:39,739 --> 00:20:41,374 As seen on TV. 586 00:20:41,441 --> 00:20:43,776 It's a little smaller than I thought. 587 00:20:43,843 --> 00:20:45,578 And dirtier. 588 00:20:45,645 --> 00:20:49,215 Why the Press can't clean up after themselves... 589 00:20:49,282 --> 00:20:51,183 You enjoy the picnic? 590 00:20:51,250 --> 00:20:53,185 On a porch outside the Oval Office? 591 00:20:53,252 --> 00:20:54,454 It was all right. 592 00:20:54,521 --> 00:20:56,289 And the President only called once. 593 00:20:56,356 --> 00:20:58,157 Was that really him? 594 00:20:58,224 --> 00:20:59,158 No, I faked it. 595 00:20:59,225 --> 00:21:00,727 It was Rick in Protocol. 596 00:21:00,793 --> 00:21:02,562 You know, it's kind of sexy when you're all, 597 00:21:02,629 --> 00:21:04,797 "Yes, sir, did you look on the bookshelf, Mr. President?" 598 00:21:04,864 --> 00:21:07,133 Go on. 599 00:21:07,199 --> 00:21:08,401 Get up behind the podium. 600 00:21:08,468 --> 00:21:09,869 I'll take your picture. 601 00:21:09,936 --> 00:21:11,671 You brought a camera? 602 00:21:11,738 --> 00:21:12,439 Go on. 603 00:21:12,505 --> 00:21:13,806 You belong up there. 604 00:21:15,375 --> 00:21:17,009 Charlie, I started to bring this up before, 605 00:21:17,076 --> 00:21:18,878 but I didn't want to say it on the phone. 606 00:21:18,945 --> 00:21:19,946 What? 607 00:21:20,012 --> 00:21:21,013 I do belong here. 608 00:21:21,080 --> 00:21:23,483 I know it. 609 00:21:23,550 --> 00:21:27,720 No. I mean, I really do belong here. 610 00:21:27,787 --> 00:21:29,722 It wasn't for certain, when we met, but... 611 00:21:29,789 --> 00:21:31,324 What? 612 00:21:31,391 --> 00:21:33,025 I'm coming to work here. 613 00:21:33,092 --> 00:21:35,562 Here? 614 00:21:35,628 --> 00:21:36,829 My internship's ending, and I've been offered 615 00:21:36,896 --> 00:21:39,932 a really entry-level job in the Press Corps. 616 00:21:39,999 --> 00:21:41,834 The White House Press Corps? 617 00:21:41,901 --> 00:21:43,870 I-I'm going to be an off-camera reporter for NBC-- 618 00:21:43,936 --> 00:21:46,406 mostly making sure that the on-camera reporter 619 00:21:46,473 --> 00:21:48,240 gets called when something happens. 620 00:21:48,307 --> 00:21:50,477 You're covering the White House-- 621 00:21:50,543 --> 00:21:51,811 the President-- 622 00:21:51,878 --> 00:21:52,712 for a network? 623 00:21:52,779 --> 00:21:53,546 I will be. 624 00:21:53,613 --> 00:21:55,648 And you let me act like... 625 00:21:55,715 --> 00:21:57,717 You didn't mention this? 626 00:21:57,784 --> 00:21:59,952 I know-- I-I didn't want... Anything I said today-- 627 00:22:00,019 --> 00:22:01,253 everything I said-- was off the record. 628 00:22:01,320 --> 00:22:02,188 No, of course. 629 00:22:02,254 --> 00:22:03,856 He depends on my discretion. 630 00:22:03,923 --> 00:22:06,593 Charlie, I would never, ever... He's not just the President! 631 00:22:09,061 --> 00:22:10,397 What do you mean? 632 00:22:13,099 --> 00:22:14,634 Never mind. 633 00:22:17,770 --> 00:22:19,772 I really don't think this should change anything. 634 00:22:33,319 --> 00:22:36,456 RENA: We have seats on the 1:10, Bill... Is it Bill? 635 00:22:36,523 --> 00:22:37,990 ( laughs ) 636 00:22:38,057 --> 00:22:40,026 We were hoping you could get us something earlier. 637 00:22:40,092 --> 00:22:42,028 TOBY: Please. 638 00:22:43,496 --> 00:22:45,131 Oh, this is... I'm out of here. 639 00:22:45,197 --> 00:22:46,699 Is something wrong, sir? 640 00:22:46,766 --> 00:22:48,735 Yeah. Keep your 10 bucks! 641 00:22:56,476 --> 00:22:58,411 POLLSTER: Hi, are you a registered voter? 642 00:22:58,478 --> 00:22:59,579 Excuse me, sir... Huh? 643 00:22:59,646 --> 00:23:00,780 I'm with the polling group inside. 644 00:23:00,847 --> 00:23:01,948 Yeah, I saw you in there. 645 00:23:02,014 --> 00:23:04,116 Just curious: Why'd you walk out? 646 00:23:04,183 --> 00:23:04,951 It's a waste of time. 647 00:23:05,017 --> 00:23:06,886 Why? Politics. 648 00:23:06,953 --> 00:23:08,455 What, are you guys trying to target me, 649 00:23:08,521 --> 00:23:10,557 or trying to find out what makes me... 650 00:23:10,623 --> 00:23:12,559 I don't know... what is it you want? 651 00:23:12,625 --> 00:23:14,661 You want me to feel like I'm part of the club? 652 00:23:14,727 --> 00:23:15,828 Maybe. 653 00:23:15,895 --> 00:23:18,431 Well, you won't do it with words. 654 00:23:18,498 --> 00:23:20,967 Not words that are pre-tested and reworked, 655 00:23:21,033 --> 00:23:23,770 sanded down... wrapped in a bow. 656 00:23:23,836 --> 00:23:25,972 Hey, you want to impress me? 657 00:23:26,038 --> 00:23:27,607 Do something. 658 00:23:27,674 --> 00:23:30,810 Talk's cheap. 659 00:23:30,877 --> 00:23:33,379 You ever listen to the President when he addresses the nation? 660 00:23:33,446 --> 00:23:35,281 Yeah. Sometimes. 661 00:23:35,347 --> 00:23:37,216 I usually end up throwing something at the set. 662 00:23:37,283 --> 00:23:38,350 ( chuckles ) 663 00:23:38,417 --> 00:23:40,820 Josh calling. What was that? 664 00:23:40,887 --> 00:23:43,723 That's my guy. That's who I write for. 665 00:23:43,790 --> 00:23:44,624 Yeah. 666 00:23:44,691 --> 00:23:45,892 Toby, we need you back. 667 00:23:45,958 --> 00:23:47,527 The President's made some decisions 668 00:23:47,594 --> 00:23:49,796 that are going to affect the State of the Union. 669 00:23:49,862 --> 00:23:51,097 How? 670 00:23:56,002 --> 00:23:57,837 ANGELA: I'm saying if he vetoes the bill tomorrow... 671 00:23:57,904 --> 00:23:59,539 LEO: How many times do I have to tell you... 672 00:23:59,606 --> 00:24:01,508 C.J.: He's vetoing the amendment. We'll make that clear. 673 00:24:01,574 --> 00:24:03,009 It's still a veto. 674 00:24:03,075 --> 00:24:05,411 It's not like Congress will forget in a week. 675 00:24:05,478 --> 00:24:07,947 LEO: Could be an icy reception for the State of the Union. 676 00:24:08,014 --> 00:24:09,682 C.J.: I'm still not clear about the pardons. 677 00:24:09,749 --> 00:24:11,651 ANGELA: Maybe the First Lady can explain it. 678 00:24:11,718 --> 00:24:15,021 JOSH: He's not pardoning Lessieur or any ex-Governors. 679 00:24:15,087 --> 00:24:16,723 He's strictly granting commutations 680 00:24:16,789 --> 00:24:18,157 where Minimums and Guidelines 681 00:24:18,224 --> 00:24:20,026 have resulted in unfair sentences. 682 00:24:20,092 --> 00:24:21,327 Yeah, I've been trying to say that, but... 683 00:24:21,393 --> 00:24:22,595 When pardons are rumored, 684 00:24:22,662 --> 00:24:24,463 lobbying takes on a life of its own. 685 00:24:24,531 --> 00:24:25,932 There's no chance he could delay? 686 00:24:25,998 --> 00:24:26,899 Hi. 687 00:24:26,966 --> 00:24:27,834 You straight from the airport? 688 00:24:27,900 --> 00:24:29,301 ANGELA: Welcome to hell. 689 00:24:29,368 --> 00:24:31,938 So Congress forced our hand with a crime bill... 690 00:24:32,004 --> 00:24:33,305 ANGELA: And the President wants 691 00:24:33,372 --> 00:24:35,007 to run into the fire and issue pardons. 692 00:24:35,074 --> 00:24:36,709 Plenty of lemons; we just can't find a recipe 693 00:24:36,776 --> 00:24:38,210 to make anything out of them. 694 00:24:38,277 --> 00:24:39,812 Except hemlock. 695 00:24:39,879 --> 00:24:42,181 Actually, I think the President's instinct is right. 696 00:24:43,883 --> 00:24:45,618 We don't run away from this. 697 00:24:45,685 --> 00:24:49,455 We... We pack his veto of the Hicks Amendment 698 00:24:49,522 --> 00:24:52,792 and his policy-based pardons in with the State of the Union; 699 00:24:52,859 --> 00:24:54,827 make it more than just an isolated speech. 700 00:24:54,894 --> 00:24:57,229 Yeah, he can come out for gay marriage in the military at the same time. 701 00:24:57,296 --> 00:24:58,531 No, I'm serious. 702 00:24:58,598 --> 00:24:59,832 I say the President announces his veto 703 00:24:59,899 --> 00:25:01,300 on the eve of the State of the Union. 704 00:25:01,367 --> 00:25:03,670 The next morning, his pardons become Act Two... 705 00:25:03,736 --> 00:25:06,573 ..of "Respect for Federal Judges..." 706 00:25:06,639 --> 00:25:09,041 ...and prelude to his trip to the Hill that night. 707 00:25:09,108 --> 00:25:11,644 Which now is more than hat in hand, 708 00:25:11,711 --> 00:25:12,511 begging Congress for a laundry list 709 00:25:12,579 --> 00:25:14,146 of priorities. 710 00:25:14,213 --> 00:25:16,783 The State of the Union becomes a few words about his agenda 711 00:25:16,849 --> 00:25:19,952 from the President who, as you've seen, is a busy guy. 712 00:25:20,019 --> 00:25:21,020 It's the closest thing I've heard 713 00:25:21,087 --> 00:25:22,188 to what the President wants. 714 00:25:22,254 --> 00:25:23,723 Can we pull it off? 715 00:25:23,790 --> 00:25:26,525 At least we come out swinging while we own the news. 716 00:25:26,593 --> 00:25:27,760 Courage of our convictions. 717 00:25:27,827 --> 00:25:28,895 ANGELA: Republicans'll still try 718 00:25:28,961 --> 00:25:30,362 to demagogue us with these pardons. 719 00:25:30,429 --> 00:25:32,899 Maybe we focus on the most sympathetic cases. 720 00:25:32,965 --> 00:25:36,368 Personal stories will make it less abstract. 721 00:25:36,435 --> 00:25:37,937 I gotta keep writing. 722 00:25:39,271 --> 00:25:43,042 Josh, I need you to hone this list of commutations 723 00:25:43,109 --> 00:25:45,044 to a perfect few. 724 00:25:45,111 --> 00:25:47,980 I understand Justice has given some 30 names to Counsel. 725 00:25:48,047 --> 00:25:49,315 Thirty-six. We're taking a look, too. 726 00:25:49,381 --> 00:25:50,516 C.J.: We need poster kids. 727 00:25:50,583 --> 00:25:52,885 Former and future altar boys and girls. 728 00:25:52,952 --> 00:25:54,621 Are they all doing time for crack? 729 00:25:54,687 --> 00:25:58,124 Not all; but we're talking Mandatory Minimums. 730 00:25:58,190 --> 00:26:00,092 That means drugs. You want ten names? 731 00:26:00,159 --> 00:26:01,628 Five or six. 732 00:26:01,694 --> 00:26:04,263 Remember how they're going to look in the Times photo 733 00:26:04,330 --> 00:26:06,232 and let's spare him any recidivists. 734 00:26:08,935 --> 00:26:11,237 The First Lady called to remind you of your invitation 735 00:26:11,303 --> 00:26:13,405 to New Hampshire for Presidents' weekend. 736 00:26:13,472 --> 00:26:15,107 She doesn't want to pressure you, 737 00:26:15,174 --> 00:26:17,243 but they won't take no for an answer. 738 00:26:24,951 --> 00:26:26,218 CAROL: Do we want to comment on a rumor 739 00:26:26,285 --> 00:26:28,154 that FBI agents will picket the White House 740 00:26:28,220 --> 00:26:30,757 if the President considers pardoning Gabriel Lessieur? 741 00:26:30,823 --> 00:26:32,291 C.J.: We don't comment on rumors. 742 00:26:32,358 --> 00:26:34,126 Did the FBI? 743 00:26:34,193 --> 00:26:36,262 The Bureau Chief said that it would only be off-duty officers. 744 00:26:36,328 --> 00:26:38,264 Oh, good. 745 00:26:38,330 --> 00:26:39,498 Any other calls? 746 00:26:39,565 --> 00:26:40,599 Ben of Glacier Bay. 747 00:26:40,667 --> 00:26:42,034 Is he really a park ranger? 748 00:26:42,101 --> 00:26:44,036 He did this Smokey the Bear riff... 749 00:26:44,103 --> 00:26:44,837 What are you... 750 00:26:44,904 --> 00:26:46,505 Don't talk to him. 751 00:26:46,572 --> 00:26:47,707 You want me to hang up? 752 00:26:47,774 --> 00:26:50,542 I... put him on hold and find me. 753 00:26:50,609 --> 00:26:52,011 If he calls again. 754 00:26:52,078 --> 00:26:53,112 "If"? 755 00:26:54,847 --> 00:26:56,048 You were looking for me? 756 00:26:56,115 --> 00:26:57,650 You never gave me the name of your friend-- 757 00:26:57,717 --> 00:26:58,751 for the MLK college junket. 758 00:26:58,818 --> 00:27:00,119 Yeah. That's... 759 00:27:00,186 --> 00:27:01,821 Forget that. It isn't going to happen. 760 00:27:01,888 --> 00:27:03,189 Are you sure? It's no problem. 761 00:27:03,255 --> 00:27:04,857 I'm sure. 762 00:27:04,924 --> 00:27:09,495 C.J.-- with the press-- could you ever trust a reporter? 763 00:27:09,561 --> 00:27:12,398 Is this the beginning of a joke? 764 00:27:12,464 --> 00:27:13,766 Never mind. 765 00:27:17,169 --> 00:27:19,438 Uh, Mr. Ziegler asked if you could give this a read 766 00:27:19,505 --> 00:27:21,173 and get him notes ASAP. 767 00:27:21,240 --> 00:27:22,108 Was he smiling? 768 00:27:22,174 --> 00:27:23,375 Does he smile? 769 00:27:23,442 --> 00:27:25,477 DONNA: The Kaehlers are in the Mural Room. 770 00:27:25,544 --> 00:27:26,512 Who are the Kaehlers? 771 00:27:26,578 --> 00:27:27,680 Moneybags from Colorado. 772 00:27:27,747 --> 00:27:29,015 The Vice President's out of town; 773 00:27:29,081 --> 00:27:30,983 the President got held up with the Joint Chiefs. 774 00:27:38,825 --> 00:27:41,861 You don't have to be pissy. 775 00:27:41,928 --> 00:27:43,996 This is not pissy. 776 00:27:44,063 --> 00:27:47,066 Donna, it's a huge risk for the President. 777 00:27:47,133 --> 00:27:47,967 We have to cull the list. 778 00:27:48,034 --> 00:27:49,301 We have to be brutal. 779 00:27:49,368 --> 00:27:51,437 These 36 people haven't been culled enough? 780 00:27:51,503 --> 00:27:52,739 Out of thousands of applicants? 781 00:27:52,805 --> 00:27:53,940 Forget that they've all been in prison 782 00:27:54,006 --> 00:27:55,241 for at least five years. 783 00:27:55,307 --> 00:27:56,075 For committing crimes. 784 00:27:56,142 --> 00:27:57,543 Still! They submitted petitions 785 00:27:57,609 --> 00:28:00,012 to Justice that took two years to inch from desk to desk. 786 00:28:00,079 --> 00:28:02,548 None of them are violent, although, by now, I would be. 787 00:28:02,614 --> 00:28:03,983 None of them has priors. 788 00:28:04,050 --> 00:28:06,252 A lot of them, their judges spoke at their sentencing 789 00:28:06,318 --> 00:28:07,987 against the harshness of what they had to impose. 790 00:28:08,054 --> 00:28:09,756 Doesn't mean we stop scrutinizing. 791 00:28:09,822 --> 00:28:11,758 Then scrutinize away, but tell me, 792 00:28:11,824 --> 00:28:14,193 do we toss out Daisy Aimes, mother of three, 793 00:28:14,260 --> 00:28:17,396 worked two jobs, had a boyfriend who stored a kilo in her closet? 794 00:28:17,463 --> 00:28:18,230 She's done eight years 795 00:28:18,297 --> 00:28:19,498 and is facing 11 more. 796 00:28:19,565 --> 00:28:21,901 That's longer than rapists and child molesters get. 797 00:28:21,968 --> 00:28:25,604 There's about 15 Daisys in here. Do we pick three? 798 00:28:25,671 --> 00:28:26,672 Donna... 799 00:28:26,739 --> 00:28:27,706 You haven't read these files 800 00:28:27,774 --> 00:28:29,441 or looked at these photos 801 00:28:29,508 --> 00:28:31,844 and I don't blame you; I wish I never had. 802 00:28:31,911 --> 00:28:34,981 But I don't see a list anymore. 803 00:28:35,047 --> 00:28:37,583 These are people. 804 00:28:37,649 --> 00:28:39,886 If you want to cull them, jump in. 805 00:28:39,952 --> 00:28:41,888 I'm done. 806 00:28:41,954 --> 00:28:44,456 Sorry, am I...? 807 00:28:44,523 --> 00:28:47,226 No-- he's got the Kaehlers in the Mural Room; we know. 808 00:28:47,293 --> 00:28:48,727 Actually, you may want to skip the Kaehlers. 809 00:28:48,795 --> 00:28:50,562 They're not here by chance. 810 00:28:50,629 --> 00:28:51,764 What do you mean? 811 00:28:51,831 --> 00:28:53,165 Their son petitioned for clemency. 812 00:28:53,232 --> 00:28:54,834 They're here to plead his case. 813 00:28:54,901 --> 00:28:56,869 There's a major party contributor 814 00:28:56,936 --> 00:28:58,670 with a family member under pardon consideration? 815 00:28:58,737 --> 00:29:01,073 No. There's no Kaehler on the list. He's the wife's son 816 00:29:01,140 --> 00:29:03,442 from a former marriage. His name is Morrisey. 817 00:29:04,977 --> 00:29:08,314 Donovan Morrisey? 818 00:29:08,380 --> 00:29:11,250 Estes Park high school senior who FedEx'd LSD. 819 00:29:11,317 --> 00:29:12,885 I can tell them you're tied up. 820 00:29:12,952 --> 00:29:14,153 DONNA: No. 821 00:29:14,220 --> 00:29:15,955 I will. 822 00:29:21,227 --> 00:29:22,962 Charlie... 823 00:29:23,029 --> 00:29:24,296 He's gone for the day. 824 00:29:24,363 --> 00:29:25,731 Charlie, she's gonna be working here. 825 00:29:25,798 --> 00:29:26,732 You can't ignore her. 826 00:29:26,799 --> 00:29:28,034 Good night, Angela. 827 00:29:29,101 --> 00:29:30,937 Give her the respect of taking her calls. 828 00:29:31,003 --> 00:29:32,238 Don't get mad and write her off a guest list. 829 00:29:32,304 --> 00:29:34,106 She's beyond college editors; way beyond. 830 00:29:34,173 --> 00:29:35,574 Her family founded the Afro-American. 831 00:29:35,641 --> 00:29:37,143 If you want to know a girl's entire history 832 00:29:37,209 --> 00:29:38,410 and career plan before you get involved, 833 00:29:38,477 --> 00:29:41,413 I have two words for you: search engine. 834 00:29:41,480 --> 00:29:43,382 So you knew she was joining the press corps? 835 00:29:43,449 --> 00:29:45,117 I didn't. I'm friends with her aunt. 836 00:29:45,184 --> 00:29:46,752 I should've guessed. 837 00:29:46,819 --> 00:29:48,587 The sprawling web of District Aunts. It can't be avoided. 838 00:29:48,654 --> 00:29:50,489 Unless you date the President's daughter. 839 00:29:52,024 --> 00:29:53,359 Have a nice weekend. 840 00:29:55,594 --> 00:29:57,296 PRESIDENT: How did it ever get this far? 841 00:29:57,363 --> 00:29:58,831 JOSH: He has his mother's name. 842 00:29:58,898 --> 00:30:01,533 He fit all our criteria for commutation. 843 00:30:01,600 --> 00:30:03,936 If we didn't put it together, maybe the press won't either. 844 00:30:04,003 --> 00:30:05,171 LEO: Sir, if they do... 845 00:30:05,237 --> 00:30:07,606 Your message gets stampeded: 846 00:30:07,673 --> 00:30:08,374 "White House Bends Justice 847 00:30:08,440 --> 00:30:09,541 for Big Bucks." 848 00:30:09,608 --> 00:30:11,010 JOSH: Even though we weren't. 849 00:30:11,077 --> 00:30:12,979 TOBY: And who's gonna believe that? 850 00:30:13,045 --> 00:30:14,113 The kid's parents practically 851 00:30:14,180 --> 00:30:15,347 bankroll the Colorado Party; 852 00:30:15,414 --> 00:30:17,349 not to mention their White House visit. 853 00:30:17,416 --> 00:30:20,219 So this kid gets screwed for having an important family. 854 00:30:20,286 --> 00:30:23,589 Sir, you can commute him sometime in the future. 855 00:30:23,655 --> 00:30:25,657 LEO: How's Counsel doing 856 00:30:25,724 --> 00:30:27,126 on the rest of the list? 857 00:30:27,193 --> 00:30:28,895 I touched base with them about an idea. 858 00:30:28,961 --> 00:30:30,396 I know you and Toby need to work 859 00:30:30,462 --> 00:30:32,531 on the new sections of the speech... 860 00:30:32,598 --> 00:30:33,832 No, we need to settle this. 861 00:30:33,900 --> 00:30:35,902 If you want to throw light on how 862 00:30:35,968 --> 00:30:38,070 Minimums and Guidelines conspire 863 00:30:38,137 --> 00:30:40,139 to produce disproportionate punishments... 864 00:30:40,206 --> 00:30:42,174 And worse, leave judges impotent. 865 00:30:42,241 --> 00:30:44,911 Our judicial system is predicated on an individual's right 866 00:30:44,977 --> 00:30:46,245 to a fair trial. 867 00:30:46,312 --> 00:30:48,614 But how individual is that process 868 00:30:48,680 --> 00:30:50,582 if a 258-box grid 869 00:30:50,649 --> 00:30:52,318 seals your fate 870 00:30:52,384 --> 00:30:54,053 before you ever step foot in front of a judge-- 871 00:30:54,120 --> 00:30:56,222 a federal judge that my office 872 00:30:56,288 --> 00:30:58,590 has invested considerable effort in selecting-- 873 00:30:58,657 --> 00:31:01,928 who is then constrained from exercising basic common sense, 874 00:31:01,994 --> 00:31:04,330 while 29-year-old prosecutors, 875 00:31:04,396 --> 00:31:06,232 who make their bones on their win-loss record, 876 00:31:06,298 --> 00:31:08,834 hold the only discretion in the whole system? 877 00:31:08,901 --> 00:31:11,637 Were you taking notes? Got it. 878 00:31:11,703 --> 00:31:13,805 JOSH: Sir, let's say the list stays at 36 names-- 879 00:31:13,872 --> 00:31:15,674 or 35-- without this Colorado man. 880 00:31:15,741 --> 00:31:18,277 We don't monkey around creating a few poster kids. 881 00:31:18,344 --> 00:31:21,948 We say all these cases represent a larger injustice. 882 00:31:22,014 --> 00:31:23,249 It's not just about them. 883 00:31:27,786 --> 00:31:29,355 Is she waiting outside? 884 00:31:29,421 --> 00:31:30,789 She is. 885 00:31:30,856 --> 00:31:32,391 But honestly, sir-- No, 886 00:31:32,458 --> 00:31:34,426 she took the bullet we all managed to dodge. 887 00:31:34,493 --> 00:31:36,062 Show her in, please. 888 00:31:39,565 --> 00:31:40,566 Hey. 889 00:31:40,632 --> 00:31:41,600 Come in. Come in. 890 00:31:43,835 --> 00:31:46,005 DONNA: Mr. President. 891 00:31:46,072 --> 00:31:47,673 I understand you have a message for me. 892 00:31:47,739 --> 00:31:49,075 Uh, yes, sir. 893 00:31:49,141 --> 00:31:50,576 I promised Mrs. Kaehler I'd do my best. 894 00:31:50,642 --> 00:31:52,411 What did she say? 895 00:31:53,879 --> 00:31:55,814 She said her son Donovan 896 00:31:55,881 --> 00:31:58,951 made a terrible mistake when he was still a teenager. 897 00:31:59,018 --> 00:32:00,252 It doesn't excuse anything, 898 00:32:00,319 --> 00:32:02,688 but her divorce was very hard on him. 899 00:32:02,754 --> 00:32:06,225 By the time he went to trial, the shock of his arrest 900 00:32:06,292 --> 00:32:08,160 had given their family a wake-up call: 901 00:32:08,227 --> 00:32:09,728 Donovan had completed a drug treatment program, 902 00:32:09,795 --> 00:32:12,098 finished high school, and been accepted to college. 903 00:32:12,164 --> 00:32:14,433 Unfortunately, the Guidelines prevented the judge 904 00:32:14,500 --> 00:32:17,769 from considering any of those things. 905 00:32:17,836 --> 00:32:19,871 She said after Donovan finished one year in prison, 906 00:32:19,938 --> 00:32:21,840 missed one birthday, one Christmas, 907 00:32:21,907 --> 00:32:24,210 one fly-fishing season, 908 00:32:24,276 --> 00:32:26,045 the other six years he spent in Leavenworth 909 00:32:26,112 --> 00:32:27,713 have been a frozen hell. 910 00:32:27,779 --> 00:32:31,150 Her words: A frozen hell. 911 00:32:31,217 --> 00:32:34,020 She wasn't-- She's... 912 00:32:34,086 --> 00:32:38,057 She's someone who copes... 913 00:32:38,124 --> 00:32:41,293 but she said if it would make a difference, 914 00:32:41,360 --> 00:32:44,096 she'd get on her knees. 915 00:32:44,163 --> 00:32:46,265 She begged for your mercy. 916 00:32:49,668 --> 00:32:52,171 That's all. 917 00:32:53,039 --> 00:32:55,107 Thank you, Donna. 918 00:33:12,691 --> 00:33:14,260 Mr. President? 919 00:33:17,229 --> 00:33:19,265 Take him... 920 00:33:19,331 --> 00:33:21,333 take Donovan off the list. 921 00:33:23,302 --> 00:33:24,803 You can pardon him in the spring. 922 00:33:24,870 --> 00:33:27,473 After the dust settles. 923 00:33:27,539 --> 00:33:29,408 Yeah. 924 00:33:37,416 --> 00:33:40,452 to learn this lesson is far too costly. 925 00:33:40,519 --> 00:33:43,755 We have to listen to what our federal judges are telling us 926 00:33:43,822 --> 00:33:47,025 about the sentencing guidelines and Mandatory Minimums, 927 00:33:47,093 --> 00:33:50,829 and Congress has to wean itself from the expensive high they get 928 00:33:50,896 --> 00:33:56,368 enacting laws which appear tough on crime, but are ineffective. 929 00:33:56,435 --> 00:33:59,271 I will never surrender in the War on Drugs, 930 00:33:59,338 --> 00:34:01,039 but if you're consistently getting slaughtered 931 00:34:01,107 --> 00:34:04,676 on the battlefield, you've probably misjudged your enemy. 932 00:34:04,743 --> 00:34:07,379 I don't offer these pardons today to kingpins 933 00:34:07,446 --> 00:34:11,450 or career traffickers who lay waste to our innocent citizens, 934 00:34:11,517 --> 00:34:13,552 but I do extend these clemencies, 935 00:34:13,619 --> 00:34:17,189 like amnesties after a prolonged, bloody war, 936 00:34:17,256 --> 00:34:19,158 to some among us who have fallen 937 00:34:19,225 --> 00:34:22,161 to a ravaging and confounding enemy. 938 00:34:22,228 --> 00:34:24,363 I offer these clemencies confident that, 939 00:34:24,430 --> 00:34:27,199 if we reenlist our judges' wisdom, 940 00:34:27,266 --> 00:34:30,502 we stand a better chance of prevailing against crime. 941 00:34:30,569 --> 00:34:33,805 We have to accept that, to be truly tough on crime, 942 00:34:33,872 --> 00:34:36,708 we must first understand how to be smart on crime. 943 00:34:36,775 --> 00:34:37,876 That's our boy. 944 00:34:37,943 --> 00:34:40,045 Mercy is not a weakness. 945 00:34:40,112 --> 00:34:42,148 It is not a symptom of lack of... 946 00:34:42,214 --> 00:34:45,284 If it was you whispering pardons in his ear, 947 00:34:45,351 --> 00:34:46,952 it was the right thing. 948 00:34:47,018 --> 00:34:48,454 I don't whisper, Leo. 949 00:34:48,520 --> 00:34:51,123 That's not how it works between us. 950 00:34:51,190 --> 00:34:52,824 ...and pride in our great nation, 951 00:34:52,891 --> 00:34:53,792 as well as the laws... 952 00:34:53,859 --> 00:34:54,960 My job is to help Jed 953 00:34:55,026 --> 00:34:57,963 be as good a President as he is a man. 954 00:34:58,029 --> 00:34:59,030 Oh? 955 00:34:59,097 --> 00:34:59,965 I'm not going to sit back 956 00:35:00,031 --> 00:35:01,467 and judge anymore. 957 00:35:01,533 --> 00:35:03,969 I'm going to jump in and get my hands dirty. 958 00:35:04,035 --> 00:35:06,272 We can use the help. 959 00:35:06,338 --> 00:35:08,374 Come on in here. 960 00:35:08,440 --> 00:35:09,841 Let's have a cup of tea, Leo. 961 00:35:09,908 --> 00:35:13,279 Unless you ignore my invitations on principle these days. 962 00:35:13,345 --> 00:35:16,748 About Presidents Weekend-- I'm thrilled. 963 00:35:16,815 --> 00:35:18,750 But I thought I'd give you a chance... 964 00:35:18,817 --> 00:35:20,319 To back out? 965 00:35:20,386 --> 00:35:21,052 We want to see you. 966 00:35:21,119 --> 00:35:22,321 We invited you. 967 00:35:22,388 --> 00:35:24,390 It's been ages since we stayed up late 968 00:35:24,456 --> 00:35:28,460 arguing the proper sequence of hands in Shanghai Rum. 969 00:35:28,527 --> 00:35:31,530 It's one set, one run, a run and a set. 970 00:35:31,597 --> 00:35:33,599 ( chuckles ) I thought you might reconsider. 971 00:35:33,665 --> 00:35:36,168 You may not have gotten your invitation yet. 972 00:35:36,235 --> 00:35:37,803 Is this about Jenny's wedding? 973 00:35:37,869 --> 00:35:39,471 Yeah. I can't dress 974 00:35:39,538 --> 00:35:41,373 for this thing without you. 975 00:35:41,440 --> 00:35:43,175 Which one screams dominance? 976 00:35:43,242 --> 00:35:44,676 Do I get to wear it afterwards? 977 00:35:44,743 --> 00:35:45,677 No comment. 978 00:35:45,744 --> 00:35:46,678 Darjeeling? 979 00:35:46,745 --> 00:35:48,013 Thank you. 980 00:35:48,079 --> 00:35:49,515 Leo thinks we should reconsider 981 00:35:49,581 --> 00:35:51,149 attending his ex-wife's wedding. 982 00:35:51,217 --> 00:35:52,150 No way. 983 00:35:52,218 --> 00:35:53,151 You're old friends. 984 00:35:53,219 --> 00:35:54,486 Jenny would like it. 985 00:35:54,553 --> 00:35:56,355 We plan on sending them something nice. 986 00:35:56,422 --> 00:35:58,123 Don't we, Jed? 987 00:35:58,190 --> 00:36:00,025 Something for the kitchen-- a juicer, maybe. 988 00:36:00,091 --> 00:36:01,460 Encourage Howard to lose a few pounds. 989 00:36:01,527 --> 00:36:02,561 Or his and hers binoculars. 990 00:36:02,628 --> 00:36:04,062 They have these prism optics now. 991 00:36:04,129 --> 00:36:06,732 ABBEY: I don't think Howard actually goes outdoors. 992 00:36:06,798 --> 00:36:08,800 He's more a Discovery Channel type of birder. 993 00:36:08,867 --> 00:36:11,503 PRESIDENT: That's probably better, with his asthma. 994 00:36:11,570 --> 00:36:13,705 A nice book then-- something with large print, of course. 995 00:36:13,772 --> 00:36:15,073 Yeah. Mm-hmm. We'll think of something. 996 00:36:15,140 --> 00:36:17,343 You two are evil. 997 00:36:17,409 --> 00:36:19,411 PRESIDENT: We've always loved Jenny. 998 00:36:19,478 --> 00:36:22,013 But you're the one we want to spend the weekend with. 999 00:36:22,080 --> 00:36:23,715 To union. 1000 00:36:23,782 --> 00:36:26,585 All states of it. 1001 00:36:26,652 --> 00:36:28,454 Hear! Hear! 1002 00:36:28,520 --> 00:36:29,321 ( phone ringing ) 1003 00:36:29,388 --> 00:36:30,222 ( wolf whistle ) 1004 00:36:30,289 --> 00:36:31,357 Josh Lyman's office. 1005 00:36:31,423 --> 00:36:32,724 Now I remember why I love this night. 1006 00:36:32,791 --> 00:36:34,059 You love this night because, in two hours, 1007 00:36:34,125 --> 00:36:35,193 you'll have a sour mash in hand. 1008 00:36:35,261 --> 00:36:36,562 That's me. I'm Donna Moss. 1009 00:36:36,628 --> 00:36:37,829 The press conference was a hit. 1010 00:36:37,896 --> 00:36:39,298 The President did well this morning. 1011 00:36:39,365 --> 00:36:41,633 They ranting on cable? 1012 00:36:41,700 --> 00:36:43,802 Uh-huh. 1013 00:36:52,143 --> 00:36:53,144 Guess this makes it official. 1014 00:36:53,211 --> 00:36:54,580 You'll do your family proud. 1015 00:36:54,646 --> 00:36:55,614 Are you sure I shouldn't just 1016 00:36:55,681 --> 00:36:56,848 stick my head in and say hello? 1017 00:36:56,915 --> 00:36:57,849 I wouldn't. 1018 00:36:57,916 --> 00:36:59,285 I'd keep it professional, you know. 1019 00:36:59,351 --> 00:37:00,386 Just shake hands. 1020 00:37:00,452 --> 00:37:01,520 I don't want it to be awkward. 1021 00:37:01,587 --> 00:37:02,388 Number one, I don't believe you. 1022 00:37:02,454 --> 00:37:03,221 You have "broken heart" 1023 00:37:03,289 --> 00:37:04,990 written all over you. 1024 00:37:05,056 --> 00:37:06,758 Number two, he's got the State of the Union in less than an hour. 1025 00:37:06,825 --> 00:37:07,726 I just thought... 1026 00:37:07,793 --> 00:37:09,728 Don't be a fool. Stay out of there. 1027 00:37:23,742 --> 00:37:26,177 CAROL: It's Gentle Ben on hold. 1028 00:37:26,244 --> 00:37:27,846 C.J.: You put him on hold? 1029 00:37:27,913 --> 00:37:29,681 CAROL: That's what you told me to do. 1030 00:37:29,748 --> 00:37:31,917 C.J.: Carol, maybe you ought to... 1031 00:37:31,983 --> 00:37:32,951 C.J. 1032 00:37:33,018 --> 00:37:34,286 Donna, my darling, 1033 00:37:34,353 --> 00:37:36,254 would you pick up line one 1034 00:37:36,322 --> 00:37:39,391 and tell this guy you can't find me? 1035 00:37:40,592 --> 00:37:42,060 What's wrong? 1036 00:37:42,127 --> 00:37:44,396 I just had a call 1037 00:37:44,463 --> 00:37:47,299 from Anne Kaehler-- Donovan's sister. 1038 00:37:48,934 --> 00:37:51,370 He killed himself. 1039 00:37:53,104 --> 00:37:55,040 Who's Donovan? 1040 00:37:59,277 --> 00:38:00,712 I lost Mr. Ziegler. 1041 00:38:00,779 --> 00:38:02,047 He was just here. 1042 00:38:02,113 --> 00:38:04,383 Sorry. Can't help. 1043 00:38:07,285 --> 00:38:08,387 You heard? 1044 00:38:08,454 --> 00:38:09,755 It hit the wires? 1045 00:38:09,821 --> 00:38:10,889 I got a call. 1046 00:38:10,956 --> 00:38:12,424 Does the President know? 1047 00:38:12,491 --> 00:38:13,992 PRESIDENT: Looks like the gang is hovering. 1048 00:38:14,059 --> 00:38:15,327 Come on in, guys. 1049 00:38:16,395 --> 00:38:17,696 What's up? 1050 00:38:19,998 --> 00:38:21,900 Go on. 1051 00:38:21,967 --> 00:38:23,402 We've got this. 1052 00:38:34,145 --> 00:38:35,747 Charlie? 1053 00:38:37,148 --> 00:38:38,750 Ms. Anders. 1054 00:38:38,817 --> 00:38:40,251 Ms.? 1055 00:38:40,318 --> 00:38:41,252 You sorry son... 1056 00:38:41,319 --> 00:38:43,455 Charlie, are we...? 1057 00:38:45,924 --> 00:38:47,426 I beg your pardon. 1058 00:38:47,493 --> 00:38:48,827 Mr. President, may I have 1059 00:38:48,894 --> 00:38:50,362 a moment? 1060 00:38:55,367 --> 00:38:58,269 There's nothing you could have done. 1061 00:38:58,336 --> 00:39:00,271 It's stupid. I don't even know... 1062 00:39:00,338 --> 00:39:01,239 It's not stupid. 1063 00:39:01,306 --> 00:39:03,375 You met them. 1064 00:39:03,442 --> 00:39:05,310 They got to you. 1065 00:39:05,377 --> 00:39:08,279 I need to learn how to not be so... 1066 00:39:08,346 --> 00:39:10,616 how to keep things at arms' length. 1067 00:39:12,350 --> 00:39:13,785 I hope not. 1068 00:39:15,186 --> 00:39:16,788 We're heading over. 1069 00:39:16,855 --> 00:39:19,791 The President asked if you'd escort the special guests. 1070 00:39:25,697 --> 00:39:27,399 So a one-night thing would have worked better for you? 1071 00:39:27,466 --> 00:39:29,200 I know three weeks was too long. 1072 00:39:29,267 --> 00:39:31,737 Charlie, they're ready. 1073 00:39:37,543 --> 00:39:39,310 Actually, the first two weeks 1074 00:39:39,377 --> 00:39:40,812 were pretty great. 1075 00:39:40,879 --> 00:39:43,449 When you thought I was nobody? No threat? 1076 00:39:43,515 --> 00:39:44,850 I protect him. 1077 00:39:44,916 --> 00:39:45,684 It's my job. 1078 00:39:45,751 --> 00:39:48,454 And I meant no threat to you. 1079 00:39:48,520 --> 00:39:51,322 When you said he wasn't just the President, 1080 00:39:51,389 --> 00:39:52,791 I understood. 1081 00:39:52,858 --> 00:39:54,960 I'll see you around, Meeshell. 1082 00:40:11,843 --> 00:40:14,345 TV HOST: Were you surprised by the warmth of the reception? 1083 00:40:14,412 --> 00:40:17,649 GUEST: I was. When you consider our government was gridlocked 1084 00:40:17,716 --> 00:40:19,851 two months ago over budget disputes, 1085 00:40:19,918 --> 00:40:22,988 tonight's State of the Union had a welcome forward momentum. 1086 00:40:23,054 --> 00:40:24,623 HOST: Absolutely. Let's take another look 1087 00:40:24,690 --> 00:40:26,825 at some of the significant high points. 1088 00:40:26,892 --> 00:40:29,695 PRESIDENT: The hard work of forming this more perfect union 1089 00:40:29,761 --> 00:40:31,563 belongs to us all. 1090 00:40:31,630 --> 00:40:34,199 We need to be as wise as we are resolute, 1091 00:40:34,265 --> 00:40:36,535 as smart as we are strong. 1092 00:40:36,602 --> 00:40:39,404 The President will join us shortly for photos. 1093 00:40:39,471 --> 00:40:40,906 If anyone would like refreshments... 1094 00:40:47,646 --> 00:40:49,648 That was quite a speech the President made. 1095 00:40:49,715 --> 00:40:51,382 Quite a day for your organization. 1096 00:40:51,449 --> 00:40:53,985 Yes, ma'am. I wish that you could have been in there 1097 00:40:54,052 --> 00:40:55,754 when we made those 35 phone calls 1098 00:40:55,821 --> 00:40:57,222 to the families this morning. 1099 00:40:58,790 --> 00:41:02,060 President Bartlet, wonderful speech, sir. 1100 00:41:02,127 --> 00:41:03,562 Thank you. 1101 00:41:03,629 --> 00:41:06,364 Mr. President, this is Mr. Holmes 1102 00:41:06,431 --> 00:41:07,265 of Families Against Mandatory Minimums. 1103 00:41:07,332 --> 00:41:09,034 How are you, sir? Sir. 1104 00:41:09,100 --> 00:41:10,068 And his sister, Kandy. 1105 00:41:10,135 --> 00:41:13,104 Hi. She just got home a few hours ago. 1106 00:41:13,171 --> 00:41:14,339 Sir, there are no words 1107 00:41:14,405 --> 00:41:16,274 to express our gratitude. 1108 00:41:16,341 --> 00:41:18,076 Today has been overwhelming. 1109 00:41:18,143 --> 00:41:19,778 Thank you, sir. 1110 00:41:19,845 --> 00:41:21,647 Kandy was saying on the way over 1111 00:41:21,713 --> 00:41:23,682 she feels like she's been hit by lightning. 1112 00:41:23,749 --> 00:41:25,483 I hope it's not quite that random. 1113 00:41:25,551 --> 00:41:28,186 I can never repay you. 1114 00:41:28,253 --> 00:41:30,488 Oh, yes, you can. 1115 00:41:30,556 --> 00:41:32,558 You got the second chance you deserve, 1116 00:41:32,624 --> 00:41:34,159 but it's also a heck of a burden. 1117 00:41:34,225 --> 00:41:36,227 If you screw up again, you don't just 1118 00:41:36,294 --> 00:41:38,096 hurt yourself and your family-- 1119 00:41:38,163 --> 00:41:39,631 you damage me. And worse, 1120 00:41:39,698 --> 00:41:41,466 you hurt all those prisoners still hoping 1121 00:41:41,533 --> 00:41:44,369 for the fair shake most of them won't get. 1122 00:41:44,435 --> 00:41:45,704 Am I right, Donna? 1123 00:41:45,771 --> 00:41:47,238 Yes, Mr. President. 1124 00:41:47,305 --> 00:41:48,473 Ms. Holmes, you need to take 1125 00:41:48,540 --> 00:41:49,741 your life in your hands 1126 00:41:49,808 --> 00:41:51,276 and make sure that none of those left behind 1127 00:41:51,342 --> 00:41:54,079 are ever more deserving than you. 1128 00:41:54,145 --> 00:41:56,982 I will, sir. I promise. 1129 00:41:57,048 --> 00:41:58,016 Okay. 1130 00:41:58,083 --> 00:41:59,450 Thank you. 1131 00:41:59,517 --> 00:42:01,086 Keep in touch. Yes, sir. 1132 00:42:01,152 --> 00:42:04,455 Bless you all. 1133 00:42:04,522 --> 00:42:06,958 It must be an honor to work for him. 1134 00:42:09,527 --> 00:42:10,962 It is.