1 00:00:18,419 --> 00:00:21,189 C.J.: "Why?" That's the right question. 2 00:00:21,255 --> 00:00:24,125 Your bread and butter, huh, having the right questions. 3 00:00:24,192 --> 00:00:26,960 DOCUMENTARIAN: Like having the right answers is yours. 4 00:00:27,027 --> 00:00:28,129 Did we start? 5 00:00:28,196 --> 00:00:29,397 Oh, don't mind them. 6 00:00:29,463 --> 00:00:30,898 Right, right. 7 00:00:30,964 --> 00:00:34,668 Why am I letting you tail me, is that what you're asking? 8 00:00:34,735 --> 00:00:35,803 Yeah, I mean, I pitch, 9 00:00:35,869 --> 00:00:37,838 but I'm always surprised when people accept. 10 00:00:37,905 --> 00:00:38,806 Well, I'd seen your work. 11 00:00:38,872 --> 00:00:40,508 Well, exactly. 12 00:00:40,574 --> 00:00:41,642 And, um, you know, 13 00:00:41,709 --> 00:00:44,078 I'm not expecting a free ride, I just, 14 00:00:44,145 --> 00:00:47,315 I guess I thought your... your concept: 15 00:00:47,381 --> 00:00:49,417 a day in the life-- 16 00:00:49,483 --> 00:00:50,751 a day in my life, is, uh... 17 00:00:50,818 --> 00:00:52,486 You know what, before we get into it, 18 00:00:52,553 --> 00:00:54,322 I want to reiterate the ground rules. Mm-hmm. 19 00:00:54,388 --> 00:00:56,590 You want to document this, Chad. 20 00:00:56,657 --> 00:00:57,925 Let me have that. 21 00:00:57,991 --> 00:00:59,793 I want to be clear between you and me. Of course. 22 00:00:59,860 --> 00:01:01,095 Your access is to me. 23 00:01:01,162 --> 00:01:02,763 And your staff and your coworkers. 24 00:01:02,830 --> 00:01:05,333 Yes, but if you're secretly hoping to have lots of time 25 00:01:05,399 --> 00:01:07,735 with Senior Staff or in the Oval you picked the wrong gal, 26 00:01:07,801 --> 00:01:09,337 'cause that's not what I do all day. 27 00:01:09,403 --> 00:01:11,004 I can't let this project in any way 28 00:01:11,071 --> 00:01:12,340 compromise my obligations 29 00:01:12,406 --> 00:01:14,175 to the President of the United States. 30 00:01:14,242 --> 00:01:15,776 That was bragging. 31 00:01:15,843 --> 00:01:17,245 Let's get back to "Why?" 32 00:01:17,311 --> 00:01:19,513 Well, I think... and this is an answer 33 00:01:19,580 --> 00:01:22,250 that's too long-winded for you to use, but... 34 00:01:26,154 --> 00:01:28,088 C.J.: After President Bartlet, my face is the one 35 00:01:28,156 --> 00:01:29,990 most associated with this administration; 36 00:01:30,057 --> 00:01:32,760 yet, for all its visibility, it's not well understood. 37 00:01:32,826 --> 00:01:35,663 The public is used to seeing me at the podium, 38 00:01:35,729 --> 00:01:37,331 confronting an adversarial press. 39 00:01:37,398 --> 00:01:39,333 And there's a-a misconception 40 00:01:39,400 --> 00:01:41,769 that I'm here to stymie reporters 41 00:01:41,835 --> 00:01:44,338 or to mislead the public-- 42 00:01:44,405 --> 00:01:47,508 to spin or even hide the truth, when, in fact, 43 00:01:47,575 --> 00:01:51,312 any good Press Secretary aims to do just the opposite. 44 00:01:51,379 --> 00:01:54,448 ( laughing ): This is a terrible idea. 45 00:01:54,515 --> 00:01:56,417 I don't know what I was thinking. 46 00:01:56,484 --> 00:01:58,319 This is-- let's... let's call this off. 47 00:01:58,386 --> 00:02:00,120 The break-neck pace we live at. 48 00:02:00,188 --> 00:02:01,555 The 24-hour news cycle. 49 00:02:01,622 --> 00:02:03,291 Is this good for the country? 50 00:02:03,357 --> 00:02:05,326 Is it inescapable? 51 00:02:05,393 --> 00:02:08,429 How do we reflect, get perspective? 52 00:02:08,496 --> 00:02:10,331 DOCUMENTARIAN: Since the advent of television, 53 00:02:10,398 --> 00:02:11,465 in the middle of the 20th century, 54 00:02:11,532 --> 00:02:13,167 the White House Press Secretary 55 00:02:13,234 --> 00:02:14,968 has been no stranger to Americans. 56 00:02:15,035 --> 00:02:18,172 But what about the private aspects of this office? 57 00:02:18,239 --> 00:02:20,441 In the current media explosion, 58 00:02:20,508 --> 00:02:22,743 how is this important job changing? 59 00:02:22,810 --> 00:02:24,545 And to what extent does the individual serving 60 00:02:24,612 --> 00:02:26,480 as Press Secretary, at any given moment, 61 00:02:26,547 --> 00:02:30,050 define America's relationship with the White House? 62 00:02:30,117 --> 00:02:33,287 To answer these questions, Access spent a day 63 00:02:33,354 --> 00:02:35,423 with White House Press Secretary C.J. Cregg. 64 00:02:35,489 --> 00:02:37,725 ( press shouting questions ) 65 00:02:37,791 --> 00:02:40,361 C.J.: I see my job as making sure the press, 66 00:02:40,428 --> 00:02:42,162 and, through them, the public is well-informed. 67 00:02:42,230 --> 00:02:45,366 I tell them the truth. 68 00:02:45,433 --> 00:02:47,768 That's my goal. 69 00:02:47,835 --> 00:02:50,338 DOCUMENTARIAN: But our cameras captured a day that was anything but ordinary. 70 00:02:50,404 --> 00:02:51,905 In the corridors of the West Wing, 71 00:02:51,972 --> 00:02:56,310 Access became part of the modern media machine 72 00:02:56,377 --> 00:02:58,546 that witnessed a harrowing and historic day 73 00:02:58,612 --> 00:03:01,615 for the entire Bartlet Administration. 74 00:03:01,682 --> 00:03:04,552 Tonight, Access goes "Behind the Podium," 75 00:03:04,618 --> 00:03:07,455 and we invite you to come with us. 76 00:03:53,601 --> 00:03:55,303 DOCUMENTARIAN: This program was shot 77 00:03:55,369 --> 00:03:56,937 over a two-day period, a year into 78 00:03:57,004 --> 00:03:59,640 President Josiah Bartlet's second term in office. 79 00:03:59,707 --> 00:04:01,975 On the first day, Access conducted private interviews 80 00:04:02,042 --> 00:04:03,611 with Press Secretary C.J. Cregg, 81 00:04:03,677 --> 00:04:06,647 as well as her staff and coworkers. 82 00:04:06,714 --> 00:04:08,482 The following day, we spent over 12 hours 83 00:04:08,549 --> 00:04:10,284 backstage in the West Wing of the White House 84 00:04:10,351 --> 00:04:13,554 on the heels of the country's most visible spokesperson. 85 00:04:13,621 --> 00:04:15,723 However, for national security purposes, 86 00:04:15,789 --> 00:04:18,659 the release of this documentary was prohibited 87 00:04:18,726 --> 00:04:20,694 until the administration left office. 88 00:04:20,761 --> 00:04:23,297 Before 24-hour cable news and the Internet, 89 00:04:23,364 --> 00:04:25,065 the White House Press Secretary 90 00:04:25,132 --> 00:04:27,501 had a more controlled set of deadlines. 91 00:04:27,568 --> 00:04:30,404 Today the press office feeds a media machine 92 00:04:30,471 --> 00:04:32,440 with a round-the-clock appetite. 93 00:04:32,506 --> 00:04:33,741 The following is the press schedule 94 00:04:33,807 --> 00:04:36,410 for the President for Wednesday, March 31. 95 00:04:36,477 --> 00:04:37,711 Note: This is for news planning only, 96 00:04:37,778 --> 00:04:39,913 not for publication or release. 97 00:04:39,980 --> 00:04:42,850 DOCUMENTARIAN: 66 million Americans subscribe to daily newspapers. 98 00:04:42,916 --> 00:04:46,086 An average news Web site clocks 200 hits a second. 99 00:04:46,153 --> 00:04:49,122 And from a camera positioned outside the northwest gate, 100 00:04:49,189 --> 00:04:51,625 CNN's Channel 53 offers constant coverage 101 00:04:51,692 --> 00:04:54,795 of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. 102 00:04:54,862 --> 00:04:56,397 I don't think it was ever a laid-back job. 103 00:04:56,464 --> 00:04:57,731 ( laughs ) 104 00:04:57,798 --> 00:05:00,033 But, um, I like to think that Jim Haggerty, 105 00:05:00,100 --> 00:05:02,069 who was Eisenhower's Press Secretary, 106 00:05:02,135 --> 00:05:04,772 kind of knew what they were getting into when they... 107 00:05:04,838 --> 00:05:07,341 they started allowing press conferences to be recorded 108 00:05:07,408 --> 00:05:09,276 and edited for broadcast for the first time. 109 00:05:09,343 --> 00:05:10,878 Giving up control of your message, 110 00:05:10,944 --> 00:05:12,980 putting that in the hands of news producers. 111 00:05:13,046 --> 00:05:14,682 For those 33 minutes 112 00:05:14,748 --> 00:05:17,451 Haggerty stood in the wings of the Indian Treaty Room. 113 00:05:17,518 --> 00:05:19,720 I can only imagine what he was feeling. 114 00:05:19,787 --> 00:05:21,755 I see we're trying a new experiment this morning. 115 00:05:21,822 --> 00:05:25,493 I hope it doesn't prove to be a disturbing influence. 116 00:05:25,559 --> 00:05:27,194 DOCUMENTARIAN: Before Eisenhower, 117 00:05:27,260 --> 00:05:29,697 the White House press corps was on a short leash, 118 00:05:29,763 --> 00:05:32,165 a controllable entity tucked in the President's pocket. 119 00:05:32,232 --> 00:05:33,767 But in 1955, 120 00:05:33,834 --> 00:05:35,769 the whir of cameras leveled the playing field 121 00:05:35,836 --> 00:05:38,639 between the press and the Administration. 122 00:05:38,706 --> 00:05:41,675 It represented a fundamental shift in power, 123 00:05:41,742 --> 00:05:44,311 one still deeply felt by today's Press Secretary. 124 00:05:44,378 --> 00:05:45,613 Good morning, Ms. Cregg. 125 00:05:45,679 --> 00:05:46,947 ID, please? Hey, Lance. How you doing? 126 00:05:47,014 --> 00:05:48,081 Can I get IDs from your crew? Sure. 127 00:05:48,148 --> 00:05:49,082 My day starts at home 128 00:05:49,149 --> 00:05:50,418 before 5:00, actually. 129 00:05:50,484 --> 00:05:52,285 I scan all the major news outlets online 130 00:05:52,352 --> 00:05:53,454 before I get dressed. 131 00:05:53,521 --> 00:05:54,588 On my way in, 132 00:05:54,655 --> 00:05:56,590 I try to stay off the phone. 133 00:05:56,657 --> 00:05:58,659 My commute is the one time 134 00:05:58,726 --> 00:06:01,228 I can be by myself, gather my thoughts. 135 00:06:01,294 --> 00:06:02,295 How's Eden? Oh, she's great. 136 00:06:02,362 --> 00:06:03,464 Good. Thanks for asking. 137 00:06:03,531 --> 00:06:04,865 Clear. Very good. Thank you. 138 00:06:04,932 --> 00:06:06,600 Have a great day. ( horn honking ) 139 00:06:06,667 --> 00:06:07,968 Thank you. Stay dry. Relax. 140 00:06:08,035 --> 00:06:09,136 ( phone rings ) 141 00:06:09,202 --> 00:06:10,938 White House Press Office. 142 00:06:11,004 --> 00:06:14,041 C.J.: I arrive usually around 7:00, 7:30, depending. 143 00:06:14,107 --> 00:06:17,645 And it is no cliche-- walking through those doors, 144 00:06:17,711 --> 00:06:19,480 walking to go to work in the White House... 145 00:06:19,547 --> 00:06:21,181 it never gets old. 146 00:06:21,248 --> 00:06:23,984 Anyway, the morning starts with Senior Staff, 147 00:06:24,051 --> 00:06:25,986 and then I have an informal gaggle with the press, 148 00:06:26,053 --> 00:06:27,688 and then I meet with my staff and deputies 149 00:06:27,755 --> 00:06:29,322 about the events of the day. 150 00:06:29,389 --> 00:06:30,524 8:30 a.m.: The President meets 151 00:06:30,591 --> 00:06:31,892 with House and Senate Leadership. 152 00:06:31,959 --> 00:06:33,727 Cabinet Room, the White House. Pool at top. 153 00:06:33,794 --> 00:06:36,063 Is anybody waiting for me? 154 00:06:36,129 --> 00:06:37,297 Steve and Chris. 155 00:06:37,364 --> 00:06:39,132 Is she chatty? Mm-hmm. 156 00:06:39,199 --> 00:06:40,834 Oh, that's trouble. 157 00:06:40,901 --> 00:06:42,335 Is he on the President's schedule? 158 00:06:42,402 --> 00:06:43,270 Who? The FBI Director. 159 00:06:43,336 --> 00:06:45,272 I don't think so. 160 00:06:45,338 --> 00:06:47,307 CAROL: Steve's looking for a quote on tech sector growth. 161 00:06:47,374 --> 00:06:48,809 C.J.: Steve, I beg mercy. 162 00:06:48,876 --> 00:06:50,377 Don't make me talk tech growth before coffee. 163 00:06:50,444 --> 00:06:51,845 Morning. I will say this though, 164 00:06:51,912 --> 00:06:54,047 the tech sector represents six million American jobs. 165 00:06:54,114 --> 00:06:55,215 That I can look up. 166 00:06:55,282 --> 00:06:56,784 Hey, did your daughter hear anything? 167 00:06:56,850 --> 00:06:58,519 Accepted at the Annenberg School and at Penn. 168 00:06:58,586 --> 00:07:00,153 That's wonderful. 169 00:07:00,220 --> 00:07:01,088 Isn't that great? 170 00:07:01,154 --> 00:07:01,922 Fantastic. Thank you. 171 00:07:01,989 --> 00:07:03,323 What have you got? 172 00:07:03,390 --> 00:07:05,358 Well, you're not going to like it. I never expect to. 173 00:07:05,425 --> 00:07:06,494 At last year's inaugural, 174 00:07:06,560 --> 00:07:07,761 the First Lady wore a burgundy 175 00:07:07,828 --> 00:07:09,830 Richard Tyler gown. Satin, off the shoulder. 176 00:07:09,897 --> 00:07:11,198 I have a source that says 177 00:07:11,264 --> 00:07:13,333 she accepted that gown as a gift from the designer. 178 00:07:13,400 --> 00:07:14,668 The ethics rules are pretty clear. 179 00:07:14,735 --> 00:07:16,069 Looks like I'll be rifling through 180 00:07:16,136 --> 00:07:17,538 the First Lady's closet this afternoon. 181 00:07:17,605 --> 00:07:18,539 You could get fired for that. 182 00:07:18,606 --> 00:07:19,740 If I'm lucky. 183 00:07:19,807 --> 00:07:21,942 Today's schedule and it's time. 184 00:07:22,009 --> 00:07:24,878 C.J.: You can't afford to ignore what even seems trivial. 185 00:07:24,945 --> 00:07:28,381 And I have a call into the First Lady's office. 186 00:07:28,448 --> 00:07:29,750 The Minister's wife has a cold, 187 00:07:29,817 --> 00:07:31,652 and she can't make it onto the podium. 188 00:07:31,719 --> 00:07:33,721 C.J.: Remember the "Bartlet the Dog-Hater"? 189 00:07:33,787 --> 00:07:36,323 That was... that was entirely my fault. 190 00:07:36,389 --> 00:07:37,758 I-I made light of some question 191 00:07:37,825 --> 00:07:39,793 about why the Bartlet's had never owned a dog, 192 00:07:39,860 --> 00:07:41,428 and there were stories for weeks. 193 00:07:41,495 --> 00:07:42,429 ( press shouting questions ) 194 00:07:42,496 --> 00:07:43,831 It was a joke, folks. 195 00:07:43,897 --> 00:07:45,499 It was my joke and it wasn't even funny. 196 00:07:45,566 --> 00:07:47,134 The President does not dislike dogs. 197 00:07:47,200 --> 00:07:50,037 In fact, the entire First Family have been long-time supporters 198 00:07:50,103 --> 00:07:52,472 of the Humane Society, the ASPCA, to name a few. 199 00:07:52,540 --> 00:07:55,375 DOCUMENTARIAN: Each morning the Press Secretary meets 200 00:07:55,442 --> 00:07:57,077 with White House Senior Staff-- 201 00:07:57,144 --> 00:07:59,112 the President's closest advisors. 202 00:07:59,179 --> 00:08:01,181 Scheduled at 7:30 a.m., 203 00:08:01,248 --> 00:08:03,150 this is the staff's first opportunity 204 00:08:03,216 --> 00:08:05,519 to sift through the day's impending events and issues. 205 00:08:05,586 --> 00:08:06,887 C.J.: Your day takes off. 206 00:08:06,954 --> 00:08:08,221 You try to keep all the balls in the air. 207 00:08:08,288 --> 00:08:09,623 You hope you don't drop the wrong one. 208 00:08:09,690 --> 00:08:10,824 LEO: What else? 209 00:08:10,891 --> 00:08:12,125 TOBY: Well, while the President 210 00:08:12,192 --> 00:08:13,727 is greeting the Ugandan delegation, 211 00:08:13,794 --> 00:08:16,630 which I guess is going to happen later, 212 00:08:16,697 --> 00:08:18,165 I'll be, um, briefed 213 00:08:18,231 --> 00:08:21,735 by the Surgeon General and the AIDS Policy Office. 214 00:08:21,802 --> 00:08:23,103 They want to make modifications on PAPP. 215 00:08:23,170 --> 00:08:24,371 Pan-African... ? 216 00:08:24,437 --> 00:08:26,540 AIDS Prevention Policy. 217 00:08:26,607 --> 00:08:31,144 TOBY: C.J. was someone I found during a senatorial campaign 218 00:08:31,211 --> 00:08:32,646 in New York. 219 00:08:32,713 --> 00:08:35,482 Uh, she was doing P.R. with a New York firm. 220 00:08:35,549 --> 00:08:41,622 And, uh, we were probably 36 points behind 221 00:08:41,689 --> 00:08:44,291 when we got C.J., 222 00:08:44,357 --> 00:08:47,828 and, uh, with her help, 223 00:08:47,895 --> 00:08:51,298 I think we gained two or three points before we lost. 224 00:08:51,364 --> 00:08:52,666 LEO: Anything else? 225 00:08:52,733 --> 00:08:54,935 Any progress on The D day anniversary? 226 00:09:04,077 --> 00:09:06,513 Did the FBI put something on the President's schedule? 227 00:09:06,580 --> 00:09:07,480 LEO: Who's asking? 228 00:09:07,547 --> 00:09:09,349 So far, just me. No. 229 00:09:09,416 --> 00:09:13,320 JOSH: There have been times where, for her own sake, 230 00:09:13,386 --> 00:09:15,088 in order to do her job 231 00:09:15,155 --> 00:09:19,960 and for her to remain an honest source for reporters... 232 00:09:20,027 --> 00:09:22,663 Well, you know, if the reporters see the Director here... 233 00:09:22,730 --> 00:09:23,864 LEO: Yeah, he's just stopping by. 234 00:09:23,931 --> 00:09:25,298 Okay. 235 00:09:25,365 --> 00:09:27,100 JOSH: If she were to have information, 236 00:09:27,167 --> 00:09:29,169 she would be ethically bound to share it, 237 00:09:29,236 --> 00:09:31,204 and I don't want to put her in that position. 238 00:09:31,271 --> 00:09:34,041 It is a tough job, and it only gets tougher. 239 00:09:34,107 --> 00:09:36,376 Now, we have a fraternity of former Press Secretaries 240 00:09:36,443 --> 00:09:37,544 and we get together. 241 00:09:37,611 --> 00:09:39,179 It's like sort of a club. 242 00:09:39,246 --> 00:09:41,581 I think there's maybe eight or so guys still kicking. 243 00:09:41,649 --> 00:09:44,184 But we all know what it's like to stand out there, 244 00:09:44,251 --> 00:09:46,620 taking those bullets, the shrapnel's flying, 245 00:09:46,687 --> 00:09:48,689 while the rest of the President's staff 246 00:09:48,756 --> 00:09:50,390 is back in the bunker, safe and sound-- 247 00:09:50,457 --> 00:09:52,159 where they should be. 248 00:09:52,225 --> 00:09:54,828 You see, there's a... there's a loneliness in this job. 249 00:09:54,895 --> 00:09:56,396 A certain frontline mentality 250 00:09:56,463 --> 00:09:58,365 that your colleagues in the rear echelon 251 00:09:58,431 --> 00:10:00,467 never completely understand. 252 00:10:00,533 --> 00:10:05,272 DOCUMENTARIAN: The majority of the President's daily exposure to the press 253 00:10:05,338 --> 00:10:06,974 is in photos-only pools. 254 00:10:07,040 --> 00:10:08,976 Still-photographers and news correspondents 255 00:10:09,042 --> 00:10:11,078 wait their turn for a prized 30 seconds 256 00:10:11,144 --> 00:10:12,980 in the presence of the President. 257 00:10:13,046 --> 00:10:16,516 The organized chaos of this flashbulb frenzy 258 00:10:16,583 --> 00:10:19,086 is carefully wrangled by the Press Office-- 259 00:10:19,152 --> 00:10:22,355 a staff of 14 young aides and assistants under C.J. Cregg. 260 00:10:22,422 --> 00:10:25,425 So, how did you end up working at the White House? 261 00:10:25,492 --> 00:10:27,527 I was going to NYU, I was a journalism major, 262 00:10:27,594 --> 00:10:28,762 and I was interested in politics. 263 00:10:28,829 --> 00:10:31,031 And, um, the opportunity came up 264 00:10:31,098 --> 00:10:33,533 through some friends of the family-- 265 00:10:33,600 --> 00:10:35,703 my father was in the military. 266 00:10:35,769 --> 00:10:37,771 JACK SOSA: I actually went 267 00:10:37,838 --> 00:10:39,973 to Howard University, here in DC. 268 00:10:40,040 --> 00:10:42,309 I wrote for the paper, the student paper there. 269 00:10:42,375 --> 00:10:44,644 And I was writing articles basically... 270 00:10:44,712 --> 00:10:46,379 criticizing the Administration, really, 271 00:10:46,446 --> 00:10:48,916 about their issues on gay issues and racial issues. 272 00:10:48,982 --> 00:10:52,886 And I, on a lark, kind of wrote this letter to C.J. 273 00:10:52,953 --> 00:10:54,688 asking if she'd see me, 274 00:10:54,755 --> 00:10:56,857 because I wasn't getting really a response from them, 275 00:10:56,924 --> 00:10:58,859 and I just thought I'd give it a shot. 276 00:10:58,926 --> 00:11:01,061 And at the meeting, she actually offered me 277 00:11:01,128 --> 00:11:02,830 this position that opened up. 278 00:11:02,896 --> 00:11:04,531 All right, that's it. I'm serious. 279 00:11:04,597 --> 00:11:06,099 10:30 a.m., the President meets 280 00:11:06,166 --> 00:11:10,103 with Minister of Health Dr. Fabius... 281 00:11:10,170 --> 00:11:11,204 M-A-K-A-B-U-A... 282 00:11:11,271 --> 00:11:12,973 DOCUMENTARIAN: Then it's time for 283 00:11:13,040 --> 00:11:13,974 the Press Secretary's daily meeting... 284 00:11:14,041 --> 00:11:15,408 Good morning. Come on in. 285 00:11:15,475 --> 00:11:17,077 ...with her communications staff, 286 00:11:17,144 --> 00:11:18,879 who finalize the day's press events 287 00:11:18,946 --> 00:11:20,647 and try to anticipate the direction of the news. 288 00:11:20,714 --> 00:11:22,282 Andrew? The Ugandans are on schedule. 289 00:11:22,349 --> 00:11:23,183 Set-up's begun. 290 00:11:23,250 --> 00:11:24,384 It's a little windy out there, 291 00:11:24,451 --> 00:11:25,919 but I spoke to Audio 292 00:11:25,986 --> 00:11:27,955 and they said the mics on the podiums will be fine. 293 00:11:28,021 --> 00:11:29,689 The President is not taking questions at that. 294 00:11:29,757 --> 00:11:30,924 It's just the prepared statement. 295 00:11:30,991 --> 00:11:31,859 CAROL: They know that. 296 00:11:31,925 --> 00:11:33,326 Let's hope he does. 297 00:11:33,393 --> 00:11:35,362 ANDREW: Oh, they might ask you something 298 00:11:35,428 --> 00:11:37,697 about Congresswoman Wyatt getting chummy 299 00:11:37,765 --> 00:11:38,698 with the Palestinians. 300 00:11:38,766 --> 00:11:40,100 Okay. 301 00:11:40,167 --> 00:11:42,269 And we've had a change in the schedule. 302 00:11:42,335 --> 00:11:43,403 ( all groaning ) 303 00:11:43,470 --> 00:11:45,372 C.J.: You begin every day juggling 304 00:11:45,438 --> 00:11:46,506 a very precise schedule 305 00:11:46,573 --> 00:11:47,941 which completely, 306 00:11:48,008 --> 00:11:50,010 completely falls apart midmorning, guaranteed. 307 00:11:50,077 --> 00:11:52,746 You know, those Eagle Rangers-- 308 00:11:52,813 --> 00:11:55,015 they apparently got lost. 309 00:11:55,082 --> 00:11:56,917 So we're going to have to postpone until 2:00. 310 00:11:56,984 --> 00:11:58,318 CAROL: And there might be a weather thing. 311 00:11:58,385 --> 00:11:59,787 We like the Rose Garden for this. 312 00:11:59,853 --> 00:12:01,654 Yeah, but the satellite service says 313 00:12:01,721 --> 00:12:04,057 there's still only a 30% chance of rain, so we might be fine. 314 00:12:04,124 --> 00:12:05,392 Have you looked out the window? 315 00:12:05,458 --> 00:12:06,927 Just keep an eye on it 316 00:12:06,994 --> 00:12:08,495 and make sure there's a backup plan. What else? 317 00:12:08,561 --> 00:12:09,763 ANDREW: If you're looking for me, I'll be with 318 00:12:09,830 --> 00:12:11,231 Vatican advance all day, 319 00:12:11,298 --> 00:12:12,966 discussing his Eminence's imminent arrival. 320 00:12:13,033 --> 00:12:14,667 I think it's "His Holiness." 321 00:12:14,734 --> 00:12:15,936 Good thing. Eminence's imminent. 322 00:12:16,003 --> 00:12:17,137 Say that three times fast. 323 00:12:17,204 --> 00:12:18,505 ALL: Eminence's imminent... 324 00:12:18,571 --> 00:12:21,374 All right, all right, everybody, back to work. 325 00:12:21,441 --> 00:12:24,144 Oh, who's following breaking crime news for me? 326 00:12:24,211 --> 00:12:26,814 Me. Nothing coming in that suggests FBI involvement. 327 00:12:26,880 --> 00:12:28,648 Just keeping Eric on his toes. 328 00:12:28,715 --> 00:12:30,283 Everybody get back to work, go on. 329 00:12:30,350 --> 00:12:31,718 CAROL: Okay, hold on one second. 330 00:12:31,785 --> 00:12:33,386 C.J. Yeah. 331 00:12:33,453 --> 00:12:35,789 I am here to articulate the President's message 332 00:12:35,856 --> 00:12:37,490 and to honestly inform the press, 333 00:12:37,557 --> 00:12:39,827 and through them, the public, 334 00:12:39,893 --> 00:12:42,729 about what is happening on any given day. 335 00:12:42,796 --> 00:12:44,798 They need you in Leo's now. 336 00:12:44,865 --> 00:12:46,433 All of us? 337 00:12:46,499 --> 00:12:48,301 Uh... they didn't say. 338 00:12:48,368 --> 00:12:49,669 Okay, no big deal. 339 00:12:49,736 --> 00:12:50,670 Okay. 340 00:12:50,737 --> 00:12:52,239 I'm so sorry. 341 00:12:52,305 --> 00:12:54,007 It's all right. 342 00:12:55,442 --> 00:12:57,210 DOCUMENTARIAN: You think the Director 343 00:12:57,277 --> 00:12:59,612 of the FBI will let us in this? 344 00:12:59,679 --> 00:13:01,414 Hard to tell. 345 00:13:01,481 --> 00:13:03,716 I gather he's a pretty independent guy. 346 00:13:03,783 --> 00:13:05,052 He is. 347 00:13:05,118 --> 00:13:06,887 And not afraid of the limelight. 348 00:13:10,357 --> 00:13:12,759 So, typical morning so far? 349 00:13:12,826 --> 00:13:14,694 Yes and no. 350 00:13:14,761 --> 00:13:16,229 Because we're here? 351 00:13:16,296 --> 00:13:18,331 I don't have to tell you about the Heisenberg Principle. 352 00:13:18,398 --> 00:13:20,133 "The act of observing a phenomenon changes it." 353 00:13:20,200 --> 00:13:21,268 Yes. 354 00:13:25,205 --> 00:13:27,707 They... they signed the waivers. 355 00:13:27,774 --> 00:13:29,476 I see you're filming. Yeah? 356 00:13:29,542 --> 00:13:30,577 Uh, wait a minute. 357 00:13:30,643 --> 00:13:31,578 Good work. Thank you. 358 00:13:31,644 --> 00:13:32,745 It's nice to meet you. 359 00:13:32,812 --> 00:13:34,481 Director Arnold, this is Todd Schumaker 360 00:13:34,547 --> 00:13:35,849 and Agent Casper. 361 00:13:35,916 --> 00:13:37,584 Director Arnold has a situation unfolding. 362 00:13:37,650 --> 00:13:39,752 It's not for White House comment at this time. 363 00:13:39,819 --> 00:13:42,122 In fact, we don't believe you'll be asked about it. 364 00:13:42,189 --> 00:13:44,691 But the Director thought you should be made aware. 365 00:13:44,757 --> 00:13:46,393 Oh, well, I appreciate that. 366 00:13:46,459 --> 00:13:50,030 We have six federal agents surrounding a remote cabin 367 00:13:50,097 --> 00:13:52,432 on Shaw Island, in the San Juans-- 368 00:13:52,499 --> 00:13:55,435 20 miles off the coast of Washington State. 369 00:13:55,502 --> 00:13:58,838 A man named Jamal Othman, a naturalized Yemeni-American, 370 00:13:58,906 --> 00:14:00,473 is inside with his family. 371 00:14:00,540 --> 00:14:03,476 I'm sorry, is he being brought up on charges, or...? 372 00:14:03,543 --> 00:14:06,479 Othman was under investigation for arms trafficking. 373 00:14:06,546 --> 00:14:08,648 Our agents tracked him to his current location 374 00:14:08,715 --> 00:14:10,583 where gunfire was exchanged 90 minutes ago. 375 00:14:10,650 --> 00:14:11,985 Gunfire? 376 00:14:12,052 --> 00:14:13,353 LEO: The President has been notified. 377 00:14:13,420 --> 00:14:15,022 We'll let you know when it resolves. 378 00:14:15,088 --> 00:14:16,556 I'm sorry, but why do you think 379 00:14:16,623 --> 00:14:19,126 I'm not going to be asked questions about this? 380 00:14:19,192 --> 00:14:20,860 JOSH: Shaw Island is only accessible 381 00:14:20,928 --> 00:14:21,728 by ferry and by float plane. 382 00:14:21,794 --> 00:14:23,396 If the story breaks, 383 00:14:23,463 --> 00:14:25,798 it'll take news crews about 45 minutes, an hour and a half. 384 00:14:25,865 --> 00:14:27,467 I've got a briefing in a half hour... 385 00:14:27,534 --> 00:14:30,237 Our Seattle field office media rep is already setting up on site. 386 00:14:30,303 --> 00:14:33,040 If it comes to it, he's prepared to handle the press from there. 387 00:14:33,106 --> 00:14:34,574 But when you say gunfire, I mean... 388 00:14:34,641 --> 00:14:35,943 Thank you, C.J., we'll... Thank you. 389 00:14:36,009 --> 00:14:38,578 Thank you. All right. I'm just... 390 00:14:38,645 --> 00:14:41,148 C.J.: I am here to articulate the President's message 391 00:14:41,214 --> 00:14:43,917 and to honestly inform the press, 392 00:14:43,984 --> 00:14:45,518 and through them the public, 393 00:14:45,585 --> 00:14:47,820 on what is happening on any given day. 394 00:14:47,887 --> 00:14:48,688 DOCUMENTARIAN: When we return... 395 00:14:48,755 --> 00:14:50,457 C.J., they have it. 396 00:14:50,523 --> 00:14:52,059 ( reporters clamoring) ...breaking news explodes 397 00:14:52,125 --> 00:14:54,894 a quiet day in the White House. 398 00:14:54,962 --> 00:14:56,196 C.J.: Excuse me. I'm sorry... 399 00:14:59,066 --> 00:15:01,034 ( laughing ): You have to calm down, lady. 400 00:15:01,101 --> 00:15:04,404 DOCUMENTARIAN: Early in the day, before the televised briefing, 401 00:15:04,471 --> 00:15:06,873 reporters from the major outlets meet 402 00:15:06,940 --> 00:15:08,275 for an informal gaggle 403 00:15:08,341 --> 00:15:09,409 with the Press Secretary. 404 00:15:09,476 --> 00:15:11,411 Why was the FBI Director here today? 405 00:15:11,478 --> 00:15:12,946 He briefs the President twice a week. 406 00:15:13,013 --> 00:15:14,414 Which he did yesterday, 407 00:15:14,481 --> 00:15:16,183 so I thought maybe something was up. Let me find out. 408 00:15:16,249 --> 00:15:17,284 But as far as you know? 409 00:15:17,350 --> 00:15:18,785 He's briefing the President. 410 00:15:18,851 --> 00:15:20,287 MAN: Is there a danger that the President's meeting 411 00:15:20,353 --> 00:15:22,189 with Dr. Makabuya this morning...? 412 00:15:22,255 --> 00:15:23,656 C.J.: Do I ever have to lie to the press? 413 00:15:23,723 --> 00:15:27,127 Sometimes... lots of times I withhold information 414 00:15:27,194 --> 00:15:29,562 for valid reasons, but you can't lie. 415 00:15:29,629 --> 00:15:31,664 You run the risk of damaging your credibility 416 00:15:31,731 --> 00:15:33,900 in front of a bunch of really smart people, 417 00:15:33,967 --> 00:15:36,336 and if they stop trusting you, the system's broken. 418 00:15:36,403 --> 00:15:38,638 DOCUMENTARIAN: Do you think she ever has to lie to the press? 419 00:15:38,705 --> 00:15:40,740 Gosh, that's a tough question to answer 420 00:15:40,807 --> 00:15:43,376 in front of the camera. 421 00:15:43,443 --> 00:15:45,612 No, I don't think C.J. lies. 422 00:15:45,678 --> 00:15:47,947 I think that the Press Secretary 423 00:15:48,015 --> 00:15:49,716 must present what's best 424 00:15:49,782 --> 00:15:52,319 for the White House and what's best for the country, 425 00:15:52,385 --> 00:15:54,687 and sometimes those are hard decisions to make. 426 00:15:54,754 --> 00:15:56,990 ...not over. Speaking of which, we need to wrap up. 427 00:15:57,057 --> 00:16:00,127 MAN: Am I skeptical of what she tells me? Absolutely. 428 00:16:00,193 --> 00:16:01,828 It's my job to be skeptical. 429 00:16:01,894 --> 00:16:05,532 Listen, the public relies on me to question their White House. 430 00:16:05,598 --> 00:16:07,667 We get to do that in a free society. 431 00:16:07,734 --> 00:16:10,237 You can say that's at the core of our freedom. 432 00:16:10,303 --> 00:16:11,771 We get to question power. 433 00:16:11,838 --> 00:16:14,441 Yeah, I don't... I don't buy into that. 434 00:16:14,507 --> 00:16:17,910 I mean, the truth I know is an elusive idea, 435 00:16:17,977 --> 00:16:21,548 but there is a time and a place for when certain facts 436 00:16:21,614 --> 00:16:24,784 can be dispensed to the press and to the public. 437 00:16:24,851 --> 00:16:27,087 DOCUMENTARIAN: What prepares a young girl, 438 00:16:27,154 --> 00:16:28,721 born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, 439 00:16:28,788 --> 00:16:31,291 for a position as spokesperson for the White House 440 00:16:31,358 --> 00:16:34,294 and president of the United States? 441 00:16:34,361 --> 00:16:36,629 C.J.: Well, I got a lot of drive from my father, 442 00:16:36,696 --> 00:16:39,666 but it's actually my mother who I think about 443 00:16:39,732 --> 00:16:41,868 almost every single day I'm here. 444 00:16:41,934 --> 00:16:45,105 She was like a lot of women-- for better or for worse-- 445 00:16:45,172 --> 00:16:47,040 the communicator in our family; 446 00:16:47,107 --> 00:16:48,675 the go-between. 447 00:16:48,741 --> 00:16:52,112 She, um, she told us what-what my dad and Grandpa had said, 448 00:16:52,179 --> 00:16:54,647 or she softened what they had meant to say. 449 00:16:54,714 --> 00:16:55,948 She was a natural. 450 00:16:56,015 --> 00:16:57,784 She would have understood this job. 451 00:16:57,850 --> 00:17:00,653 The Pope will have the chair that we agreed upon... 452 00:17:00,720 --> 00:17:03,156 C.J.: One of the hardest things to learn-- 453 00:17:03,223 --> 00:17:05,258 there are so many true crises, 454 00:17:05,325 --> 00:17:07,127 so many lurking situations 455 00:17:07,194 --> 00:17:08,295 that could be dangerous 456 00:17:08,361 --> 00:17:09,929 for the President, 457 00:17:09,996 --> 00:17:11,764 it's hard not to get caught up in the adrenaline 458 00:17:11,831 --> 00:17:12,765 and make everything lethal. 459 00:17:12,832 --> 00:17:14,033 ...expressed interest 460 00:17:14,101 --> 00:17:15,302 in allowing the President's audience 461 00:17:15,368 --> 00:17:16,803 to be shared with the public. 462 00:17:16,869 --> 00:17:18,305 What does that involve? 463 00:17:18,371 --> 00:17:20,840 Shots of the President kissing his ring? 464 00:17:20,907 --> 00:17:23,643 Are you uncomfortable asking for this adjustment? 465 00:17:23,710 --> 00:17:24,744 Is the Pope Catholic? 466 00:17:24,811 --> 00:17:26,413 Uh, excuse us. 467 00:17:26,479 --> 00:17:27,814 I'm sorry, would you excuse us for just a moment please? 468 00:17:27,880 --> 00:17:29,482 Excuse me. 469 00:17:29,549 --> 00:17:31,684 He's going to chastise the President on birth control, 470 00:17:31,751 --> 00:17:33,186 in front of members of the press... 471 00:17:33,253 --> 00:17:34,587 Okay, you're not listening to me. 472 00:17:34,654 --> 00:17:36,156 You need to go back in there and apologize. 473 00:17:36,223 --> 00:17:37,790 If President Bartlet doesn't want 474 00:17:37,857 --> 00:17:39,992 his private audience with the Pope to be public, it won't be. 475 00:17:40,059 --> 00:17:44,464 If he does, that's a headache way over your pay grade, okay? 476 00:17:44,531 --> 00:17:45,998 Okay. 477 00:17:46,065 --> 00:17:48,368 C.J.: It's more than picking your battles... 478 00:17:48,435 --> 00:17:50,103 marshaling your energy... 479 00:17:50,170 --> 00:17:51,538 I understand. 480 00:17:51,604 --> 00:17:53,140 He will just take that. Thank you. 481 00:17:53,206 --> 00:17:54,707 It's about grace under fire. 482 00:17:54,774 --> 00:17:57,810 All war metaphors. 483 00:17:57,877 --> 00:17:59,612 I guess that's it-- 484 00:17:59,679 --> 00:18:02,782 being able to tell when it's a matter of life or death. 485 00:18:02,849 --> 00:18:04,217 Where's your mother now? 486 00:18:04,284 --> 00:18:05,585 She died. 487 00:18:05,652 --> 00:18:06,586 Oh, I'm sorry. 488 00:18:06,653 --> 00:18:07,987 That's okay. 489 00:18:08,054 --> 00:18:10,123 How about your father? 490 00:18:10,190 --> 00:18:12,825 He's uh... he's in Dayton, Ohio. 491 00:18:12,892 --> 00:18:14,227 And how's he? 492 00:18:14,294 --> 00:18:15,862 He's, um... 493 00:18:15,928 --> 00:18:19,899 actually he's suffering from Alzheimer's. 494 00:18:19,966 --> 00:18:22,435 I know that her dad is struggling, and I think 495 00:18:22,502 --> 00:18:24,103 that's the perfect example. 496 00:18:24,171 --> 00:18:25,838 I mean, in any other profession, 497 00:18:25,905 --> 00:18:27,207 she would have the time... 498 00:18:27,274 --> 00:18:28,741 She is knowingly 499 00:18:28,808 --> 00:18:34,447 not doing what she needs to do to be with her father, 500 00:18:34,514 --> 00:18:36,883 who is elderly and struggling, 501 00:18:36,949 --> 00:18:39,452 because she has this particular 502 00:18:39,519 --> 00:18:41,388 opportunity and position. 503 00:18:41,454 --> 00:18:44,391 That's a very difficult choice to make. 504 00:18:44,457 --> 00:18:45,825 I don't think she has... 505 00:18:45,892 --> 00:18:48,461 I think she understands the choice she's making, 506 00:18:48,528 --> 00:18:50,463 and I think it's also the choice 507 00:18:50,530 --> 00:18:52,399 that her father would want her to make, 508 00:18:52,465 --> 00:18:54,133 and I think she knows that. 509 00:18:54,201 --> 00:18:55,735 But it makes it very difficult. 510 00:18:55,802 --> 00:18:59,239 I think that she has such great instincts. 511 00:18:59,306 --> 00:19:01,641 I think that she is so agile, 512 00:19:01,708 --> 00:19:08,315 and her wit and her charm, and I think that people-- 513 00:19:08,381 --> 00:19:10,450 the press really respect her, 514 00:19:10,517 --> 00:19:13,186 and so that she can keep a very strong 515 00:19:13,253 --> 00:19:16,189 but friendly relationship with the press. 516 00:19:16,256 --> 00:19:17,557 And I think that that's important. 517 00:19:17,624 --> 00:19:19,292 I mean, what do I know, but this is my opinion. 518 00:19:19,359 --> 00:19:21,861 You are interviewing me. 519 00:19:21,928 --> 00:19:22,929 3:00? No. 520 00:19:22,995 --> 00:19:24,096 3:15? No. 521 00:19:24,163 --> 00:19:25,832 3:30? No. 522 00:19:25,898 --> 00:19:26,833 3:45? 523 00:19:26,899 --> 00:19:27,867 He has a conference call. 524 00:19:27,934 --> 00:19:29,402 4:00? 525 00:19:29,469 --> 00:19:30,937 He has an NEC thing at 4:00 that I can't push. 526 00:19:31,003 --> 00:19:33,606 Well, if the Eagle Troops make it back to civilization, 527 00:19:33,673 --> 00:19:34,941 we can move it to the Mural Room 528 00:19:35,007 --> 00:19:35,942 and make it a spray. 529 00:19:36,008 --> 00:19:37,009 What time? 530 00:19:37,076 --> 00:19:37,910 4:30. 531 00:19:37,977 --> 00:19:38,945 No. 532 00:19:43,483 --> 00:19:46,419 MAN: Are you the sound guy? 533 00:19:46,486 --> 00:19:49,188 I'm supposed to make sure the levels aren't too high. 534 00:19:49,256 --> 00:19:51,358 Because last time there was some feedback, 535 00:19:51,424 --> 00:19:52,392 and it's, um... 536 00:19:52,459 --> 00:19:54,594 Do you need help with that? 537 00:19:54,661 --> 00:19:55,828 You know why I'm asking? 538 00:19:55,895 --> 00:19:57,430 Because he's about to head out... 539 00:19:57,497 --> 00:19:58,898 ( "Hail to The Chief" playing) 540 00:19:58,965 --> 00:19:59,899 Correction-- 541 00:19:59,966 --> 00:20:00,900 he is heading out. 542 00:20:00,967 --> 00:20:02,302 I told them to wait until... 543 00:20:02,369 --> 00:20:03,670 Ay-yi, yi, yi, yi! 544 00:20:03,736 --> 00:20:04,771 JOSH: Are you nervous about this? 545 00:20:04,837 --> 00:20:06,105 Of course I'm nervous. 546 00:20:06,172 --> 00:20:07,840 I've got him in front of cameras, and you're not... 547 00:20:07,907 --> 00:20:09,742 What do you want to hear from me, that I'm panicked, too? 548 00:20:09,809 --> 00:20:12,078 You know what? 549 00:20:12,144 --> 00:20:13,179 The director said this was going 550 00:20:13,246 --> 00:20:14,414 to be settled an hour ago. 551 00:20:14,481 --> 00:20:15,515 Yesterday, Secretary Berry hill 552 00:20:15,582 --> 00:20:16,816 characterized USAID funds 553 00:20:16,883 --> 00:20:18,885 as a cash cow for Cuban dissidents... 554 00:20:18,951 --> 00:20:20,287 Are you watching this? 555 00:20:20,353 --> 00:20:21,621 He's taking... The Ugandans are... 556 00:20:21,688 --> 00:20:23,122 CAROL: He's taking a question! 557 00:20:23,189 --> 00:20:25,024 I know, I'm watching. He's taking a question. 558 00:20:25,091 --> 00:20:28,395 Both Secretary Berry hill and myself are deeply troubled 559 00:20:28,461 --> 00:20:31,831 by the repeated jailings of political dissidents in Cuba. 560 00:20:31,898 --> 00:20:33,165 Oh, boy. 561 00:20:33,232 --> 00:20:36,102 Especially as 15,000 desperate Cuban citizens continue 562 00:20:36,168 --> 00:20:39,038 to risk life and limb to reach our shores every year. 563 00:20:39,105 --> 00:20:43,142 America looks forward to the day when aid to Cuban citizens 564 00:20:43,209 --> 00:20:45,044 will no longer be necessary. 565 00:20:45,111 --> 00:20:46,313 ( reporters clamoring ) 566 00:20:46,379 --> 00:20:47,514 Yeah, yeah, yeah. 567 00:20:47,580 --> 00:20:48,581 He never says it exactly the way I would, 568 00:20:48,648 --> 00:20:51,918 but that's the fun part. 569 00:20:51,984 --> 00:20:53,353 C.J., they have it. Hold on. 570 00:20:53,420 --> 00:20:54,321 I got to go. 571 00:20:54,387 --> 00:20:55,722 Who has what? 572 00:20:55,788 --> 00:20:57,824 Someone just called in to a radio drive-time 573 00:20:57,890 --> 00:20:58,925 from Shaw Island. 574 00:20:58,991 --> 00:21:00,727 Said federal agents set up a perimeter 575 00:21:00,793 --> 00:21:01,961 on the property adjoining his. 576 00:21:02,028 --> 00:21:03,563 Was gunfire mentioned? 577 00:21:03,630 --> 00:21:04,364 Yeah. 578 00:21:04,431 --> 00:21:05,698 Okay. Uh... 579 00:21:05,765 --> 00:21:07,066 What do we do? 580 00:21:07,133 --> 00:21:09,168 She's a great teacher, 581 00:21:09,235 --> 00:21:10,637 is what she is. 582 00:21:10,703 --> 00:21:14,006 And I think my job really is to protect her-- 583 00:21:14,073 --> 00:21:15,842 to help her protect the President. 584 00:21:15,908 --> 00:21:18,210 I pulled the records you asked for from Casey Creek. 585 00:21:18,277 --> 00:21:19,846 The investigation and the Commission report. 586 00:21:19,912 --> 00:21:21,681 They're on your desk. It's that blue binder. 587 00:21:21,748 --> 00:21:24,016 The FBI is predicting 45 minutes for cameras to be on the scene. 588 00:21:24,083 --> 00:21:25,618 I'm betting there's aerial coverage in 20. 589 00:21:27,754 --> 00:21:29,255 Hey, poker face. 590 00:21:29,322 --> 00:21:30,357 When it breaks, try to look surprised. 591 00:21:30,423 --> 00:21:31,858 Yeah. 592 00:21:31,924 --> 00:21:33,593 REPORTER: We're showing you live images 593 00:21:33,660 --> 00:21:34,861 from Shaw Island, Washington. 594 00:21:34,927 --> 00:21:36,963 DOCUMENTARIAN: And, 23 minutes later, 595 00:21:37,029 --> 00:21:39,732 MSNBC carried live helicopter coverage of Shaw Island. 596 00:21:39,799 --> 00:21:42,201 REPORTER: ...Othman, a suspected arms trafficker 597 00:21:42,268 --> 00:21:45,237 appears to have sequestered himself in a small cabin 598 00:21:45,304 --> 00:21:46,739 in the northwest corner of the island. 599 00:21:46,806 --> 00:21:48,441 There has been no official comment... 600 00:21:48,508 --> 00:21:49,976 My guy says they'd absolutely 601 00:21:50,042 --> 00:21:51,277 use the girl as decoy... 602 00:21:51,344 --> 00:21:52,912 It's in the section on crisis management. 603 00:21:52,979 --> 00:21:54,447 Use of deadly force... 604 00:21:54,514 --> 00:21:57,550 REPORTER 2: ...where gunfire was exchanged two hours ago, 605 00:21:57,617 --> 00:22:00,252 federal agents have cordoned off the area... 606 00:22:00,319 --> 00:22:01,588 There's a misconception 607 00:22:01,654 --> 00:22:03,289 that I'm here to stymie reporters, 608 00:22:03,356 --> 00:22:06,559 or to mislead the public, to spin or even hide the truth, 609 00:22:06,626 --> 00:22:08,761 when, in fact, any good press secretary 610 00:22:08,828 --> 00:22:10,497 aims to do just the opposite. 611 00:22:10,563 --> 00:22:11,664 So, the FBI Director? 612 00:22:11,731 --> 00:22:13,199 I still don't have it, Greg. 613 00:22:13,265 --> 00:22:14,567 MARK: C.J.? 614 00:22:14,634 --> 00:22:16,035 Mark, I don't have anything yet. 615 00:22:16,102 --> 00:22:17,604 No comment on the dog? 616 00:22:17,670 --> 00:22:19,739 The dog? My guy's got a vet on Shaw Island 617 00:22:19,806 --> 00:22:21,741 says the Othman family dog is in his office 618 00:22:21,808 --> 00:22:23,443 with an FBI agent's bullet in it. 619 00:22:23,510 --> 00:22:26,479 Is this gonna be another Casey Creek? 620 00:22:26,546 --> 00:22:28,247 TV REPORTER: ...since the initial outburst this morning. 621 00:22:28,314 --> 00:22:30,850 Again, state and local authorities have recently... 622 00:22:30,917 --> 00:22:32,251 Off the record... 623 00:22:32,318 --> 00:22:34,253 I hope not. 624 00:22:34,320 --> 00:22:36,789 DOCUMENTARIAN: Five years earlier, the FBI's mishandling 625 00:22:36,856 --> 00:22:38,825 of a standoff in Casey Creek, Kentucky, 626 00:22:38,891 --> 00:22:42,061 which resulted in the shooting death of the suspect's wife, 627 00:22:42,128 --> 00:22:45,164 was a tragedy that haunted the new President's first term. 628 00:22:45,231 --> 00:22:47,934 But if the incident at Casey Creek was a tragedy, 629 00:22:48,000 --> 00:22:50,302 the investigation that followed was considered by many 630 00:22:50,369 --> 00:22:52,405 to be an extended farce. 631 00:22:52,472 --> 00:22:56,075 Instead, the FBI will strictly adhere... 632 00:22:56,142 --> 00:22:59,211 ...the FBI director is still failing to cooperate, 633 00:22:59,278 --> 00:23:01,113 and impeding their progress. 634 00:23:01,180 --> 00:23:03,215 There were calls for the director to step down 635 00:23:03,282 --> 00:23:05,284 and calls for the President to fire him. 636 00:23:05,351 --> 00:23:09,589 The FBI... has confirmed... 637 00:23:09,656 --> 00:23:11,591 the tragic loss of Brian Angeletti. 638 00:23:11,658 --> 00:23:13,225 Casey Creek also haunted 639 00:23:13,292 --> 00:23:15,895 President Bartlet's young press secretary. 640 00:23:15,962 --> 00:23:18,698 C.J. Cregg's naiveté about the power of her podium 641 00:23:18,765 --> 00:23:20,533 led many to question her abilities 642 00:23:20,600 --> 00:23:22,101 to extract and deliver 643 00:23:22,168 --> 00:23:23,636 the news of the nation. 644 00:23:23,703 --> 00:23:25,638 It would be months before she regained 645 00:23:25,705 --> 00:23:28,307 the confidence of the White House press corps 646 00:23:28,374 --> 00:23:31,711 and the Bartlet Administration. 647 00:23:31,778 --> 00:23:34,947 C. J., did the agent mistake Pamela Charlton for her husband 648 00:23:35,014 --> 00:23:36,616 when they shot her in the doorway of her home? 649 00:23:36,683 --> 00:23:38,050 I can't speak to specifics. 650 00:23:38,117 --> 00:23:39,952 I can tell you the Director and the President 651 00:23:40,019 --> 00:23:41,754 were in constant contact during the siege. 652 00:23:41,821 --> 00:23:43,890 C.J., when you say "constant contact," is that... 653 00:23:43,956 --> 00:23:45,424 The President was briefed daily, 654 00:23:45,492 --> 00:23:47,860 several times a day, by the Attorney General 655 00:23:47,927 --> 00:23:49,496 and the Director of the FBI. 656 00:23:49,562 --> 00:23:51,397 So the President was aware that snipers 657 00:23:51,464 --> 00:23:53,299 were given the green light to use deadly force? 658 00:23:53,365 --> 00:23:54,967 I have no idea. 659 00:23:55,034 --> 00:23:56,636 C.J., FBI Rules of Engagement specify 660 00:23:56,703 --> 00:23:58,304 that no action may be taken 661 00:23:58,370 --> 00:23:59,972 unless innocents are in imminent danger. 662 00:24:00,039 --> 00:24:02,308 Did the director discuss a suspension of those rules 663 00:24:02,374 --> 00:24:03,810 with the President? 664 00:24:03,876 --> 00:24:05,712 No. Though apparently, some of the agents on the ground 665 00:24:05,778 --> 00:24:07,179 thought the rules had been suspended. 666 00:24:07,246 --> 00:24:08,781 REPORTERS: C.J.! C.J.! 667 00:24:08,848 --> 00:24:11,283 C.J., so there was a breakdown in communication? 668 00:24:11,350 --> 00:24:12,752 No, I didn't say that. 669 00:24:12,819 --> 00:24:14,020 C.J., the rules are predicated 670 00:24:14,086 --> 00:24:15,622 on the Constitution-- are you saying 671 00:24:15,688 --> 00:24:17,957 the Director of the FBI suspended the Constitution? 672 00:24:18,024 --> 00:24:19,926 C.J.: I see my job as making sure 673 00:24:19,992 --> 00:24:23,029 the press and, through them, the public, is well-informed. 674 00:24:23,095 --> 00:24:25,498 I tell them the truth. 675 00:24:27,233 --> 00:24:29,168 That's my goal. 676 00:24:29,235 --> 00:24:32,304 DOCUMENTARIAN: When we return-- will mistakes of the past 677 00:24:32,371 --> 00:24:37,577 continue to plague the Bartlet Administration? 678 00:24:40,980 --> 00:24:43,550 Now, we have no answer yet from the FBI 679 00:24:43,616 --> 00:24:45,785 about who fired the first shots. 680 00:24:45,852 --> 00:24:47,587 The FBI has cleared the airspace here 681 00:24:47,654 --> 00:24:49,055 above Shaw Island, 682 00:24:49,121 --> 00:24:52,224 and we are told that this is standard procedure. 683 00:24:52,291 --> 00:24:53,860 And with reports of a family dog 684 00:24:53,926 --> 00:24:55,895 allegedly shot by federal agents, 685 00:24:55,962 --> 00:24:58,197 the question on everyone's mind today is, 686 00:24:58,264 --> 00:25:00,299 is this another Casey Creek? 687 00:25:00,366 --> 00:25:02,669 REPORTER: Are you saying the Director of the FBI... 688 00:25:02,735 --> 00:25:04,470 JOSH: Wow, look how young you look. 689 00:25:04,537 --> 00:25:07,439 C.J.: I wonder old I'm gonna look by this time tomorrow? 690 00:25:07,506 --> 00:25:10,176 Don't answer that. 691 00:25:10,242 --> 00:25:12,812 Look, I'm sorry we didn't brief you about the dog, 692 00:25:12,879 --> 00:25:14,881 but it wasn't for comment anyway. 693 00:25:14,947 --> 00:25:16,649 The Director wanted to keep you in the loop 694 00:25:16,716 --> 00:25:18,017 to extend a show of faith... 695 00:25:18,084 --> 00:25:19,786 It was sure as hell a show of something, 696 00:25:19,852 --> 00:25:21,788 but if I'd been truly briefed instead of a PR gesture, 697 00:25:21,854 --> 00:25:23,289 I could've told you this morning 698 00:25:23,355 --> 00:25:24,557 this thing wasn't going away. 699 00:25:24,624 --> 00:25:26,559 The Director was confident that the situation 700 00:25:26,626 --> 00:25:28,094 would resolve. The Director's confidence 701 00:25:28,160 --> 00:25:29,929 is starting to... Okay, did you need me? 702 00:25:29,996 --> 00:25:32,832 Before you go to the podium, Leo wanted me to remind you... 703 00:25:32,899 --> 00:25:34,701 Oh, yeah. I know my line. 704 00:25:36,703 --> 00:25:38,304 I think you look better now. 705 00:25:38,370 --> 00:25:40,339 I do, too. You do. 706 00:25:40,406 --> 00:25:42,609 Even in the midst of brewing storms, 707 00:25:42,675 --> 00:25:43,976 the press briefing is 708 00:25:44,043 --> 00:25:46,078 a constant centerpiece of the day. 709 00:25:46,145 --> 00:25:49,415 Normally, the press secretary's chance to combat speculation 710 00:25:49,481 --> 00:25:51,517 and set the record straight. 711 00:25:51,584 --> 00:25:54,754 Up until WW II, even the general public 712 00:25:54,821 --> 00:25:56,656 could walk right up to the door 713 00:25:56,723 --> 00:25:58,224 of the White House. 714 00:25:58,290 --> 00:25:59,992 And the press office, 715 00:26:00,059 --> 00:26:02,962 that was born under Teddy Roosevelt. 716 00:26:03,029 --> 00:26:05,665 We knew our way around the West Wing. 717 00:26:05,732 --> 00:26:07,266 We knew the staff, 718 00:26:07,333 --> 00:26:08,334 the President. 719 00:26:08,400 --> 00:26:09,568 There was no press room, 720 00:26:09,636 --> 00:26:11,137 so we'd, uh, 721 00:26:11,203 --> 00:26:14,473 hang out in the lobby and just wait 722 00:26:14,540 --> 00:26:16,342 for the news of the day. 723 00:26:16,408 --> 00:26:19,311 If Jim had anything for us, we'd gather around 724 00:26:19,378 --> 00:26:20,813 with our notebooks. 725 00:26:20,880 --> 00:26:24,216 And sometimes, he'd just come out and say, 726 00:26:24,283 --> 00:26:29,121 "Nothing more today, fellas, go on home." 727 00:26:29,188 --> 00:26:31,791 ( chuckles softly ): That couldn't happen now. 728 00:26:31,858 --> 00:26:33,325 C.J., did the FBI fire the first shot? 729 00:26:33,392 --> 00:26:35,427 Just wait till the briefing, okay?-- Give me a break. 730 00:26:35,494 --> 00:26:36,729 Is it "Awth-man" or "Oath-man"? 731 00:26:36,796 --> 00:26:37,997 It's "Awth-man." It's "Oath-man." 732 00:26:38,064 --> 00:26:39,031 Which one is it? 733 00:26:39,098 --> 00:26:41,233 It's "Awth-man." It's "Oath-man" 734 00:26:41,300 --> 00:26:44,737 You know, from time to time, I look in on a midday briefing, 735 00:26:44,804 --> 00:26:46,505 and it all comes back. 736 00:26:46,572 --> 00:26:48,474 My heart starts to race. 737 00:26:48,540 --> 00:26:50,609 My stomach churns. 738 00:26:50,677 --> 00:26:52,511 Then I mix myself a martini, 739 00:26:52,578 --> 00:26:54,313 and I thank God 740 00:26:54,380 --> 00:26:55,381 it is not me anymore. 741 00:26:55,447 --> 00:26:56,683 REPORTERS: C.J.! C.J.! 742 00:26:56,749 --> 00:26:58,450 With the current standoff on Shaw Island, 743 00:26:58,517 --> 00:26:59,952 what would the President say 744 00:27:00,019 --> 00:27:01,854 to those who fear a repeat of Casey Creek? 745 00:27:01,921 --> 00:27:03,656 The President is aware of the situation, 746 00:27:03,723 --> 00:27:05,024 and, like all of us, is hopeful 747 00:27:05,091 --> 00:27:06,993 there will be a peaceful resolution soon. 748 00:27:07,059 --> 00:27:08,360 Has he asked for an explanation 749 00:27:08,427 --> 00:27:09,962 of why a dog was shot by agents at the scene? 750 00:27:10,029 --> 00:27:11,197 The White House is tracking 751 00:27:11,263 --> 00:27:12,799 the situation, but we do not interfere 752 00:27:12,865 --> 00:27:14,366 with ongoing law enforcement efforts. 753 00:27:14,433 --> 00:27:15,768 C.J.! Katie. 754 00:27:15,835 --> 00:27:17,336 I'm just following up, there are reports 755 00:27:17,403 --> 00:27:19,672 that Federal agents fired the first shots-- is this true? 756 00:27:19,739 --> 00:27:22,241 I won't engage in speculation. But can't we safely say 757 00:27:22,308 --> 00:27:24,844 that Jamal Othman didn't shoot his own dog? Again, 758 00:27:24,911 --> 00:27:26,979 the White House doesn't comment on an ongoing operation. 759 00:27:27,046 --> 00:27:28,247 C.J., was the FBI Director called 760 00:27:28,314 --> 00:27:29,849 to the White House today by the President, 761 00:27:29,916 --> 00:27:31,350 or did he come on his own? 762 00:27:31,417 --> 00:27:33,585 The Director meets with the President twice a week. 763 00:27:33,652 --> 00:27:34,887 So you don't know if they discussed 764 00:27:34,954 --> 00:27:36,789 the standoff at that meeting? I'm sorry. 765 00:27:36,856 --> 00:27:38,557 C.J., we're getting word the FBI is issuing 766 00:27:38,624 --> 00:27:40,359 a statement. Yeah, I'm just... 767 00:27:40,426 --> 00:27:42,895 getting that now. 768 00:27:42,962 --> 00:27:44,897 I have a statement to read. 769 00:27:44,964 --> 00:27:47,533 "Our negotiator established telephone contact 770 00:27:47,599 --> 00:27:49,535 "with Mr. Othman inside the residence 771 00:27:49,601 --> 00:27:53,105 "and has learned that one of the Othman children was injured 772 00:27:53,172 --> 00:27:54,841 "in the initial exchange of gunfire. 773 00:27:54,907 --> 00:27:56,743 "I have no particulars about the extent of the injury. 774 00:27:56,809 --> 00:27:59,045 "Mr. Othman has agreed 775 00:27:59,111 --> 00:28:01,413 "to allow an ambulance to approach the cabin 776 00:28:01,480 --> 00:28:04,016 "and to let at least one other family member 777 00:28:04,083 --> 00:28:05,985 "help evacuate the injured child 778 00:28:06,052 --> 00:28:07,820 to receive medical treatment." 779 00:28:07,887 --> 00:28:09,722 I have nothing further at this time. 780 00:28:09,789 --> 00:28:11,690 ( reporters clamoring ) 781 00:28:11,758 --> 00:28:13,960 ( shouting continues ) 782 00:28:16,162 --> 00:28:17,797 REPORTER: ...FBI has cleared the airspace 783 00:28:17,864 --> 00:28:19,732 here above Shaw Island, and we are told 784 00:28:19,799 --> 00:28:21,100 that this is standard procedure. 785 00:28:23,369 --> 00:28:26,572 REPORTER 2: An ambulance passed by us moments ago, 786 00:28:26,638 --> 00:28:27,940 and, as you can see, 787 00:28:28,007 --> 00:28:30,943 has stopped at the turnoff to the lane. 788 00:28:32,678 --> 00:28:33,980 They're in the Oval. 789 00:28:34,046 --> 00:28:35,782 C.J.: The breakneck pace we live at-- 790 00:28:35,848 --> 00:28:37,683 the 24-hour news cycle-- 791 00:28:37,750 --> 00:28:39,585 is this good for the country? 792 00:28:39,651 --> 00:28:41,153 Is it inescapable? 793 00:28:41,220 --> 00:28:43,956 How do we reflect, get perspective? 794 00:28:44,023 --> 00:28:45,657 They're on a call. With the Director? 795 00:28:45,724 --> 00:28:47,326 I can't interrupt. 796 00:28:47,393 --> 00:28:49,896 NEWS ANCHOR: ...a frequent visitor of the area. 797 00:28:49,962 --> 00:28:52,198 Othman, suspected of arms trafficking, 798 00:28:52,264 --> 00:28:55,034 was tracked from his home in Torrance, California, 799 00:28:55,101 --> 00:28:57,369 to a local cabin he rented with his family. 800 00:28:57,436 --> 00:28:59,638 Reportedly, neighbors in Shaw began... 801 00:28:59,705 --> 00:29:02,241 Okay. 802 00:29:02,308 --> 00:29:04,476 TOBY: Well, there are times when, uh-- 803 00:29:04,543 --> 00:29:07,313 that's what's called the "close hold"-- 804 00:29:07,379 --> 00:29:10,382 when, uh, certain members of the staff... 805 00:29:10,449 --> 00:29:13,519 uh, until, again, all the information is, uh, 806 00:29:13,585 --> 00:29:15,321 is ready to go out, 807 00:29:15,387 --> 00:29:16,755 some people aren't included. 808 00:29:16,823 --> 00:29:18,290 I mean, that's happened to me. 809 00:29:18,357 --> 00:29:19,826 It's happened to everybody on the staff 810 00:29:19,892 --> 00:29:22,228 at one point or another. 811 00:29:23,629 --> 00:29:25,832 C.J.: What do you mean? 812 00:29:28,134 --> 00:29:30,536 It's-It's Claudia Jean. It's... 813 00:29:31,971 --> 00:29:34,907 I... I'm-I'm at work. 814 00:29:34,974 --> 00:29:38,410 I'm at the White House, Daddy. 815 00:29:38,477 --> 00:29:40,412 Is there a nurse there? 816 00:29:43,015 --> 00:29:44,884 I'm sorry you don't like it there, 817 00:29:44,951 --> 00:29:46,785 but I can't come back right now. 818 00:29:46,853 --> 00:29:48,855 I can't be there right now. 819 00:29:48,921 --> 00:29:50,656 I'm very, very sorry, 820 00:29:50,722 --> 00:29:54,226 and I-I love you so much, but I can't be there, and I-I... 821 00:29:54,293 --> 00:29:55,995 I will be there as soon as I can, 822 00:29:56,062 --> 00:29:58,230 hopefully next weekend, like we talked about. 823 00:29:59,065 --> 00:30:02,168 All... All right, Daddy. 824 00:30:15,514 --> 00:30:18,584 REPORTER: The injured child is the primary concern. 825 00:30:18,650 --> 00:30:22,454 COMMENTATOR: ...President Bartlet, he can't or he won't ride herd. 826 00:30:22,521 --> 00:30:24,323 WOMAN: ...nice family. The FBI hounded them. 827 00:30:24,390 --> 00:30:26,292 Rahzi, Mrs. Othman was so scared. 828 00:30:26,358 --> 00:30:28,995 Their phone was being tapped. 829 00:30:29,061 --> 00:30:30,562 Now we've got Cowboy Arnold out there 830 00:30:30,629 --> 00:30:31,730 shooting up dogs and children. 831 00:30:31,797 --> 00:30:36,268 Listen, nobody respects the job 832 00:30:36,335 --> 00:30:38,104 but tell me, where is the leadership? 833 00:30:38,170 --> 00:30:40,006 WOMAN: Oh, sure it's racial profiling. 834 00:30:40,072 --> 00:30:42,441 DOCUMENTARIAN: As tensions mounted in the West Wing, 835 00:30:42,508 --> 00:30:44,110 the press secretary was kept at arm's length 836 00:30:44,176 --> 00:30:46,212 about the negotiations and the condition 837 00:30:46,278 --> 00:30:48,047 of the wounded child at Shaw Island. 838 00:30:48,114 --> 00:30:49,448 SHEFFIELD: And, of course, 839 00:30:49,515 --> 00:30:51,350 we've got the tradition of the flak jacket. 840 00:30:51,417 --> 00:30:53,752 You heard about that. No, tell me. 841 00:30:53,819 --> 00:30:55,087 Well, we've got this flak jacket, 842 00:30:55,154 --> 00:30:56,989 it goes from one press secretary to the next. 843 00:30:57,056 --> 00:30:59,291 We all put little notes in the pockets. 844 00:30:59,358 --> 00:31:03,229 Uh, you know... words of wisdom to the next guy in the job. 845 00:31:03,295 --> 00:31:05,597 Like what? Oh, I couldn't tell you that. 846 00:31:05,664 --> 00:31:08,334 Part of the tradition is, it remains private. 847 00:31:08,400 --> 00:31:10,970 The Roadless Rules Conservation Area Announcement, 848 00:31:11,037 --> 00:31:12,838 originally scheduled for 12:00 p.m. 849 00:31:12,905 --> 00:31:14,673 has been moved to 3:00 p.m. 850 00:31:14,740 --> 00:31:17,143 C.J.? Agent Casper's here. 851 00:31:19,545 --> 00:31:21,080 Agent, um... Hi. 852 00:31:21,147 --> 00:31:22,614 What... I'm sorry, 853 00:31:22,681 --> 00:31:24,984 I'm not sure this is a... a really good idea. 854 00:31:25,051 --> 00:31:27,253 The entire Fourth Estate is camped outside. 855 00:31:27,319 --> 00:31:29,221 Seriously, I'm gonna have to kick you out. 856 00:31:29,288 --> 00:31:31,157 Well, the President, the Attorney General 857 00:31:31,223 --> 00:31:33,225 and the Director all asked me to stop by, 858 00:31:33,292 --> 00:31:35,061 so I wouldn't say that's a good idea. 859 00:31:35,127 --> 00:31:36,929 You were in the... you were in the Oval? 860 00:31:36,996 --> 00:31:39,131 Just left. It's okay. 861 00:31:39,198 --> 00:31:41,433 And, uh, first off, I wanted to... 862 00:31:41,500 --> 00:31:44,937 on behalf of the Director, I want to apologize. 863 00:31:45,004 --> 00:31:48,440 The... media rep on Shaw screwed up. 864 00:31:48,507 --> 00:31:49,942 He never should've issued a statement 865 00:31:50,009 --> 00:31:51,243 without giving you a heads-up. 866 00:31:51,310 --> 00:31:52,411 Yeah, I'd just appreciate him 867 00:31:52,478 --> 00:31:54,046 not doing it while I'm on the air. 868 00:31:54,113 --> 00:31:56,315 Agreed, bad move-- won't happen again. 869 00:31:56,382 --> 00:31:58,084 What makes you say that? 870 00:31:58,150 --> 00:32:01,153 That I'm not gonna answer until... 871 00:32:01,220 --> 00:32:02,788 you close that. You want the cameras off? 872 00:32:02,854 --> 00:32:05,124 Yes, please. I want 'em out. Okay. Hold on. 873 00:32:05,191 --> 00:32:07,593 DOCUMENTARIAN: When we return-- 874 00:32:07,659 --> 00:32:10,196 an explosion on Shaw Island threatens the worst 875 00:32:10,262 --> 00:32:12,331 for the Bartlet Administration. Carol! 876 00:32:12,398 --> 00:32:14,200 CAROL: No comment! 877 00:32:16,302 --> 00:32:17,369 Yes, please. I want 'em out. 878 00:32:17,436 --> 00:32:18,404 Okay. Hold on. 879 00:32:19,871 --> 00:32:22,041 DOCUMENTARIAN: C.J. Cregg's closed door 880 00:32:22,108 --> 00:32:23,909 was a vivid reminder to the press corps-- 881 00:32:23,976 --> 00:32:25,311 that the Press Secretary 882 00:32:25,377 --> 00:32:27,379 was in control of their feeding time. 883 00:32:27,446 --> 00:32:29,081 Their hunger for updated information 884 00:32:29,148 --> 00:32:30,716 was only intensified 885 00:32:30,782 --> 00:32:33,285 by the continued lull in action on Shaw Island. 886 00:32:33,352 --> 00:32:35,287 The quote from the vet is he doesn't have the bullet 887 00:32:35,354 --> 00:32:37,456 or that the FBI confiscated the bullet? 888 00:32:39,191 --> 00:32:40,659 Carol, we know Agent Casper's in there. 889 00:32:40,726 --> 00:32:42,328 Is she being briefed? 890 00:32:42,394 --> 00:32:43,996 C.J.: It's like being on a debate team. 891 00:32:44,063 --> 00:32:45,797 You don't argue for the other side. 892 00:32:45,864 --> 00:32:48,700 There's an inherent aspect of spin that's just human nature. 893 00:32:48,767 --> 00:32:51,903 You try to strengthen and clarify your point of view. 894 00:32:51,970 --> 00:32:53,472 If you choose not to advertise 895 00:32:53,539 --> 00:32:55,941 your vulnerabilities, is that a cover-up? 896 00:32:56,008 --> 00:32:57,143 You know what, 897 00:32:57,209 --> 00:32:58,577 could you just make sure 898 00:32:58,644 --> 00:33:00,246 people don't walk in and out of here? 899 00:33:00,312 --> 00:33:01,813 Yeah, I'm really sorry about that, I just... 900 00:33:01,880 --> 00:33:03,382 And this morning at the gaggle, 901 00:33:03,449 --> 00:33:05,384 don't ever let the press have free reign back here. 902 00:33:05,451 --> 00:33:07,853 This is the answer that's too longwinded for you to use, 903 00:33:07,919 --> 00:33:10,256 but I think my job is public, 904 00:33:10,322 --> 00:33:13,392 and yet for all its visibility, it's not. 905 00:33:13,459 --> 00:33:16,128 And there's a misconception that I'm here 906 00:33:16,195 --> 00:33:19,031 to stymie reporters, or to mislead the public, 907 00:33:19,098 --> 00:33:21,933 to spin or even hide the truth. 908 00:33:22,000 --> 00:33:25,371 Better way to put it, 909 00:33:25,437 --> 00:33:27,206 and to honestly inform the press, 910 00:33:27,273 --> 00:33:28,807 and through them, the public, 911 00:33:28,874 --> 00:33:31,710 about what is happening on any given day. 912 00:33:42,654 --> 00:33:44,523 DOCUMENTARIAN: You waiting for something? 913 00:33:47,526 --> 00:33:50,096 You wanted to see my day. This is my day. 914 00:33:54,366 --> 00:33:56,001 I just got a call from Jill at the Times, 915 00:33:56,068 --> 00:33:57,136 and she told me 916 00:33:57,203 --> 00:33:58,937 that you went on the record with her. 917 00:33:59,004 --> 00:34:01,006 I didn't... I didn't go 918 00:34:01,073 --> 00:34:02,708 on the record with her about anything. 919 00:34:02,774 --> 00:34:04,843 I was rescheduling an appointment for C.J. 920 00:34:04,910 --> 00:34:06,478 That is not your job. 921 00:34:06,545 --> 00:34:08,247 Your job is, "No comment." 922 00:34:08,314 --> 00:34:09,815 I have to talk to you. 923 00:34:09,881 --> 00:34:11,317 ...reporters, okay? Understood. I'll take care of it. 924 00:34:11,383 --> 00:34:13,252 Yeah, what's up? 925 00:34:13,319 --> 00:34:15,954 Research has it that Mrs. Othman 926 00:34:16,021 --> 00:34:17,456 isn't Yemeni-American. 927 00:34:17,523 --> 00:34:20,426 She's the daughter of a school teacher 928 00:34:20,492 --> 00:34:23,195 and auto worker-- born in Detroit. 929 00:34:23,262 --> 00:34:25,131 Has it gotten out yet? 930 00:34:25,197 --> 00:34:26,432 Um, no, not yet. 931 00:34:26,498 --> 00:34:28,100 All right, I want you to stay on it, okay? 932 00:34:28,167 --> 00:34:29,135 And be discreet. 933 00:34:29,201 --> 00:34:30,369 Hey, hey, they're moving! 934 00:34:30,436 --> 00:34:31,303 ...emergency vehicle on the scene, 935 00:34:31,370 --> 00:34:32,738 up near the lane. 936 00:34:32,804 --> 00:34:33,972 Yes, okay, now it appears 937 00:34:34,039 --> 00:34:35,641 we have the ambulance doors open. 938 00:34:35,707 --> 00:34:37,109 Carol! 939 00:34:37,176 --> 00:34:39,077 We have a stretcher rolling out 940 00:34:39,145 --> 00:34:40,746 of the ambulance-- I see two EMTs 941 00:34:40,812 --> 00:34:42,648 and they have removed a stretcher 942 00:34:42,714 --> 00:34:44,616 and they are heading in the direction of the cabin. 943 00:34:44,683 --> 00:34:46,051 REPORTER 2: As a reminder, 944 00:34:46,118 --> 00:34:47,853 the new SOP does specify 945 00:34:47,919 --> 00:34:50,088 that snipers are not to fire 946 00:34:50,156 --> 00:34:51,657 when children are in harm's way. 947 00:34:51,723 --> 00:34:53,492 NEIGHBOR: Yes, I can see the EMTs approaching. 948 00:34:53,559 --> 00:34:55,927 They don't appear to be going all the way to the door. 949 00:34:55,994 --> 00:34:57,095 Oh-- the door's opening. 950 00:34:57,163 --> 00:34:58,630 ANCHOR: The door to the cabin is? 951 00:34:58,697 --> 00:34:59,565 ( explosion ) 952 00:34:59,631 --> 00:35:00,566 Okay, we have 953 00:35:00,632 --> 00:35:02,901 an explosion or a flash of some kind 954 00:35:02,968 --> 00:35:04,069 near the cabin. ( gunfire ) 955 00:35:04,136 --> 00:35:05,404 REPORTER 2: We do have gunfire 956 00:35:05,471 --> 00:35:06,472 coming from the direction of the cabin. 957 00:35:06,538 --> 00:35:08,240 ANCHOR: What are you seeing now? 958 00:35:08,307 --> 00:35:10,176 Get me ten minutes in the Oval Office. 959 00:35:10,242 --> 00:35:11,343 MR. FARES: I can no longer see 960 00:35:11,410 --> 00:35:13,279 the EMT's or the children. 961 00:35:13,345 --> 00:35:15,113 There's... someone may be down. 962 00:35:15,181 --> 00:35:16,615 REPORTER: Gunshots are continuing. 963 00:35:16,682 --> 00:35:19,084 We see agents now, on the move. 964 00:35:19,151 --> 00:35:21,287 I see five, six members of SWAT 965 00:35:21,353 --> 00:35:22,821 storming towards the cabin. 966 00:35:22,888 --> 00:35:24,390 Andrew! 967 00:35:24,456 --> 00:35:25,857 ANCHOR: The neighbor with a visual on the cabin 968 00:35:25,924 --> 00:35:28,294 is reporting he's lost sight of the children 969 00:35:28,360 --> 00:35:30,162 who came out of the cabin and they may be down. 970 00:35:30,229 --> 00:35:32,198 ( gunfire ) 971 00:35:32,264 --> 00:35:34,266 We do have more gunfire coming from 972 00:35:34,333 --> 00:35:36,001 the direction of the cabin, 973 00:35:36,067 --> 00:35:37,936 and from the surrounding woods. 974 00:35:38,003 --> 00:35:42,774 ( reporters clamoring ) 975 00:35:42,841 --> 00:35:44,576 No comment. 976 00:35:56,054 --> 00:35:57,756 ( phone ringing ) 977 00:35:57,823 --> 00:35:58,990 This is Charlie. 978 00:35:59,057 --> 00:36:00,959 Okay, thanks. 979 00:36:01,026 --> 00:36:02,228 C.J.: We'll reschedule 980 00:36:02,294 --> 00:36:04,162 the announcement for tomorrow. 981 00:36:04,230 --> 00:36:05,631 I know you've got the NEC waiting. 982 00:36:05,697 --> 00:36:07,266 PRESIDENT: No, I'll stick my head in. 983 00:36:07,333 --> 00:36:08,600 All right, it'll get on your schedule 984 00:36:08,667 --> 00:36:10,068 in the morning for a final prep 985 00:36:10,135 --> 00:36:11,036 for questions you might get. 986 00:36:11,102 --> 00:36:12,238 I think we can guess 987 00:36:12,304 --> 00:36:13,672 what those questions are going to be. 988 00:36:13,739 --> 00:36:14,673 Yes, sir. 989 00:36:14,740 --> 00:36:17,243 I think they should be... Here they are. 990 00:36:17,309 --> 00:36:18,877 Are these our young wayward adventurers? 991 00:36:18,944 --> 00:36:20,212 The Eagle Rangers. 992 00:36:20,279 --> 00:36:21,847 Welcome to the White House, fellas. 993 00:36:21,913 --> 00:36:22,681 Hi, come on in. 994 00:36:22,748 --> 00:36:24,082 How you doing? 995 00:36:24,149 --> 00:36:26,318 Good to see you. Good, good. 996 00:36:26,385 --> 00:36:29,154 I'll have a word with you later. 997 00:36:29,221 --> 00:36:31,156 So, uh, who among you objects 998 00:36:31,223 --> 00:36:34,526 to staying another night at the Marriot? 999 00:36:34,593 --> 00:36:35,994 DOCUMENTARIAN: And while the airwaves 1000 00:36:36,061 --> 00:36:37,763 were filled with conflicting reports 1001 00:36:37,829 --> 00:36:39,565 of what had just happened on Shaw Island, 1002 00:36:39,631 --> 00:36:41,767 the Bartlet Administration, quietly dropped away 1003 00:36:41,833 --> 00:36:43,835 from the breaking news and resumed its day. 1004 00:36:43,902 --> 00:36:47,005 Was there contention within the Administration? 1005 00:36:47,072 --> 00:36:48,407 Would further departures 1006 00:36:48,474 --> 00:36:50,175 from Standard Procedure be revealed? 1007 00:36:50,242 --> 00:36:53,545 From inside the West Wing, we could only speculate 1008 00:36:53,612 --> 00:36:55,747 along with the rest of the country. 1009 00:36:55,814 --> 00:36:57,015 PRESIDENT: Thank you, fellas. 1010 00:36:57,082 --> 00:36:58,684 Thank you all very much. 1011 00:36:58,750 --> 00:37:00,218 We'll see you tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in the Rose Garden. 1012 00:37:00,286 --> 00:37:01,019 Have a good night. Yes, sir. 1013 00:37:01,086 --> 00:37:02,754 You holding up? 1014 00:37:02,821 --> 00:37:04,690 Oh, yes, sir. 1015 00:37:04,756 --> 00:37:07,993 C.J.: Yes, I guess there's an inherent tension there, 1016 00:37:08,059 --> 00:37:09,027 I won't deny it. 1017 00:37:09,094 --> 00:37:10,829 Conventional wisdom says 1018 00:37:10,896 --> 00:37:13,098 you can't serve two masters-- I do. 1019 00:37:13,164 --> 00:37:14,800 Or I tell myself I do. 1020 00:37:14,866 --> 00:37:16,368 We're going to try to move this along. 1021 00:37:16,435 --> 00:37:17,869 Some of you are up against evening news deadlines. 1022 00:37:17,936 --> 00:37:18,604 So, without further ado, 1023 00:37:18,670 --> 00:37:19,805 we'd like to bring 1024 00:37:19,871 --> 00:37:21,640 Agent Mike Casper to the podium. 1025 00:37:21,707 --> 00:37:23,642 He'll have a statement and then take your questions. 1026 00:37:23,709 --> 00:37:25,243 Mike. 1027 00:37:27,279 --> 00:37:29,147 Approximately one hour ago, 1028 00:37:29,214 --> 00:37:32,250 Federal Agents apprehended Jamal Othman, 1029 00:37:32,318 --> 00:37:34,019 who had been holed up with his family 1030 00:37:34,085 --> 00:37:35,120 in a seven-hour standoff 1031 00:37:35,186 --> 00:37:37,088 on Shaw Island in Washington State. 1032 00:37:37,155 --> 00:37:38,290 ATF officials recovered 1033 00:37:38,357 --> 00:37:39,658 two cases of explosives 1034 00:37:39,725 --> 00:37:41,593 which had been wired throughout the cabin. 1035 00:37:41,660 --> 00:37:43,462 Mr. Othman was in control of their detonation. 1036 00:37:43,529 --> 00:37:45,130 Mr. Othman received a gunshot wound 1037 00:37:45,196 --> 00:37:46,197 to the left shoulder. 1038 00:37:46,264 --> 00:37:47,766 His condition is stable. 1039 00:37:47,833 --> 00:37:51,370 The standoff was initiated when Mr. Othman opened fire 1040 00:37:51,437 --> 00:37:53,004 this morning and released an attack dog 1041 00:37:53,071 --> 00:37:54,440 on Federal Agents who were 1042 00:37:54,506 --> 00:37:56,708 attempting to serve him with an arrest warrant. 1043 00:37:56,775 --> 00:37:59,678 One agent sustained severe bites to the face and throat. 1044 00:37:59,745 --> 00:38:02,113 His condition is critical at this time. 1045 00:38:02,180 --> 00:38:03,382 His name is being withheld 1046 00:38:03,449 --> 00:38:05,317 until his family can be notified. 1047 00:38:05,384 --> 00:38:07,018 Uh, the youngest Othman child 1048 00:38:07,085 --> 00:38:08,520 also sustained injuries 1049 00:38:08,587 --> 00:38:10,656 in the initial exchange of gunfire. 1050 00:38:10,722 --> 00:38:12,491 Hoda Othman, age six, 1051 00:38:12,558 --> 00:38:15,293 was struck by flying glass and went into shock. 1052 00:38:15,361 --> 00:38:16,895 She and the other five children, 1053 00:38:16,962 --> 00:38:19,831 as well as Mrs. Othman, have been safely evacuated. 1054 00:38:19,898 --> 00:38:21,600 The daughter is in stable condition. 1055 00:38:21,667 --> 00:38:24,936 I'll take your questions now. 1056 00:38:25,003 --> 00:38:26,372 against Mr. Othman? 1057 00:38:26,438 --> 00:38:27,973 DOCUMENTARIAN: On the evening news 1058 00:38:28,039 --> 00:38:29,975 on that March day, three years ago, 1059 00:38:30,041 --> 00:38:33,412 speculations of impropriety were initially overtaken 1060 00:38:33,479 --> 00:38:35,581 by relief at the positive outcome. 1061 00:38:35,647 --> 00:38:37,383 In a stunning conclusion, 1062 00:38:37,449 --> 00:38:39,718 agents from the FBI Hostage Rescue and SWAT, 1063 00:38:39,785 --> 00:38:41,787 using a flash-bang as a distraction, 1064 00:38:41,853 --> 00:38:44,556 stormed the cabin moments after an injured child 1065 00:38:44,623 --> 00:38:45,924 was safely evacuated... 1066 00:38:45,991 --> 00:38:47,526 C.J.: Okay, what have you got for me? 1067 00:38:47,593 --> 00:38:49,461 Lindsey called from the First Lady's Office. 1068 00:38:49,528 --> 00:38:51,430 The Richard Tyler burgundy gown she wore 1069 00:38:51,497 --> 00:38:53,198 was donated to the Costume Institute 1070 00:38:53,264 --> 00:38:55,333 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in January. 1071 00:38:55,401 --> 00:38:56,735 Thank you. Did you, uh... 1072 00:38:56,802 --> 00:38:58,169 I already faxed Chris a copy of the receipt. 1073 00:38:58,236 --> 00:38:59,170 Thank you. 1074 00:38:59,237 --> 00:39:00,606 The Vatican advance team 1075 00:39:00,672 --> 00:39:01,907 was sorry they didn't get to say good-bye, 1076 00:39:01,973 --> 00:39:03,409 and look forward to seeing you soon. 1077 00:39:03,475 --> 00:39:04,610 They didn't seem put off? 1078 00:39:04,676 --> 00:39:05,944 I don't think so. 1079 00:39:06,011 --> 00:39:07,646 That Renato guy asked me out to dinner. 1080 00:39:07,713 --> 00:39:09,347 Ooh! You got to go. 1081 00:39:09,415 --> 00:39:10,749 I don't know, he seemed kind of... 1082 00:39:10,816 --> 00:39:11,983 Oh, come on, a guy I dated from the Vatican? 1083 00:39:12,050 --> 00:39:13,284 You can't pass that up. 1084 00:39:13,351 --> 00:39:14,920 DOCUMENTARIAN: Within a few hours, 1085 00:39:14,986 --> 00:39:16,422 the action in the West Wing's corridor's 1086 00:39:16,488 --> 00:39:18,824 slowed to a steady hum. 1087 00:39:18,890 --> 00:39:20,892 I'm out of here. 1088 00:39:20,959 --> 00:39:21,927 Good night, John. 1089 00:39:21,993 --> 00:39:24,129 Thank you for everything today. 1090 00:39:24,195 --> 00:39:27,098 ANDREW: I'll be working, so if you need anything, 1091 00:39:27,165 --> 00:39:28,534 I'll be here, working. 1092 00:39:28,600 --> 00:39:30,268 Okay, thanks, Andrew. 1093 00:39:30,335 --> 00:39:32,070 I appreciate it. Good night. 1094 00:39:32,137 --> 00:39:35,006 DOCUMENTARIAN: Is she a good boss? 1095 00:39:35,073 --> 00:39:37,108 CAROL: She's the best boss, 1096 00:39:37,175 --> 00:39:40,579 and I couldn't have a better job. 1097 00:39:40,646 --> 00:39:42,748 Um, I really look at C.J. as my mentor. 1098 00:39:42,814 --> 00:39:44,382 They say that a mentor's 1099 00:39:44,450 --> 00:39:46,585 a wise and trusted guide or friend. 1100 00:39:46,652 --> 00:39:49,455 I would say that C.J. is all of those things. 1101 00:39:49,521 --> 00:39:52,658 DOCUMENTARIAN: It would be weeks before the full scope of the charges 1102 00:39:52,724 --> 00:39:54,993 against Mr. Othman would become public knowledge, 1103 00:39:55,060 --> 00:39:57,095 but at the end of our day with C.J. Cregg, 1104 00:39:57,162 --> 00:39:59,030 "Access" got a preview of what America 1105 00:39:59,097 --> 00:40:00,131 would later learn. 1106 00:40:00,198 --> 00:40:01,299 Good day. 1107 00:40:01,366 --> 00:40:02,501 Not bad. 1108 00:40:02,568 --> 00:40:03,902 I counted six rounds you went 1109 00:40:03,969 --> 00:40:05,771 with the rope-a-dope in that briefing. 1110 00:40:05,837 --> 00:40:08,206 I'm starting to take pride in it. 1111 00:40:08,273 --> 00:40:10,742 That... sounds sick. 1112 00:40:10,809 --> 00:40:13,445 Is there anything I should know for tomorrow? 1113 00:40:13,512 --> 00:40:15,380 The Director wants to wait until 1114 00:40:15,447 --> 00:40:16,715 he's sure it's a clean sweep 1115 00:40:16,782 --> 00:40:18,584 before announcing all the charges. 1116 00:40:18,650 --> 00:40:20,185 That makes sense. 1117 00:40:20,251 --> 00:40:21,386 The confiscated blueprints 1118 00:40:21,453 --> 00:40:23,589 are the most damning evidence, of course, 1119 00:40:23,655 --> 00:40:25,657 but Othman's contacts with the Bahji network 1120 00:40:25,724 --> 00:40:27,459 have already netted a dozen arrests. 1121 00:40:27,526 --> 00:40:30,161 Wow, this was big for the FBI. 1122 00:40:30,228 --> 00:40:32,430 It was big for all of us. 1123 00:40:32,498 --> 00:40:35,667 Big enough to put Casey Creek in the past? 1124 00:40:35,734 --> 00:40:38,637 We'll see. 1125 00:40:40,472 --> 00:40:41,573 Whoops. ( chuckles ) 1126 00:40:41,640 --> 00:40:43,041 DOCUMENTARIAN: The next day, 1127 00:40:43,108 --> 00:40:44,943 most of the media coverage mentioned 1128 00:40:45,010 --> 00:40:46,778 the Administration's previous debacle at Casey Creek. 1129 00:40:46,845 --> 00:40:48,446 Over the next nine months, 1130 00:40:48,514 --> 00:40:51,583 100 charges were handed down in dozens of arrests 1131 00:40:51,650 --> 00:40:53,619 connected to the Othman conspiracy. 1132 00:40:53,685 --> 00:40:55,721 In the end, 11 domestic terrorists 1133 00:40:55,787 --> 00:40:58,624 were sentenced and convicted in Federal Courts. 1134 00:40:58,690 --> 00:41:01,593 Last July, Jamal Othman died of complications 1135 00:41:01,660 --> 00:41:03,695 from kidney failure in Federal Prison, 1136 00:41:03,762 --> 00:41:05,631 where he was serving a life sentence 1137 00:41:05,697 --> 00:41:07,599 for conspiracy to commit terrorism. 1138 00:41:10,368 --> 00:41:11,302 Stop. 1139 00:41:11,369 --> 00:41:12,337 ( chuckles ) 1140 00:41:12,403 --> 00:41:13,772 Sometimes you have to just 1141 00:41:13,839 --> 00:41:15,273 let yourself get beaten up. 1142 00:41:15,340 --> 00:41:17,308 But, sometimes, it's better to be beaten up 1143 00:41:17,375 --> 00:41:20,846 for 24 hours, than beaten up for the long run. 1144 00:41:20,912 --> 00:41:22,881 Although, the long run is something I have no sense of. 1145 00:41:22,948 --> 00:41:24,883 You know, when I'm going home at night, 1146 00:41:24,950 --> 00:41:26,217 I'm thinking about the next day's schedule. 1147 00:41:26,284 --> 00:41:28,086 ( cell phone ringing ) 1148 00:41:28,153 --> 00:41:29,988 Rain? 1149 00:41:30,055 --> 00:41:32,891 That's what they said for today. 1150 00:41:32,958 --> 00:41:35,126 Keep it in the Rose Garden for now. 1151 00:41:35,193 --> 00:41:38,897 DOCUMENTARIAN: Director Arnold continues to elicit controversy 1152 00:41:38,964 --> 00:41:41,132 as head of the FBI, and C.J. Cregg, 1153 00:41:41,199 --> 00:41:43,569 who allowed us to share a day with her in the West Wing, 1154 00:41:43,635 --> 00:41:46,004 remains the only woman to have served two terms 1155 00:41:46,071 --> 00:41:49,074 as the White House Press Secretary.