1 00:00:06,058 --> 00:00:08,219 Previously on The West Wing: 2 00:00:08,438 --> 00:00:12,441 -I had to take the summit from Josh. -Yeah. 3 00:00:12,656 --> 00:00:14,152 Governor Baker, welcome. 4 00:00:14,368 --> 00:00:15,615 Baker's running, right? 5 00:00:15,788 --> 00:00:18,662 Yeah. And he'll have it wrapped up by Super Tuesday. 6 00:00:18,879 --> 00:00:22,049 -How are your numbers in Iowa? -Iowa and New Hampshire look good. 7 00:00:22,220 --> 00:00:26,638 I get why you're so worried about Baker, but why not about Hoynes? 8 00:00:26,855 --> 00:00:30,062 I'm running for president. I want you to run my campaign. 9 00:00:30,238 --> 00:00:33,409 Russell is on his way to being the nominee and our next president. 10 00:00:33,579 --> 00:00:35,621 So get onboard or get out of my way. 11 00:00:35,834 --> 00:00:37,544 You're too good at this. You can't walk away. 12 00:00:37,713 --> 00:00:39,090 Watch me. 13 00:00:51,453 --> 00:00:54,411 -He's a Republican. -Not really. He's a California Republican. 14 00:00:54,585 --> 00:00:57,424 Are we really saying that there isn't a single Democrat--? 15 00:00:57,592 --> 00:01:00,347 The president thinks Vinick's perfect for U.N. ambassador. 16 00:01:00,515 --> 00:01:03,224 It's your job to feel him out, see if he'd be up for it. 17 00:01:03,397 --> 00:01:08,362 Thank you. Oh, thanks. We can't tell you what an honor it's been to be here. . . 18 00:01:08,534 --> 00:01:10,945 . . .to actually work here in the White House. 19 00:01:11,123 --> 00:01:15,078 We want to thank our new best friend, Zoey Bartlet, the first daughter. 20 00:01:15,299 --> 00:01:18,090 -I am not the first daughter. -Well, I thought-- 21 00:01:18,306 --> 00:01:22,095 Okay, okay, Zoey Bartlet, the third daughter of the first family. 22 00:01:22,274 --> 00:01:26,027 -Come on, guys. One more trick. -You are just spoiled rotten, aren't you? 23 00:01:26,241 --> 00:01:27,785 -Just one. -Please? 24 00:01:27,953 --> 00:01:31,742 -Please. -You deserve another trick. Teller? 25 00:01:43,489 --> 00:01:45,484 A simple red handkerchief. 26 00:02:10,801 --> 00:02:14,638 I love that trick. It's so simple. There is nothing like a vanish. 27 00:02:14,810 --> 00:02:18,314 So pure. But what does it mean? I know what you're thinking. 28 00:02:18,485 --> 00:02:22,155 A magic trick, a simple vanish, could have no meaning whatsoever. 29 00:02:22,369 --> 00:02:25,873 What if, instead of using a handkerchief, a meaningless piece of cloth. . . 30 00:02:26,044 --> 00:02:30,213 . . .we were to use a piece of cloth that was nothing but meaning? 31 00:02:30,388 --> 00:02:34,972 What if the piece of cloth we chose was the flag of the United States of America? 32 00:02:35,149 --> 00:02:38,153 Because, you know, with this flag on-stage. . . 33 00:02:38,364 --> 00:02:40,740 . . .there's a lot to think about. 34 00:02:41,288 --> 00:02:45,207 Now it catches the gleam Of the morning's first beam 35 00:02:45,422 --> 00:02:49,556 In full glory reflected It shines in the stream 36 00:02:49,724 --> 00:02:53,976 'Tis the Star-Spangled Banner O long may it wave 37 00:02:54,150 --> 00:02:57,773 O 'er the land of the free And the home of the brave 38 00:02:57,993 --> 00:02:59,537 And what if, instead of using. . . 39 00:02:59,705 --> 00:03:02,330 . . .that piece of construction paper, we were to use. . . 40 00:03:02,503 --> 00:03:04,582 . . .a piece of paper that means more to us. . . 41 00:03:04,758 --> 00:03:08,975 . . .than any other piece of paper in the world? The Bill of Rights. 44 00:03:14,572 --> 00:03:17,862 It's the one that guarantees not just everybody in this room. . . 45 00:03:18,038 --> 00:03:20,960 . . .but every single person in the United States. . . 46 00:03:21,129 --> 00:03:25,084 . . .every citizen, every visitor, every magician, freedom of speech. 47 00:03:25,263 --> 00:03:30,264 It's the one that says if we want to add a little bit of spontaneous combustion. . . 48 00:03:30,442 --> 00:03:33,447 . . .to our simple vanish, we can do that. 49 00:03:33,616 --> 00:03:40,291 We can take some tinder and a very eccentric magic wand. . . 50 00:03:40,715 --> 00:03:43,720 . . .and we can do this. 51 00:03:44,140 --> 00:03:47,977 And it's okay, because even though the flag is gone. . . 52 00:03:48,149 --> 00:03:50,904 . . .the Bill of Rights remains. 53 00:03:53,578 --> 00:03:56,907 Did they just burn an American flag in the White House? 54 00:04:46,304 --> 00:04:49,924 Okay, here's the latest updated schedule for the China summit. 55 00:04:50,101 --> 00:04:52,937 Guys, I'm just gonna run through the highlights real quick. 56 00:04:53,105 --> 00:04:55,348 The president leaves Andrews at 2: 15 p.m. . . 57 00:04:55,525 --> 00:04:57,732 . . .with a stop in Louisiana before departing. . . 58 00:04:57,903 --> 00:04:59,897 . . .from New Orleans for the Beijing flight. 59 00:05:00,073 --> 00:05:02,529 When will the president appoint a U.N. ambassador? 60 00:05:02,701 --> 00:05:07,745 The first lady will arrive in Beijing in time for the state dinner on Thursday night. 61 00:05:07,917 --> 00:05:10,124 How long will the U.N. post remain vacant? 62 00:05:10,295 --> 00:05:13,831 Not as long as I'll ignore questions about anything except the China trip. 63 00:05:14,009 --> 00:05:17,461 In the New Orleans stop, the president will meet with shrimp fishermen-- 64 00:05:17,639 --> 00:05:18,754 -Shrimpers. -What? 65 00:05:18,932 --> 00:05:21,175 They're called shrimpers, not shrimp fishermen. 66 00:05:21,352 --> 00:05:23,678 The president will meet with representatives. . . 67 00:05:23,855 --> 00:05:26,608 . . .of the shrimp industry about their request to invoke. . . 68 00:05:26,776 --> 00:05:29,695 . . .antidumping sanctions against imported Chinese shrimp. 69 00:05:29,864 --> 00:05:32,700 Here's the human rights statement you and President Lian. . . 70 00:05:32,868 --> 00:05:34,695 . . .will put out after the first day. 71 00:05:34,870 --> 00:05:37,113 -Not a word about Tibet? -Tibet's in there. 72 00:05:37,332 --> 00:05:40,833 -We couldn't use the word "Tibet. " -Show me where the Tibet sentence is. 73 00:05:41,004 --> 00:05:43,211 Sir, what you say in the room is up to you. 74 00:05:43,382 --> 00:05:45,459 What we say in the joint statement is not. 75 00:05:45,677 --> 00:05:49,261 -I'll hammer them on Tibet. -They'll hammer your Indian reservations. 76 00:05:49,474 --> 00:05:52,345 -Reservations weren't my idea. -I'm sure they'll understand. 77 00:05:52,561 --> 00:05:55,729 The Department of Transportation has a lot on its plate right now. 78 00:05:55,899 --> 00:05:58,652 Mr. Secretary, you've got transportation on your plate. 79 00:05:58,862 --> 00:06:02,232 Look, Josh, the truth is I assumed you were going on the China trip. . . 80 00:06:02,408 --> 00:06:04,318 . . .and we'd have a week to do research. 81 00:06:04,494 --> 00:06:09,039 This is more important than the trip. This is the U.S. budget we're talking about. 82 00:06:09,251 --> 00:06:11,743 Your department hasn't submitted a budget proposal. 83 00:06:11,963 --> 00:06:15,463 I can't ask OMB to put together a complete budget estimate until I got-- 84 00:06:15,635 --> 00:06:17,592 I'll be back. 85 00:06:17,762 --> 00:06:21,844 Vinick's confirmed for 11: 15. We have to move your OMB meeting to now. 86 00:06:22,018 --> 00:06:24,225 -One minute. -Then you've got that other thing. 87 00:06:24,396 --> 00:06:26,105 -What thing? -Me. 88 00:06:26,274 --> 00:06:27,603 Right. Sure. 89 00:06:28,110 --> 00:06:31,028 Hey. You're back. 90 00:06:31,197 --> 00:06:34,153 No. I just have to sort out some files I left in my office. 91 00:06:34,327 --> 00:06:37,163 -Can't Margaret send them to the house? -Be a federal crime. 92 00:06:37,331 --> 00:06:39,205 -"Your eyes only" kind of thing? -Yeah. 93 00:06:39,417 --> 00:06:42,538 -Hear about this Vinick thing? -President ran it by me yesterday. 94 00:06:42,713 --> 00:06:46,380 I can't believe it. Vinick's been investigating us for seven years. . . 95 00:06:46,552 --> 00:06:49,554 -. . .and we're offering him a job? -We've had run-ins with him-- 96 00:06:49,723 --> 00:06:52,049 -Some run-ins? -He has supported the president. . . 97 00:06:52,226 --> 00:06:53,638 . . .on foreign policy. 98 00:06:53,812 --> 00:06:57,063 -Hey, sweetie. -Hey, boss. 99 00:06:57,233 --> 00:07:00,152 -Let me tell C.J. you're here. -No. Set me up with the files. 100 00:07:00,321 --> 00:07:03,026 -I'll stay out of the way. -They're in C.J.'s old office. 101 00:07:03,200 --> 00:07:04,528 -Shredder? -Engine's running. 102 00:07:04,702 --> 00:07:07,704 And this is the statement on regional security that you. . . 103 00:07:07,873 --> 00:07:10,828 . . .and President Lian will put out at the end of the last day. 104 00:07:11,002 --> 00:07:14,170 The last day should just be about North Korea. 105 00:07:14,340 --> 00:07:17,544 They'll only discuss North Korea in the context of regional issues. 106 00:07:17,719 --> 00:07:21,505 Don't they understand that North Korea is their regional security problem? 107 00:07:21,683 --> 00:07:26,062 -Fix that, we've saved half the world. -I made it clear you want to talk about it. 108 00:07:26,273 --> 00:07:30,224 Tell China if we discuss North Korea, we don't have to discuss anything else. 109 00:07:30,445 --> 00:07:34,314 Mr. President, our agenda with China is now as long and complex. . . 110 00:07:34,492 --> 00:07:37,364 -. . .as it is with any other country. -I know. 111 00:07:37,580 --> 00:07:40,617 -To narrow a summit to this one issue-- -I know, I know. 112 00:07:40,793 --> 00:07:42,786 We can talk about the rest on the plane. 113 00:07:42,962 --> 00:07:45,881 Mr. President, let's cover as much as we can with the staff-- 114 00:07:46,050 --> 00:07:49,966 We got 20 hours to kill in the air over the next two days. 115 00:07:51,098 --> 00:07:53,673 We got an election coming up, and we're saying. . . 116 00:07:53,852 --> 00:07:56,095 . . .no Democrat can represent us at the U.N.? 117 00:07:56,272 --> 00:08:00,271 -The president wants Arnold Vinick. -Was Vinick your recommendation? 118 00:08:00,445 --> 00:08:05,239 I've known the guy 30 years, and I don't know anyone better for the job. 119 00:08:05,410 --> 00:08:09,741 I'm sorry. I'm having some trouble imagining Arnie Vinick as a diplomat. 120 00:08:09,916 --> 00:08:14,295 The U.N. could use some tough love. The president wanted to ask him himself. 121 00:08:14,464 --> 00:08:18,878 But you don't want him alone in the room until we know Vinick will say yes. 122 00:08:19,053 --> 00:08:22,637 If he plays hard to get, I'm out of there. I'm not begging a Republican. 123 00:08:22,808 --> 00:08:25,680 If he says yes, he won't be investigating us anymore. 124 00:08:25,854 --> 00:08:27,895 We're doing this to get him off our backs? 125 00:08:28,066 --> 00:08:31,436 No. The president thinks he's the best we can get. 126 00:08:31,612 --> 00:08:33,902 I'm just trying to give you your motivation. 127 00:08:34,074 --> 00:08:37,526 I think we're all anxious about the subjects because you're insisting. . . 128 00:08:37,704 --> 00:08:40,030 . . .on being alone with the Chinese leaders. 129 00:08:40,249 --> 00:08:44,034 -Now you want to be in the room too? -I do not, but I think C.J. and Kate and-- 130 00:08:44,213 --> 00:08:47,215 I don't want to fly all the way to China just to participate. . . 131 00:08:47,384 --> 00:08:50,421 . . .in another phony ritual of putting out joint statements. . . 132 00:08:50,596 --> 00:08:54,181 -. . .on what we agreed to before. -After the Taiwanese flag controversy. . . 133 00:08:54,393 --> 00:08:57,728 -. . .we're lucky they didn't cancel it. -This is my last China summit. 134 00:08:57,898 --> 00:08:59,179 It's my last chance. 135 00:08:59,358 --> 00:09:01,648 I want to walk in there and show the Chinese. . . 136 00:09:01,862 --> 00:09:04,817 . . .that they are not dealing with some staff-dependent puppet. 137 00:09:05,033 --> 00:09:09,578 I want them to see that I'm ready to get some work done right there in the room. 138 00:09:09,748 --> 00:09:14,791 Progress isn't good enough for me now. I want to get something done. 139 00:09:17,467 --> 00:09:19,507 -You like shrimp, don't you? -I love it. 140 00:09:19,678 --> 00:09:23,179 You might be interested to know how much of the shrimp sold in the U.S. . . 141 00:09:23,350 --> 00:09:25,390 . . .actually comes from China. 142 00:09:26,020 --> 00:09:29,390 Nice. Okay, go ahead. 143 00:09:29,817 --> 00:09:32,309 Yes. Well, one of the most difficult trade issues. . . 144 00:09:32,487 --> 00:09:35,608 . . .on the agenda this time is shrimp. 145 00:09:36,409 --> 00:09:38,319 -Shrimp. -On the summit's last day. . . 146 00:09:38,495 --> 00:09:40,405 . . .the agenda will be regional security. 147 00:09:40,581 --> 00:09:42,491 -Does that include North Korea? -Yes. 148 00:09:42,668 --> 00:09:43,997 So can we expect to hear--? 149 00:09:44,170 --> 00:09:47,255 Let me get through the return trip itinerary, and we're done. 150 00:09:47,424 --> 00:09:50,794 Is it true that Penn and Teller burned a U.S. flag in the White House? 151 00:09:51,012 --> 00:09:52,922 I'm not taking any questions. 152 00:09:53,099 --> 00:09:55,092 They say that they were gonna burn a flag? 153 00:09:55,268 --> 00:09:58,473 -Who invited them to the White House? -Penn and Teller performed. . . 154 00:09:58,648 --> 00:10:01,021 . . .at a private party last night in the East Room. 155 00:10:01,193 --> 00:10:04,065 As it was a private party, the White House has no comment. 156 00:10:04,239 --> 00:10:08,072 -Do you have a list of who was at--? -As I said-- I'm not taking any questions. 157 00:10:08,244 --> 00:10:11,780 -You just did. -Well, I'm not taking any more. 158 00:10:12,959 --> 00:10:16,376 Even if we make significant progress in tariffs and quotas. . . 159 00:10:16,547 --> 00:10:19,834 . . .if they don't budge on the currency issue. . . 160 00:10:20,010 --> 00:10:23,131 . . .then we might not actually be able to achieve any real gains-- 161 00:10:23,307 --> 00:10:26,059 "State has confirmed that China just released Wen Jong. . . 162 00:10:26,227 --> 00:10:28,980 . . .as a goodwill gesture before the president's arrival. 163 00:10:29,190 --> 00:10:32,774 The dissident had been jailed for six and a half years--" Congratulations. 164 00:10:32,945 --> 00:10:34,819 They always give us one before a summit. 165 00:10:34,989 --> 00:10:38,656 -Wen Jong's not just any dissident. -We need to draft a statement. Milly. 166 00:10:38,870 --> 00:10:41,243 -Hi, C.J. -Madame Surgeon General. . . 167 00:10:41,456 --> 00:10:44,293 . . .the briefing book on public health in China is maybe. . . 168 00:10:44,461 --> 00:10:47,997 . . .a touch too technical for someone who almost flunked organic chemistry. 169 00:10:48,174 --> 00:10:50,500 -What'd you get, a B? -B plus, as I recall. 170 00:10:50,677 --> 00:10:52,006 I don't remember any of it. 171 00:10:52,179 --> 00:10:53,758 -Are your bags packed? -Excuse me? 172 00:10:53,932 --> 00:10:57,432 I need a seminar from you on the plane about SARS and AIDS in China. 173 00:10:57,645 --> 00:10:59,473 -No joke? -Wheels up at, what, C.J.? 174 00:10:59,648 --> 00:11:01,938 Two-fifteen, but we're 20 minutes behind, so. . . . 175 00:11:02,110 --> 00:11:03,770 -So you got time to pack. -Yes, sir. 176 00:11:04,071 --> 00:11:07,405 -Leonard, go ahead. -Stanley. As I was saying. . . 177 00:11:07,575 --> 00:11:10,281 . . .since the Chinese currency remains. . . . 178 00:11:10,746 --> 00:11:12,870 -Penn and Teller thing leaked. -Big surprise. 179 00:11:13,083 --> 00:11:15,076 I got it when I gave the China schedule. 180 00:11:15,294 --> 00:11:18,131 -How'd the "private party" line work? -Like a lead balloon. 181 00:11:18,298 --> 00:11:21,835 -President won't let us say anything. -They want to know who invited them. 182 00:11:22,012 --> 00:11:25,097 -And who was in the room. -And if the president was there. 183 00:11:25,266 --> 00:11:27,343 I knew it would leak the second it happened. 184 00:11:27,561 --> 00:11:29,638 The second what happened? 185 00:11:29,856 --> 00:11:32,478 It was a magic trick. How do we know what they did? 186 00:11:32,693 --> 00:11:36,063 -They didn't burn the flag? -Doesn't matter. People saw them do it. 187 00:11:36,365 --> 00:11:38,773 Maybe they just pretended to burn a flag. 188 00:11:38,952 --> 00:11:42,654 Get Penn and Teller to make a statement saying they didn't burn the flag. 189 00:11:42,832 --> 00:11:46,249 I don't want flag questions chasing us all the way to China. 190 00:11:46,462 --> 00:11:49,915 "We commend the Chinese government for releasing Wen Jong, but hope--" 191 00:11:50,092 --> 00:11:52,798 -"Commend" is too strong a word. -How about "encouraged"? 192 00:11:52,971 --> 00:11:55,463 -"We were encouraged by the Chinese. " -That's better. 193 00:11:55,641 --> 00:11:57,350 I need a couple signatures. 194 00:11:57,519 --> 00:12:00,437 We need to get that statement out before we get on the plane. 195 00:12:00,606 --> 00:12:03,145 Could we talk about who China should release next? 196 00:12:03,318 --> 00:12:05,276 We should focus on what we won today. 197 00:12:05,571 --> 00:12:07,980 So a line about what we hope they do in the future? 198 00:12:08,158 --> 00:12:10,068 Right. We need to tie it into the summit. 199 00:12:10,244 --> 00:12:12,487 Like how it shows that the Chinese are ready. . . 200 00:12:12,664 --> 00:12:15,785 . . .for real negotiations on all of the issues on our agenda. 201 00:12:15,961 --> 00:12:18,583 -Let me look at that. -We should check this with State. 202 00:12:18,756 --> 00:12:22,625 They'll want to have input on any statement referring to the summit. 203 00:12:26,600 --> 00:12:29,009 We'll get Penn and Teller to put out a statement. . . 204 00:12:29,187 --> 00:12:32,059 . . .explaining that they didn't really burn a flag. 205 00:12:32,233 --> 00:12:35,105 And ruin a perfectly good segment of Crossfire tonight? 206 00:12:35,279 --> 00:12:38,234 I didn't realize you wanted all press-conference questions. . . 207 00:12:38,408 --> 00:12:40,615 . . .to be about flag burning in the White House. 208 00:12:40,870 --> 00:12:44,121 Want to see these Christmas party invitations I'm declining for you? 209 00:12:44,291 --> 00:12:46,664 Only ones you're accepting, which I hope are none. 210 00:12:46,836 --> 00:12:48,995 -So far. -Are wheels up yet? 211 00:12:49,173 --> 00:12:50,798 In four minutes. 212 00:12:50,967 --> 00:12:53,838 So that's like, what, 50 minutes behind schedule? 213 00:12:54,013 --> 00:12:56,469 -Forty-eight. -Okay, so you owe me. . . . 214 00:12:56,641 --> 00:12:58,765 No, no. You bet 45 or under, and l-- 215 00:12:58,936 --> 00:13:01,143 I'd never bet under 45 on a foreign trip. 216 00:13:01,314 --> 00:13:03,687 You really want to become a liar over 3 bucks? 217 00:13:03,859 --> 00:13:06,434 -I'm late for Vinick. -Not anymore, you're not. 218 00:13:06,989 --> 00:13:10,774 -Did he cancel? -No, I just rescheduled it for you. 219 00:13:11,203 --> 00:13:14,039 -This better be good. -Vinick's scheduler was fine with it. 220 00:13:14,207 --> 00:13:16,117 Did it occur to you I'd have a problem--? 221 00:13:16,293 --> 00:13:20,043 She said later would actually be better for the senator. He won't be rushed. 222 00:13:20,215 --> 00:13:22,125 -So? -So Charlie needs you. 223 00:13:22,301 --> 00:13:24,840 -Charlie? -Obviously, that means it's a C.J. thing. 224 00:13:25,013 --> 00:13:28,300 He's been passing along stuff for her since she's been on the road. 225 00:13:28,476 --> 00:13:31,182 You can say "China trip. " When you say "on the road" . . . 226 00:13:31,355 --> 00:13:33,515 . . .it screams avoiding saying "China trip. " 227 00:13:33,692 --> 00:13:36,611 -Me, avoid saying something to you? -Get two things straight: 228 00:13:36,780 --> 00:13:40,446 First, I'm fine not going to China. Picking a U.N. ambassador's a big thing. 229 00:13:40,618 --> 00:13:44,867 -You didn't pick him. -Second, only I can reschedule Vinick. 230 00:13:45,041 --> 00:13:48,376 To keep your ego intact, I've been trying to avoid using the phrase: 231 00:13:48,546 --> 00:13:51,916 "Direct order from C.J. " I'll take your coat. 232 00:13:57,558 --> 00:14:00,132 We will be landing in New Orleans in 25 minutes. 233 00:14:00,312 --> 00:14:03,896 The press will be to your left as you exit the plane. 234 00:14:05,319 --> 00:14:07,395 I have nothing more on the flag thing. 235 00:14:08,364 --> 00:14:11,117 C.J., I think we've used about enough presidential time. . . 236 00:14:11,285 --> 00:14:14,905 . . .talking about a kid's birthday party. What else you got, Kate? 237 00:14:15,082 --> 00:14:17,788 -Did they really burn the flag--? -I don't know. 238 00:14:17,961 --> 00:14:21,165 I was in bed five minutes after Zoey blew out the candles. 239 00:14:21,340 --> 00:14:23,417 I have a draft statement for you to look at. 240 00:14:23,594 --> 00:14:27,379 We really should get a statement out before we land in New Orleans. 241 00:14:28,684 --> 00:14:34,440 "While I do not condone flag burning. . . . I was not present when. . . . " It's too long. 242 00:14:34,609 --> 00:14:36,234 -Let me work on that. -No, let me. 243 00:14:36,403 --> 00:14:38,396 -It was a private party. -I'll stress that. 244 00:14:38,572 --> 00:14:40,233 No, that's it. That's my statement. 245 00:14:40,408 --> 00:14:43,695 -It was a private party, period. -It was in the White House. 246 00:14:43,871 --> 00:14:46,577 -Underline "private. " -It was in the East Room. 247 00:14:46,792 --> 00:14:48,417 There were 50 people there. 248 00:14:48,628 --> 00:14:50,954 I'm not getting into a national shouting match. . . 249 00:14:51,131 --> 00:14:54,418 . . .about what happened at my daughter's birthday party. 250 00:14:57,557 --> 00:15:00,761 -Landing in New Orleans in 20 minutes. -Thank you. 251 00:15:01,312 --> 00:15:02,641 Go ahead, Kate. 252 00:15:02,814 --> 00:15:04,938 So you know, I'm not comfortable with this. 253 00:15:05,109 --> 00:15:07,648 C.J. wanted to call, but she got pulled into a thing. 254 00:15:07,821 --> 00:15:09,529 -On the plane. -It's not just you. 255 00:15:09,698 --> 00:15:11,988 She's had me on the phone with half the Cabinet. 256 00:15:12,160 --> 00:15:14,367 She just can't make every phone call herself. 257 00:15:14,538 --> 00:15:17,161 She wants you to help out on the flag-burning thing. 258 00:15:17,334 --> 00:15:20,336 -Instead of getting a U.N. ambassador? -Not instead of. Before. 259 00:15:20,505 --> 00:15:22,332 Twenty-seven congressmen signed this. . . 260 00:15:22,507 --> 00:15:26,293 . . .demanding the president explain what happened. The story's on cable news. 261 00:15:26,471 --> 00:15:29,177 C.J.'s afraid it'll drown out coverage of the China trip. 262 00:15:29,350 --> 00:15:31,972 -She needs you to-- -Put out the fire? 263 00:15:32,146 --> 00:15:34,222 Did she actually say "put out the fire"? 264 00:15:35,942 --> 00:15:38,316 We're buried in calls from the usual suspects. . . 265 00:15:38,529 --> 00:15:41,318 . . .plus Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood... 266 00:15:41,492 --> 00:15:43,485 ...Hollywood Reporter, Magicians Monthly. 267 00:15:43,661 --> 00:15:46,498 Okay, why don't you track down Penn and Teller. . . 268 00:15:46,665 --> 00:15:49,502 -. . .and get them on the phone. -Them? Teller doesn't speak. 269 00:15:49,670 --> 00:15:51,996 -It's an act. -Penn told me Teller doesn't speak. 270 00:15:52,173 --> 00:15:54,380 -You talked to Penn? -Right before you came in. 271 00:15:54,551 --> 00:15:57,968 He'll be here in a couple of hours. Sounded pretty cooperative. 272 00:15:58,140 --> 00:16:01,177 Okay. Who we kidding, you don't need me in this thing. 273 00:16:01,352 --> 00:16:05,434 I wanted to give you the vice president's statement about the flag burning. 274 00:16:05,608 --> 00:16:08,182 He wants to get it out this afternoon. 275 00:16:08,362 --> 00:16:11,317 "When I was in Congress, I led the fight. . . 276 00:16:11,491 --> 00:16:14,030 . . .for a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning. 277 00:16:14,203 --> 00:16:18,249 This obscene stunt once again points out the urgent need for a constitutional--" 278 00:16:18,417 --> 00:16:22,001 Can this guy open his mouth without pandering? 279 00:16:22,172 --> 00:16:24,843 Let me know when Penn and Teller show up. 280 00:16:25,051 --> 00:16:26,380 I tried to talk him out-- 281 00:16:26,553 --> 00:16:29,259 Donna, where's the OMB report on the HHS budget? 282 00:16:29,432 --> 00:16:32,849 Where the OMB reports always are, in the stack beside the thing. 283 00:16:33,021 --> 00:16:36,106 Right. Oh, and the supplements? 284 00:16:36,275 --> 00:16:38,434 Supplementary stack, beside the other thing. 285 00:16:38,612 --> 00:16:41,103 Okay, I'm done helping you ignore Will. 286 00:16:41,282 --> 00:16:45,233 How would you suggest the vice president handle a flag burning? 287 00:16:45,454 --> 00:16:49,121 I would tell him to show a little loyalty to the president and his family. . . 288 00:16:49,293 --> 00:16:52,295 . . .but then I'd have to explain to him what loyalty is. 289 00:16:52,714 --> 00:16:54,458 Do you have time to do that now? 290 00:16:56,177 --> 00:16:58,087 He shook too many hands in New Orleans. . . 291 00:16:58,263 --> 00:17:00,886 . . .but the pilot says we can make up some lost time. 292 00:17:01,059 --> 00:17:05,010 Yes, China's definitely dumping shrimp in the U.S. at below-cost prices. . . 293 00:17:05,190 --> 00:17:11,312 . . .but so is Vietnam. So if we threaten to bring a WTO case against China. . . 294 00:17:11,490 --> 00:17:13,567 . . .then we have to threaten Vietnam too. 295 00:17:13,785 --> 00:17:16,989 The U.S. threatening Vietnam could wake up a lot of sleeping dogs. 296 00:17:17,206 --> 00:17:19,330 How much shrimp comes from China and Vietnam? 297 00:17:19,501 --> 00:17:22,337 Twenty-five percent. There's no way our domestic industry. . . 298 00:17:22,505 --> 00:17:25,341 . . .could replace that. And it would only make it easier. . . 299 00:17:25,509 --> 00:17:27,917 . . .for Brazil to increase their market share. 300 00:17:28,096 --> 00:17:30,932 I told those guys in New Orleans that I would do something. 301 00:17:31,100 --> 00:17:34,470 You will do something. You'll raise the issue with the Chinese. 302 00:17:34,688 --> 00:17:36,100 Only the State Department. . . 303 00:17:36,274 --> 00:17:39,395 . . .thinks "raising the issue" and "doing something" are the same. 304 00:17:39,570 --> 00:17:43,403 I co-sponsored the flag-burning amendment when the House voted on it. 305 00:17:43,575 --> 00:17:46,661 Big difference between being a congressman and being VP. 306 00:17:46,830 --> 00:17:49,238 I know, but I've got a lot of history with this. 307 00:17:49,417 --> 00:17:51,659 Voters didn't know much about me. . . 308 00:17:51,837 --> 00:17:55,088 . . .but what they did know was that I was against flag burning. 309 00:17:55,258 --> 00:17:57,298 That's in one district in Colorado. 310 00:17:57,469 --> 00:18:01,136 You need to define yourself nationally. You want to start with flag burning? 311 00:18:01,308 --> 00:18:04,809 -It's the story of the day. -China summit's the story of the day. 312 00:18:04,980 --> 00:18:08,314 If you don't have something to say about U.S. relations with China. . . 313 00:18:08,526 --> 00:18:10,733 . . .why are you running for president? 314 00:18:10,904 --> 00:18:14,357 Voters understand loyalty. They're not expecting you to take a shot. . . 315 00:18:14,534 --> 00:18:17,952 . . .at the president on something that happened at his daughter's party. 316 00:18:18,164 --> 00:18:21,001 Baker is going to New Hampshire to announce his candidacy. 317 00:18:21,168 --> 00:18:23,577 -The press is gonna ask him about this. -lf Baker-- 318 00:18:23,755 --> 00:18:28,300 lf? Baker has to jump on this. He needs to move to the right on something. 319 00:18:28,470 --> 00:18:32,006 So what? Do you think that helps either one of you get the nomination? 320 00:18:32,184 --> 00:18:35,102 It's never too early to think about the general. 321 00:18:35,271 --> 00:18:37,680 Mr. Vice President, have you seen Baker's numbers? 322 00:18:37,858 --> 00:18:41,442 That's why I can't miss any opportunity, like this flag thing. 323 00:18:41,613 --> 00:18:43,322 Baker's at 32. You're at 19. 324 00:18:43,491 --> 00:18:45,733 Hoynes and everyone else are in single digits. 325 00:18:45,952 --> 00:18:50,034 You're not gonna catch up to Baker with flag burning. Baker's just a governor. 326 00:18:50,250 --> 00:18:53,501 He's gotta jump at every issue to get coverage outside Pennsylvania. 327 00:18:53,671 --> 00:18:56,128 You're vice president of the United States. 328 00:18:56,300 --> 00:18:59,884 You can't go chasing every little controversy that comes along. 329 00:19:00,097 --> 00:19:02,671 You can't let Baker dictate your agenda. 330 00:19:02,892 --> 00:19:05,515 You pick your spots carefully, every speech you give. . . 331 00:19:05,688 --> 00:19:08,358 . . .will be treated as breaking news on CNN. 332 00:19:10,152 --> 00:19:13,024 I need you to pick those spots for me. 333 00:19:13,699 --> 00:19:17,069 Will's been telling me that you're the guy to run this campaign. 334 00:19:17,245 --> 00:19:19,238 Now I can see why. 335 00:19:19,415 --> 00:19:21,539 They're ready for you now. 336 00:19:22,419 --> 00:19:24,329 -He's not stupid. -That a bumper sticker? 337 00:19:24,505 --> 00:19:26,712 -He took your advice. -That was a setup. 338 00:19:26,883 --> 00:19:31,132 No, it wasn't. He wanted to put out that statement. I couldn't talk him out of it. 339 00:19:31,306 --> 00:19:34,474 Once I heard your take, it seemed perfect to put you two together. 340 00:19:34,686 --> 00:19:37,308 It's a write-your-own-ticket offer. Complete control. 341 00:19:37,523 --> 00:19:41,522 -You don't want to run it? -I've never done a national campaign. 342 00:19:41,695 --> 00:19:43,985 Baker's gonna chew him up in the debates. 343 00:19:44,157 --> 00:19:46,779 Even Hoynes will run rings around him on the issues. 344 00:19:46,994 --> 00:19:51,243 The VP will be the only guy with enough money to hang in there against Baker. 345 00:19:51,459 --> 00:19:53,037 -What about Hoynes? -Damaged goods. 346 00:19:53,211 --> 00:19:56,130 So you think it's a two-man race by Super Tuesday? 347 00:19:56,340 --> 00:19:59,793 Right. And Baker's not gonna play well in the South. 348 00:20:00,179 --> 00:20:02,753 I heard Hoynes made you an offer. 349 00:20:04,226 --> 00:20:06,896 -Has Baker called you? -Bruno runs Baker's campaigns. 350 00:20:07,063 --> 00:20:09,222 Bob Russell might be the next president. 351 00:20:09,400 --> 00:20:12,604 You get in now, you can make him the candidate you want him to be. 352 00:20:12,821 --> 00:20:16,488 After that, we make him the president we need him to be. 353 00:20:22,000 --> 00:20:25,168 -Where is Vinick's office? -Dirksen 464. 354 00:20:25,338 --> 00:20:27,628 -Thanks. -Got Penn and Teller's statement. 355 00:20:27,800 --> 00:20:30,636 -Let's see. -You're not gonna love it. 356 00:20:32,139 --> 00:20:34,382 How about after the Vinick meeting? 357 00:20:34,559 --> 00:20:36,600 -For what? -For me, for that talk we were-- 358 00:20:36,771 --> 00:20:39,559 "Supreme Court ruled we can do what we want with the flag. 359 00:20:39,733 --> 00:20:43,946 And the Founding Fathers obviously intended--" Are they still here? 360 00:20:44,114 --> 00:20:47,365 Juggling identical objects, identical weights is pretty easy. . . 361 00:20:47,535 --> 00:20:49,410 . . .with about five years' practice. 362 00:20:49,580 --> 00:20:53,116 But juggling different weights, different shapes. . . 363 00:20:53,293 --> 00:20:57,244 . . .stuff you got off people's desks, stuff you haven't practiced with. . . 364 00:20:57,424 --> 00:21:00,711 -. . .that's when it gets a little bit tricky. -That's amazing. 365 00:21:00,929 --> 00:21:03,681 This statement does me absolutely no good. 366 00:21:03,891 --> 00:21:06,846 I need a statement saying exactly what you did last night. 367 00:21:07,020 --> 00:21:11,399 Preferably that you did not burn a flag. And if you did actually burn a flag. . . 368 00:21:11,610 --> 00:21:15,526 . . .I need you to admit it and emphasize that you did not clear your act. . . 369 00:21:15,699 --> 00:21:18,986 . . .with anyone in the White House, and had you done so. . . 370 00:21:19,162 --> 00:21:22,117 . . .you now realize you would have been explicitly forbidden. . . 371 00:21:22,333 --> 00:21:25,335 . . .to burn a flag in the White House, and you now regret. . . 372 00:21:25,504 --> 00:21:28,174 . . .this controversy and apologize to the president. . . 373 00:21:28,341 --> 00:21:31,925 . . .and his family for treating his home with such disrespect. 374 00:21:32,388 --> 00:21:37,633 -Hi. I'm Penn Jillette. This is Teller. -Hi. Josh Lyman. How you doing? 375 00:21:37,854 --> 00:21:39,230 He doesn't talk. 376 00:21:39,398 --> 00:21:42,186 Doesn't talk, like Harpo Marx, or really doesn't talk? 377 00:21:42,402 --> 00:21:46,567 -What's the difference? -Okay. How did you do the flag trick? 378 00:21:46,741 --> 00:21:48,782 -We're not gonna tell you that. -Fine. 379 00:21:48,953 --> 00:21:50,946 So if Annabeth goes out there and says. . . 380 00:21:51,122 --> 00:21:54,658 . . .that you did not burn a flag last night, no one can refute that. 381 00:21:54,836 --> 00:21:58,372 Except the people who saw them burn a flag, or think that's what they saw. 382 00:21:58,591 --> 00:22:01,427 You tell me, Charlie. Did we burn a flag, or did we just. . . 383 00:22:01,595 --> 00:22:05,677 -. . .vanish a flag in a flash of fireworks? -Don't know. 384 00:22:05,892 --> 00:22:08,848 -What's the difference? -There's a big difference politically. 385 00:22:09,022 --> 00:22:11,893 Why? I mean, what if we burned a flag not in protest. . . 386 00:22:12,068 --> 00:22:16,862 . . .but in celebration of the very freedoms that allow us to burn a flag. . . 387 00:22:17,074 --> 00:22:20,611 . . .the freedoms that everyone who has ever worked in this building. . . 388 00:22:20,788 --> 00:22:23,706 . . .has pledged to preserve and protect? 389 00:22:25,878 --> 00:22:29,498 -Did you go to law school? -No. Clown school. 390 00:22:32,178 --> 00:22:37,175 Let's find a compromise on shrimp that I can ask the Chinese to offer Vietnam. 391 00:22:37,352 --> 00:22:40,557 Something that nudges both of them closer to fair price levels. 392 00:22:40,732 --> 00:22:44,268 Okay, everyone. The president has a phone call to make. 393 00:22:59,674 --> 00:23:01,549 -What was all that about? -You okay? 394 00:23:01,719 --> 00:23:03,344 -I'm fine. -You're not eating. 395 00:23:03,763 --> 00:23:06,682 -I'm not that hungry. -You said you were hungry earlier. 396 00:23:06,851 --> 00:23:10,636 Don't worry. I'll eat. But thanks for getting rid of them. 397 00:23:10,856 --> 00:23:13,527 Sixteen more hours of that would be a bit much. 398 00:23:13,735 --> 00:23:16,358 Send Milly in. I don't need to talk shop with her. 399 00:23:16,572 --> 00:23:18,566 Yes, sir. 400 00:23:23,332 --> 00:23:25,871 The senator will see you now. 401 00:23:44,694 --> 00:23:46,688 Mr. Chairman. 402 00:23:47,406 --> 00:23:48,901 Shine your own shoes, Josh? 403 00:23:49,701 --> 00:23:51,493 No, I can't say that I do. 404 00:23:51,662 --> 00:23:56,705 My father used to say you can't trust a man who doesn't shine his own shoes. 405 00:23:58,004 --> 00:24:01,754 -Does anybody shine those things? -Not really. No. 406 00:24:01,968 --> 00:24:04,590 How many guys left in this town shine their own shoes? 407 00:24:05,097 --> 00:24:07,007 -Not a lot. -None. 408 00:24:07,225 --> 00:24:10,595 -Is that how many you trust? -That's exactly how many I trust. 409 00:24:10,813 --> 00:24:12,688 -Mr. Chairman-- -I know what you're thinking. 410 00:24:12,899 --> 00:24:16,436 "Must be Ionely being this mean old guy who doesn't trust anyone. " 411 00:24:16,655 --> 00:24:19,229 Well, I trust my brother, my four children. . . 412 00:24:19,408 --> 00:24:22,909 . . .my nine grandchildren and my dog. 413 00:24:24,332 --> 00:24:26,242 I suspect that's more than you trust. . . 414 00:24:26,418 --> 00:24:27,913 -. . .now isn't it? -Yeah. 415 00:24:28,087 --> 00:24:31,956 The Founding Fathers didn't set up a government based on trust. 416 00:24:32,134 --> 00:24:35,469 They could've designed a government based on trust. . . 417 00:24:35,681 --> 00:24:40,428 . . .but they knew that power corrupts. So they invented checks and balances. 418 00:24:42,106 --> 00:24:44,016 That was genius. 419 00:24:44,568 --> 00:24:47,356 The Founding Fathers did not want me to trust you. . . 420 00:24:47,572 --> 00:24:50,325 . . .and they did not want you to trust me. 421 00:24:51,035 --> 00:24:53,609 Well, they must be very proud of us. 422 00:24:55,917 --> 00:24:56,948 Have a seat. 423 00:24:57,127 --> 00:24:59,120 Oh, we're still negotiating Christmas. 424 00:24:59,338 --> 00:25:04,679 Tommy wants to go on an archaeological dig with some heathen professor of his. 425 00:25:04,887 --> 00:25:07,011 And Cleo's doing Christmas with her dad. 426 00:25:07,224 --> 00:25:09,977 Then do Christmas with your goddaughter and her family. 427 00:25:10,186 --> 00:25:14,020 I can't afford another Bartlet Christmas on this government salary. 428 00:25:14,192 --> 00:25:16,897 Way too many presents. 429 00:25:17,446 --> 00:25:20,068 Milly, I can't move my hands. 430 00:25:24,998 --> 00:25:28,582 -Ever happen before? -It's usually one or the other. 431 00:25:28,753 --> 00:25:30,378 -Never both? -No. 432 00:25:37,432 --> 00:25:40,968 -You feel that? -No. 433 00:25:43,857 --> 00:25:46,528 -Anything? -No. 434 00:25:46,694 --> 00:25:49,269 You want me to bring in the flight doctor? 435 00:25:49,448 --> 00:25:51,655 Not unless it gets worse. 436 00:25:55,123 --> 00:25:59,502 Well, I guess I'm gonna have to feed you then, aren't I? 437 00:26:07,223 --> 00:26:11,352 Every White House forgets about checks and balances. You guys are no different. 438 00:26:11,520 --> 00:26:13,679 It's the witch hunts I got a problem with. 439 00:26:13,857 --> 00:26:16,395 You'll need cordovan for those. Pick up a brush. 440 00:26:16,569 --> 00:26:19,654 You're not leaving this room with shoes like that. 441 00:26:19,823 --> 00:26:22,149 Here's another check you won't like. 442 00:26:22,327 --> 00:26:24,818 I'm holding another hearing on your man, Margudian. . . 443 00:26:25,039 --> 00:26:27,744 . . .taking a Marine helicopter to play golf in Florida. 444 00:26:27,959 --> 00:26:31,793 -That was a year ago. We fired the guy. -This was another incident before that. 445 00:26:32,006 --> 00:26:34,214 -You think the American people care? -Hope not. 446 00:26:34,635 --> 00:26:39,049 But 12 members of my committee do, or think it's a good way to get on TV. 447 00:26:39,392 --> 00:26:42,678 -You think I like investigating this stuff? -Fooled me. 448 00:26:42,855 --> 00:26:46,770 Have I ever campaigned saying I'd be the best investigator in the Senate? 449 00:26:46,985 --> 00:26:49,608 Of course not. This isn't what I came here to do. 450 00:26:49,822 --> 00:26:52,445 I came here to make this a better country. 451 00:26:52,618 --> 00:26:56,119 I wish you guys would stop serving up these things for us to investigate. 452 00:26:56,290 --> 00:26:58,497 -We've run a pretty tight ship. -Yes, you have. 453 00:26:58,710 --> 00:27:01,914 Which is why they had to go back a few years to find something new. 454 00:27:02,131 --> 00:27:04,041 But just do me a big favor, will you? 455 00:27:04,259 --> 00:27:06,751 No more flag burnings in the White House. 456 00:27:06,929 --> 00:27:09,717 I've had four nuts demand hearings on that one already. 457 00:27:09,933 --> 00:27:13,553 -So? -So I told them that the U.S. Senate. . . 458 00:27:13,730 --> 00:27:18,026 . . .does not investigate what happens at kids' birthday parties. 459 00:27:18,654 --> 00:27:21,192 Not as long as I have anything to say about it. 460 00:27:22,993 --> 00:27:24,986 Have you decided if you're gonna run again? 461 00:27:25,162 --> 00:27:30,159 Yep. Flying home tonight, making my announcement tomorrow. 462 00:27:31,129 --> 00:27:33,455 Why, you want to make me a retirement offer? 463 00:27:33,674 --> 00:27:35,632 Yeah, I happen to have one on me. 464 00:27:37,137 --> 00:27:38,762 -What? -Help the president. . . 465 00:27:38,931 --> 00:27:42,052 . . .make the world a better place. 466 00:27:42,645 --> 00:27:44,768 U.N. 467 00:27:46,191 --> 00:27:49,526 That's tempting. It's very tempting. 468 00:27:50,864 --> 00:27:52,407 But that's not the job I want. 469 00:27:52,617 --> 00:27:55,821 The president didn't send me with a menu of jobs. Just this one. 470 00:27:56,038 --> 00:27:59,040 -President can't give me the job I want. -Which one? 471 00:28:00,002 --> 00:28:01,331 His. 472 00:28:07,137 --> 00:28:09,711 -You're running? -Starting tomorrow. 473 00:28:09,890 --> 00:28:12,561 You missed a spot on the heel. 474 00:28:13,729 --> 00:28:16,601 The only thing to do is let him rest. He could feel fine. . . 475 00:28:16,775 --> 00:28:20,192 -. . .by the time he gets off the plane. -Or he could get worse. 476 00:28:20,363 --> 00:28:24,113 Well, if this is as bad as it gets, no one will notice a thing. 477 00:28:24,285 --> 00:28:28,580 Except when he has to shake hands, which he has to do 200 times tomorrow. 478 00:28:28,791 --> 00:28:30,749 It'd be good to minimize the handshaking. 479 00:28:30,961 --> 00:28:32,835 We should cancel the first reception. 480 00:28:33,005 --> 00:28:35,758 You know how long the protocol officers spent on that one? 481 00:28:35,926 --> 00:28:38,299 Public events are the ones the Chinese care about. 482 00:28:38,471 --> 00:28:41,639 If the president can't publicly shake hands with a head of state-- 483 00:28:41,809 --> 00:28:43,434 It'd kill the flag-burning story. 484 00:28:43,645 --> 00:28:46,398 -Could we get Abbey on the phone? -Yeah. 485 00:28:46,858 --> 00:28:49,065 -Who else should we call? -For an MS patient. . . 486 00:28:49,236 --> 00:28:51,692 . . .this is the equivalent of a headache. 487 00:28:51,864 --> 00:28:55,566 I mean, who would you want us to call if you had a headache? 488 00:28:57,831 --> 00:29:00,786 Okay. Let's just keep this on the plane for now. 489 00:29:00,960 --> 00:29:04,793 -I thought you'd be long gone. -More junk here than I thought. 490 00:29:04,966 --> 00:29:07,837 Shouldn't you still be, you know, taking it easy? 491 00:29:08,053 --> 00:29:11,388 I think a long nap qualifies as taking it easy. Did you hook Vinick? 492 00:29:11,558 --> 00:29:14,513 -Not exactly. -He's gonna run for another term. 493 00:29:14,687 --> 00:29:17,060 I don't know much about heart stuff. . . 494 00:29:17,274 --> 00:29:19,398 . . .but aren't you supposed--? Maybe we-- 495 00:29:19,611 --> 00:29:21,569 You're not gonna shock me into my grave. 496 00:29:21,780 --> 00:29:23,275 He's running for president. 497 00:29:24,576 --> 00:29:27,993 -He announces tomorrow. -President? 498 00:29:29,249 --> 00:29:32,204 I don't see how he gets the nomination. 499 00:29:32,587 --> 00:29:35,708 What's he gonna run on? Tax cuts and more tax cuts? 500 00:29:35,883 --> 00:29:38,256 Every Republican candidate will be for tax cuts. 501 00:29:38,428 --> 00:29:42,130 -Then what? Flip-flop on abortion? -He's against late-term abortion. 502 00:29:42,350 --> 00:29:45,934 -Won't work for the Republican base. -A lot of California money behind him. 503 00:29:46,105 --> 00:29:49,641 -Even if he raises twice as much-- -Eric Baker's live on MSNBC right now. 504 00:29:49,819 --> 00:29:52,524 Says he's not running. 505 00:29:55,243 --> 00:29:59,324 And so I have decided for family reasons that this is not that time. 506 00:29:59,499 --> 00:30:01,658 It's the time that I can keep my commitment... 507 00:30:01,835 --> 00:30:04,790 ... to the people of Pennsylvania to be a full-time governor... 508 00:30:04,964 --> 00:30:08,002 ...and the commitment to my family to be a full-time father. 509 00:30:08,177 --> 00:30:10,384 -Family reasons? -Unbelievable. 510 00:30:10,555 --> 00:30:13,308 Well, I never decided to get into the presidential race... 511 00:30:13,476 --> 00:30:16,015 ...so I can 't see how you can say I dropped out of it. 512 00:30:16,188 --> 00:30:20,021 -How lucky can we get? -You're never gonna get luckier than this. 513 00:30:20,193 --> 00:30:22,816 Milly says you should use the flight to rest. 514 00:30:22,989 --> 00:30:24,484 -No more meetings. -Thanks. 515 00:30:24,658 --> 00:30:27,364 -I won't interrupt you for anything. -Fine by me. 516 00:30:27,537 --> 00:30:29,744 Mr. President, Baker just dropped out. 517 00:30:30,291 --> 00:30:33,328 -Baker's not running? -It looks like our very own Bob Russell. . . 518 00:30:33,503 --> 00:30:36,174 . . .is the new frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. 519 00:30:36,341 --> 00:30:39,627 Toby, please. Sir, this is exactly what we're not going to do. 520 00:30:39,804 --> 00:30:41,963 You need rest. We won't bring you anything. . . 521 00:30:42,182 --> 00:30:44,756 . . .you don't need to know immediately. 522 00:30:45,436 --> 00:30:47,975 But we mean real rest, not studying briefing books. 523 00:30:48,190 --> 00:30:50,764 -Are you gonna watch me rest? -lf I have to. 524 00:30:50,986 --> 00:30:52,611 Get out of here. 525 00:30:52,780 --> 00:30:56,197 -Family reasons. -Go figure. 526 00:30:56,368 --> 00:30:59,038 -He's close to Vinick, you know. -No, I didn't know. 527 00:30:59,205 --> 00:31:02,991 Yeah. Baker was on the Judiciary Committee staff back when Vinick. . . 528 00:31:03,169 --> 00:31:06,088 . . .was a freshman senator. They've been tight ever since. 529 00:31:06,298 --> 00:31:09,503 So? Since when have you seen friendship trump ambition in politics? 530 00:31:09,678 --> 00:31:12,929 Maybe Baker figures the Democratic nomination's not worth winning. . . 531 00:31:13,099 --> 00:31:15,009 . . .if he's against Vinick in the general. 532 00:31:15,227 --> 00:31:17,684 But there's no way Vinick's getting the nomination. 533 00:31:17,856 --> 00:31:23,528 I'm just saying, Baker's not sitting this out for family reasons. 534 00:31:24,615 --> 00:31:27,451 Could be Vinick. Could be something else. 535 00:31:27,828 --> 00:31:31,364 -Who's our frontrunner with Baker out? -Run a poll without Baker in it. . . 536 00:31:31,541 --> 00:31:34,958 . . .and Russell's gonna go sky-high. 537 00:31:35,129 --> 00:31:38,665 -Hoynes will pop too. -Russell or Hoynes gets our nomination. 538 00:31:38,843 --> 00:31:42,011 -Who gets the Republican nomination? -That's wide open. 539 00:31:42,222 --> 00:31:45,390 They've been out of power for eight years, and they're desperate. 540 00:31:46,395 --> 00:31:48,721 Probably why Vinick figures he has a shot. 541 00:31:48,940 --> 00:31:50,767 You're serious? 542 00:31:51,443 --> 00:31:55,988 Ever see Arnie Vinick campaign? Up close? 543 00:31:56,158 --> 00:31:58,317 He'll go into those high school gymnasiums. . . 544 00:31:58,495 --> 00:32:02,197 . . .in Iowa and New Hampshire and blow them all away. 545 00:32:02,375 --> 00:32:04,867 Shake every hand in the joint, kiss every baby. . . 546 00:32:05,045 --> 00:32:08,166 . . .hug every widow on Social Security. . . 547 00:32:08,341 --> 00:32:13,254 . . .and sound smarter and more honest than any Republican they've ever seen. . . 548 00:32:13,432 --> 00:32:15,555 . . .because he is. 549 00:32:15,852 --> 00:32:18,474 He could win in the early states. 550 00:32:18,647 --> 00:32:21,056 Go into the South with some momentum. 551 00:32:21,276 --> 00:32:22,984 Then. . . 552 00:32:24,113 --> 00:32:27,068 . . .who knows what happens? 553 00:32:29,287 --> 00:32:33,582 Republican who wins California wipes us out in the Electoral College. 554 00:32:33,751 --> 00:32:35,329 Right. 555 00:32:37,006 --> 00:32:38,999 He's not getting the nomination. 556 00:32:39,175 --> 00:32:43,803 If he does, we've got no one who can beat him. 557 00:32:50,608 --> 00:32:53,444 And so I have returned. . . 558 00:32:53,612 --> 00:32:58,952 . . .to the place where my career in public service began, right here at city hall. . . 559 00:32:59,119 --> 00:33:05,242 . . .to announce my candidacy to be the next president of the United States. 560 00:33:07,839 --> 00:33:09,963 And I ask you-- 561 00:33:10,134 --> 00:33:14,085 I ask all of you who have been with me from the beginning. . . 562 00:33:14,307 --> 00:33:17,558 ... to set out with me today from this valley on this new quest... 563 00:33:17,978 --> 00:33:20,980 ... to help me bring the promise and the opportunity... 564 00:33:21,149 --> 00:33:23,439 ...of America to all Americans. 565 00:33:23,653 --> 00:33:27,486 Do you think you're conservative enough to get the Republican nomination? 566 00:33:27,700 --> 00:33:31,117 I think I'm Republican enough. I've been a lifelong Republican. 567 00:33:31,330 --> 00:33:33,157 Always been loyal to the party. 568 00:33:33,374 --> 00:33:35,166 Should the president investigate. . . 569 00:33:35,335 --> 00:33:37,329 . . .a flag being burned in the White House? 570 00:33:37,505 --> 00:33:41,338 No. I accept the president's statement that it was a private party. 571 00:33:41,552 --> 00:33:44,887 -We don 't need to hear about it. -Don 't people have a right to know--? 572 00:33:45,057 --> 00:33:47,596 People should know the president's position on issues. 573 00:33:47,769 --> 00:33:51,353 But they don 't have the right to know what happens at his daughter's party. 574 00:33:51,566 --> 00:33:55,399 -But if they burned a flag-- -I think this is a perfect demonstration... 575 00:33:55,613 --> 00:33:58,401 . . .of what the president is flying around the world now. . . 576 00:33:58,575 --> 00:34:00,783 . . .to try to teach the Chinese government: 577 00:34:00,954 --> 00:34:02,283 The meaning of freedom. 578 00:34:02,498 --> 00:34:05,369 It's good the magicians didn 't try this trick in China... 579 00:34:05,543 --> 00:34:08,996 ... with the Chinese flag wrapped in the Chinese Bill of Rights. 580 00:34:09,257 --> 00:34:11,546 Because there is no Chinese Bill of Rights. 581 00:34:11,718 --> 00:34:13,926 -Senator! Senator! -Thank you. Thank you. 582 00:34:14,138 --> 00:34:17,224 You have a year to talk me out of voting for him. 583 00:34:23,902 --> 00:34:26,394 We've reached our cruising altitude of 41,000 feet. 584 00:34:26,572 --> 00:34:29,658 We're anticipating a smooth ride over the Pacific tonight. 585 00:34:29,868 --> 00:34:33,535 We'll be passing the Hawaiian Ridge to our south in approximately an hour... 586 00:34:33,707 --> 00:34:36,199 ...and as always, I'll give you a reminder as we.... 587 00:34:36,377 --> 00:34:38,205 -We've got a situation. -What? 588 00:34:38,380 --> 00:34:40,207 South Korea. 589 00:34:51,314 --> 00:34:53,806 -I thought you were gonna let me rest. -Sorry, sir. 590 00:34:53,985 --> 00:34:55,859 State got a heads-up from the IAEA. . . 591 00:34:56,029 --> 00:34:58,603 . . .that they're gonna report that South Korea. . . 592 00:34:58,783 --> 00:35:01,868 . . .has admitted to conducting an experiment to enrich uranium. 593 00:35:02,037 --> 00:35:04,161 South Korea is not releasing any details. 594 00:35:04,332 --> 00:35:07,667 We need you to get on the phone and get the president to come clean. 595 00:35:07,837 --> 00:35:11,041 We can't ask China to help stop North Korean nuclear experiments. . . 596 00:35:11,217 --> 00:35:13,459 . . .if the South is doing it too. 597 00:35:14,846 --> 00:35:17,469 Get us a secure line with the South Korean president. 598 00:35:17,767 --> 00:35:19,143 C.J. . . 599 00:35:19,853 --> 00:35:21,894 . . .hold it. 600 00:35:22,065 --> 00:35:23,441 Sir? 601 00:35:23,608 --> 00:35:25,851 I can't move. 602 00:35:41,800 --> 00:35:44,470 Progressive paralysis. He had trouble with his hands. 603 00:35:44,637 --> 00:35:46,429 Now it's both legs and his right arm. 604 00:35:46,598 --> 00:35:49,304 So much for being staff-dependent in China. 605 00:35:49,477 --> 00:35:51,387 Fairbanks is closer. Anchorage is better. 606 00:35:51,563 --> 00:35:53,972 I've got better doctors up here than I'd get there. 607 00:35:54,150 --> 00:35:55,811 We can't take the chance-- 608 00:35:55,986 --> 00:35:59,606 -We knew this was gonna happen. -No, Mr. President, I didn't know. 609 00:35:59,783 --> 00:36:02,619 I mean, we always knew it was gonna happen someday. 610 00:36:02,829 --> 00:36:06,531 -I'm ready for it. You better be too. -Sir, we can't land in China with you-- 611 00:36:06,751 --> 00:36:10,335 This plane is going to China. 612 00:36:11,215 --> 00:36:14,134 That's a direct order from your commander in chief. 613 00:36:16,013 --> 00:36:19,300 Okay, we're gonna need to clear the room for some tests. 614 00:36:32,369 --> 00:36:34,742 Some new numbers. 615 00:36:35,624 --> 00:36:39,872 Tracking poll has us up 16 points with Baker out of the race. 616 00:36:43,760 --> 00:36:47,260 -Hoynes is up too. -Yeah, but we picked up a lot more. 617 00:36:47,431 --> 00:36:50,006 Russell's the man to beat now. 618 00:36:50,185 --> 00:36:51,810 Yep. 619 00:36:52,563 --> 00:36:56,515 Listen, we have a breakfast tomorrow with senior campaign staff. Drop by. 620 00:36:56,736 --> 00:37:00,023 It doesn't commit you to anything. Be a fly on the wall if you want. 621 00:37:00,199 --> 00:37:03,403 -See how it feels. -No, thanks. 622 00:37:07,876 --> 00:37:09,335 This isn't a Broadway show. 623 00:37:09,503 --> 00:37:13,503 We don't just close it down after a successful eight-year run. 624 00:37:13,676 --> 00:37:16,631 You have to care who'll be in that chair after Bartlet's gone. 625 00:37:16,805 --> 00:37:18,845 I do. 626 00:37:19,225 --> 00:37:22,393 That's why I don't want Bob Russell to be president. 627 00:37:42,882 --> 00:37:46,087 Hopefully the doctors will influence him and get us turned around. 628 00:37:46,262 --> 00:37:49,347 We turn this plane around, and that's the end of his presidency. 629 00:37:49,558 --> 00:37:52,346 -It'd say he can't do the job. -We'd be saying he's sick. 630 00:37:52,520 --> 00:37:54,514 We'll go back to China when he's up to it. 631 00:37:54,690 --> 00:37:57,182 We might as well just say he's a part-time president. 632 00:37:57,360 --> 00:37:59,899 He can only do the job when he feels up to it! 633 00:38:00,114 --> 00:38:02,653 You really think he'll let you turn this plane around? 634 00:38:02,826 --> 00:38:06,872 If we cancel, China might not believe us. They'll think it's because South Korea. . . 635 00:38:07,040 --> 00:38:10,245 . . .got caught working on nuclear weapons. 636 00:38:10,462 --> 00:38:13,250 We gotta do full disclosure on this. 637 00:38:15,427 --> 00:38:18,382 Milly should do a full press briefing, all the medical facts. 638 00:38:18,556 --> 00:38:21,344 Right here on this plane. Just as soon as we know what. . . . 639 00:38:21,811 --> 00:38:23,970 He knew. 640 00:38:24,189 --> 00:38:26,396 That's why the surgeon general's on the flight. 641 00:38:26,567 --> 00:38:30,613 He wanted her here to do the briefing. He knew this might happen. 642 00:38:31,031 --> 00:38:32,740 We're three hours from Beijing. 643 00:38:32,951 --> 00:38:35,525 If we turn around, we're gonna have to refuel. 644 00:38:35,705 --> 00:38:39,241 Maybe we should let the cockpit start checking their options. 645 00:38:39,418 --> 00:38:43,998 -Yeah, okay. -He wants to see you. All of you. 646 00:38:52,352 --> 00:38:56,102 Not there. In the infirmary. 647 00:38:59,904 --> 00:39:02,942 I just got off the phone with President Wang of South Korea. 648 00:39:03,117 --> 00:39:05,787 He insists he didn't know about the nuclear experiment. 649 00:39:05,996 --> 00:39:08,452 Says it was a couple of curious young scientists. 650 00:39:08,625 --> 00:39:12,374 And they only enriched about two-tenths of a gram of uranium. 651 00:39:12,547 --> 00:39:15,632 That's not nearly enough for weapons-grade enrichment, is it? 652 00:39:15,801 --> 00:39:19,717 No, sir. Weapons-grade would have to be at least 90 percent higher than that. 653 00:39:19,890 --> 00:39:23,936 Okay. Wang says they're cooperating fully with the IAEA inspectors. 654 00:39:24,104 --> 00:39:28,186 He's ordered these young scientists to participate in a joint press conference. . . 655 00:39:28,360 --> 00:39:31,196 . . .with the inspectors tomorrow, then he's gonna fire them. 656 00:39:31,406 --> 00:39:34,657 -It won't make North Korea feel better. -I know, but it's a start. 657 00:39:34,827 --> 00:39:38,447 C.J., we gotta set up a quick press briefing. . . 658 00:39:38,624 --> 00:39:44,546 -. . .for the gang in the back of the plane. -Mr. President, are you. . .? 659 00:39:45,467 --> 00:39:49,217 My left hand is back. I still have no feeling in my legs. . . 660 00:39:49,389 --> 00:39:52,225 . . .and my right arm's in no shape to be shaking hands. 661 00:39:52,434 --> 00:39:54,475 Remember to tell the protocol officer that. 662 00:39:54,688 --> 00:39:57,310 -Are you in pain? -No, as long as I don't attempt. . . 663 00:39:57,483 --> 00:40:00,853 . . .any superhuman feat like, say, writing my name. 664 00:40:01,447 --> 00:40:03,855 Okay, let's get started. 665 00:40:04,367 --> 00:40:08,580 Think anyone's gonna ask about that flag-burning thing now? 666 00:40:08,748 --> 00:40:12,000 All right, when we get out there, I'll lead off with the MS thing. . . 667 00:40:12,170 --> 00:40:13,499 . . .then discuss South Korea. 668 00:40:13,672 --> 00:40:16,294 I'll leave it to you, Milly, to give medical details. . . 669 00:40:16,467 --> 00:40:20,680 -. . .if anyone has questions about that. -I think they might have a few hundred. 670 00:40:20,890 --> 00:40:24,972 I'm just gonna say that the president will be working from a wheelchair again. 671 00:40:25,146 --> 00:40:26,854 -Again? -FDR. 672 00:40:27,023 --> 00:40:28,815 Do I have to remind those kids. . . 673 00:40:28,984 --> 00:40:31,441 . . .that Roosevelt fought WWII from a wheelchair? 674 00:40:31,655 --> 00:40:33,732 -Yeah, but. . . . -But he died in office. 675 00:40:33,950 --> 00:40:36,738 Okay, I'll skip the Roosevelt bit. 676 00:40:37,538 --> 00:40:40,575 Bring that thing over here, would you? 677 00:40:42,920 --> 00:40:47,085 How much you want to bet I can get them to ask about South Korea? 678 00:40:49,471 --> 00:40:50,966 How much you got? 679 00:40:59,067 --> 00:41:02,734 Sorry to wake you up, but the president has an announcement to make. 680 00:41:10,583 --> 00:41:13,122 No, no. I'll take it from here. 681 00:42:12,459 --> 00:42:16,589 Ladies and gentlemen, the president of the United States.