THE WEST WING
5x18 - “ACCESS”
WRITTEN BY LAUREN SCHMIDT
DIRECTED BY ALEX GRAVES
Transcribed by Walking, Talking, And Yelling At Clouds
(kegofglory.blogspot.com)
TEASER
FADE IN: TITLE CARD
On the screen appears what seems to be a public television introductory title card, with the word “ACCESS” repeated in the background and the call letters WRQE at the bottom left. As the voiceover reads the list of donors responsible for the program, we see them listed on this screen.
VOICEOVER:
The following program was made possible by a grant from the Kenneth C. and Mary E. Blackburn Foundation, the Samuel Jones Charitable Trust, and individual viewer donations.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
CJ is talking to the interviewer with the documentary crew. We can see her through a camera viewfinder as she is looking through some papers at her desk.
CJ:
Why? That’s the right question. Your bread and butter, huh, having the right questions?
INTERVIEWER
Like having the right answers is yours.
CJ
Did we start?
INTERVIEWER
Nope. Don’t mind them.
The camera moves erratically about CJ’s office, focusing on different areas as the camera operator prepares for the interview to start. We can see a sound man holding a microphone next to her desk.
CJ
Right, right. Why am I letting you tail me, is that what you’re asking me?
INTERVIEWER
Yeah. I mean, I pitch, but I’m always surprised when people accept.
White balance boards and color adjustment panels are seen as the crew continues to prepare to film. CJ starts moving about her office.
CJ
Well, I’ve seen your work …
INTERVIEWER
Well, exactly.
CJ
And, um, you know, I’m not expecting a free ride, I just … I guess I thought your, your concept – a day in the life, a day in my life – is, uh … you know what, before we get into it, I want to reiterate the ground rules.
INTERVIEWER
Um-hmm.
CJ
You want to document this, Chad? Can I have that?
A hand delivers a coffee mug to CJ. She stands in front of the main camera talking to the unseen INTERVIEWER.
CJ
I want to be clear between you and me.
INTERVIEWER
Of course.
CJ
Your access is to me -
INTERVIEWER
And your staff and your co-workers.
CJ
Yes, but if you’re secretly hoping to have lots of time with senior staff or in the Oval, you picked the wrong gal because that’s not what I do all day. I can’t let this project in any way compromise my obligations to the President of the United States. ... That was bragging.
CJ is now sitting in a chair in front of her desk as the interview is about to start. The camera view moves around her office, showing a doughnut on her desk, and then moves back to a side view of CJ.
INTERVIEWER
Let’s get back to why.
CJ
Well, I think, and -
The video rewinds with a squiggly backwards-audio sound.
CUT TO BLACK.
ACCESS
FADE IN: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
The interview has begun. CJ sits in front of her desk.
CJ
After President Bartlet, my face is the one most associated with this administration, yet for all its visibility, it’s not well understood. The public is, is used to seeing me at the podium -
Footage of CJ in the press briefing room is seen, along with background footage of CJ on the phone reacting to something she’s seeing on the TV. We then see her in the press room reporter cubicles talking over something with Greg Brock.
CJ
- confronting an adversarial press, and there’s a, a misconception that I’m here to stymie reporters, or to mislead the public, to -
The visual shifts back to CJ being interviewed.
CJ
- spin, or even hide the truth, when in fact, any good press secretary aims to do just the opposite. (CUT: CJ laughs) This is a terrible idea. I don’t know what I was thinking, this is – let’s, let’s call this off. (CUT) The breakneck pace we live at, the 24-hour news cycle, is this good for the country? Is it inescapable? How do we reflect, get perspective?
CUT TO: FILE FOOTAGE
As the NARRATOR speaks, we begin with newsreel film of President Kennedy speaking to reporters. Next we see a cabinet meeting with President Lyndon Johnson. Then President Nixon signing an agreement with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev.
NARRATOR
Since the advent of television in the middle of the twentieth century, the White House press secretary has been no stranger to Americans. But what about the private aspects of this office? In the current media explosion -
The visuals shift to modern day, with press photographers taking pictures in the Oval Office as CJ speaks to President Bartlet. We also see images of CJ entering the press briefing room and working on files in her office.
NARRATOR
- how is this important job changing? And to what extent does the individual serving as press secretary at any given moment define America’s relationship with the White House? To answer these questions, Access spent a day with White House Press Secretary CJ Cregg.
CUT TO: INT. - PRESS ROOM – DAY
CJ walks through the press room peppered with questions from reporters.
CUT TO: INT. - PRESS BRIEFING ROOM – DAY
CJ is sitting in one of the press chairs in the briefing room as another part of the interview continues.
CJ
I see my job as making sure the press and, through them, the public, is well-informed. I tell them the truth. (long pause) That’s my goal.
More background footage of President Bartlet speaking on TV and CJ walking through the press room is seen as the NARRATOR continues. We also see a meeting (including JOSH) in the Oval Office breaking up, more photographers, CJ with President Bartlet as he meets a group of Scouts. There’s a closeup of an online article about President Bartlet’s MS revelation and news footage from some kind of government standoff, as well as more footage of CJ and the press in the White House.
NARRATOR
But our cameras captured a day that was anything but ordinary. In the corridors of the West Wing, Access became part of the modern-day media machine that witnessed a harrowing and historic day for the entire Bartlet administration. Tonight, Access goes behind the podium, and we invite you to come with us.
SMASH CUT TO: MAIN TITLES.
END TEASER.
***
ACT ONE
An establishing shot of the White House appears first. We next see images from an empty press briefing room, the podium, the nameplates, the microphones, as the NARRATOR continues.
NARRATOR
This program was shot over a two-day period, a year into President Josiah Bartlet’s second term in office. On the first day, Access conducted interviews with press secretary CJ Cregg, her staff, and her co-workers. The following day, we spent over twelve hours backstage in the White House on the heels of the country’s most visible spokesperson. However, for national security purposes, the release of this documentary was prohibited until the administration left office.
CUT TO: HISTORICAL FILE FOOTAGE
We see a title card reading:
BEHIND THE
SCENES IN THE
WHITE HOUSE
-
PATHE NEWS
This is followed by black-and-white newsreel footage of the White House.
NARRATOR
Before 24-hour cable news and the internet, the White House Press Secretary had a more controlled set of deadlines.
CUT TO: EXT. - WHITE HOUSE – DAY
A group of reporters and photographers are gathered outside the White House entrance.
NARRATOR
Today, the press office feeds a media machine with a round-the-clock appetite.
CUT TO: INT. - WEST WING PRESS OFFICE – DAY
We see a staffer on the phone. A caption reads:
Eric Schaeffer
Staff Assistant
White House Press Office
SCHAEFFER (into phone)
The following is the press schedule for the President for Wednesday, March 31st. Note, this is for news planning only, not for publication or release.
CUT TO: FILE FOOTAGE
We see shots of newspaper front pages and online news articles about President Bartlet. After a short montage, we are back to the exterior of the White House where the President is about to give a briefing to gathered reporters and photographers.
NARRATOR
Sixty-six million Americans subscribe to daily newspapers. An average news website clocks 200 hits a second. And from a camera positioned outside the northwest gate, CNN’s Channel 53 offers constant coverage of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
Another segment of the interview is seen.
CJ
I don’t think it was ever a laid-back job (chuckling), but, um, I like to think that Jim Hagerty, who was Eisenhower’s press secretary, kind of knew what they were getting into when they, they started allowing press conferences to be recorded and edited for broadcast for the first time.
We see file footage of President Eisenhower, with Jim Hagerty, and appearing before the press.
CJ
Giving up control of your message, putting that in the hands of news producers, for those 33 minutes Hagerty stood in the wings of the Indian Treaty Room, I can only imagine what he was feeling.
CUT TO: FILE NEWSREEL FOOTAGE OF PRESIDENT EISENHOWER
EISENHOWER
I see we’re trying a new experiment this morning, I hope it doesn’t prove to be a disturbing influence.
NARRATOR
Before Eisenhower, the White House press corps was a controllable entity, tucked in the President’s pocket. But in 1955, the whir of cameras leveled the playing field -
More newsreel footage of President Kennedy’s press secretary, Pierre Salinger, appears, followed by President Nixon’s press secretary Ron Ziegler.
NARRATOR
- between the press and the administration. It represented a fundamental shift in power, one still deeply felt by today’s press secretary.
CUT TO: EXT. - WHITE HOUSE GATE – DAY
CJ drives up to the gate to have her credentials checked.
GATE GUARD
Good morning, Ms. Cregg. ID, please.
CJ
Good morning, Lance. How are you doing?
GATE GUARD
Can I get IDs from your crew?
CJ
Sure.
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
The recorded interview continues.
CJ
My day starts at home before 5:00, actually.
There’s a shot of CAROL turning on the light in her office.
CJ
I scan all the major news outlets online before I get dressed, on my way in I try to stay off the phone … um, my commute’s the one time I can be by myself, gather my thoughts.
CUT TO: EXT. - WHITE HOUSE GATE – DAY
CJ
How’s Eden?
GATE GUARD
Oh, she’s great. Thanks for asking.
CJ
Good.
GATE GUARD
Clear. Thank you, have a great day.
A car horn honks behind CJ.
CJ
Thank you, stay dry.
GATE GUARD (gesturing to car behind CJ)
Relax.
More footage of CAROL opening up CJ’s office and CJ walking up to the West Wing entrance.
CJ (voiceover)
I, I arrive usually around 7:00, 7:30 depending, and, it is no cliché, walking through those doors, walking -
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
CJ
- to go to work in the White House … it never gets old.
More background footage of CJ picking up some newspapers, CAROL bringing her coffee mug, press office staffers coordinating.
CJ (voiceover)
Anyway, uh, the, the morning starts with senior staff, and then I have an informal gaggle with the press, and then I meet with my staff and deputies about the events of the day.
CUT TO: INT. - PRESS OFFICE – DAY
The staffer Eric Schaeffer is still on the phone.
SCHAEFFER (into phone)
8:30 am, the President meets with House and Senate leadership, Cabinet Room, the White House, pool at top.
CUT TO: INT. - WHITE HOUSE HALLWAY – DAY
CJ is walking down the hallway followed by a camera crew. She is met by CAROL.
CJ
Ia anybody waiting for me?
CAROL
Steve and Chris.
CJ
Is she chatty?
CAROL
Um-hmm.
CJ
That’s trouble. (CJ sees someone in the foyer) Is he on the President’s schedule?
CAROL
Who?
The camera moves to show FBI Director GEORGE ARNOLD.
CJ
The FBI director.
CAROL
I don’t think so.
CUT TO: INT. - CAROL’S OFFICE – DAY
A reporter, STEVE, is in a chair waiting for CJ.
CAROL
Steve’s looking for a quote on tech sector growth.
CJ
Steve, I beg mercy, don’t make me talk tech growth before coffee.
STEVE
Morning.
CJ
I will say this, though, the tech sector represents six million American jobs.
STEVE
That I can look up.
CJ
Hey, did your daughter hear anything?
STEVE
Accepted at the Annenberg School at Penn.
CJ
That’s wonderful.
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
Another reporter, CHRIS, is talking to CJ at her desk and showing her a piece of paper.
CHRIS
Isn’t that great?
CJ
That’s fantastic.
CHRIS
Thank you.
CJ
Waddaya got?
CHRIS
Well, you’re not gonna like it.
CJ
I never expect to.
CHRIS
At last year’s inaugural, the First Lady wore a burgundy Richard Tyler gown, satin, off the shoulder. I have a source that says she accepted that gown as a gift from the, uh, designer, the ethics rules are pretty clear.
CJ
Looks like I’ll be rifling through the First Lady’s closet this afternoon.
CHRIS
Ah, you could get fired for that.
CJ
If I’m lucky.
CAROL brings something in as CHRIS leaves.
CAROL
Today’s schedule, and, it’s time.
CAROL and CJ walk through a press office hallway crowded with desks and computer monitors.
CJ (voiceover)
You can’t afford to ignore what even seems trivial.
CAROL
… and I have a call into the First Lady’s office.
CAROL and CJ walk past SCHAEFFER, who is still relaying the day’s schedule on the phone. Another staffer, JACK SOSA, meets them in the hallway.
SOSA
The minister’s wife has a cold and she can’t make it onto the podium.
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
The interview continues.
CJ
Remember the, uh, Bartlet the dog-hater?
INTERVIEWER
Um-hmm.
CJ
That was, that was entirely, my fault. I, I made light of some question about why the Bartlets had never owned a dog, and there were stories for weeks.
CUT TO: FILE FOOTAGE
We see a past C-SPAN image of CJ, with a different hairstyle, in the press briefing room dealing with a crowd of reporters shouting questions.
CJ (on video)
It was a joke, folks, it was my joke and it wasn’t even funny. The President does not dislike dogs, in fact the entire First Family have been longtime supporters of the Humane Society, the ASPCA, to name a few …
CUT TO: INT. - LEO’S OFFICE – DAY
Senior staff, including CJ, JOSH, DONNA, and TOBY, are gathering for a meeting. The onscreen caption reads:
White House Senior Staff Meeting
7:32 AM
NARRATOR
Each morning, the Press Secretary meets with White House senior staff, the President’s closest advisers. Scheduled at 7:30 am, this is the staff’s first opportunity to sift through the day’s impending events and issues.
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
Back to the interview.
CJ
Your day takes off, you try to keep all the balls in the air, you hope you don’t drop the wrong one.
CUT TO: INT. - LEO’S OFFICE – DAY
Back to the staff meeting.
LEO
What else?
TOBY
Well, while the President’s – greeting the Ugandan delegation, which I guess is gonna happen later, I’ll be, um, briefed by the Surgeon General and the, um, AIDS policy office, they want to make modifications on PAAP.
CJ
Pan-African …?
TOBY
Uh, AIDS prevention policy, uh, then I’m in with the, uh …
CUT TO: INT. - MURAL ROOM – DAY
TOBY is being interviewed for the documentary. The caption reads:
Toby Ziegler
Communications Director
TOBY
CJ was someone I found during a Senatorial campaign, in New York. Uh, she was doing PR with a New York firm. And, uh, we were, probably, 36 points behind when we got CJ. And, uh, with her help I think we gained two or three points before we lost.
CUT TO: INT. - LEO’S OFFICE – DAY
Back to the staff meeting.
LEO
Anything else?
CJ
Any, uh, progress on the D-Day anniversary?
NARRATOR
The accelerated release of information is a concern of everyone in today’s White House. They all have to consider how the message will play in the press.
CJ
Did the FBI put something on the President’s schedule?
LEO
Who’s asking?
CJ
So far just me.
LEO
No. Thank you.
CUT TO: INT. - MURAL ROOM – DAY
JOSH is being interviewed for the documentary. The caption reads:
Josh Lyman
Deputy Chief of Staff
JOSH
There have been times where for her own sake in order to do her job, and for her to remain an honest source for reporters -
CUT TO: INT. - LEO’S OFFICE – DAY
CJ is still asking Leo about the FBI director’s visit.
CJ
Well, you know, if the reporters see the director here they’re going to assume -
LEO
Yeah, he’s just stopping by.
CJ
Okay.
CUT TO: INT. - MURAL ROOM – DAY
Back to Josh.
JOSH
If she were to have information, she would be ethically bound to share it. And I don’t want to put her in that position.
CUT TO : INT. - OFFICE – DAY
An interview with MARTIN SHEFFIELD. The caption reads:
Martin Sheffield
Former White House Press Secretary
SHEFFIELD
It is a tough job. And it only gets tougher. Now, we have a fraternity of former press secretaries, and we get together as like a sort of a club. Like there’s maybe eight or so guys still kicking,
We see video of the senior staff meeting breaking up, most people leaving Leo’s office, with a shot of only JOSH and LEO left behind.
SHEFFIELD
But we all know what it’s like to stand out there, taking those bullets, the shrapnel’s flying – while the rest of the President’s staff is back in the bunker, safe and sound, where they should be. You see, there’s a, there’s a loneliness in this job, a certain frontline mentality, that your colleagues in the rear echelon never completely understand.
We see video of CJ and TOBY walking through a door in the hallway.
CUT TO: INT. - CABINET ROOM – DAY
Cabinet Room Pool Spray
8:37 AM
SOSA is ushering photographers into the room as a Cabinet meeting appears to be underway. As the NARRATOR speaks, we see the photographers snapping away in the Cabinet Room; we also get a look at reporters and photographers outside the White House entrance being kept in line by press office staffers.
SOSA
We got stills first, you have thirty seconds -
NARRATOR
The majority of the President’s daily exposure to the press is in photos-only pools; still photographers and news correspondents wait their turn for a prized thirty seconds in the presence of the President. The organized chaos of this flashbulb frenzy is carefully wrangled by the Press Office, a staff of 14 young aides and assistants under CJ Cregg.
As the Cabinet Room footage continues with CJ conferring with the President, we hear the INTERVIEWER asking a question.
INTERVIEWER (voiceover)
So how did you end up working at the White House?
CUT TO: INT. - PRESS OFFICE – DAY
A young staffer, ANDREW WELTZMAN, is being interviewed. The caption reads:
Andrew Weltzman
Asst. Press Secretary for Foreign Policy
White House Press Office
WELTZMAN
I was going to NYU, I was a journalism major, and, uh, I was interested in politics, and, um, opportunity came up through, uh, some, uh, friends of the family, my father was in the military.
Footage of SOSA working with reporters outside is seen. We then cut to SOSA in the press office being interviewed for the documentary. Eventually the caption reads:
Jack Sosa
Asst. Press Secretary for Domestic Policy
White House Press Office
SOSA
I actually went to Howard University here, in DC. I wrote for the paper, the student paper there, um, and I was writing articles basically, uh, criticizing the administration really about their issues on gay issues and racial issues, and I, on a lark, kinda wrote this letter to CJ asking if she’d see me because I wasn’t getting really a response from them and I just thought I’d give it a shot, and at the meeting she actually offered me this position that opened up.
We have returned to footage of the press office assistants working with the press outside and at the Cabinet meeting.
SOSA (to photographers)
Thank you very much. All right, that’s it. I’m serious.
CUT TO: INT. - PRESS OFFICE – DAY
ERIC SCHAEFFER is seen again, still delivering the schedule on his phone.
SCHAEFFER (into phone)
10:30 am, the President meets with Minister of Health Dr. Fabius – (long pause) M-A-K-A-B-U-A …
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
White House Communication Meeting
9:00 AM
CJ and CAROL are preparing for the meeting as the rest of the staffers enter.
NARRATOR
Then it’s time for the Press Secretary’s daily meeting with her communications staff, who finalize the day’s press events, and try to anticipate the direction of the news.
WELTZMAN
The Ugandans are on schedule, setup’s begun. It’s a little windy out there, but I spoke to audio and they said the mics on the podiums will be fine.
CJ
The President is not taking questions at that, it’s just a prepared statement.
CAROL
They know that.
CJ
Let’s hope he does.
WELTZMAN
Oh, they might ask you something about Congresswoman Wyatt getting chummy with the Palestinians.
CJ
Okay.
SOSA
And, we’ve had a change in the schedule.
The room erupts in humorous false surprise.
CJ (voiceover, in interview)
You begin every day juggling a very precise schedule, which completely, completely falls apart mid-morning. Guaranteed.
SOSA
You know those Eagle Rangers … they , um, apparently got lost. So we’re gonna have to postpone until 2:00.
CAROL
And there might be a weather thing.
CJ
We like the Rose Garden for this?
SOSA
Yeah, but the satellite service says there’s still only a 30 percent chance of rain, so we might be fine.
CAROL
Have you looked out the window?
CJ
Well, just keep an eye on it and make sure there’s a backup plan. What else?
WELTZMAN
If you’re looking for me, I’ll be with Vatican advance all day, discussing His Eminence’s imminent arrival.
CAROL
I think it’s His Holiness.
CJ
Good thing, Eminence’s imminent, say that three times fast.
The staffers all start repeating the words ‘Eminence’ and ‘imminent.’
CJ
All right, everybody, back to work.
The meeting begins to break up.
CJ
Oh, who’s following breaking crime news for me?
SCHAEFFER
Uh, me, nothing coming in that suggests FBI involvement.
CJ
He’s just keeping Eric on his toes, everybody get back to work, go on.
CAROL is on the phone as CJ comes to the office door.
CAROL
Okay, hold on one second. CJ -
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
Back to CJ’s interview with the filmmakers.
CJ
I am here to articulate the President’s message and to honestly inform the press and, through them, the public, about what is happening on any given day.
Back to CJ and CAROL in the doorway, as DONNA joins them.
DONNA
They need you, in Leo’s, now.
CJ
All of us?
DONNA
Uh … they didn’t say.
CJ
Okay, no big deal. Okay.
DONNA
I’m so sorry.
CJ
It’s all right.
Next we see CJ waiting outside LEO’s office.
INTERVIEWER
You think the, uh, Director of the FBI will let us in this?
CJ
Hard to tell.
INTERVIEWER
I gather he’s a pretty independent guy.
CJ
He is.
INTERVIEWER
And not afraid of the limelight. (pause, as CJ gives the INTERVIEWER a look) So, typical morning so far?
CJ
Yes and no.
INTERVIEWER
Because we’re here?
CJ
I don’t have to tell you about the Heisenberg Principle.
INTERVIEWER
The act of observing a phenomena changes it.
CJ
Yes.
The door opens behind CJ and MARGARET comes out. We see FBI Director ARNOLD inside LEO’s office waving the camera crew in.
CJ
Margaret -
MARGARET
Uh, they, they signed the waivers.
CJ
They what?
The INTERVIEWER goes past the camera and CJ to greet ARNOLD.
INTERVIEWER
Excuse me.
CJ
Oh, uh, wait a minute -
ARNOLD (to INTERVIEWER)
Good work.
INTERVIEWER (to ARNOLD)
Thank you. It’s nice to meet you.
CJ
Uh, Director Arnold, this is Todd Schumaker, and, um, Agent Casper.
FBI Special Agent MIKE CASPER is in the meeting along with JOSH and LEO.
LEO
Director Arnold has a, a situation unfolding. It’s not for White House comment at this time, in fact we don’t believe you’ll be asked about it, but the Director thought you should be made aware.
CJ
Oh, well, I appreciate that.
ARNOLD
We have, um, six federal agents surrounding a remote cabin on Shaw Island, in the San Juans 20 miles off the coast of Washington state. A man named Jamal Othman, a naturalized Yemeni-American, is inside with his family.
CJ
I’m sorry, is he being brought up on charges, or -?
ARNOLD
Othman was under investigation for arms trafficking. Our agents tracked him to his current location where gunfire was exchanged ninety minutes ago.
CJ
Gunfire?
LEO
The President has been notified, we’ll let you know when it resolves.
CJ
I’m sorry, but I wa – why do you think I’m not going to be asked questions about this?
JOSH
Shaw Island is only accessible by ferry and by float plane. If the, if this story breaks it’ll take news crews about, you know, 45 minutes, an hour and a half -
CJ
I’ve got a briefing in half an hour -
ARNOLD
Our Seattle field office media rep is already setting up on site, if it comes to it he’s prepared to handle the press from there.
CJ
But when you say gunfire, I mean -
LEO
Thank you, CJ, we’ll -
CJ
All right.
LEO
Thank you.
CJ
I’m just -
LEO
Thank you.
We see CJ leaving LEO’s office as we hear (and then see) her give the quote we saw her deliver earlier.
CJ
I am here to articulate the President’s message and to honestly inform the press and, through them, the public, about what is happening on any given day.
As the NARRATOR leads us into break, we see SOSA telling CJ, “CJ, they have it;” reporters asking questions in the press briefing room; and a TV screen showing footage of a government standoff with “CASEY CREEK, KY” as the chyron as we hear a news anchor saying, “Is this another Casey Creek?”
NARRATOR
When we return, breaking news turns the White House upside down.
FADE OUT.
END ACT ONE.
* * *
ACT TWO
FADE IN: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
White House Press Gaggle
9:46 AM
Reporters are talking and laughing with CJ as she sits behind her desk.
CJ (laughing)
You have to calm down, lady!
NARRATOR
Early in the day, before the televised briefing, reporters from the major outlets meet for an informal gaggle with the Press Secretary.
GREG BROCK
Why was the FBI director here today?
CJ
He briefs the President twice a week.
BROCK
Which he did yesterday, so I thought maybe something was up.
CJ
Let me find out.
BROCK
But as far as you know -
CJ
He was briefing the President.
MARK
Is there a danger that the President’s meeting with Dr. Makabula this morning -
CUT TO: INT. - PRESS BRIEFING ROOM – DAY
CJ continues her interview in the briefing room.
CJ
Do I ever have to lie to the press? Sometimes – lots of times – I withhold information for valid reasons but you can’t lie. You run the risk of damaging your credibility in front of a bunch of really smart people. If they stop trusting you, the system’s broken.
CUT TO: INT. - CAROL’S OFFICE – DAY
CAROL is being interviewed for the film. The caption reads:
Carol Fitzpatrick
Senior Assistant
White House Press Office
INTERVIEWER
Do you think she ever has to lie to the press?
CAROL
Gosh, that’s a tough question to answer, in front of the camera. (she laughs) Um, no, I don’t think CJ lies, I think that the press secretary must present what’s best for the White House and what’s best for the country, and sometimes those are hard decisions to make.
We see a few more scenes from the press gaggle in CJ’s office.
CJ
- is not over, speaking of which, we need to wrap up -
CUT TO: INT. - PRESS BRIEFING ROOM – DAY
GREG BROCK is being interviewed. The caption reads:
Greg Brock
White House Correspondent
The New York Times
BROCK
Am I skeptical of what she tells me? Absolutely. It’s my job to be skeptical. Listen, the public relies on me to question their White House. We get to do that in a free society, you could say that’s at the core of our freedom. We get to question power.
CUT TO: INT. - MURAL ROOM – DAY
Back to TOBY’S interview.
TOBY
Yeah, I don’t, uh, I don’t buy into that. I mean, the, the, the truth I know is an elusive idea. But, uh, there is a time and a place for, for when certain facts can be dispensed to the press and to the public.
CUT TO: HOME MOVIE OF CJ AS A CHILD AND HER FAMILY
NARRATOR
What prepares a young girl born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, for a position as spokesperson for the White House and President of the United States?
CJ (voiceover)
I, well, I got a lot of drive from my father. But, uh, it’s actually my mother who I think about almost every single day I’m here. She was, uh, like a lot of women for better or for worse the communicator in our family.
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
CJ continues her thoughts during the interview.
CJ
The go-between … she, um, she told us what, what my dad and grandpa had said, or, or she’d soften what they’d meant to say, she was a natural, she would have understood this job.
CUT TO: INT. - ROOSEVELT ROOM – DAY
Vatican Advance Planning Session
11:14 AM
WELTZMAN and some other aides are meeting with representatives from the Vatican.
WELTZMAN
Uh, the Pope will have the chair that we agreed upon -
CJ (voiceover)
One of the hardest things to learn – there are so many true crises, so many lurking situations that could be dangerous for the President, it’s hard not to get caught up in the adrenaline and make everything lethal.
CJ steps into the Roosevelt Room to watch the negotiations.
VATICAN AIDE
- His Holiness has expressed interest in allowing the President’s audience to be shared with the public.
WELTZMAN
Uh, what does that involve? Uh, shots of the President kissing his ring?
VATICAN AIDE
Are you uncomfortable asking for this adjustment?
WELTZMAN
Well, is the Pope Catholic?
VATICAN AIDE
I’m afraid I don’t -
CJ
Uh, excuse us – I’m sorry, would you excuse us for just a moment, please?
She gestures for WELTZMAN to follow her out of the room. They meet in the hall.
WELTZMAN
He’s gonna chastise the President on birth control, in front of members of -
CJ
Okay, now you’re not listening to me, you need to go back in there and apologize. If President Bartlet doesn’t want his private audience with the Pope to be public, it won’t be, if he doea, that’s a headache way over your pay grade. Okay?
WELTZMAN
Okay.
We hear CJ’s interview continue as WELTZMAN goes back into the Roosevelt Room and apologizes.
CJ (voiceover)
It’s more than, er, picking your battles. Marshalling your energy – uh, it’s about grace under fire. All war metaphors. I guess that’s it – being able to tell when it’s a matter of life or death.
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
The interview continues.
INTERVIEWER
Where’s your mother now?
CJ
She died.
INTERVIEWER
Oh, I’m sorry.
CJ
That’s okay.
INTERVIEWER
How about your father?
CJ
He’s, uh, he’s, uh, in Dayton, Ohio. Just -
INTERVIEWER
And how’s he?
CJ
He’s, uh, um, actually, uh, he’s suffering from Alzheimer’s and -
CUT TO: INT. - MURAL ROOM – DAY
Back to the interview with JOSH. His speech is interspersed with video of CJ moving through the West Wing, in her office, talking with TOBY, etc.
JOSH
I know that her, her dad is struggling and I think that’s a perfect example, I mean in any other profession she would have the time, she, she is knowingly not doing what she needs to do to be with her father who is elderly and, uh, struggling, because she has this particular opportunity and, and position, that’s a very difficult choice to make. Uh, I don’t think she has – I think she understands the choice she’s making, and I think it’s also the choice that her father would want her to make. And I think she knows that. But it makes it very difficult.
CUT TO: DONNA’S interview in the Mural Room. For a part of her speech we see a clip of CJ engaging in a bit of physical horseplay with some reporters. The caption reads:
Donna Moss
Asst. to the Deputy Chief of Staff
DONNA
I think that she has such great instincts, I think that she is so, um, agile, and her, um, her wit and her charm and, and I think that, the, the people, the press really respect her. And, um, and so that she can keep a very strong but friendly, um, relationship with the press and I think that that’s important, I mean, what do I know, but this is my opinion, you are interviewing me. (she laughs)
CUT TO: INT. - OUTER OVAL OFFICE – DAY
CAROL is working out a scheduling issue with CHARLIE.
CAROL
Three o’clock?
CHARLIE
No.
CAROL
Three fifteen.
CHARLIE
No.
CAROL
Three thirty.
CHARLIE
No.
CAROL
Three forty-five.
CHARLIE
He has a conference call.
CAROL
Four o’clock.
CHARLIE
He has an NEC thing at four o’clock, that can’t push.
CAROL
Well, if the Eagle Troops make it back to civilization, we can move it to the Mural Room and make it a spray.
CHARLIE
What time?
CAROL
Four thirty?
CHARLIE
No.
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
CJ is on the phone, watching the upcoming outdoor appearance of President Bartlet and the Ugandan delegation on a TV monitor. This is scene is interspersed with SCHAEFFER outside at the podiums for the appearance.
CJ (into phone)
You hear any buzz out of Seattle? The P-I, the Times, anyone?
CUT TO: EXT. - WHITE HOUSE ENTRANCE – DAY
Ugandan State Visit
10:30 AM
SCHAEFFER (to a technician at a podium)
Are, are you the sound guy? I’m supposed to make sure that the levels aren’t too … high, because last time there was some feedback, and, and, it’s, um … do you need help with that?
Back to CJ at her desk on the phone.
CJ (into phone)
You know why I’m asking? ‘Cause he’s about to head out, and – correction, he is heading out. I told them to wait until – ai, yi, yi, yi, yi, of course I’m nervous, I’ve got him in front of cameras and, and, and, you’re not -
The camera shows us JOSH down the hallway; he’s on the other end of the line with CJ.
JOSH (through phone)
What do you want to hear from me? That, that I’m panicked, too?
CJ (into phone)
You know what? The director said th, this was gonna be settled an hour ago.
We see on a TV monitor a reporter asking President Bartlet a question about foreign aid.
CJ (into phone)
Are you watching this, he’s, he’s taking – the Ugandans are thinking he’s taking -
CAROL (offscreen)
He’s taking questions!
CJ (into phone)
He’s taking – I know, I’m watching – he’s taking questions.
BARTLET is seen on TV responding to the reporter.
BARTLET (on TV)
Both Secretary Berryhill and myself are deeply troubled by the repeated jailings of political dissidents in Cuba, especially as -
CJ (into phone)
Oh, boy.
BARTLET (on TV)
- fifteen thousand desperate Cuban citizens -
CJ (into phone)
Oh …
BARTLET
- continue to risk life and limb to reach our shores every year. America looks forward to the day when aid to Cuban citizens will no longer be necessary.
CJ (into phone)
Yeah, yeah yeah yeah. Damn, he never says it exactly the way I would, but, uh, that’s the fun part.
SOSA appears at the door.
SOSA
CJ?
CJ (into phone)
Hold on.
SOSA
They have it.
CJ (into phone)
Wait, I, I, I gotta go. (hangs up phone, to SOSA) Who has what?
SOSA
Someone just called in to a radio drive time from Shaw Island, said federal agents set up a perimeter on the property adjoining his.
CJ
Was gunfire mentioned?
SOSA
Yeah.
CJ
Okay. Umm …
SOSA
What do we do?
CUT TO: SOSA’S press office interview.
SOSA
She’s a great teacher, is what she is. And I think my job, really, is to protect her, to help her protect the President.
CUT TO: CJ’S OFFICE
SOSA
Uh, I, I pulled the records you asked for from Casey Creek, the investigation and the commission report, they’re on your desk, it’s that blue binder.
CJ
The FBI is predicting 45 minutes for cameras to be on the scene, I’m betting there’s aerial coverage in 20.
CJ walks down the hallway outside the communications bullpen and calls out to SOSA.
CJ
Hey, poker face, when it breaks, try to look surprised.
SOSA
Yeah.
CUT TO: INT. - PRESS ROOM – DAY
We first see various TV images of coverage from Shaw Island, from MSNBC, from local channels, from CNN and other cable news.
TV NEWSCASTER (voiceover)
We’re showing you live images from Shaw Island, Washington, where …
NARRATOR
Twenty-three minutes later, MSNBC carried the first live helicopter coverage of Shaw Island.
TV NEWSCASTER (voiceover)
… a suspected arms trafficker appears to have sequestered himself in a small cabin in the northwest corner of the island. There has been no official comment on whether Mr. Othman is alone, or whether he has hostages. But, you can see the cabin now where gunfire was exchanged two hours ago. Federal agents have cordoned off the area and -
CUT TO: CJ’S interview. We see repeated a quote from earlier in the episode.
CJ
There’s a, a misconception that I’m here to stymie reporters, or to mislead the public, to, to spin or even hide the truth when in fact any good press secretary aims to do just the opposite.
CUT TO: INT. - PRESS CUBICLE ROOM – DAY
CJ is watching TV coverage along with several reporters.
BROCK
So the FBI director?
CJ
I still don’t have it, Greg.
Another reporter, MARK, calls from outside the room.
MARK
CJ?
CJ exits to talk with MARK.
CJ
Mark, I, I don’t have anything yet.
MARK
No comment on the dog? My guy’s got a vet on Shaw Island says the Othman family dog is in his office with an FBI agent’s bullet in her. Is this gonna be another Casey Creek?
CJ
Off the record? I hope not.
CUT TO: MONTAGE
On screen there is a montage of coverage from the Casey Creek standoff from early in President Bartlet’s first term; front pages, TV news coverage, eventually CJ briefing the press.
NARRATOR
Five years earlier, the FBI’s mishandling of a standoff in Casey Creek, Kentucky, which resulted in the shooting death of the suspect’s wife, was a tragedy that haunted the new President’s first term. But if the incident at Casey Creek was a tragedy, the investigation that followed was considered by many to be an extended farce.
ARNOLD (on TV before Congress, in file footage from November 2001)
- instead the FBI will strictly adhere to the guidelines of the department -
TV NEWSCASTER (in file footage)
- the FBI director is still failing to cooperate, and impeding their progress.
NARRATOR
There were calls for the director to step down, and calls for the President to fire him.
CJ (in file footage)
- the FBI has confirmed the tragic loss of Brian Amulletti -
NARRATOR
Casey Creek also haunted President Bartlet’s young press secretary. CJ Cregg’s naivete about the power of her podium led many to question her abilities to deliver the news of the nation. It would be months before she regained the confidence of the White House press corps, and the Bartlet administration.
CHRIS (in file footage)
CJ, did the agent mistake Pamela Chung for her husband when they shot her in the doorway of her home?
CJ (in file footage)
I can’t speak to specifics, I can tell you the Director and the President were in constant contact during the siege.
REPORTER (in file footage)
CJ, when you say constant contact, is that -?
CJ (in file footage)
The President was briefed daily, several times a day, by the Attorney General and the Director of the FBI.
REPORTER (in file footage)
So the President was aware that snipers were given the green light to use deadly force?
CJ (in file footage)
I, I have no idea.
STEVE (in file footage)
CJ, the FBI rules of engagement specify that no action may be taken unless innocents are in imminent danger, did the Director discuss a suspension of those rules with the President?
CJ (in file footage)
No, though apparently some of the agents on the ground thought the rules had been suspended.
The room erupts. CJ looks taken aback.
REPORTER (in file footage)
So, so, so, CJ, so, there was, there’s a breakdown in communication?
CJ (in file footage)
No, I didn’t say that.
STEVE (in file footage)
CJ, the rules are predicated on the Constitution, are you saying the Director of the FBI suspended the Constitution?
CJ (in file footage)
No, I’m not saying that either -
CUT TO: INT. - PRESS BRIEFING ROOM – DAY
It’s CJ’s interview set in the briefing room. We hear a quote that came earlier in the episode.
CJ
I see my job as making sure the press, and through them the public, is well informed. I tell them the truth. (long pause) That’s my goal.
As the NARRATOR sets up another break, video shows CJ dealing with a chaotic and noisy press corps.
NARRATOR
When we return, will mistakes of the past create a new crisis for the Bartlet administration?
FADE OUT.
END ACT TWO.
* * *
ACT THREE
FADE IN: Live TV news coverage from Shaw Island.
TV NEWS REPORTER
We are about 200 yards from the cabin. Now, we have no answer yet from the FBI about who fired the first shot. The FBI has cleared the airspace here above Shaw Island, and we are told that this is standard procedure -
TV NEWS ANCHOR
- and with reports of a family dog allegedly shot by federal agents, the question on everyone’s mind today is, is this another Casey Creek?
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
JOSH and CJ are watching the TV news coverage, which includes clips of CJ from her Casey Creek briefing five years earlier.
JOSH
Wow. Look how young you look.
CJ
I wonder how old I’m gonna look by this time tomorrow. (pause) Don’t answer that.
JOSH
I’m sorry, uh, we didn’t brief you about the dog, but it wasn’t for comment anyway. The Director wanted to keep you in the loop to extend a show of faith, but -
CJ
It was sure as hell a show of something, but if I’d been truly briefed instead of a PR gesture I could’ve told you this morning this thing wasn’t going away.
JOSH
Well, the Director was confident that this situation was -
CJ
The Director’s confidence is starting to – okay, did you need me?
JOSH
Before you go to the podium Leo wanted me to remind you -
CJ
Oh, yeah. I know my line.
CJ walks out of her office. JOSH calls after her.
JOSH
I think you look better now.
CJ
I do, too.
JOSH
You do.
CUT TO: PRESS BRIEFING ROOM
A time-lapse of the room shows it slowly filling with reporters.
NARRATOR
Even in the midst of brewing storms, the press briefing is a constant centerpiece of the day; normally the press secretary’s chance to combat speculation, and set the record straight.
CUT TO: INT. - OFFICE – DAY
An interview with an elderly man, HERB MORRIS. During his speech, there’s footage of lines of people outside the White House, reporters moving through the building, President Truman speaking to the press. We also see modern day scenes of reporters working in their cubicles and TV cameramen setting up. The caption reads:
Herb Morris
Retired Washington Evening Star Reporter
MORRIS
Up until W W two, even the general public could walk right up to the door of the White House. And the press office, that was born under Teddy Roosevelt. We knew our way around the West Wing. We knew the staff, the President – there was no, uh, press room. So we’d, um, hang out in the lobby and just wait for the news of the day. If Jim had anything for us, we’d gather round with our notebooks. And sometimes he’d just come out and say, “Nothing more today, fellas, go on home.” Hmm. That couldn’t happen now.
CUT TO: INT. - WEST WING HALLWAY – DAY
CJ is moving towards the press briefing room, with staff members and GREG BROCK following along.
BROCK
CJ, did the FBI fire the first shot?
CJ
Oh, just wait til the briefing, okay, give me a break. (she turns to SOSA and WELTZMAN) Is it AWTH-man or OATH-man?
SOSA
OATH-man.
WELTZMAN (simultaneously)
It’s AWTH-man.
CJ
Which one is it?
SOSA
It’s OATH-man.
WELTZMAN
It’s AWTH-man. It’s AWTH-man, I double-checked.
CUT TO: More of the MARTIN SHEFFIELD interview. During his speech, more video of the press briefing room is seen as the staff and reporters prepare for CJ to arrive.
SHEFFIELD
You know, from time to time I look in on the midday briefing … and it all comes back. My heart starts to race. My stomach churns. Then I mix myself a martini, and I thank God it is not me anymore.
CUT TO: INT. - PRESS BRIEFING ROOM – DAY
CJ steps up to the podium, and the reporters shout to be recognized.
CJ
Yeah, Steve.
STEVE
With the current standoff on Shaw Island, what would the President say to those who fear a repeat of Casey Creek?
CJ
The President is aware of the situation and, like all of us, is hopeful there will be a peaceful resolution soon.
MARK
CJ?
CJ
Yes.
MARK
Have you asked for an explanation of why a dog was shot by agents at the scene?
CJ
The White House is tracking the situation but we do not interfere with ongoing law enforcement efforts.
KATIE
CJ?
CJ
Katie.
KATIE
I’m just following up, there are reports that federal agents fired the first shots, is this true?
CJ
I won’t engage in speculation.
KATIE
But can’t we safely say that Jamal Othman didn’t shoot his own dog?
CJ
Again, the White House doesn’t comment on an ongoing operation.
BROCK
CJ, was the FBI director called to the White House today by the President or did he come on his own?
SOSA rushes in with a message and gives it to CAROL, as cell phones and beepers begin to ring around the room. CAROL passes the message to CJ.
CJ
The Director meets with the President twice a week, as you -
BROCK
So you don’t know if they discussed the standoff at that meeting?
CJ (leaving the podium)
I’m sorry -
CHRIS
CJ, we’re getting word that the FBI is issuing a statement -
CJ
Yeah, I’m just getting that now.
CJ and the reporters gather in front of a bank of televisions, watching the live coverage. An FBI press agent is speaking to reporters on MSNBC.
FBI AGENT (on TV)
I have a statement to read. Our negotiator established telephone contact with Mr. Othman inside the residence, and has learned that one of the Othman children was injured in the initial exchange of gunfire. I have no particulars about the extent of the injuries. Mr. Othman has agreed to allow an ambulance to approach the cabin, and to let at least one other family member help evacuate the injured child to receive medical treatment. I have nothing further at this time.
The reporters shout questions at CJ as she leaves the briefing room and heads back towards JOSH’s office. We hear more TV news coverage as she walks.
TV REPORTER
- the FBI has cleared the airspace here above Shaw Island, and we are told that this is standard procedure.
DONNA stops CJ by her desk.
DONNA
He’s in with Leo.
CJ turns and starts towards LEO’s office.
TV REPORTER 2
- an ambulance passed by us moments ago, and as you can see, has stopped at the turnoff to the lane -
CJ arrives at LEO’s office.
MARGARET
They’re in the Oval.
CJ heads to the outer Oval Office.
CUT TO: More of CJ’s interview in her office.
CJ
The breakneck pace we live at, the 24-hour news cycle, is this good for the country? Is it inescapable? How do we reflect, get perspective?
CUT TO: CJ arrives at the door to the Oval Office, where she is stopped by CHARLIE.
CHARLIE
They’re on a call.
CJ
Where’s the Director?
CHARLIE
I can’t interrupt.
We see JOSH, LEO, ARNOLD, CASPER, and BARTLET inside the Oval. CHARLIE closes the door. CJ paces, waiting.
CJ (softly, to herself)
Okay.
CJ leaves.
CUT TO: MURAL ROOM - TOBY’s interview.
TOBY
Well, there are times when, uh, it’s what’s called a closed hold, when, uh, certain members of the staff, uh, until again all the information is, uh, is ready to go out, some people aren’t included. I mean, that’s happened to me, it’s happened to everybody on the staff at one point or another.
We see footage of CAROL and SOSA working together, then the camera pans to CJ walking down the hallway. She answers a call on her cell phone. As the conversation continues, the camera films her from a distance, but the audio is listening in to her end of the call.
CJ (into phone)
Hello? … What do you mean? … It’s, it’s Claudia Jean, it’s, uh … I, I’m at, I’m at work, I’m at the White House, Daddy …
More home movies of a young CJ are seen.
CJ (into phone)
Is there a nurse there? … I’m sorry you don’t like it there but I can’t come back right now. … I can’t be there right now, I’m very, very sorry, like, I love you so much but I can’t be there, and I, I … I will be there as soon as I can, hopefully next weekend like we talked about. … All, uh, all right, Daddy.
CJ hangs up the phone. She takes a moment to compose herself, obviously near tears. She walks out of her office, and the scene shifts to ongoing live TV coverage of the Shaw Island standoff. An overlapping cacophony of reporters and news anchors is hard to understand, but eventually we hear this.
TV HOST DAN BANNON
Now he’s got cowboy Arnold out there shooting up dogs and children. Listen, nobody respects the job our federal agents on the ground do every day more than me, but tell me, where is the leadership?
FEMALE PANELIST (voiceover)
Oh, sure, it’s racial profiling.
CUT TO: MEETING INSIDE THE OVAL OFFICE
President Bartlet is seen in a meeting in the Oval, but the camera is filming from the outside, through windows.
NARRATOR
As tensions mounted in the West Wing, the press secretary was kept at arms-length about the negotiations, and about the condition of the wounded child on Shaw Island.
CUT TO: MARTIN SHEFFIELD INTERVIEW
SHEFFIELD
Of course we’ve got that tradition of the flak jacket, you’ve heard about that.
INTERVIEWER
No, tell me.
SHEFFIELD
Oh, we got this flak jacket, it goes from one press secretary to the next, we all put little notes in the pockets -
The scene cuts to a bulletproof vest hanging on the back of CJ’s door. The camera zooms in on what appears to be a note in one of the pockets.
SHEFFIELD (voiceover)
- You know, words of wisdom to the next guy on the job.
The scene cuts back to SHEFFIELD.
INTERVIEWER
Like what?
SHEFFIELD
I couldn’t tell you that. Part of the tradition is it remains private.
CUT TO: a quick shot of SCHAEFFER on his phone coordinating schedule changes. The caption reads:
2:31 PM.
SCHAEFFER (into phone)
The Roadless Rules Conservation Area announcement originally scheduled for 12:00 pm has been moved to 3:00 pm.
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
CAROL comes to the door.
CAROL
CJ?
CJ
Mm-hmm?
CAROL
Agent Casper’s here.
CJ’s brow furrows with confusion. CASPER enters.
CJ
Agent, um …
CASPER
Hi.
CJ
What? I’m sorry, I’m not sure this is a, a really good idea, the entire fourth estate is camped outside. I, I, seriously, I’m gonna have to kick you out.
CASPER
Well, the President, the Attorney General, and the Director all asked me to stop by, so … I wouldn’t say that’s a good idea.
CJ
You were in the, you were in the Oval.
CASPER
Just left. It’s okay. And, uh, first off, I want to, on behalf of the Director, I want to apologize. The, uh, media rep on Shaw screwed up. He never should have issued a statement without giving you a heads-up.
CJ
Yeah, I’d just appreciate him not doing it while I’m on the air.
CASPER
Agreed. Bad move. Won’t happen again.
CJ
What makes you say that?
CASPER
That I’m not gonna answer until you close that.
CASPER gestures towards CJ’s office door.
CJ
You want the cameras off?
CASPER
Yes, please, I want them out.
CJ
Okay.
CJ closes the door. As the NARRATOR takes us to break, we see more images of reporters frantically calling out or working the phones as CJ runs through the press area.
NARRATOR
When we return, an explosion on Shaw Island threatens the worst for the Bartlet administration.
As the scene fades out, we hear a shouted “No comment! No comment!”
FADE OUT.
END ACT THREE.
* * *
ACT FOUR
FADE IN: INT. - OUTSIDE CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
We begin just before the previous act ends, with CASPER in CJ’s office.
CJ
You want the cameras off?
CASPER
Yes, please, I want them out.
CJ
Okay.
CJ closes the door. We see her office from the outside, blinds drawn, then more footage of TV coverage from Shaw Island.
NARRATOR
CJ Cregg’s closed door was a vivid reminder to the press corps that the press secretary was in control of their feeding time. Their hunger for updated information was only intensified by the continued lull in action on Shaw Island.
We hear a couple of White House reporters on phones working the story.
REPORTER ONE (into phone)
It’s a clear breach of policy -
REPORTER TWO (into phone)
- quote from the vet is, he doesn’t have the bullet, or that the FBI confiscated the bullet?
CHRIS catches CAROL as she is walking down the hallway.
CHRIS
Carol – Um, we know Agent Casper’s in there. Is she being briefed?
CUT TO: CJ’S INTERVIEW IN HER OFFICE
CJ
It’s like being on a debate team. You don’t argue for the other side. There’s, there’s an inherent aspect of spin that’s just human nature. You try to strengthen and clarify your point of view. If you choose not to advertise your vulnerabilities, is that a cover up?
CUT TO: OUTSIDE CJ’S OFFICE
CASPER walks out of the office and departs. CAROL goes inside.
CJ
You know what, could you, just, make sure people don’t walk in and out of here?
CAROL
Yeah, I’m really sorry about that, I just spoke with Eric about it -
CJ
And I don’t, this morning at the gaggle, don’t ever let the press have free rein back here, I want to -
CUT TO: CJ’S INTERVIEW IN HER OFFICE
CJ
This is the answer that’s too long-winded for you to use, but I think my job is public, and yet for all its visibility, it’s not. (cut) There’s a, a, a misconception that I’m here to stymie reporters, or to mislead the public, to, to spin or, or even hide the truth. (cut) Better way to put it – I am here to articulate the President’s message, and to honestly inform the press, and through them the public, about what is happening on any given day.
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
CJ is watching the TV news coverage from Shaw Island.
NEWSCASTER
… the ATF have surrounded a cabin located deep in the woods on Shaw Island, a remote location off the Washington state coast. What we know is that there was an initial exchange of gunfire -
INTERVIEWER
Yuo waiting for something?
NEWCASTER
- whose last name we only have as Othman. A family member -
CJ
You wanted to see my day, this is my day.
NEWSCASTER
- reportedly a child, was injured. The extent of those injuries is yet to be determined.
CUT TO: OUTSIDE CJ’S OFFICE
We see CJ at her desk, but in the foreground we see CAROL talking with SOSA.
CAROL
I just got a call from Jill at the Times, and she told me that you went on the record with her.
SOSA
I di – I didn’t go on the record with her about anything. I was rescheduling an appointment for CJ, I was just -
CAROL
That is not your job, your job is “no comment.”
CUT TO: INT. - PRESS OFFICE – DAY
CAROL, SCHAEFFER, SOSA, and other staffers are working.
SCHAEFFER (to CAROL)
I have to talk to you.
CAROL (to someone off camera)
- reporters, okay?
OFFSCREEN VOICE
Understood. Understood, I’ll take care of it.
CAROL (to the person offscreen)
All right. (to SCHAEFFER) What’s up?
SCHAEFFER leads CAROL to the end of the room, away from the other staffers.
SCHAEFFER
Research has it that Mrs. Othman isn’t Yemeni-American, she’s the daughter of a, a schoolteacher and autoworker. Born in Detroit.
CAROL
Has it gotten out yet?
SCHAEFFER
Um, no. Not yet.
CAROL
All right, I want you to stay on it. Okay, and be discreet.
SOSA runs through the press office.
SOSA
Hey, hey, they’re moving!
We cut between TV news footage at Shaw Island and CJ and staffers running through the halls of the West Wing.
REPORTER (voiceover)
- have an emergency vehicle on the scene, I’m near the lane, yes, okay, now, now it appears we have the ambulance doors opening -
CJ dashes through the bullpen outside JOSH’S office, calling out, “Carol!”
REPORTER (voiceover)
- and they are, yes, we have a, a stretcher rolling out of the ambulance, I see two EMTs, and they have removed a stretcher and they are heading in the direction of the cabin.
Another REPORTER is heard as CJ enters her office and dials the phone.
REPORTER 2 (on TV)
As a reminder, the new SOP does specify that snipers are not to fire when children are in harm’s way.
REPORTER 3 (voiceover)
Yes, I, I can see the EMTs approaching. They don’t appear to be going all the way – oh, the door’s opening.
NEWS ANCHOR (on TV)
The door of the cabin is?
REPORTER 3 is seen on camera as a a bang is heard behind him, and he flinches.
REPORTER 3 (on TV)
Okay, we have an explosion, or a flash of some kind near the cabin.
REPORTER 2 (voiceover)
Okay, we do have gunfire coming from the direction of the cabin.
NEWS ANCHOR (voiceover)
What are you seeing now - ?
In her office, CJ turns to CAROL.
CJ
Get me ten minutes in the Oval Office, call over there now.
CAROL
Okay!
REPORTER (voiceover)
It was some kind of an explosion. I can no longer see the EMTs or the children. There’s - there’s some, someone may be down.
REPORTER 3 (voiceover)
Gunshots are continuing. We see agents now on the move, I see five, six members of SWAT storming towards the cabin.
CAROL is seen in the press office, calling out, “Andrew. Andrew!”
NEWS ANCHOR (voiceover)
A neighbor with a visual on the cabin is reporting that he lost sight of the children as they came out of the cabin. They may be down.
REPORTER 2 (on TV)
We do have more gunfire coming from the direction of the cabin, and from the surrounding woods.
CAROL and the other staffers usher CJ down the hallway past a group of shouting reporters. As they call out, “CJ! CJ!” she stops at a doorway.
CJ
No comment!
CJ walks away. We are left with a silent shot of smoke rising from the woods on Shaw Island.
CUT TO: INT. - OUTER OVAL OFFICE – DAY
CHARLIE is working at his desk. The phone rings. He answers.
CHARLIE
This is Charlie. … Okay. Thanks.
CHARLIE gets up from his desk and exits. Behind him CJ and BARTLET come out of the Oval Office.
CJ
We’ll reschedule the announcement for tomorrow. I know you’ve got the NEC waiting.
BARTLET
Naw, I’ll stick my head in.
CJ
All right, I’ll get on your schedule in the morning for a final prep for questions you might get.
BARTLET
I think we can guess what those questions are going to be.
CJ
Yes, sir.
In the hallway CJ and BARTLET encounter a group of young men in scouting gear heading for the Mural Room.
CJ
They should be – here they are.
BARTLET
Are these our young, wayward adventurers?
CJ
The Eagle Rangers.
BARTLET
Welcome to the White House, fellas.
In the background we see LEO and ARNOLD deep in discussion. A security guard closes the door.
CJ
Hi, come on in.
BARTLET
How you doing? It’s good to see you. Good, good – I’ll have a word with you later.
CJ and BARTLET are now in the Mural Room with the Rangers.
BARTLET
So, uh, who among you -
CJ (to film crew)
We’re in here.
BARTLET
- objects to staying another night at the Marriott?
NARRATOR
And while the airwaves were filled with conflicting reports of what had just happened on Shaw Island, the Bartlet administration quietly dropped away from the breaking news, and resumed its day. Was there contention within the administration?
As BARTLET continues to visit with the Rangers, in the background we see LEO and ARNOLD come out of the office, still talking.
NARRATOR
Would further departures from standard procedure be revealed? From inside the West Wing, we could only speculate, along with the rest of the country.
BARTLET
Really?
RANGER
That’s right, sir.
BARTLET
Thank you, fellas.
CJ
Thank you all very much, we’ll see you tomorrow at 10 am in the Rose Garden, have a good night. (to BARTLET) Yes, sir?
BARTLET and CJ have a quick private conversation.
BARTLET
You holding up?
CJ
Oh, yes, sir.
CUT TO: CJ’S INTERVIEW IN HER OFFICE
CJ
Yes, I guess I, I, there’s an inherent tension there, I won’t deny it. Conventional wisdom says you can’t serve two masters. I do.
INTERVIEWER
But your first is -
CJ
Or I tell myself I do.
CUT TO: INT. - PRESS BRIEFING ROOM – EVENING
White House Press Briefing
4:51 PM
CJ is at the podium as the reporters gather.
CJ
We’re gonna try to move this along, some of you are up against evening news deadlines, so without further ado we’d like to bring Agent Mike Casper to the podium, he’ll have a statement and then take your questions. Mike?
CASPER
Approximately one hour ago, federal agents apprehended Jamal Othman, who had been holed up with his family in a seven-hour standoff on Shaw Island in Washington state. ATF officials recovered two cases of explosives which had been wired throughout the cabin. Mr. Othman was in control of their detonation. Mr. Othman received a gunshot wound to the left shoulder, his condition is stable. The standoff was initiated when Mr. Othman opened fire this morning and released an attack dog on federal agents who were attempting to serve him with an arrest warrant.
The scene in the briefing room is intercut with shots of CJ in her office, going to the flak jacket hanging on her door and reading a note left inside a pocket.
CASPER
One agent sustained severe bites to the face and throat. His condition is critical at this time. His name is being withheld until his family can be notified. Uh, the youngest Othman child also sustained injuries in the initial exchange of gunfire. Hoda Othman, age six, was struck by flying glass and went into shock. She and the other five children, as well as Mrs. Othman, have been safely evacuated. The daughter is in stable condition. I’ll take your questions now.
REPORTER
Mr. Casper, Mr. Casper – what are the charges against Mr. Othman?
CASPER
Un, I don’t have all the -
NARRATOR
On the evening news on that March day three years ago, speculations of impropriety were initially overtaken by relief at the positive outcome.
CUT TO: TV SCREEN WITH NEWS ANCHOR REPORTING
NEWS ANCHOR
In a stunning conclusion, agents from the FBI Hostage Rescue and SWAT, using a flashbang as distraction, stormed the cabin moments after an injured child was safely evacuated -
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
CJ and CAROL are going over notes from the day.
CJ
Okay, what do you got for me?
CAROL
Lindsey called from the First Lady’s office; the Richard Tyler burgundy gown she wore was donated to the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in January -
CJ
Thank you. Did you, uh -
CAROL
- You’re welcome. I already faxed Chris a copy of the receipt.
CJ
Thank you.
CAROL
Vatican advance team was sorry they didn’t get to say goodbye and look forward to seeing you soon.
CJ
They didn’t seem put off?
CAROL
I don’t think so. That Renata guy asked me out to dinner.
CJ
Ooooh! You gotta go.
CAROL
Oh, I don’t know, he seemed kinda -
CJ
Oh, come on, a guy I dated from the Vatican, you can’t pass that up.
NARRATOR
Within a few hours, the action within the West Wing’s corridors slowed to a steady hum.
Staffers are seen leaving for the evening, as the pace of activity in the Communications office slows. JACK SOSA says his farewells at CJ’s office door.
SOSA
I’m outta here.
CAROL
Good night.
SOSA
Good night.
CJ
Good night, Jack. Thank you, for everything today.
As SOSA walks down the corridor, we hear (but do not see) ANDREW WELTZMAN at the door.
WELTZMAN (voiceover)
I’ll, uh, be working so if you need anything, uh, I’ll be … here.
CJ
Okay.
WELTZMAN (voiceover)
Working.
CJ
Thanks, Andrew.
WELTZMAN (voiceover)
All right. Good night.
CJ
I appreciate it. Good night.
CAROL
Bye, Andrew.
CUT TO: CAROL’S INTERVIEW.
INTERVIEWER
Is she a, good boss?
CAROL
She’s the best boss. And, I couldn’t have a better job. Um, I really look at CJ as my mentor.
CAROL’s interview continues over a shot of CJ in the press office, talking with CAROL, SCHAEFFER, WELTZMAN, and SOSA.
CAROL (voiceover)
They say that a mentor’s a wise and trusted guide or friend, I would say that CJ is all of those things.
As the NARRATOR continues, we see LEO walking down the hallway and entering CJ’s office.
NARRATOR
It would be weeks before the full scope of the charges against Mr. Othman would become public knowledge. But at the end of our day with CJ Cregg, Access got a preview of what America would later learn.
LEO
Good day.
CJ
Not bad.
LEO
I counted six rounds you went with the rope-a-dope in that briefing room.
CJ (chuckling)
I started to take pride in it. That – sounds sick. Is there anything I should know for tomorrow?
LEO
The Director wants to wait until he’s sure it’s a clean sweep before announcing all the charges.
CJ
That makes sense.
LEO
The confiscated blueprints are the most damning evidence, of course, but Othman’s contacts with the Ba’ji network have already netted a dozen arrests.
CJ
Wow, this is, uh, this was big for the FBI.
LEO
It was big for all of us.
CJ
Big enough to put Casey Creek in the past?
LEO
We’ll see.
LEO helps CJ put on her coat. As he leaves, CJ says good night to CAROL and shakes hands with one of the documentary crew as the NARRATOR continues. She waves at the camera then starts down the hall.
NARRATOR
The next day, most of the media coverage mentioned the adminstration’s previous debacle at Casey Creek. Over the next nine months, 100 charges were handed down in dozens of arrests connected to the Othman conspiracy. In the end, eleven domestic terrorists were sentenced and convicted in federal courts. Last July, Jamal Othman died of complications from kidney failure in federal prison, where he was serving a life sentence for conspiracy to commit terrorism.
As the camera follows CJ down the hall toward the exit, she looks back and laughs nervously, holding up her hand and saying, “Stop!”
CUT TO: CJ’s OFFICE.
CJ’s interview continues.
CJ
Sometimes you have to just let yourself get beaten up. But sometimes it’s better to be beaten up for 24 hours than beaten up for the long run. Although the long run’s something I have no sense of. You know, when I’m going home at night I’m thinking about the next day’s schedule.
CUT TO: HALLWAY.
The camera is behind CJ as she walks down the hall to leave the building. Her cell phone rings, and she answers.
CJ (into phone)
Rain? That’s what they said for today. Keep it in the Rose Garden for now.
She checks out of the building and exits as the camera focuses on the White House Communications Department seal on a glass partition.
NARRATOR
Director Arnold continues to elicit controversy as head of the FBI. And CJ Cregg, who allowed us to share a day with her in the West Wing, remains the only woman to have served two terms as the White House Press Secretary.
DISSOLVE TO: END TITLES.
FADE TO BLACK.
THE END.
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