THE WEST WING
6x7 - “A CHANGE IS GONNA COME”
TELEPLAY BY JOHN SACRET YOUNG & JOSH SINGER
STORY BY JOHN SACRET YOUNG
DIRECTED BY VINCENT MISIANO
Transcribed by Walking, Talking, And Yelling At Clouds
(kegofglory.blogspot.com)
TEASER
A CHANGE IS GONNA COME
FADE IN: We open on a tight shot of a TV screen where former VICE PRESIDENT HOYNES is being interviewed by DIANE MATHERS.
HOYNES (on TV)
Sure, the book is an apology – to my family and to the American people for past mistakes – but it’s also a statement of principles; a summary of where I think we are as a nation and where we could be.
CUT TO: INT. - WHITE HOUSE RESIDENCE – NIGHT
FRIDAY NIGHT
BARTLET is attempting to tie a bowtie as the sound of the interview continues in the background.
MATHERS (VO)
And where is that, Mr. Vice President?
HOYNES (VO)
Well, you know, Diane, this country still faces very serious tests both at home and abroad. Public education, health care, uh, the outsourcing of jobs, these are major problems -
BARTLET sighs heavily, then yanks his bowtie apart.
HOYNES (VO)
- that require serious thinking, and then on the international front, we, we -
MATHERS (VO)
Mr. Vice President, I hate to interrupt, but -
CUT TO: INT. - JOSH’S OFFICE – NIGHT
JOSH is sitting in front of his TV watching the interview.
MATHERS (VO)
- are you saying we’re on the wrong track?
HOYNES (VO)
No, absolutely not, Diane, no, I think that, uh, President Bartlet has done tremendous work.
MATHERS (VO)
And you bear no ill will towards the present administration?
CUT TO: Back to the TV screen showing HOYNES.
HOYNES (on TV)
No, no ill will towards the President or Leo McGarry, no …
CUT TO: INT. - TOBY’S OFFICE – NIGHT
The interview continues in the background as CJ comes to TOBY’s door. TOBY is reading a book.
CJ
I was just down in the East Room watching the runthrough.
TOBY
Ah.
CJ
What are you reading?
TOBY shows the book cover to CJ. It is HOYNES’ book, Full Disclosure.
CJ
Where’d you get that?
TOBY
Will had a copy.
CJ
Will gave it to you?
TOBY
I borrowed it.
CJ
I’m sure it’s illuminating.
CJ turns her head to see the interview on TV.
HOYNES (on TV)
… I’m sure the country has been run well the past seven years …
TOBY
Want to know how many times you’re mentioned?
CJ
No.
TOBY
Want to know many times I’m mentioned?
CJ
Not really.
TOBY
Want to know how many times Josh is mentioned?
CJ
Where is Josh?
TOBY (scoffs)
Josh is … he’ll be fine.
HOYNES (on TV)
… and I have written about them. The vital vision for our future that we need to focus on -
CUT TO: INT. - RESIDENCE KITCHEN – NIGHT
BARTLET is making a cup of tea as CHARLIE walks in. The interview continues in the background.
BARTLET
Charles Young, look at that. Made the effort to come back and visit the old man.
CHARLIE
Mr. President, where’s Curtis?
BARTLET
Who?
CHARLIE
Curtis – your new bodyman?
BARTLET
Ah, nice fellow, Curtis, but he’s no Charlie, Charlie. Gotta tell you, he’s no good at tying a tie.
CHARLIE
Sir, you know I can’t tie a tie, either.
BARTLET
Well, that makes three of us.
CUT TO: INT. - JOSH’S OFFICE – NIGHT
The interview continues as we see HOYNES’ book placed on a legal pad. JOSH flips the book open to the first blank page, where we see the inscription:
JOSH
TIME TO LEAD
JOHN
HOYNES (VO)
Really?
MATHERS (VO)
Are you being coy, Mr. Vice President?
HOYNES (VO)
Absolutely.
MATHERS (VO, as they both laugh)
You are going to ruin my reputation for hard-nosed journalism.
JOSH stands staring at the inscription in the book.
HOYNES (VO)
Well – Diane, I’m just here to promote a book.
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – NIGHT
We hear the interview continue as CJ places some folders on her desk. MARGARET enters behind her.
MARGARET
You’ve got a call.
CJ
Okay. Would you make sure we get Josh’s notes from yesterday’s summit briefing with the foreign relations guys?
MARGARET
Donna already brought them.
CJ
Good. Who’s on the phone?
MARGARET
The Vice President.
CJ (reaching for the phone)
Okay.
MARGARET
The former Vice President.
CUT TO: INT. - RESIDENCE KITCHEN – NIGHT
ABBEY, dressed for a party, walks into the kitchen to find BARTLET and CHARLIE working on the bowtie. The interview is still going on in the background.
ABBEY
What’s going on in here? What’s taking so long?
BARTLET
Thank you, Charlie.
CHARLIE exits as ABBEY helps BARTLET put on his jacket.
BARTLET
I couldn’t tie my tie.
ABBEY
Yeah. I know that. Could we go now?
CUT TO: Back to the closeup of HOYNES on the TV screen.
HOYNES (on TV)
I would also like to find a way to be involved in the ongoing pursuit of peace in that region, and yes, Diane, I would like to return to public life. I think I can make a contribution.
CUT TO: EXT. - STREET SCENE – NIGHT
JOSH is walking along the sidewalk. He approaches a parked car, which we can see has HOYNES in the driver’s seat. JOSH opens the door and gets in the passenger side.
HOYNES
Thanks for coming, Josh. You see the interview?
JOSH
No.
HOYNES
Did you look at the book?
JOSH
No.
HOYNES
Well, if you’re gonna bust my chops, Josh, get it over with -
JOSH
I have no idea why I’m here, Mr. Vice President.
HOYNES
Yes, you do.
SMASH CUT TO: MAIN TITLES.
END TEASER.
***
ACT ONE
FADE IN: INT. - WEST WING FOYER – DAY
JOSH walks in to start the day, carrying a coffee and heading for his office. He greets DONNA who is at her desk, on the phone.
JOSH (speaking Chinese)
Zao chen hao, Donnatella.
DONNA (hanging up the phone)
Whatever. You’re early.
JOSH
It’s dinnertime in Beijing and I’m just getting to the office. Time is relative – at least that’s what we in the international arena say.
DONNA
Uh-huh. You hear John Hoynes is doing Diane Mathers tomorrow night?
An onscreen caption reads:
THURSDAY MORNING
ONE DAY EARLIER
JOSH
Uh, yeah, uh, the WTO file for the briefing on the China summit …
DONNA
He’s promoting his book.
JOSH
Iowa’s around the corner; ‘tis about to be the season.
DONNA
He called twice this morning.
JOSH
I’m gonna need a converter for China and I can’t find my garment bag.
DONNA
I think baggage claim is in the next terminal over.
JOSH
You used to love it when I couldn’t dress myself without you.
DONNA
I used to love peppermint ice cream, too, but now those little pieces of candy, they get stuck in your teeth in a way that I find irritating.
CUT TO: INT. - ROOSEVELT ROOM – DAY
TOBY and KATE are meeting with Chinese representatives going over details for the summit.
YAHLIN
The red carpet will be lined with glowing paper lanterns, to represent the industrial core of the city. And the mayor of Xian has requested permission to present President Bartlet with a golden key to the city.
KATE
We have no problem with that.
YAHLIN
I understand the President has expressed an interest in the terra cotta warriors that guard the tomb of the emperor Qin Shi Huang. There are over 7000 pottery soldiers and horses …
TOBY
Pottery.
YAHLIN
We understand the President is a student of the Qin Dynasty.
TOBY
Mm-hmm.
YAHLIN
We thought that -
TOBY
Yeah, I, I, I’m sure he’d be delighted.
YAHLIN
And now the menu for the morning’s welcome breakfast in Beijing …
CJ appears at the door. TOBY sees her and makes plans to step out.
TOBY
Of course – and, uh … why don’t you (referring to KATE) go ahead and, um … do that.
TOBY gets up to leave, with a quizzical KATE left behind.
CUT TO: INT. - HALLWAY – DAY
CHARLIE catches up to CJ as she walks down the hall. He hands her a thick binder.
CJ
What’s this?
CHARLIE
The nonproliferation briefing packet.
CJ
You’re done?
CHARLIE
I get extra credit for finishing early?
CJ
You want a gold star?
CHARLIE
How about another assignment?
CJ
Let’s see how you did on this one.
CHARLIE splits off as CJ continues toward her office, encountering TOBY on the way.
TOBY
They’re deliberating on breakfast in Beijing. They’re picking fortune cookies -
CJ
I always thought fortune cookies were an American invention, like pizza and the Frisbee.
TOBY
You have to get me out of there.
CJ
Can’t do it, Rocco.
TOBY
I have things to do.
CJ
Talk to Josh.
TOBY
I’m talking to you.
CJ
And I’m referring you to the man in charge of this little venture to the Orient, Joshua Lyman, perhaps you’ve met?
TOBY
I don’t report to Josh.
CJ
No, you report to me, and I, magnanimous leader that I am, shrewd executive and benevolent spreader of the wealth, I have chosen to delegate - and you should get used to that word - delegate the preparation and readiness of the China summit to Josh. So while technically you are correct with regard to the organizational chain of command, insofar as this matter is concerned -
TOBY
I can’t believe you’re making me go back in there.
CJ
Uh-uh, uh-uh, not I – Josh. You see how beautifully this works?
CJ walks off to her office leaving TOBY huffing in the hall.
CUT TO: INT. - MURAL ROOM – DAY
JOSH is speaking with a group of Representatives and Senators about the China summit. That group includes SENATOR HARRIS, CONGRESSWOMAN HAAS, and SENATOR MATT HUNT.
HARRIS
… ‘cause if we don’t come home with progress on the semiconductor tariffs -
JOSH
We’re gonna push China on semiconductor tariffs, intellectual property rights, textiles, shrimp, financial services …
HARRIS
Well, Josh, I think I speak for all of us when I say this summit seems to be in great shape.
JOSH
Well, we’re looking forward to it.
JOSH and the others stand to shake hands. SENATOR HUNT, though, remains seated.
HARRIS
Thanks for your hard work.
JOSH
My pleasure, sir, thank you. Thank you, Congresswoman.
HUNT
What about Taiwan?
JOSH
What about it?
HUNT
They’re gonna want to discuss the sale of the 3-PC Orion sub-hunting planes.
JOSH
That’s not on the agenda, Senator.
HUNT
Oh, well, then, I’m sure it won’t be discussed.
JOSH
We sell arms to Taiwan, we will continue to sell arms to Taiwan, it’s not up for discussion.
HUNT
At least not until we start pushing China on weapons exports to Pakistan.
JOSH
China’s pledged to stop exporting weapons -
HUNT
A pledge that they’ve ignored. Along with their WTO commitments, and their agreements on prison labor -
HAAS
Senator, I’m not sure I see the point.
HUNT (rising)
The point, ma’am, is … the Chinese tend to welsh on their markers. And I don’t want to see Josh, here, offer up the farm in exchange for more lies and empty promises.
JOSH
I’ll keep that in mind.
HUNT
Good.
JOSH
You know, the Democratic Party hasn’t been overrun by a bunch of panda-huggers.
HUNT stares levelly at JOSH. JOSH chuckles nervously.
CUT TO: INT. - ROOSEVELT ROOM – DAY
The negotiations with the Chinese continue. TOBY is back in the room.
YAHLIN
Mr. Ziegler, we just have a few more items to discuss and decide. Now, let me see … 22, the guest list for the -
A cell phone ring is heard. YAHLIN takes his phone out of his pocket.
TOBY (to KATE)
I thought cell phones weren’t supposed to work in here.
KATE (to TOBY)
They don’t.
YAHLIN speaks on the phone in Chinese. After a short conversation, he hangs up. He says something to his companion and they stand. Both Chinese representatives walk out of the room without a word. TOBY and KATE stand there, dumbfounded.
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
JOSH comes in to tell CJ about the congressional meeting.
CJ
How’d it go?
JOSH
Fine; we’re gonna want to go over the intellectual property stuff.
CJ
Hunt gave you a hard time.
JOSH
Yeah, but this was Harris and Haas.
CJ
What did Hunt want?
JOSH
Hunt wanted to give me a hard time. Guy brings new meaning to the word, ‘curmudgeon.’ Hey, I appreciate your letting me carry the ball on this one.
CJ
One less ball I have to keep my eye on.
CAROL enters.
CAROL
Hey … we got a question from the gaggle about a flag that the President received during the National Prayer Breakfast this morning?
JOSH
A flag?
CAROL (checking her notes)
A green flag, from the Taiwanese delegation.
JOSH
You’re kidding, right?
CAROL
Was that funny?
JOSH
A green flag?
CAROL
Green with a red flower.
JOSH
No, no, no-no, no!
CJ
Josh?
JOSH
The Chinese are gonna freak out!
CAROL
Isn’t the Taiwanese flag red and blue?
JOSH
Yes – no – there is no Taiwanese flag. There’s the flag of the Republic of China commonly used in Taiwan, which is red and blue. The, the green one is the original flag of the Taiwan Independence Movement.
CJ
The guys who want to hold a tea party in Taipei harbor and declare their independence from China.
JOSH
Pretty much! So you can see how I might be mildly concerned about the symbolism of the President accepting their flag on the eve of a major summit with China – (quietly) I sound a little hysterical.
CJ
Just a touch.
JOSH
So, we’ll – we’ll just give the flag back before anyone knows we had it.
TOBY knocks at the door and steps inside.
JOSH
Hey, I thought you were in with the …
TOBY
They walked out.
JOSH
The Chinese protocol guys?
TOBY
They got a call from their embassy, something about the National Prayer Breakfast and a flag.
(beat)
CJ
Margaret!
CUT TO: INT. - OVAL OFFICE – DAY
BARTLET is sitting on the couch as DEBBIE hands him some papers.
DEBBIE
Counsel needs you to sign this so we can retrieve the 25th Amendment letter from your personal archives.
BARTLET
They want me to step down again?
DEBBIE
You’re loaning it out for an exhibit at the National Constitution Center.
BARTLET
I solve Middle East peace, fix Social Security, and they want the piece of paper I used to remove myself from office.
DEBBIE
It is the National Constitution Center.
BARTLET
Yeah, it’s not like the Smithsonian’s beating down my door.
DEBBIE
I’m sure they’ll take a greater interest in you once you’re dead.
BARTLET
There’s something to look forward to.
DEBBIE (handing him a folder of papers)
And these are the bios of the Medal of Arts winners for tomorrow night’s gala. I heard there’s gonna be a tribute, a musical guest.
BARTLET
A surprise musical guest, actually.
DEBBIE
I always loved Jerry Garcia.
BARTLET
If I’m not mistaken, he’s unavailable.
DEBBIE
Hence the surprise.
CJ knocks on the door and enters.
CJ
Mr. President.
BARTLET
Thank God.
Entering with CJ are KATE and CHARLIE.
KATE
Sir, you were given a flag by a member of the Taiwanese delegation this morning?
BARTLET
I seem to remember a stuffed ewe, and a bar of soap etched with a quote from the 42nd Psalm.
KATE
This was a green flag with red chrysanthemum in the center.
BARTLET
Sounds charming.
CJ
Sir.
BARTLET
I handed everything over to my new bodyman, what’s his name? The new Charlie.
CHARLIE
Curtis Carruthers.
BARTLET
Not that the old Charlie could ever be replaced, of course.
CJ
Of course. Charlie?
CHARLIE
If he’s worth anything, he’s sent it over to the Gifts Unit.
CJ
Okay.
CHARLIE
If it’s in the Gifts Unit, it’s gotta be tagged, catalogued, photographed and appraised. Could be decades until you see that thing again.
CJ
We’re gonna need it a little sooner.
CHARLIE
I’m on it.
CHARLIE exits.
BARTLET
How big a problem are we looking at?
KATE
Chinese’ll make some noise, ask for us to return the flag publicly.
BARTLET
Mm, what else?
KATE
A demand for a formal statement that we do not support Taiwanese independence, and maybe tattoo ‘There’s only one China’ on all our foreheads.
BARTLET
Well, the tattoo’s not an option. Thanks.
KATE exits.
CJ
Sir, do you want me to bring in the Secretary of State?
BARTLET
Excuse me?
CJ
I just thought if you’re reconsidering our policy on Taiwan …
BARTLET
Did I say that?
CJ
Sir, this type of thing is right up your alley to -
BARTLET
CJ, I must have gotten enough trinkets to buy back Manhattan this morning. I honestly didn’t see the damn thing! Are we through?
CJ
Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. President.
BARTLET exits out to the Portico.
FADE OUT.
END ACT ONE.
* * *
ACT TWO
FADE IN: INT. - GIFTS OFFICE – DAY
CHARLIE is coming down a stairway to the Gifts Office. He stops at the empty desk and looks around.
CHARLIE
Hello?
He rings the bell on the desk – a replica of the Liberty Bell. BERNARD THATCH appears.
THATCH
May I help you?
CHARLIE
Bernard?
THATCH
Yes. Welcome to my festoonery.
CHARLIE
Where’s Rose?
THATCH
Rose, in what I assume was a clerical error of some kind, was promoted.
CHARLIE
And they transferred you to the Gifts Unit?
THATCH
Apparently I am the new Rose.
CHARLIE
There was a Taiwanese flag -
THATCH
The independentists’ flag. Nicknamed the eight-chrysanthemum-petal flag – rather unimaginatively, I’d say.
CHARLIE
Yeah, have you seen it?
THATCH
Oh, yes. The flag itself is a magnificent specimen, an original hand-sewn relic, that was entered in the island-wide flag competition and was chosen over 186 other designs. That was in 1994. Of course, the color scheme seems more reminiscent of the Taipei Holiday Inn, circa 1970.
CHARLIE
I wouldn’t repeat that to the Taiwanese.
THATCH
I hadn’t planned on it. Is there anything else?
CHARLIE
The President needs the flag back.
THATCH
Oh, I’m afraid not.
CHARLIE
Excuse me?
THATCH
The flag is an historical artifact. And its value is much higher than the reporting threshold established by the GSA.
CHARLIE
So?
THATCH
When the President accepts a gift of such value, it is deemed to have been accepted on behalf of the United States.
CHARLIE
But he shouldn’t have accepted it in the first place.
THATCH
Be that as it may, according to Chapter Five of the US Code, section 7342c, it is now the property of the American people.
CHARLIE
I need that flag.
THATCH
You’re not suggesting I break the law?
CHARLIE
No.
THATCH
Well, then …. I suppose we’re in a bit of a pickle.
CUT TO: INT. - TOBY’S OFFICE – DAY
JOSH is rushing into TOBY’s office.
JOSH
The ambassador’s here.
TOBY
Yeah.
JOSH
We’re going to be conciliatory.
TOBY
Uh-huh.
JOSH
Mea culpa, our bad.
TOBY
Got it.
JOSH
We’re gonna hop right over this little -
TOBY sees something outside his office and stops JOSH.
TOBY
Josh …
JOSH turns to see a phalanx of Chinese diplomatic representatives walking past the Communications bullpen on their way to the Roosevelt Room.
JOSH
That’s the whole Chinese delegation.
TOBY
I must have missed this part of the protocol meeting.
JOSH
You were there – right?
TOBY
I was, in and out … couldn’t stomach any more haggling over the nine-meat soup.
JOSH
Nine-meat soup?
TOBY
It was on the menu for the dinner at Shanghai.
JOSH (to himself)
Beef, chicken, pork -
TOBY
You don’t want to go there.
CUT TO: INT. - ROOSEVELT ROOM – DAY
A large group of some 15 Chinese diplomats, led by Ambassador LING-PO, stands waiting as JOSH and TOBY enter.
LING-PO
Gentlemen.
JOSH, TOBY, LING-PO, and the two protocol officers from the earlier meeting take their seats.
TOBY
I think we should start by stating again that the President wishes to convey his utmost apologies.
LING-PO
Let’s not be troubled by simple misunderstandings. Here’s our statement; it has been released to the press.
One of the Chinese representatives takes a paper from YAHLIN, walks around the table, and delivers it to TOBY and JOSH. They read the release.
JOSH
“Meddling in your internal affairs”?
LING-PO
You will return the flag?
JOSH
Uh, yeah, uh, I mean, as soon as we locate it. (nervous chuckle) Yes.
LING-PO
Good. President Lian hoped this would not interfere with our plans.
TOBY
We’re looking forward to a … productive summit.
LING-PO
As are we. As such, we know you will understand our need for a few minor adjustments.
JOSH
Adjustments.
YAHLIN
So as to reiterate the open friendship between our countries, the President wishes to hold the Beijing welcome ceremonies outdoors, rather than indoors.
JOSH
Okay.
YAHLIN
He proposed that we move the summit from the Great Hall of the People to the Gate of Heavenly Peace.
TOBY
The Gate of Heavenly Peace.
There is a pause.
TOBY
In Tiananmen Square.
JOSH
You want to welcome the President of the United States in Tiananmen Square?
LING-PO
Is there a problem?
JOSH looks at the Chinese in dismay.
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
CJ and KATE are eating Chinese food. KATE has brought a selection of small flags on bases; the Taiwanese independence flag, the Republic of China flag, the flag of the People’s Republic of China, and a couple of others. CJ is holding the independence flag.
CJ
So that’s the flag we got.
KATE
Mm-hmm.
CJ picks up the People’s Republic of China flag.
CJ
That’s China.
KATE
Yeah.
CJ picks up the Republic of China flag.
CJ
What’s this one?
KATE
Republic of China.
CJ
This is China, that’s China -
KATE (pointing at flags with chopsticks)
Republic of China, People’s Republic of China – banned in China, used in Taiwan, used in China, banned in Taiwan.
CJ picks up another flag, a blue flag with a white sun in the center.
CJ
What’s this one?
KATE
Taiwan’s majority party.
CJ
So which party flies the Taiwanese flag?
KATE
The Taiwanese flag, not so popular among the Taiwanese.
CJ
And they don’t change the flag because -?
KATE
The Chinese would declare war.
CJ
Good reason. (referring to the flags) These things come with a G.I. Joe set?
KATE
I play a lot of Risk.
JOSH enters the office.
JOSH
They, uh, want to put Taiwan on the table.
CJ
Okay.
JOSH
The Chinese want to scrap half the trade agenda so we can discuss the US role in blocking Taiwan’s independence movement, oh, and they, uh, thought it’d be fun to jump-start the summit with a welcome bash in Tiananmen Square.
CJ looks at JOSH.
JOSH
You’re eating Chinese.
KATE (offering her carton to JOSH)
Lo mein?
JOSH
Hunt already thinks we’re weak on China, if the Taiwanese lobby gets hold of this -
TOBY walks into the office.
TOBY
It’s too late for that. Senator Hunt’s asked for floor time tomorrow, he’s floating a resolution urging the President to display the green flag in the lobby of the State Department.
KATE
Now that could be a problem.
TOBY
Why? He’s a cranky old man, the Chinese are going to be that offended?
KATE
No; I mean … yes, but the Chinese aren’t my primary concern. He starts saluting that flag on the Senate floor -
JOSH
Could send a signal.
KATE
Taiwanese start thinking it’s time for a new flag, a new name, a new anthem …
CJ
We gotta shut him down. (to JOSH) What do you want to do?
JOSH
Hang him by his thumbs and beat him with a pogo stick.
CJ
Josh -
JOSH
Send Toby to the Chinese Embassy first thing in the morning, with Kate – tell them this had nothing to do with us, that Hunt’s a nut job -
TOBY
I’m going to phrase that a little differently -
JOSH
Tell them they’ll have their flag back by the end of the day, and … once it’s returned, their little adjustments are off the table. We spent two months hammering out this agenda, it’s not going to get hijacked by some flag-waving jackass of a Senator.
CJ
Josh, you’re gonna go see Hunt.
JOSH
Yeah!
CJ
And Josh -
JOSH (quietly)
Yeah, yeah, tone it down.
JOSH exits. KATE stands, grabbing her carton of food and follows JOSH out the door.
KATE
I guess I’ll take this to go.
CJ
The visual of the President in Tiananmen Square -
TOBY
Certainly not my first choice for a photo op between the two presidents.
CJ
Let’s figure out a way to make it work, just in case.
TOBY
So I’m working for you now again?
CJ
Toby …
TOBY holds his hands out questioningly, then turns to exit.
CUT TO: INT. - JOSH’S OFFICE – NIGHT
WILL comes up to JOSH’s door.
WILL
How are things going with China?
JOSH
Great, really, just fantastic.
WILL
So the President has a photo op in the Oval tomorrow, something about the 25th Amendment?
JOSH and WILL walk out of the office as JOSH is preparing to leave.
JOSH
The letter he signed to remove himself from power, he’s handing it over to the National Constitution Center trustees.
WILL
Yeah, the Vice President would like to be part of that ceremony.
JOSH
Okay. Only, wasn’t that, you know, before the Vice President’s time?
WILL
Well, technically.
JOSH
Isn’t this more of a Toby thing?
TOBY crosses by in the hallway behind them.
TOBY
Isn’t what more of a Toby thing?
WILL
The National Constitution Center ceremony tomorrow night -
TOBY
No.
WILL and JOSH follow TOBY into the Communications bullpen.
WILL
The Vice President would like to show his support.
TOBY
He wants to horn in on, on Baker’s photo op with the President.
JOSH
He’s coming in for that?
TOBY
Baker’s the Governor of Pennsylvania, home of the National Constitution Center, also a former chairman of the board of trustees.
WILL
And a future candidate for the Presidency, doing whatever he can to get the implicit backing of the President.
TOBY
Really. Hadn’t thought of that.
JOSH and WILL follow TOBY into his office.
JOSH
Fins to the left, fins to the right, Baker, Hoynes.
WILL
Yeah, Hoynes on Diane Mathers should be interesting.
JOSH
That’s it?
WILL
Yeah. Toby, the President assured us we’d have his support.
TOBY
We’ll get Russell another photo op. The hog lots bill is in conference -
WILL
The Vice President is not going to be …
WILL stops and considers something.
WILL
You know what? Fine.
WILL exits.
JOSH
He didn’t even flinch at that Hoynes stuff.
TOBY
Oh, I don’t know why, the guy’s all over the news, I’ve been getting calls -
JOSH
Yeah, he called me a couple of times.
TOBY
He? I was talking about reporters. Hoynes called you?
JOSH
Yeah, I haven’t called him back. I’m not interested.
TOBY
Interested in what?
JOSH
In anything having to do with John Hoynes.
CUT TO: INT. - OVAL OFFICE – NIGHT
BARTLET is sitting in a chair reviewing some papers. CJ knocks at the door. BARTLET looks up.
CJ
You’re still here, Mr. President.
BARTLET
Yeah.
CJ
Sir, I think we should put in a call to the American Institute in Taiwan.
BARTLET
Make sure Taipei doesn’t get the wrong idea?
CJ
Yes, sir.
BARTLET
Go ahead and make the call. (CJ turns to leave, BARTLET stands) I’ve always wondered why they let me pick these guys every year.
CJ
Sir?
BARTLET
The honorees for the National Medals. I mean, I enjoy a good cantata, and Turner’s landscapes send me over the moon, but what the hell do I know about art?
CJ
You’re the popularly elected representative of the people of the United States.
BARTLET
Sure, but nobody told them I was going to be art-critic-in-chief.
CJ
Thank goodness.
CJ and BARTLET exchange a smile.
CJ
Sir?
BARTLET
You think they really knew what they were getting when they pulled the lever?
CJ
I do, sir.
BARTLET
Yeah, okay. Good night.
CJ
Good night, Mr. President.
BARTLET sits behind his desk, looking at his papers again. CJ exits, giving a last look to BARTLET as she goes out the door.
CUT TO: INT. - SENATOR HUNT’S OFFICE – NIGHT
HUNT is working at a table as JOSH enters.
JOSH
You know, it’s ironic, Senator -
HUNT
I’ve been expecting you, Josh.
JOSH
I mean, here you are, trying to raise this flag, but six months ago, when the President of Taiwan considered doing the same, Taiwan’s democratically elected parliament passed a law to stop him.
HUNT
I thought it was kind of sad, actually.
JOSH
What’s to be sad? They’re happy, they’re free, they have the third-highest standard of living in Asia.
HUNT
Who needs independence, huh?
JOSH
They have it, in everything but name.
HUNT
Is there another democracy in the world whose leader is not allowed to set foot in Washington?
JOSH
That’s a small price to pay.
HUNT
And so was the stamp tax. We support the suppression of a vibrant democracy by a cruel dictatorship.
JOSH
Come on, Senator, they’re selling Quarter Pounders in Shanghai, they’ve got thousands of satellite dishes on the rooftops in Beijing, in a couple of years -
HUNT
I understand the theory. Commerce and culture, the gradual conversion to the religion of capitalism and democracy. China’s a happy place, Taiwan goes free -
JOSH
So why stand in the way of something that’s inevitable -
HUNT
When Patrick Henry said, ‘Give me liberty or give me death,’ you think he meant except for Wednesdays and Sundays?
HUNT starts to leave.
JOSH
Sir, you are jeopardizing a very tolerable, evolving status quo.
HUNT
The Chinese have 496 ballistic missiles pointed at Taiwan, and I’m jeopardizing the status quo?
JOSH
Yes.
HUNT
Well, it’s not what this country should stand for. Why do you think the President accepted the flag in the first place?
JOSH
It was a mistake.
HUNT
Jed Bartlet doesn’t make mistakes. Somebody has to stand up, so I’m going to the Senate at 1:00 tomorrow. Now, you’re a smart guy. If you’re that worried, you’ll figure out a way to keep me off the floor until you’ve given the flag back to the Taiwanese. But refusing to support Taiwanese independence – it’s wrong. And I think you know that I’m right.
HUNT turns and exits.
FADE OUT.
END ACT TWO.
* * *
ACT THREE
FRIDAY MORNING
FADE IN: INT. - THATCH’S OFFICE – DAY
THATCH is sitting at his desk as a Gilbert & Sullivan tune plays on his record player (‘A Wandering Minstrel, I’). He stands, carrying a clipboard, stops the record and steps out to the reception desk, where he meets CHARLIE. CHARLIE is paging through a thick book.
THATCH
Charles! I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to see you again.
CHARLIE (referring to the book)
Yeah … so it says here -
THATCH
Did you pick out that tie, or is it government issue?
CHARLIE
My sister bought me this tie.
THATCH
The things we put up with for family.
CHARLIE
Yeah. So, in accordance with the Foreign Decorations and Gifts Act, the President has the option of buying back any gift accepted on behalf … (gesturing to the book) of the United States.
THATCH
Must we suffer through another round of capture the flag?
CHARLIE
The President wants to buy it back.
THATCH
Really?
CHARLIE
Yeah.
THATCH
Very well. As I’m sure you know, the GSA requires a commercial appraisal.
CHARLIE
How about you ballpark it for me?
THATCH
Well … a flag of this nature, it’s very hard to put a sum on it. But given its historical significance and the current set of circumstances – which no doubt would increase its worth – I’d wager … twenty, to thirty thousand.
(pause)
CHARLIE
Dollars?
CHARLIE rolls his eyes in exasperation.
CUT TO: EXT. - WHITE HOUSE ENTRANCE – DAY
CJ is walking to the doors. JOSH comes up to greet her.
JOSH
Hey.
CJ
Morning. How’d it go with Hunt?
JOSH
He’s still planning to speak at 1:00 -
CUT TO: INT. - WHITE HOUSE HALLWAY – DAY
JOSH
- I spoke with Harris …
CJ
Okay.
JOSH
They’re doing a quorum call at noon. Harris stands up at a quarter to one and suggests the absence of a quorum.
CJ
Procedural roadblock.
JOSH
Yeah.
CJ
How long can we keep Hunt off the floor?
JOSH
Long enough to get the flag returned to the Taiwanese and make his resolution moot.
CJ
Great.
JOSH
Yeah, only it’s the wrong call.
CJ
You think we should let Hunt speak.
JOSH
His resolution’s not gonna pass, he’s not gonna get the votes. The President doesn’t even have to acknowledge it. I’m not arguing a retooling of the Monroe Doctrine, but we let Hunt on the floor. Let someone make the principled argument.
CJ
Run it by Kate and Toby, if they’re onboard we take it to the boss.
JOSH turns to leave as CJ heads into her office. MARGARET walks by, singing a James Taylor song to herself.
MARGARET (to herself)
Come-a, come-a, come-a, come-a come come … yeaahhhh, yeah, yay. Come-a, come-a, come-a, come-a come come … you come running to meee-eeee …
CJ comes out of her office behind MARGARET.
CJ
Good morning, Margaret.
MARGARET (slightly embarrassed)
Good morning.
CJ
Excited about the Medal of the Arts ceremony?
MARGARET
Very.
CJ
Supposed to be a surprise musical guest.
MARGARET
You’re worried I might give it away.
CJ
Maybe with the singing and the dancing …
MARGARET
Right.
CJ
The President’s in with Governor Baker?
MARGARET
The Governor just arrived.
CJ
Good, let me know when Kate gets back from the Chinese embassy and find out where Charlie is on getting the flag back.
They begin walking down the hallway.
MARGARET
Do you have a favorite? Song?
CJ
Can’t say that I do.
MARGARET
I’ve always liked ‘Jelly Man Kelly.’ ‘He’s the one that likes jelly the most, he likes it on toast, then there’s Jenny Mulhenny -’
CJ
Margaret?
MARGARET
‘She -’ Right. Mum’s the word.
CUT TO: INT. - OVAL OFFICE – DAY
GOVERNOR ERIC BAKER walks into the Oval Office, with several staffers and photographers standing in the room. BARTLET greets him.
BARTLET
Governor Baker. Welcome.
BAKER
Busy day?
BARTLET
Always. We’ve got the National Medal of the Arts gala tonight.
BAKER (gesturing towards the desk)
Is that the letter?
BARTLET
That is the letter than removed me from office. I have to keep the one that put me back, in case anyone starts asking questions.
BAKER
Well, the museum will take precious care of it.
BARTLET (gesturing around the room)
How do you like the old place?
BAKER
It’s, um … humbling.
BARTLET
Believe me, it’s worse from behind that desk. There’s a dagger, that hangs from a thread somewhere up there.
BAKER
I would think the Secret Service would do something about that.
BARTLET
Yeah. So how are your numbers in Iowa?
BAKER
Well, I haven’t declared.
BARTLET
You’re gonna tell me you don’t have people in the field already?
(beat)
BAKER
Iowa and New Hampshire look very good.
VICE PRESIDENT RUSSELL and WILL walk into the Oval Office.
RUSSELL
Gentlemen.
BAKER
Mr. Vice President.
BARTLET
Bob, I didn’t know you were joining us.
RUSSELL
Oh, it’s an historic moment, I wouldn’t want to miss out.
BARTLET
Actually, the historic moment happened a couple of years ago, but it’s always good to see you.
BAKER
Uh, Mr. President, could I … ?
BARTLET
(to RUSSELL) Excuse me.
BARTLET crosses to BAKER standing by the desk.
BAKER (quietly)
Um, Mr. President, the, uh, museum wants this exhibit to focus on the nobility and patriotism that you demonstrated in invoking the 25th Amendment. It’s really kind of a tribute to your leadership and the principled spirit of your Presidency. Vice President Russell, while a sterling leader in his own right -
BARTLET (quietly)
You going to be a part of this photo op?
BAKER (quietly)
Well, as trustee of the museum, I …
BARTLET (quietly)
Yeah, well, I’m sure no one will mind if Bob sits in. I mean, after all, he’s sort of a trustee of this office. (to the room) Ladies and gentlemen, if you’re ready …
CUT TO: INT. - HALLWAY – DAY
JOSH is walking by the Communications bullpen. He sees WILL killing time outside the Oval Office.
JOSH
You taking to wandering the hallways?
WILL
Hoping to absorb some wisdom. Osmosis.
JOSH
You here alone? (beat) You sent Russell in to crash the photo op. Nice move.
JOSH turns to leave, then stops.
JOSH
I get why you’re so worried about Baker, but – why not about Hoynes?
WILL
Hoynes has name recognition and the most recent New Hampshire polls still have him a good ten points behind us.
JOSH
Same in Iowa?
WILL
Mm-hmm. He resigned in a sex scandal, there’s no way he comes back from that.
JOSH
Sex isn’t what it used to be.
WILL
Even if that’s true, by the time he’s back in the race we’ll be so far ahead of him in money and endorsements -
JOSH
Unless Baker’s already knocked you out.
WILL
Why I’m not sleeping nights.
CUT TO: INT. - MARGARET’S DESK – DAY
DONNA walks up to MARGARET’s desk carrying an armful of binders.
DONNA
Josh said CJ wanted a copy of the trade agenda.
MARGARET (taking the binders)
Okay.
DONNA
So you know who’s coming tonight?
MARGARET
It’s a surprise.
DONNA
Give me a hint.
MARGARET
I really shouldn’t. (smiling, through clenched teeth) ‘Jelly Man Kelly.’
DONNA
Who?
CJ walks up, giving a paper to MARGARET.
CJ
Can you get this out to the China team? (to DONNA) Hey.
DONNA
Hi.
CJ
That the trade stuff?
DONNA (nodding)
Yep.
CJ
Great. I’d love anything he’s got on Taiwan.
DONNA
Sure. (as CJ heads for her office) Is there an issue? I mean, I know it’s Josh, so there’s always an issue -
CJ
No issue.
DONNA
- ‘cause he’s been working really hard on this.
CJ
I just want to stay in the loop.
DONNA
Okay, but, you know, he’s got everything under control.
CJ
Yeah.
CJ and DONNA have their attention drawn to a news report on the TV by MARGARET’s desk.
ANCHOR (on TV)
… the rally began late this afternoon …
On the TV we see images of protests going on in Taiwan, with some of them waving the green chrysanthemum flag.
DONNA
Except, maybe that.
ANCHOR (on TV)
… when the leaders of Taiwan’s independence movement, waving the same type of green and red flag that President Bartlet accepted yesterday, gathered in …
CJ
Margaret, page Kate, get the CIA director on the phone.
CJ heads into her office. DONNA looks after her, then walks away.
CUT TO: INT. - OVAL OFFICE – DAY
Cameras are clicking as the handoff of the 25th Amendment letter goes on. BARTLET and BAKER are holding the letter, with RUSSELL standing by BARTLET’s side.
BARTLET
Okay, thank you, ladies and gentlemen.
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Thank you, Mr. President.
BARTLET
Thank you for coming in, Eric. Good to see you again.
BAKER
My pleasure, Mr. President.
BARTLET calls out to stop RUSSELL before he leaves the Oval Office.
BARTLET
Bob, could I see you for a second?
The staffers, photographers, and BAKER all walk out of the office, leaving BARTLET and RUSSELL.
RUSSELL
Mr. President, I really appreciate -
BARTLET
Yeah, don’t do that again.
RUSSELL
Well, Mr. President, I -
BARTLET
I want it to be very clear, I’m not choosing sides. Not him, not you.
CJ knocks at the door.
CJ
Excuse me, Mr. President.
BARTLET
Yeah, we’re through.
RUSSELL exits.
CJ
I wanted to give you an update - there are some demonstrations in Taipei, sir.
BARTLET
Okay.
CJ
They’re peaceful and relatively small, given the events of the past few days.
BARTLET
Are they being organized by the Independence Party?
CJ
Yes, but some prominent members of the DPP are in attendance.
BARTLET
The majority party? Anyone close to President Chen?
CJ
His Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.
KATE walks into the Oval.
CJ
How are the Chinese?
KATE
Things didn’t start off all that well. It sort of went downhill from there. Of course if I had known the PLA was planning to dispatch Ming-class subs into the Taiwan Strait in reaction to the demonstrations in -
BARTLET
China’s deploying submarines?
KATE
They’re showing their teeth. I don’t think they’ll …
BARTLET
I get distracted for five minutes at breakfast and China’s deploying teeth?
CJ
Sir …
BARTLET
Yeah, I’ve had enough. (to KATE) I want you on a plane to Taipei immediately.
KATE
Yes, sir.
BARTLET
Tell President Chen I’m not going to war over a flag! At least not today. (as KATE exits) Can we get Beijing on the phone?
CJ
I think so, I’ll get Josh -
BARTLET
No, no – you and I are going to end this right here, right now.
CUT TO: INT. - JOSH’S OFFICE – DAY
JOSH is watching TV news coverage of the Taiwan demonstrations.
ANCHOR (on TV)
The President’s acceptance of the independentist flag has led a few experts to wonder whether the United States is considering a change in stance on the question of Taiwanese independence -
CJ walks in JOSH’s door.
CJ
Josh -
JOSH
It’s pretty minor. I mean, apparently there’s some members of the majority party that -
CJ
I need you to call Senator Harris.
JOSH
Okay.
CJ
We gotta shut Hunt down.
JOSH
I thought we were going to -
CJ
Josh …
JOSH
I’d … like to discuss it with the President.
CJ
It’s already been discussed. Submarines trump symbolism, I had to make a call.
JOSH
Okay. Sure. Anything else?
CJ
We agreed to the welcome in Tiananmen Square, and we’re working on Beijing to draw up their demands on the agenda.
JOSH
No discussion of Taiwan?
CJ
No public discussion.
JOSH
We’re gonna need to deal with the fallout from the welcome at Tiananmen.
CJ
Yeah.
CJ walks up closer to JOSH. He watches in trepidation.
JOSH
You put Toby on it.
CJ
And the President wants me with him at the summit. There’s some things up in the air right now, we’d feel more comfortable if -
JOSH
Sure. I’ll, I’ll … start pulling together the briefing packets for you. Come on, you’re going, you need Toby to deal with the press, somebody’s got to man the fort here. I’m fine staying. You’re his guy. You’re in the room – in the chair. He needs you – that’s how it was with Leo, that’s how it’s supposed to be.
CJ
Yeah. I’m … (pause) Thanks.
CJ walks away, leaving JOSH alone at his desk.
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
CJ walks into her office, stops at her desk, and exhales with a sigh. A voice comes from behind her.
LEO
Awfully dark in here.
CJ turns to see LEO, and they embrace.
CJ
Leo!
LEO
Was this place always so gloomy?
CJ
Not when you were here.
LEO
Well, no need to relive The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.
CJ (chuckles)
They keep coming in with furniture and fixtures and wallpaper samples, I just haven’t had the time.
LEO
Have Margaret spruce the place up.
CJ
Margaret suggested Shirley Chisholm’s Barcalounger.
LEO
Oh, God, I’ll bet she did. (they chuckle) Can we sit?
CJ
Of course.
LEO leads CJ to a small table set with lunch. He lights a match and holds it to a candle.
CJ
Lunch looks great.
LEO
You look good in here. Comfortable.
CJ
Yeah, today, not so much.
LEO
You sent Kate to Taipei.
CJ
Mm-hmm.
LEO
You’re gonna be fine. He’ll return the flag, send a message to Taiwan, and the Chinese will be so pleased, it’ll probably give the President an extra bargaining chip when he gets to Beijing.
CJ
And in the meantime we let them push us around on Taiwan, on North Korea, on trade, on human rights -
LEO
How’s the human rights situation in China compared to ten years ago? You’d rather we were snarling at each other, and keeping one eye fixed on the nuclear launch codes?
LEO begins fidgeting with something under the table, out of view.
LEO
I lived through the first Cold War. One was enough, thank you.
LEO takes one of KATE’s flags, the Taiwan independence flag, from the table.
LEO
I’ll take blue jeans, even low riders, and Starbucks -
LEO has contrived a contraption of two forks, the crossed tines holding the toothpick staff of the Taiwan independence flag, and balances it by the toothpick on the edge of a water glass.
LEO
- over fighters and submarines any day. Not all evolution mandates revolution.
CJ
I had to take the summit away from Josh.
LEO (nodding)
Yeah.
LEO points to the forks in turn.
LEO
China. The US.
LEO lights a match.
LEO
A situation.
LEO touches the flame to the end of the toothpick flag staff.
LEO
Really, any situation having to do with Taiwan.
LEO and CJ watch the flame burn on the toothpick.
CJ
Hmm.
The flame reaches the edge of the glass and burns out. The forks and the flag remain balanced.
LEO
That … that’s you. That’s your job.
CJ
You really got a lot of time on your hands now, huh?
LEO
You have no idea. But once in a while, on certain days when they take down the flag out that window at sunset – you know you did something … and that ain’t all bad.
CJ and LEO smile at each other.
FADE OUT.
END ACT THREE.
* * *
ACT FOUR
FRIDAY AFTERNOON
FADE IN: INT. - COMMUNICATIONS BULLPEN – DAY
TOBY and CJ are walking through the bullpen into TOBY’s office. TOBY is looking over a document.
TOBY (reading)
‘Respect for the dignity and freedom of every citizen is a vital source of America’s strength and success.’
CJ
For the President’s opening statement?
TOBY
He says in Shanghai, it plays the day he arrives in Tiananmen.
CJ
Great. Are the Chinese - ?
TOBY
I ran it by Yahlin, he’s taking it to the ambassador.
CJ
Thanks. Let me know.
CJ starts off for her office. She spots CHARLIE in the hallway.
CJ
Charlie! Where’s my flag?
CHARLIE
I’m working on it.
CJ
Charlie …
CHARLIE
Yeah, see, the GSA requires an appraisal in accordance with the Gifts Act, it’s -
CJ
Charlie, I need that flag.
CHARLIE
Yeah.
CJ
I mean, I need it now. I know it seemed like a little thing yesterday, but that was yesterday, now it’s a big deal and I need you to take care of it, and if you can’t take care of it I need to put someone else on it who can.
CHARLIE
I got it.
CHARLIE and CJ head off in opposite directions.
CUT TO: INT. - GIFTS OFFICE – DAY
CHARLIE and another man, RICHARD SQUIRE, are at the desk. SQUIRE is holding a stack of law books. CHARLIE rings the bell, and THATCH appears from somewhere inside the stacks.
CHARLIE
Bernard.
THATCH
Charles. Didn’t they teach you that surrender is the better part of valor?
CHARLIE
Bernard, this is Richard Squire.
SQUIRE
Hello.
THATCH
And aren’t you a frumpy little fellow?
CHARLIE
Mr. Squire is from the Counsel’s office. He’s a Rhodes Scholar, he’s got a law degree from Yale, and I believe he’s memorized the US Code.
SQUIRE
I get a little tripped up by Title 14.
THATCH
Do you?
CHARLIE
Anyway, according to Mr. Squire here, the President cannot accept a gift from a foreign government if doing so would violate US law, establish a quid pro quo, or adversely affect the foreign relations of the United States.
SQUIRE
State Department Protocol regulation 478.7355, section B, as in bunion.
THATCH
I wasn’t aware of a Section B.
SQUIRE
Oh, yes … it’s a very useful little provision.
THATCH
Indeed.
CHARLIE
Yeah. So if you would be so kind …
THATCH nods and heads off to fetch the flag as CHARLIE and SQUIRE smile in satisfaction.
CUT TO: INT. - WHITE HOUSE FOYER – DAY
Three Marines in dress uniform march through the foyer, with the lead Marine carrying the folded independentist flag. CHARLIE walks behind them. JOSH is standing outside his office watching as they pass.
JOSH (to himself)
A piece of cloth. A cheesy piece of fabric.
As DONNA, carrying some binders and with a bag over her shoulder, walks up behind JOSH, he turns the opposite way and calls out for her.
JOSH
Donna!
DONNA (following JOSH, handing him binders)
Background for the briefing packet on China – phone list, and more calls from the law firm of Hoynes, Hoynes, and Hoynes … (dropping bag on a chair) garment bag for the China trip …
JOSH
Where’d you find it?
DONNA
You left it at a luggage repair shop after the G8 six weeks ago.
JOSH
See, you don’t take care of me? (noticing a book under DONNA’s arm) What’s that?
DONNA
A gift. I unwrapped it.
DONNA hands the book to JOSH. It is HOYNES’ book, ‘Full Disclosure.’
JOSH
You unwrapped my gift?
DONNA
Who knows, it could have been a bomb. Want to know how many times you’re mentioned?
JOSH
Three?
DONNA
Thirty-nine.
DONNA leaves as JOSH looks at the book.
CUT TO: INT. - OVAL OFFICE – DAY
BARTLET is seated in a chair studying some paperwork. LEO enters unseen.
LEO
Working hard?
BARTLET
Leo …
DEBBIE (coming to the doorway behind LEO)
(to LEO) Careful, he’s ornery today. (to BARTLET) And tonight, the concert? Liberace.
BARTLET
Debbie, get out of here.
DEBBIE leaves, closing the door behind her.
BARTLET
I didn’t know you were coming?
LEO
I thought I’d check on your new boss. (referring to the chess set on the table) I hear you’ve been playing.
BARTLET
It’s a put-up job.
LEO
Seems to be working.
BARTLET
Yeah? I damn near started World War III today. Is this the way I’m gonna be remembered, Roosevelt liberated Europe from fascism, Bartlet couldn’t liberate a flag from his own basement.
LEO
Well, that was a put-up job, you knew when you took the flag the flap it would cause.
BARTLET looks at LEO uneasily.
LEO (smiling)
Come on …
BARTLET
I gotta go and put on the penguin suit – (chuckling) – Leo!
LEO
Sir.
They hug. LEO has a thoughtful look on his face as they embrace.
BARTLET (stepping back)
When you coming back?
LEO
I’ve been here an hour and already I need another 30 days at Sierra Tucson.
BARTLET (chuckling)
Yeah, okay.
LEO turns to go.
BARTLET
Leo.
BARTLET and LEO stand at look at each other for a moment.
BARTLET (smiling)
Ah … nothing.
LEO walks out, getting a quick nod from BARTLET at the door.
CUT TO: We are back at the beginning of the episode. We see the MATHERS interview with HOYNES on a TV screen.
FRIDAY NIGHT
HOYNES (on TV)
Sure, the book is an apology - to my family and to the American people for past mistakes – but it’s also a statement of principles; a summary of where I think we are as a nation and where we could be.
We once again see BARTLET working on tying his tie as the interview continues in the background.
MATHERS (VO)
And where is that, Mr. Vice President?
HOYNES (VO)
Well, you know, Diane, this country still faces very serious tests, both at home and abroad. Public education, health care -
We are back to JOSH sitting in his office watching the interview on TV.
HOYNES (VO)
- and, yes, Diane, I would like to return to public life. I think I can make a contribution.
CUT TO: INT. - TV STUDIO – NIGHT
We are inside the studio as MATHERS wraps up the interview with HOYNES.
MATHERS
Thank you very much, Mr. Vice President.
HOYNES
Diane, you were great, thanks very much.
MATHERS
Thank you.
DIRECTOR
And we’re out.
A woman, HOYNES’ wife, SUZANNE, walks towards the set as HOYNES moves to meet her.
HOYNES
Hey. What did you think?
SUZANNE
I think she served up softballs.
HOYNES
Yeah. Yeah, it’s gonna get tougher. Just as long as you’re okay.
SUZANNE
I’m here.
HOYNES
Thanks. Now I’ve got a call to make and a meeting, but it – it won’t take too long.
HOYNES exits.
CUT TO: INT. - EAST ROOM – NIGHT
BARTLET is giving remarks at the Medal of the Arts gala. ABBEY is standing next to him.
BARTLET
John F. Kennedy once said, ‘A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it honors.’ It isn’t often that we award this medal posthumously, but, for the legendary Sam Cooke we made an exception. And to assist us, it’s my honor to introduce our surprise guest – a national treasure in his own right – who insisted on joining us. I trust none of you will mind; I asked him to bring his guitar. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, Mr. James Taylor.
The crowd applauds as JAMES TAYLOR, with his guitar, comes up to shake hands with BARTLET and ABBEY.
BARTLET
Thanks for coming.
BARTLET and ABBEY head to their seats as TAYLOR prepares to perform, sitting on a stool.
TAYLOR
Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, I’ve been a Sam Cooke fan for about as long as I can remember. This is a classic, uh, Sam Cooke song that has, uh, has echoed down the generations.
TAYLOR begins playing his guitar, then starts singing ‘A Change Is Gonna Come.’
TAYLOR (singing)
I was born by the river
In a little tent
Just like a river, I’ve been running ever since
It’s been a long, long time coming -
ABBEY reaches a hand over to BARTLET, who takes it in both his hands.
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – NIGHT
We once again see the scene with MARGARET and CJ from the opening of the episode.
MARGARET
You have a call.
CJ
Okay. Would you make sure we get Josh’s notes from yesterday’s summit briefing with the foreign relations guys?
MARGARET
Donna already brought them.
CJ
Good. Who’s on the phone?
MARGARET
The Vice President.
CJ
Okay.
MARGARET
The former Vice President.
CJ takes a moment, then picks up the phone and punches a button.
CJ
Hello?
CUT TO: INT. - JOSH’S OFFICE – NIGHT
As TAYLOR’s song continues in the background, we see JOSH opening up HOYNES’ book. We see the inscription:
JOSH
TIME TO LEAD
JOHN
JOSH pages through the book to the index. He finds the page with ‘L,’ and his finger moves down to the entry ‘Lyman, Josh, 43, 44, 61, 67, 73, 216, 237, 244, 285.’ JOSH then continues down the subentries under his name, with many, many more page references: ‘And Bartlet Presidency, Campaign, And Congress, And debates, Election, Family vacation with, And father’s death, First interview with, Golfing with.’ JOSH’s eyebrows raise.
CUT TO: INT. - EAST WING – NIGHT
As TAYLOR continues to sing, we see TOBY standing at the back of the room. CJ comes up to him.
CJ
The Vice President called tonight.
TOBY
Russell?
CJ
Hoynes.
TOBY
And?
CJ
He told me to look in the index.
TOBY
Hmm. You’re not in it.
CJ (smiling)
Yeah.
TOBY hands his glass of champagne to CJ, who takes it and drinks.
CUT TO: EXT. - STREET SCENE – NIGHT
TAYLOR’s song continues in the background as we return to the scene of JOSH walking down the sidewalk and getting into HOYNES’ car.
HOYNES
Thanks for coming, Josh. Did you see the interview?
JOSH
No.
HOYNES
Look at the book?
JOSH
No.
HOYNES
Well, if you’re gonna bust my chops, Josh, get it over with -
JOSH
I have no idea why I’m here, Mr. Vice President.
HOYNES
Yes, you do. Now, I’ve done things I can never undo. I lost one marriage, I’m trying to save another. I let down my children. I’ve fallen off the pedestal, hard, and had to live with the consequences. But when I look around and see Bingo Bob Russell, and Eric Baker … I see plenty of reasons to stay sober.
JOSH
You think the American public’s gonna welcome you back with open arms?
HOYNES
I’m a better person and will be a better candidate now than I was eight years ago.
JOSH
You lost that race.
HOYNES
I lost that race when I lost you.
JOSH looks at HOYNES.
CUT TO: INT. - EAST ROOM – NIGHT
TAYLOR continues to sing as we see ABBEY and BARTLET holding hands.
ABBEY (whispering)
You’re very friendly tonight.
BARTLET (whispering)
Just ‘cause I can’t keep my hands off you?
(beat)
ABBEY (whispering)
What is it?
BARTLET shakes his head, then thinks a bit.
BARTLET (whispering)
I didn’t see the flag.
ABBEY (whispering)
What?
BARTLET (whispering)
The green flag – I didn’t see it. I couldn’t tie my tie. I haven’t been able to focus, or see out of my right eye since early yesterday morning.
ABBEY stares ahead in realization of what this means.
BARTLET (whispering)
I didn’t see the flag.
ABBEY looks at BARTLET. He looks away, the weight showing in his eyes.
TAYLOR (singing)
I said, ‘Brother, could you help me, please?’
Thought I ought to talk to my own mother
I said, ‘Mama, I’m down on my knees’
There are times that I thought -
CUT TO: INT. - HOYNES’ CAR – NIGHT
TAYLOR’s song continues as JOSH and HOYNES continue their discussion.
HOYNES
There’s much to be done. And seven years of following is enough. It’s time to start leading. You’re never gonna be Leo McGarry to Jed Bartlet. But you can be Leo to me. I’m running for President. I want you with me. I want you to run my campaign.
TAYLOR (singing, VO)
A change is gonna come
Yes, a change is gonna come
CUT TO: END TITLES.
CUT TO BLACK.
THE END.
* * *
The West Wing and all its characters are properties of Aaron Sorkin, John Wells Productions, Warner Brothers Television, and NBC. No copyright infringement is intended.
The West Wing Transcript
Episode 6x7 – A Change Is Gonna Come
Original Airdate: December 1, 2004
Thursday, February 5, 2026
THE WEST WING TRANSCRIPT: A Change Is Gonna Come (S6E7)
Saturday, January 24, 2026
THE WEST WING TRANSCRIPT: The Dover Test (S6E6)
THE WEST WING
6X6 - “THE DOVER TEST”
WRITTEN BY CAROL FLINT
DIRECTED BY LAURA INNES
Transcribed by Walking, Talking, And Yelling At Clouds
(kegofglory.blogspot.com)
TEASER
THE DOVER TEST
FADE IN: INT. - WHITE HOUSE FOYER – NIGHT
A reception is ongoing, with a large display of a model of the future Bartlet Presidential Library in the center of the room. There is a buzz of conversation as we see BARTLET looking over the model, and he directs his comments towards who we believe must be the architect.
BARTLET
Of course, the buildings were vacant and in disrepair by then. I snuck my first cigarette here; you’ll want to add a commemorative plaque.
A reporter, TERRANCE SLIGH, starts asking BARTLET questions as BARTLET moves through the crowd.
SLIGH
Congratulations on the library, sir.
BARTLET
Thank you. (to another person in the crowd) Michael, thanks for coming.
SLIGH
Are you also celebrating today’s polls?
BARTLET
I don’t pay attention to polls.
SLIGH
In the wake of your Middle East peace plan, 57 percent of Americans questioned say they’d vote for you for a third term.
CJ, noticing the reporter asking questions, makes her way towards BARTLET.
BARTLET
Don’t say that in front of an architect, he’ll think it extends his deadline.
CJ (pulling SLIGH away)
‘Photos only’ means photos only.
As SLIGH walks away, TOBY and JOSH enter.
TOBY
Oh, for God’s sake, you’re not still calling this guy?
JOSH
Matt Santos?
TOBY
Is a quitter. Got him reelected twice, and by huge margins.
JOSH
Well, he’s popular in his district.
TOBY
And a quitter, don’t waste our time.
JOSH
Santos called me – he wants to sit down again, tomorrow.
TOBY
Think he woke up and said, ‘Hey, I’m a guy with an uncontested seat in the United States Congress, maybe I’ll stop whining and do my job’?
JOSH
I leaned on him pretty hard.
DONNA and MARGARET are at a cocktail table, talking. DONNA is still on her crutches.
DONNA
But he’s so persistent, it’s embarrassing.
MARGARET
Enjoy the attention, it doesn’t have to turn into anything.
JOSH and TOBY join DONNA and MARGARET.
JOSH
Always talking shop, these two.
DONNA
Aren’t you sweet.
JOSH
I’m sorry … did you – (he holds his wine glass out to DONNA). Here.
DONNA
I don’t drink red.
JOSH
I knew that.
DONNA
You drink red.
JOSH
I’ll get you a white. Margaret?
MARGARET (as JOSH takes a giant sip from his glass)
I drink red.
Someone is striking a glass to get attention in the room as servers hand out glasses of champagne.
MARGARET
Or – champagne’s fine.
BARTLET
I want to thank all of you for being here for the unveiling of these plans for the Bartlet Presidential Library -
We see CHARLIE pulling his pager out and looking at it. He heads for CJ.
BARTLET
- to be housed in a restored section of the historic Amoskeag Mills in Manchester, New Hampshire …
CHARLIE speaks to CJ as BARTLET continues his remarks.
CHARLIE
The Secretary of Agriculture is in the Rose Room.
CJ
You know the protocol?
CHARLIE walks to TOBY as BARTLET continues.
BARTLET
- the Foundation hopes to meet with each and every one of you personally; not to worry, your wallets are safe -
CHARLIE
The Secretary of Agriculture’s in the Rose Room.
TOBY
You’re saying the Secretary of Agriculture’s in the Rose Room?
CHARLIE
Yes.
TOBY
No chance the Secretary’s actually in the Rose Room?
CHARLIE
No.
TOBY
Um, you take it directly to the -
CHARLIE
As the President’s personal aide, I went straight to the President; as Deputy Special Assistant, I alert CJ and clear it with you.
TOBY heads for BARTLET.
TOBY
Excuse me, Mr. President, can I talk to you for a second?
BARTLET
Sure.
TOBY and BARTLET walk out of the room.
CUT TO: INT. - HALLWAY – NIGHT
CJ comes through the doors of the foyer and meets BARTLET, TOBY, and CHARLIE in the hallway.
CJ
What are you getting?
TOBY
CNN’s reporting an attack on our peacekeepers’ compound in Darom, south of Gaza City.
CHARLIE
Up to eight injured and one dead, the peace mission’s first casualty.
TOBY
I’m gonna work on a statement.
CJ
The Joint Chiefs have CTAF on the line.
Everyone heads off in different directions, with BARTLET and CJ on their way to the Situation Room.
BARTLET
They didn’t even let us get the peacekeepers deployed.
CJ
They’re Army advance, construction crews …
CJ stops and turns around.
CJ
Excuse me, sir – Toby?
TOBY
Yeah?
CJ
In our statement, when we say ‘casualty’ - don’t say ‘first.’
CJ walks off as TOBY turns to go to his office.
SMASH CUT TO: MAIN TITLES.
END TEASER.
***
ACT ONE
FADE IN: INT. - TOBY’S OFFICE – DAY
CJ and TOBY are watching news coverage of the Gaza attack, including footage from BARTLET’s library reception. The TV reporter is the same one who questioned BARTLET at the reception.
SLIGH (V.O. on TV)
… who approached the joint task force compound with explosives strapped to his chest, leaving no doubt that President Bartlet’s fragile peace process -
CJ
Great. The White House fiddles while Darom burns.
TOBY
Where’s the President’s statement?
They see footage of TOBY on TV briefing the press.
TOBY (on TV)
We have no details. I’m hearing what you’re hearing.
SLIGH (on TV)
So while the White House struggles with a response to this ominous act of terror -
TOBY
He uses that, he doesn’t use our statement.
CJ
I like how you were leaning on the podium, though – more engaged -
TOBY
I referred them to the Pentagon ten times.
CJ
It’ll be 50 times today. A wise man once said, ‘Stonewalls are built one stone at a time.’
TOBY
I was hiding behind my desk when I said that. Stonewalling’s not gonna work with a controversial peace plan at stake and American lives -
CJ
One American life.
TOBY
- on the line.
CJ
Don’t give this momentum.
TOBY
‘We’re faced with the tough work of making peace.’
CJ
Not yet. See if events force us there, take a breath.
ANNABETH appears at TOBY’s door.
ANNABETH
Did the Pentagon release a name for the dead soldier yet?
CJ
They have to notify next of kin.
ANNABETH
It takes 15 hours?
TOBY
Actually, they, they told the soldier’s father, but the parents are divorced, they haven’t located mom yet.
ANNABETH
So we stick with ‘pending notification’?
CJ
Stick with ‘no,’ you give them ‘pending notification’ they’ll drag you into 20 questions about what’s the snafu and why can’t the Army improve services to dependents.
ANNABETH
Right, makes sense.
CJ walks away.
ANNABETH
‘I’m hearing what you’re hearing’ - Toby?
TOBY
Cj and I just did this.
ANNABETH
At least your forehead wasn’t as shiny.
ANNABETH turns and walks away. TOBY is left standing behind his desk.
CUT TO: INT. - MURAL ROOM – DAY
JOSH and MATT SANTOS are meeting.
JOSH
So what’s up, Congressman?
MATT
My bill died in committee.
JOSH
Patients’ bill of rights?
MATT
Common sense, common good kind of thing that failed to get the votes six times in six years.
JOSH
Well, on the positive side you’ve almost passed it so often, people think it’s already law.
MATT
Till somebody gets sick and needs their HMO.
JOSH
Senate eked out a version this week.
MATT
Well, I’m sorry to disappoint the President, but, uh … my House bill’s DOA.
JOSH
Oh, we appreciate all your work.
MATT
So I’m signing on to Strickman’s bill.
JOSH
Strickman’s a Republican.
MATT
He mentioned something about that.
JOSH
Strickman calls his bill ‘patients’ bill of rights’ because it sounds better than … love letter to the insurance industry, patients can’t even sue.
MATT
A million-five cap, Josh.
JOSH
That’s a parking ticket, your kid loses his legs after your health plan denies treatment, your kid dies? You can’t take ‘em to court!
MATT
It’s a bad bill.
JOSH
So why dignify it by making it bipartisan?
MATT
I wouldn’t do it if I thought I could tip the balance, but … Strickman can’t get enough votes to pass this thing.
JOSH
Strickman’s an old hand, if he courted you – he’s got something up his sleeve.
MATT
When I came to the Hill you couldn’t get agreement on the right to the closest emergency room. You couldn’t negotiate a woman’s right to OB/GYNs, or a kid’s right to pediatricians. Forget about liability, you couldn’t find support for a right to arbitration. That’s all common ground now. I want to keep these parties talking, Josh.
JOSH
So this is basically all warmup to announcing that … you’re gonna run.
MATT
No!
JOSH
This isn’t some convoluted, legislative way I haven’t figure out yet of asking for a favor?
MATT
Well, I wouldn’t mind if you let me keep my huevos when you eviscerate me in public for, uh, breaking ranks.
JOSH
You’re a deserter, you can have ‘em back at the airport.
CUT TO: INT. - STAIRWELL – DAY
MARGARET is scoping out possible locations for CHARLIE’s new office. CHARLIE follows her.
MARGARET (walking down the stairs)
- 57, 58, 59, you don’t need to tag along.
CHARLIE
It’s my office.
MARGARET
Probably it’s not. 70 – the basement?
CHARLIE
I’d be fine down here.
They continue down a hallway as MARGARET continues to count steps.
MARGARET
80 … you’re Deputy Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff now.
CHARLIE
So are five other guys. I’ll crowd in with them.
MARGARET
They’re not special Deputy Special Assistants, you’re special.
CHARLIE
Honestly, I’ll -
MARGARET stops and throws her hands up.
MARGARET
Okay, no. It’s outside the zone.
MARGARET turns to walk back the way they came.
CHARLIE
There’s a zone?
MARGARET (not stopping)
Less than a hundred steps from CJ’s office.
CHARLIE
I could run when she calls.
MARGARET
Deputy Special Assistants don’t run.
CUT TO: INT. - LEO’S HOTEL ROOM – DAY
A TV is playing news coverage of the attack in Gaza. As we hear the reporter, we see closeups of LEO tying his shoes, tightening his tie, getting dressed to go outside his room.
REPORTER (on TV)
The first peacekeeper has been killed in the United States’ mission to the Middle East. Pentagon sources confirmed this morning the death of at least one American soldier in Kafar Darom, where JTF forces were -
LEO drops a cufflink on the floor. He slowly and uncomfortably gets down and reaches for the cufflink under a table.
REPORTER (on TV)
- preparing the way for 18,000 American peacekeepers later this month. A suicide bomber approached the Joint Task Force compound late last night …
LEO’s nurse, MS. CHAKRABARTY, appears around a corner behind LEO. She then rushes to help LEO, eventually helping him to his feet.
CHAKRABARTY
What are you doing?
LEO
Uh, I dropped a cufflink and I -
CHAKRABARTY
This is when you call me.
LEO
You want me yelling ‘Nurse’ every five minutes?
CHAKRABARTY
I don’t want you yelling ‘Nurse’ at all, do I call you ‘Patient’?
LEO
I yell ‘Miss Chakrabarty,’ I’ll need another bypass.
CHAKRABARTY
You didn’t eat one bite.
LEO
I’m not hungry.
CHAKRABARTY
Sit.
CHAKRABARTY sits LEO down at a table with breakfast set on it. She takes his pulse as they talk.
CHAKRABARTY
Why do you need a tie and jacket?
LEO
What would you recommend?
CHAKRABARTY
When Gandhi went to London to meet the King of England, he wore only a dhoti. The reporter asked, aren’t you ashamed to visit the King wearing so little? Gandhi said, no -
LEO
The King will be wearing enough for both of us. One difference between the Mahatma and myself, I warn you, there are others.
LEO stands and puts on his suit jacket.
LEO
You may browbeat me into using the breath spirometer; you may mother me about wound care; you may dole out the Vicodin like my AA sponsor.
LEO turns and strides towards the door.
LEO
You may even entertain me with nutrition lectures -
CHAKRABARTY
You need to eat -
LEO
You may not – may not! - offer fashion advice.
CHAKRABARTY
Shall I come with you?
LEO
You shall not.
CHAKRABARTY
Then I’ll time you.
LEO is now in the hotel corridor.
LEO
Splendid. Set your watch.
CHAKRABARTY
You’ve been doing ten minutes, try for twelve.
LEO (as he walks down the corridor)
Two more minutes on my own, I’ll give it my all.
CUT TO: INT. - HOTEL STAIRWELL – DAY
LEO turns a corner into the stairwell, with stairs going both up and down from his floor. Breathing heavily, he leans on the stair railing, trying to catch his breath. He turns and walks slowly down the hotel corridor.
CUT TO: INT. - JOSH’S BULLPEN – DAY
DONNA is also watching TV coverage of the attack on the peacekeeping force.
REPORTER (on TV)
Among the wounded, two peacekeepers remain listed in critical condition at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. Several soldiers are expected to return to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC, later this week, where they will be reunited with their families.
On her crutches, DONNA walks away from the TV. She sees JOSH poking around in a bouquet of flowers on her desk, apparently putting the card back after reading it.
DONNA
Need something?
JOSH
I, I’m just … looking for the breakdown on the markup.
DONNA
Uh-huh.
JOSH (referring to the crutches)
Wow, you’re getting pretty good on those.
DONNA
Thanks.
JOSH
Is that a new cast?
DONNA
Two weeks ago.
JOSH
Those are nice flowers. (He turns away, then turns back) But come on - ‘I’m not going anywhere’? From a photojournalist?
DONNA
You read my card?
JOSH
I’m keeping an eye on Blarney Boy.
DONNA
The flowers aren’t from Colin, and why are you reading my card on my flowers on my desk?
JOSH
I thought they were for me?
WILL walks quickly past and addresses JOSH as he does.
WILL
Got a minute?
JOSH
Sure.
JOSH follows WILL into JOSH’S office, exchanging a look with DONNA on the way.
WILL
Okay – you have seen the Vice President’s schedule for the last four months, right? It hasn’t somehow eluded you that he’s top-heavy on toasts at the AMA, keynotes to the American Association of Trial Lawyers, potlucks with the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and picnics with the National Alliance for Mental Illness?
JOSH
No, I know.
WILL
So you don’t need me articulating my subtext.
JOSH
I should’ve called.
WILL
Damn straight you should’ve called me.
JOSH
The Vice President’s been positioning himself on patients’ rights.
WILL
He’s been up to his elbows and rolling in it, by Iowa he’s gonna smell like patients’ rights. Unless it suddenly evaporates.
JOSH
It’s not going to.
WILL
The Senate passed a bill last week! Now the House has a bipartisan effort – graced by Matthew Santos – and all that elicits from the White House is a bland we-agree-to-disagree statement. I thought this was Toby. I expect this from Toby, I draw comfort in the predictability of it coming from Toby.
JOSH
It was me, I can toughen it up. But, the Vice President doesn’t have to worry. Strickman’s bill has no support.
WILL
Strickman’s no fool, the Republicans might try to run with it.
JOSH
I spoke to Santos. He’s gonna keep it on a low flame. Patients’ rights will be alive and kicking as a campaign issue for the Vice President, I promise.
WILL (skeptically)
Yeah.
WILL exits.
CUT TO: INT. - OVAL OFFICE – NIGHT
BARTLET is on speakerphone with PRIME MINISTER GRATY of the United Kingdom. DEBBIE is taking notes. CJ is also there listening.
BARTLET
Yes, Madam Prime Minister, it is a tragic loss. But I wouldn’t call it a harbinger. Our troops responded swiftly to correct the vulnerability.
GRATY (on phone)
I’m not taking my cues from your cable broadcasts.
BARTLET
That’s a relief.
GRATY (on phone)
But I am concerned about deploying more peacekeepers without a secured base.
BARTLET
And I am, too. We have installed more anti-RPGs, and we’re enlarging the control area. But I can assure you our confidence in the mission has not altered.
GRATY (on phone)
You still expect full deployment by … ?
CJ
March. General Danzig at UCOM will confirm the timetable and security measures with General Whitehead.
GRATY (on phone)
I see no problems on our end.
BARTLET
That’s good news. My best to Reggie.
GRATY (on phone)
And mine to Abigail.
BARTLET
Thank you.
DEBBIE hangs up the phone.
CJ
That was brisk.
BARTLET
Which is good. When she mulls, it’s trouble. Have we contacted the soldier’s family yet?
DEBBIE (heading out to her office)
It’s still just the father, sir, I’ll get him for you now.
BARTLET
Thank you.
CJ
The Palestinian Authority uncovered a stockpile of explosives today. Apparently, the good news is -
BARTLET
That they actually told us about it?
CJ nods.
BARTLET
One day at a time, that’s how we’re gonna make this work. What else?
CUT TO: INT. - OUTER OVAL OFFICE – NIGHT
DEBBIE exits the Oval Office and walks to her desk. CHARLIE is watching a TV showing Capitol Beat, a political talk show.
MAN 1 (on TV)
You think this is a result of the hasty way this operation was pulled together?
MAN 2 (on TV)
Absolutely. Two thousand troops, to be precise, are being deployed -
DEBBIE
I hate these calls.
CHARLIE (gesturing to TV)
You want me to - ?
DEBBIE
You don’t work here anymore.
CHARLIE looks at DEBBIE, then stands and gets ready to leave. DEBBIE dials the phone, we hear it ring on the other end. There is a click as the call connects.
DEBBIE
Hello, Mr. Godfrey? I’m calling from the White House, I’m so sorry to bother your family at this difficult time, but I have President Bartlet calling for you. May I put him on?
We faintly hear an angry voice at the other end of the call.
GODFREY (on phone)
No, you may not! I have no interest -
DEBBIE
I underst- sir … I, I’m sorry – (pause) Yes, sir, I unders … (pause) Of course, it’s your –
GODFREY (on phone)
- and you can tell Bartlet I said so!
DEBBIE
I will. And if you’d like, I can arrange for you -
There is a click as GODFREY hangs up, then a dial tone. DEBBIE continues to hold the phone receiver as CHARLIE looks on.
CUT TO: INT. - OVAL OFFICE – NIGHT
DEBBIE opens the Oval Office door. BARTLET and CJ look up expectantly.
BARTLET
Is he on?
DEBBIE
Not exactly.
CUT TO BLACK.
END ACT ONE.
* * *
ACT TWO
FADE IN: INT. - SITUATION ROOM – DAY
CJ is going over notes after a meeting. She looks up and speaks to an officer, COMMANDER RUIZ.
CJ
Either I’m getting used to these meetings, or that wasn’t all bad news.
RUIZ
Thirty-six hours, and no secondary attacks on our peacekeepers.
CJ
Did a chaplain contact Lt. Godfrey’s father yet?
RUIZ
Yes, ma’am. The chaplain joined the casualty assistance officer at the family home last night.
CJ
Hmm.
RUIZ
Of course, the father still may speak out.
CJ
That’s his prerogative. I have a, a question about your troop depletion estimate, or rather, lack of estimate.
RUIZ
Force depletion. We call it force depletion.
CJ
But I am correct, this is the DOD estimate of how many troops we may expect to lose in the mission?
RUIZ
Well, we don’t break it out that way.
CJ
Is that why force depletion estimate is left blank here?
RUIZ
No, ma’am. Leo liked us to leave our number unpublished until he got the NSA estimate, that way the two projections were decided independently.
CJ
But you would share your estimate with Leo.
RUIZ
When he asked.
CJ
I’m asking. How much of our force may be depleted in JTF Palestine?
RUIZ
All due respect, that’s a complex question. Based on past Israeli losses, previous peacekeeping missions, we’re … currently prepared to respond to one-quarter to one percent depletion over 12 months.
CJ
That’s 200 soldiers.
RUIZ and CJ are making their way out of the Situation Room.
RUIZ
Well, this isn’t a body count. The one percent includes the entire military force strength; munitions, structures, aircraft -
CJ
And troops?
RUIZ
Ah, if you’re going to be concerned about the Dover test, it’s too early to worry about that.
CJ
The Dover test.
RUIZ (sighs)
Erosion of public support based on arrival of coffins at our airbase in Delaware.
CJ
I – wanted to understand your projections, the Dover test waan’t my concern, but (CJ pulls out her phone) would you excuse me, Commander?
CJ starts running for the stairs as she speaks to MARGARET on her phone.
CJ
Margaret, has the press briefing started yet?
CUT TO: INT. - PRESS BRIEFING ROOM – DAY
TOBY is giving a briefing to reporters.
TOBY
No, th-, the Pentagon has not released the soldier’s name, that’s all the information I have.
SLIGH
So you can’t comment on whether there’s a problem identifying the remains?
We see ANNABETH watching the briefing from the office behind the reporters.
TOBY
I can’t. Chris?
ANNABETH (to herself)
Good toss.
CHRIS
… but there are only about a thousand troops in the region …
TOBY
Peacekeepers, 1100.
CHRIS
So it’s hard to believe the Pentagon can’t identify the casualty.
TOBY
Why I’m not commenting, that’s Mr. Sligh’s speculation. Get a comment from his network.
CJ walks up behind ANNABETH.
SLIGH
Now, hold on, Toby, I get to defend myself -
ANNABETH
No, you don’t.
SLIGH
- the reason why I’m forced to speculate is that I’m getting no information.
CJ (to ANNABETH)
Was Toby briefed on Dover policy?
ANNABETH
He said he didn’t need to be.
TOBY
The Pentagon is the right place to go for that information.
SLIGH
There’s no stalling here in order to delay putting a face on this loss?
TOBY
Absolutely not. Brad?
SLIGH
Quick followup.
CJ (quietly)
Move on.
TOBY
I have to move on.
SLIGH
Just to confirm; if President Bartlet is not trying to pull the curtain over the cost of his peace plan, why are the press being kept away from this slain soldier’s homecoming at Dover Air Base tomorrow?
TOBY (after a beat)
The Dover mortuary has restricted press coverage for the last 13 years, the DOD suspended access during the previous adminstration -
MARK
Which this administration has regularly ignored, we’ve had access, why the sudden clampdown?
TOBY
It’s not sudden, we issued a directive six months ago, not that any of you bothered to read it.
CJ
No, no, no, no, no -
MARGARET appears next to CJ as the reporters erupt with questions.
MARGARET
Your 11:00 is here.
CHRIS
Six months ago the decision was made to deny press access to Dover?
MARK
What was the rationale for the change?
TOBY
A request came from the Pentagon based on concerns of family members, historically these events were not public. They, they had evolved into media events, that competed with official memorial services.
SLIGH
But why wasn’t the policy change announced publicly?
CJ (softly)
Toby …
TOBY
It wasn’t a change, it was adhering to a policy already in place.
SLIGH
But the administration altered its stance. Was an announcement even discussed?
TOBY
Of course.
SLIGH
You were in the room?
TOBY
I was in the room.
CHRIS
And, and no one argued that by burying this in a directive it would look like you had something to hide?
TOBY
Nothing was buried. Some people – argued – to announce a change.
CJ (quietly)
That would be me.
CHRIS
Because it was seen as controversial?
ANNABETH (quietly)
Wrap it up. Adios.
TOBY gathers his thoughts for a moment.
TOBY
Look, the … Dover closing was, uh – wasn’t taken lightly. I weighed in, others weighed in, ultimately it was the way we decided to go.
SLIGH
So you believe the press should have continued access to the air base?
TOBY
I, appreciate the Pentagon’s need for a precedent.
SLIGH
Why? Why worry about precedent unless you expect a growing body count?
CJ (to ANNABETH)
Shut it down.
ANNABETH
Yeah.
SLIGH
Is that what’s expected? More coffins?
TOBY
The number of coffins isn’t … each life matters. Whether it’s one or a hundred, access should be consistent.
The reporters all begin shouting questions.
MARGARET (to CJ)
You want him in your office?
CJ
Oh, yeah.
CUT TO: INT. - DONNA’S DESK – DAY
DONNA is on the phone.
DONNA (into phone)
Stop. (pause) I – I am not! (pause) Because you’re pressuring me. (pause) I have work to do. (pause) No, I … I said I would sleep on it.
JOSH walks up behind DONNA.
DONNA (into phone)
But I did, and it’s just – not how I do things, it’s not -
JOSH grabs the phone headset and talks into it.
JOSH (into phone)
No means no, leave her alone.
JOSH hangs up the phone. DONNA is stunned.
JOSH
Who is this jerk, some slacker from physical therapy? I’ll kick his ass.
JOSH swaggers away from DONNA’s deak.
JOSH
You know, you could thank me for my chivalry.
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
TOBY is sitting and waiting. He gets up and begins to pace, sighing. CJ appears in the doorway behind him.
CJ
Toby – how’s that search for a press secretary coming?
TOBY
I got rattled. Said more than I meant.
CJ
We were both in that room six months ago. You didn’t like the idea of closing Dover, and today you couldn’t resist voicing your personal opinion?
TOBY
Exactly what I predicted. Pentagon gets what it wants, we look like we’re hiding casualties.
CJ
I don’t care about your insights or predictions, brilliant as they may be -
TOBY
The decision was wrong.
CJ
We settled on a message. I buried my own opinions out there every day -
TOBY
What were you doing back there? Don’t you have a White House to run?
CJ
The briefing room is not your bully pulpit.
TOBY
I got rattled.
CJ
Yeah, you got rattled, and your ambivalence toward a policy came out. You had ambivalence toward the peace plan, is that gonna -
TOBY
Are you questioning my loyalty?
CJ
I’m questioning your self-control, if you can’t stick to our message I don’t care if that podium stands empty, I don’t want you out there again!
CJ walks away. TOBY is left reflecting.
CUT TO: INT. - CLOSET – DAY
The closet door opens. MARGARET and DEBBIE stick their heads inside.
DEBBIE
Oooh.
MARGARET
It is close to CJ.
DEBBIE
The President won’t like it. On the other hand, he won’t know.
MARGARET
It is a storage area.
DEBBIE
That might be an exaggeration. We can’t do better?
MARGARET
Yeah. It’s a no.
MARGARET pulls the closet door shut.
CUT TO: INT. - OUTSIDE JOSH’S OFFICE – DAY
WILL and JOSH are talking. As they talk, they wind their way through JOSH’s bullpen.
WILL
Two more Democrats have jumped on Strickman’s bill.
JOSH
So, at a rate of two a week, they’ll have enough votes to pass the thing midway through President Russell’s first term.
WILL
It’s Horwitz and Chambers who came on.
JOSH
Chambers is a pain in the ass.
WILL
Yeah, I called him and told him that. He said he was lobbied hard, by your man. Santos is out whipping votes.
JOSH
Naw.
WILL
Chambers thinks Santos is all about the meteoric rise, centerfold in Roll Call.
They have reached JOSH’s office.
JOSH
Santos has one foot out the door.
WILL gives JOSH a meaningful look.
JOSH
He’s whipping votes?
WILL
Oh, and I misspoke before, it’s not Strickman’s bill anymore, it’s the Strickman-Santos Patients’ Rights Bill.
JOSH (shouting)
Donna, get Congressman Santos on the phone.
JOSH changes his mind as he rushes to the door, grabbing his suit jacket on the way.
JOSH
No – tell him I’m on my way. (to WILL) I’ll set him straight.
WILL
I’ll back you up.
CUT TO: INT. - LEO’S HOTEL CORRIDOR – DAY
An elevator opens and a distinguished older man, OTIS, steps out. He speaks to a woman getting on the elevator.
OTIS
Oh – excuse me.
As OTIS turns down the hallway, he stops in surprise.
OTIS
Leo?
LEO is taking his walk down the corridor. He turns to greet OTIS.
LEO
Otis! Haven’t seen you lately, I thought maybe you upgraded to the Ritz.
OTIS
These days, it’s mostly the Oriental …
LEO
That’s right. Bangkok. I knew you wouldn’t stay retired.
OTIS
Sorry to hear about -
LEO (dismissively)
Ahh.
OTIS
Well, you, you look great, though.
LEO
I never figured you for sainthood, but – deputy director of the WTO!
OTIS
Keep it down, we’ll have protesters. My son was mortified by my career at Cultico -
LEO
I remember.
OTIS
- and now my grandson has this WTO connection to live down.
LEO
Thankless.
OTIS
(chuckling) Oh, God … hey, did you hear from Phil?
LEO
He’s starting in again?
OTIS
It’s what I’d do if I were still CEO. If you don’t go back to the White House, Cultico would love to put you on their board.
LEO
Yeah, yeah …
OTIS
Listen, there’s a lot of great things happening in germplasm, it’s not just petrochemicals anymore. And the pressure’s not so, uh -
OTIS stops, seeing MS. CHAKRABARTY appear behind LEO.
CHAKRABARTY
Oh, not to interrupt. I got worried.
OTIS watches LEO as he reacts to CHAKRABARTY.
CUT TO: INT. - SANTO’S OFFICE – DAY
The office is buzzing with activity as JOSH and WILL sit in the waiting area. A STAFFER walks up to the reception desk to answer the phone.
STAFFER
Congressman Santos’ office.
WILL
Want to see if they have any magazines?
JOSH (rising)
You don’t have to wait.
WILL
I’m fine.
JOSH walks up to the reception desk.
STAFFER (hangs up the phone)
I’m really sorry, Mr. Lyman.
JOSH
Does he know we’re still waiting?
STAFFER
He’ll call in as soon as he’s free.
JOSH
Is he in the building?
STAFFER
He’s tied up. (phone rings) Excuse me. (answering phone) Congressman Santos’ office. Mr. Vaccaro. I’m glad they found you. Let me see if I can get him.
JOSH wanders back to WILL.
JOSH
Is he putting that through?
WILL
Huh?
JOSH
Is that call going through?
They watch the STAFFER connect the call on the phone and hang up.
WILL
Mm, I’d say yes. Doesn’t a Vaccaro run Metson Health? The same Metson Health that’s looking for a new chairman?
JOSH
What do you want to bet our guy’s up in Strickman’s conference room right now, feathering his own nest?
WILL
One way to find out.
CUT TO: INT. - CAPITOL HALLWAY – DAY
MATT and a group of others come out of a room, laughing. JOSH and WILL walk up to pull MATT away from the group.
JOSH
Congressman?
MATT
I’m sorry, I couldn’t break free, uh -
JOSH
This is Will Bailey, from the Vice President’s office.
WILL and MATT shake hands.
MATT
This isn’t a good time right now, Josh, I’m going to call you tomorrow.
MATT walks away from JOSH and WILL to rejoin his group. JOSH calls after him.
JOSH
Hey, Congressman, hold up.
JOSH and WILL follow after MATT.
JOSH
What’s going on?
MATT
I’m, uh, busy right now.
WILL
Whipping votes for a bill your leadership doesn’t support?
JOSH
This isn’t what we talked about.
MATT
But it’s what I do.
MATT turns to leave again. JOSH and WILL keep following.
JOSH
What? Sell out your President?
MATT
Look who you’re with. Come on, this isn’t about the President’s agenda -
JOSH
The President doesn’t want a regulatory bill with no regulations. If patients can’t sue their insurers even when there’s outright negligence -
MATT
A million-five cap is a foot in the door on -
JOSH
A million-five cap isn’t a pinkie in the dam, have you seen the costs of catastrophic illness? Metson Health could probably give you a peek into that.
MATT
You need to slow down.
WILL
Yeah, he slows down long enough you’re going to ram this sucker through.
MATT (to WILL)
It’s not this bill you don’t want, it’s any bill. You’d let sick Americans suffer to help elect your candidate.
JOSH
This from a guy who’s bailing on his constituents.
WILL
Some of us are in this for the long haul, we’re going to keep governing around here after you’re gone.
MATT
Gentlemen, this is governing.
MATT walks away again.
JOSH
This is getting your resume to the top of the pile, making pals in the private sector.
MATT stops and turns to JOSH.
MATT
What the hell do you think I’m doing here?
JOSH
I think you’d settle for less on this bill to set up your next career move.
MATT
Settle for less. This is from the guys that are running Bob Russell for President?
MATT looks levelly at both JOSH and WILL, then turns to catch up with his group.
MATT (to the group)
I’m sorry, gentlemen -
JOSH and WILL stand in the hall, watching MATT walk away.
FADE OUT.
END ACT TWO.
* * *
ACT THREE
FADE IN: INT. - LEO’S HOTEL ROOM – EVENING
LEO is on the phone as we see a FedEx package of documents that he received. CHAKRABARTY enters behind him and grabs her purse, as if to leave for the day.
LEO (into phone)
Yeah, it came today. (pause) You make quite a tag team. (pause) But if you’re on a deadline – (pause)
LEO gestures to CHAKRABARTY as if telling her to stay a moment.
LEO (into phone)
I won’t make a decision without giving you that chance. (pause) You, too.
LEO hangs up the phone and speaks to CHAKRABARTY.
LEO
I thought you had to leave early, don’t you have a thing tonight?
CHAKRABARTY
A wedding. When my family asks why I missed the puja I’ll say, I’m sorry, I couldn’t leave, my patient refused to eat.
LEO
I’ll eat later.
CHAKRABARTY (referring to the FedEx package)
You’re taking a job?
LEO
Not without consulting you.
CHAKRABARTY
It’s not wise.
LEO
I know you’d like to keep me under your thumb forever.
CHAKRABARTY
Yes, my dream is to stay here, watching you starve to death.
LEO
I have no appetite because I don’t do anything, maybe if I agree to part-time -
CHAKRABARTY storms off to place the spirometer next to LEO’s bed and point out a bottle of pills.
LEO
What, you don’t want me to go back to work at all?
CHAKRABARTY
Ten breaths every hour. This one if you can’t sleep.
CHAKRABARTY, obviously upset, walks back past LEO to put on her jacket.
LEO
Are you from Haryana?
CHAKRABARTY
I don’t have to be, it’s in my country.
LEO
A lot of folks … died there, in ‘86. Cultico is a different company now.
CHAKRABARTY stops at the door.
CHAKRABARTY
It has a different name.
LEO
And different people in charge … people who helped clean up what happened.
CHAKRABARTY turns to leave.
CHAKRABARTY
I’m late. I’ll call you to check in.
She exits.
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – EVENING
CJ, TOBY and ANNABETH are in the office.
CJ
Hutchinson said no to a Sunday spot?
ANNABETH
We said no to Hutchinson ‘cause he won’t let me prep him.
CJ
You go, girl. Do people still say that?
ANNABETH
Not really. But the lineup I like best for Sunday morning is, I give them you. New Chief of Staff, most powerful woman in DC – that’d get ‘em off the woes of Gaza.
CJ
I’ll think about it. What else?
ANNABETH
Pentagon finally released Lt. Godfrey’s name - the dead peacekeeper’s. Which brings me to the last thing we need to bug you about. The lieutenant’s dad lives here in the District; to get out in front of this we thought the President might want to attend the funeral. Show of respect, Commander-in-Chief handing over the flag -
CJ
This memorial service is a private event.
ANNABETH
But when those reporters find out where he’s from -
CJ
The father is not a fan.
ANNABETH
The President has a 90% approval in the District.
CJ
Well, Godfrey Senior is squarely in the minority and it’s not necessarily a silent one. Looks like he may issue a statement later today.
ANNABETH looks at TOBY, then walks out of the office.
TOBY
When were you gonna loop us in on that?
CJ
I just did – easier to say “no comment” when you have no comment.
TOBY
That used to piss you off.
CJ
And now it’s pissing you off. Anything else?
TOBY exits.
CUT TO: INT. - JOSH’S OFFICE – EVENING
JOSH and DONNA are working.
JOSH
We need a stronger response on the patients’ bill, tell her …
DONNA
Juice it up?
JOSH
High octane.
DONNA
I thought we wanted a patients’ bill of rights?
JOSH
Not this demon seed. The Republicans won’t budge on the liability cap. Patients won’t even be able to recoup their out-of-pocket expenses. Some rights.
DONNA
So when Will said Santos picked up eight more votes from our side -
JOSH
And a stampede of Republicans -
DONNA
It’s bad news, you wanna distance the White House.
JOSH
I want the White House in a different galaxy.
CAROL appears at the door of the office.
CAROL
Excuse me – Annabeth wondered if she could get a minute later.
JOSH
Donna’s got something for her now.
CAROL
It’s Donna she needs – about the Dateline interview.
JOSH
When am I doing Dateline?
DONNA
Never. I mean, I said no, on your behalf. I’ll follow up.
CUT TO: INT. - LEO’S HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT
LEO is watching TV news coverage, drinking a glass of water. On the screen we see Michigan Republican Rep. DARREN GIBSON.
GIBSON (on TV)
Well, I would characterize Congressional support as hesitant, at best. The decision to send 18,000 American troops to a deadly war zone in the Middle East was made by the President and his advisors at the Camp David summit. Congressional leaders were not consulted.
LEO lies down on top of his bed, still wearing his suit, the papers from Cultico spread next to him.
GIBSON (on TV)
However, Congress chose to support President Bartlet’s desire to pursue peace between Israel and Palestine, to end the war that has killed thousands of innocents, but the fact of the matter is, when we voted to approve peacekeepers in the Middle East we were led to believe that the President had a viable strategy in place; first and foremost to secure the safety of our American troops on foreign terrain. Now, less than 15 days into the mission, the President’s promises have been broken. We’ve lost one life, so I am asking the question every American is asking – are there more to come?
LEO switches off the TV. As LEO tries to rest, we hear a door open, then a little girl’s laugh. CHAKRABARTY appears at the bedroom door. She is wearing traditional Indian wedding garb and carrying a plate of food.
LEO (weakly)
What are you doing here?
CHAKRABARTY
I brought you food.
LEO slowly pulls himself up to sit.
LEO
You’re a broken record.
CHAKRABARTY’s little girl, MALTI, appears beside her, carrying a doll.
CHAKRABARTY (to MALTI)
Be very quiet, huh? Mr. McGarry needs his rest.
LEO
This your little one?
CHAKRABARTY
This is Malti. Say hello.
MALTI
Hi.
LEO
Hello. Was a nice wedding?
CHAKRABARTY
Very nice. You took your pill?
LEO
Mmm … that smells good.
CHAKRABARTY
Naan. Still warm. Try it.
LEO turns to look at CHAKRABARTY.
CUT TO: INT. - ANNABETH’S OFFICE – NIGHT
ANNABETH is watching TV coverage of the dead soldier’s father. DONNA appears at the door, on crutches.
GODFREY (on TV)
… Yeah, but did you even stop to think that maybe we ought to stop butting into other people’s fights -
DONNA (knocking)
I’m sorry. Am I interrupting?
ANNABETH (turning off the TV)
Not a bit. Thanks for stopping by.
DONNA
You heard from Dateline? I already told them no, and three others.
ANNABETH (moving a box off a chair)
Only makes them chase you harder. Now I’ve got CAA calling.
DONNA
What does the CIA want?
ANNABETH
No, CAA. Talent agency. They think you need representation.
DONNA
Is this about the CBS thing?
ANNABETH
Yeah.
DONNA (sighs)
I didn’t even want to do an interview, now I’m a movie?
ANNABETH
M. O. W.
DONNA
Is that different?
ANNABETH
More likely to get made.
DONNA
It’s all ridiculous.
ANNABETH
Why? Girl next door travels to a war-torn spot, survives a terrorist act to bring a message of peace back to her President – it’s heroic.
DONNA
Could it be good for us? For the peace plan?
ANNABETH
Maybe, but since you get paid for the rights you couldn’t keep working here.
DONNA
Ah, then, forget it. (pause) Paid how much?
ANNABETH and DONNA chuckle.
DONNA
We are getting a lot of bad press. Maybe I should at least do a news interview?
ANNABETH
No pressure, but my gut is you’d pop. Or you can – talk to Toby.
DONNA
Or CJ. She’d know best.
DONNA turns to go, then stops at the door.
DONNA
The thing is … I wasn’t heroic. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I coul- … with the soldier who was just killed, and the ones that were wounded … those guys chose that. They volunteered for a job they knew would put them in harm’s way. That’s heroic.
There is a pause. DONNA turns again and leaves. ANNABETH seems to have a thought.
CUT TO: INT. - OUTSIDE JOSH’S OFFICE – NIGHT
TOBY walks up to meet JOSH.
TOBY
Talk to Will?
JOSH
Yeah, just now.
TOBY
Is he thinking pills or a razor? I know he’s, uh, got a ledge in his office, but it’s only on the second floor.
JOSH
You’re gloating.
TOBY
Over a certain colleague’s misfortune, yeah, and not ashamed of what it says about me as a person.
JOSH
And the President’s about to be faced with a crummy excuse for legislation.
TOBY
Good title, though, Patients’ Bill of Rights. Hard not to love that.
JOSH
Maybe it’ll fix in conference, or we can proclaim it National Veto Month.
TOBY
The President’s not gonna veto this.
JOSH
He’s not gonna sign it, it’s grand theft governance – they stole the issue and stripped it for parts.
TOBY
Have you read the bill?
JOSH
Yeah, I read it.
TOBY
Lately? The Strickman-Santos bill the House just passed?
JOSH
Why?
TOBY pulls a thick stack of papers from a folder and hands it to JOSH.
TOBY
Read the bill.
TOBY turns the corner into the foyer as he heads for the door. ANNABETH meets him.
ANNABETH
Hey! I was afraid I’d missed you.
TOBY
Almost a clean getaway.
ANNABETH
This won’t take long. I have an idea.
TOBY
Yeah?
ANNABETH
It’s good for the President. It’ll turn the tide on a tough news cycle and give us a fresh start.
TOBY
There’s a catch?
ANNABETH
We have to sell it to CJ.
TOBY
And you think I’m the guy for that?
ANNABETH
You know her best.
TOBY
What’s the pitch?
CUT TO: INT. - LEO’S HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT
LEO is sitting on his bed, eating naan. CHAKRABARTY walks into the bedroom, carrying MALTI. She sits her daughter in a chair.
LEO
Millet.
CHAKRABARTY
That’s the secret. A special seed that gives a certain oil. Only grown in one small area of the Punjab. You found your appetite.
LEO
They ought to market this.
CHAKRABARTY
It has no shelf life. My aunt had to smuggle it on a plane.
LEO
So, basically, I have to move to the Punjab.
CHAKRABARTY
Even there, it can’t compete now. Most farmers grow GMO corn.
LEO
And make better money doing it.
CHAKRABARTY
Yes, they never had money before … or debt.
CHAKRABARTY picks up the Cultico booklet from LEO’s bed.
CHAKRABARTY
My uncle had to sell off land to pay off seed he can’t replant, engineered for chemicals he cannot afford.
LEO
No one’s forced to use biotech, they want it. These advances will feed the world.
CHAKRABARTY
People starve because they are kept poor.
LEO
So now Cultico’s responsible for Third World corruption?
CHAKRABARTY
I didn’t say Cultico.
LEO
Open markets redistribute wealth …
CHAKRABARTY
You’re right.
LEO (sleepily)
Sure, there are blind spots in the corporate view -
CHAKRABARTY
Mm-hmm.
LEO (laying down to sleep)
That’s why I left, the first time.
CHAKRABARTY
Mm-hmm.
LEO
Enough money … profits … these guys … never say enough. Not made that way.
CHAKRABARTY puts a blanket over LEO,and whispers in his ear.
CHAKRABARTY
So they replace small famers growing many seeds with monocultures. We all lose the means to feed ourselves.
LEO (groggily)
What?
CHAKRABARTY
You found your appetite.
LEO drifts off to sleep.
FADE OUT.
END ACT THREE.
* * *
ACT FOUR
FADE IN: INT. - HALLWAY – DAY
WILL walks up to JOSH, who is holding the bill TOBY gave him earlier. They head into the Roosevelt Room as they talk.
WILL
Hope you’re about to reassure me the President won’t sign this.
JOSH
Santos got the cap raised.
WILL
From laughable to slap on the wrist.
JOSH
Five million’s not nothing.
WILL
Gee, you think the Vice President pushing the issue did anything to scare the Republicans up to that figure?
JOSH
Absolutely, still, the bill’s impressive.
WILL
If that’s what impresses you. Some would be impressed with the 20 million dollars Russell’s raised so far for his war chest. It would impress some folks that their Vice President got endorsements from Lasko and Carpenter last week.
JOSH
Yeah, I meant to -
WILL
If you guys – and I’m not talking about President Bartlet, we have his respect – but the rest of you are so busy making fun and throwing up roadblocks, you haven’t noticed it’s three months till the Iowa caucuses and nobody – don’t say Baker – nobody who’s actually declared is polling within ten points of my guy.
JOSH
I have noticed.
WILL
And could you sound more miserable? Forget patients’ rights; with or without it, Russell is on his way to being the nominee and, God willing, our next President, so get on board, or get out of my way.
JOSH looks skeptically at WILL.
CUT TO: INT. - HALLWAY – DAY
CJ bursts through a door, carrying a coffee and holding a newspaper. She stops TOBY as he is walking past.
CJ
You see the Times?
TOBY
Yeah -
CJ
‘We’re hiding the price of peace’ in the Times now?
TOBY
Yeah, you have a sec, I wanna run something by you …
CJ and TOBY walk away as we see MARGARET and CHARLIE down another hallway. CHARLIE is carrying a chair and a box.
MARGARET
CJ won’t like it.
CHARLIE
CJ won’t see it.
MARGARET
That’s not the only thing -
CHARLIE
If CJ needs something, I’ll go to her office. Right?
CHARLIE carries his stuff into a small office, crammed with desks, computer monitors, and several other young staffers working.
CHARLIE
Hey, guys.
STAFFER
Hey, Charlie.
MARGARET
There isn’t even a desk.
CHARLIE (putting down the box and gesturing to a pile of papers)
Rumor is one’s buried under here.
MARGARET
What is all that?
CHARLIE
My fellow Deputy Special Assistants tell me these are back-burner commission reports, and policy initiatives no one’s gotten around to yet. I’m hoping most of it’s recyclable.
STAFFER
Gotten an assignment yet, Charlie?
CHARLIE
Pile on.
The STAFFER hands a stack of paperwork to CHARLIE as MARGARET continues.
MARGARET
Well, maybe, for the time being.
CHARLIE
Call when you need me.
CUT TO: INT. - LEO’S HOTEL ROOM – DAY
CHAKRABARTY is standing at the closed bathroom door.
CHAKRABARTY
Mr. McGarry? Did you fall in?
CHAKRABARTY walks away, and sees the Cultico documents in the trash can. As she looks at them, LEO comes out of the bathroom. He is wearing a cardigan sweater and no tie.
LEO
You going through my trash now?
CHAKRABARTY tosses the documents back into the trash and takes in LEO.
CHAKRABARTY
Nice sweater. Cashmere?
LEO
You coming along or what?
LEO opens the door as CHAKRABARTY follows. They both walk out into the corridor.
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
ANNABETH and TOBY are making their pitch to CJ and JOSH.
ANNABETH
We hand-pick the pool, choose their camera positions – could be good for everyone.
JOSH
It’s worth taking it to him.
CJ
How long would advance need in terms of logistics?
ANNABETH
Advance already spoke to Walter Reed. The five wounded soldiers arrived yesterday and they’re all medically stable.
JOSH
Are you worried it’ll look like a photo op; too eager to show he cares?
CJ
He does care, but yeah, we’d be vulnerable to that.
ANNABETH
But after all the focus on casualties, here are the survivors, with their Commander-in-Chief.
JOSH
It’s not a bad way for the President to reiterate his budget increase for veterans’ affairs.
CJ
We don’t want to appear to exploit or worse, actually exploit anyone.
TOBY
I think we can trust this President to be authentic.
ANNABETH
Advance cleared it with the wounded soldiers. They’re all okay with it.
CJ (sighs)
I’ll recommend it to the President with one small adjustment.
CUT TO: INT. - LEO’S HOTEL CORRIDOR – DAY
LEO and CHAKRABARTY are out on a walk.
LEO
I haven’t decided not to work – I’m just not rushing into something new.
CHAKRABARTY
Ah.
LEO
I’m going to give myself some time. What’s for dinner?
CHAKRABARTY
Hungry?
LEO
Yeah.
CHAKRABARTY
We’re gonna have to start watching your cholesterol.
LEO
Okay, okay …
CHAKRABARTY
The body is predictable. One month after a bypass, the appetite returns. Soon your sleep will grow less disturbed, and your heart will quiet down.
LEO
My heart?
CHAKRABARTY
Haven’t you heard it beating? In surgery, they cut the pericardial sac, which insulates the heart. Afterwards, it seems to pound.
LEO
They can’t repair it?
CHAKRABARTY
Heart’s too swollen. You have to wait until it settles down, scars over on its own.
LEO
I might miss the sound, I’ve gotten used to it.
CHAKRABARTY
Part of healing … going on.
CUT TO: INT. - MATT SANTO’S OFFICE – NIGHT
MATT is sitting at his desk, looking over some papers. JOSH appears in his doorway.
JOSH
Congressman, I … believe I owe you an apology.
MATT stands.
MATT
You want a beer?
JOSH
Sure.
MATT walks to an office refrigerator to get a couple of beers.
JOSH
So either you got the cap to move by promising you’d deliver Chambers, or you got Chambers on board by promising movement on the cap, or – some of both.
MATT
Glass, or you all right with a bottle?
JOSH
Bottle’s fine.
JOSH
Once the momentum got going, you called a couple of the friendlier HMOs to let ‘em know for their own good that a five million cap is still a cap, and they sure didn’t want this thing passing with the sky the limit.
MATT hands a beer to JOSH.
JOSH
But what I’d like to know is if, you let your own bill self-destruct and joined with Strickman, knowing there was an opening if you let them take the lead, or if it just started tipping that way and you went with it.
MATT
It didn’t hurt the other day in the hall, when you, uh, demonstrated my independence?
JOSH
I’m always happy to do my part.The Vice President softening up the battlefield didn’t hurt.
MATT nods.
JOSH
There’s nothing motivates Republicans more than a chance to hijack one of our issues. So, House bill, Senate bill, not very far apart, recess next week, here you are, drinking a beer? Don’t tell me you’re already out of conference.
MATT
Something will be coming the President’s way first thing tomorrow.
JOSH
You’re too good at this, you can’t just walk away.
MATT takes a moment, then reaches behind him to grab his suit jacket.
MATT
Watch me.
CUT TO: INT. - CAR – NIGHT
BARTLET and CJ are riding in the Presidential limo past the Treasury Building.
BARTLET
I’m glad we’re doing this.
CJ
Me, too.
CUT TO: INT. - HOSPITAL CORRIDOR – NIGHT
BARTLET and some Secret Service agents are walking down a corridor at Walter Reed Hospital. TOBY and ANNABETH follow.
TOBY
She took your suggestion.
ANNABETH
Except for the press part.
TOBY
Well, they are in the parking lot …
ANNABETH
A photo op with no photos?
TOBY
I’ll see you inside.
ANNABETH continues to follow BARTLET while TOBY stays behind to meet CJ.
TOBY
No press allowed, but we need a Deputy Press Secretary?
CJ
I wanted her here. You knew cameras didn’t belong in this, but you had her bring it to me anyway.
TOBY
You seemed to want to weigh in.
CJ
Leo used to weigh in, Toby.
TOBY
And when it bothered me, I said so.
CJ
I’m not ignoring you, it’s my job now.
TOBY
You can’t do it if you spend all your time guarding your old turf.
CJ takes a moment, then turns and walks into the room where BARTLET is talking with the injured soldiers. TOBY follows. BARTLET is leaning on the foot of a bed, talking with a soldier.
BARTLET
I’ll check on that for you, Private.
PRIVATE
Thank you, sir.
BARTLET moves to stand next to the soldier. We see both of his legs have been amputated.
PRIVATE
The new ones are state-of-the-art, Doc told me.
BARTLET
That’s what I hear.
PRIVATE
They’ll have me fitted, up and walking in no time.
BARTLET
Yeah, son, you know the Army – they’re not gonna let you lay around on their dime.
PRIVATE
I want to go back, sir.
BARTLET
Well … I’ll put in a word with the Joint Chiefs, but at the moment, your doctor’s your commanding officer, so … make sure you follow her orders, okay?
The PRIVATE nods. BARTLET moves on to another soldier, grasping his hand as they talk. CJ and TOBY watch. ANNABETH introduces BARTLET to yet another soldier.
ANNABETH
This is Lt. Martinez. Mr. President.
BARTLET
Lieutenant.
ANNABETH
Did I say your name right?
MARTINEZ
Yes, ma’am – (to BARTLET) but you don’t have to remember it when you start talking redeployment, sir.
BARTLET and MARTINEZ exchange a smile.
BARTLET
Is there anything I can do for you?
MARTINEZ
How about a prayer?
BARTLET places a hand over MARTINEZ’, and they start reciting the Lord’s Prayer. ANNABETH, CJ, and TOBY look on. CJ turns and walks out of the room.
CUT TO: EXT. - OUTSIDE WALTER REED HOSPITAL – NIGHT
TOBY walks down the sidewalk towards CJ, who is sitting on a bench.
CJ
I needed some air. (pause) It ain’t no photo op. You knew that.
TOBY
Now Annabeth knows that, too.
CJ
You think I’m micromanaging.
TOBY
Yes.
CJ
I don’t want to let the President down.
TOBY
Me neither.
CJ and TOBY have a moment.
TOBY
How old do you think those guys are in there? 20, 22?
CJ
Tops.
Another pause.
TOBY
We’re not gonna let the President down.
CJ looks at TOBY with a small smile.
DISSOLVE TO: END TITLES.
FADE TO BLACK.
THE END.
* * *
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The West Wing Transcript
Episode 6x6 – The Dover Test
Original Airdate: November 24, 2004