The West Wing
The Presidency
TEASER
FADE IN:
INT. LOCAL GEORGETOWN WATERING HOLE - EVENING
Behind an expansive bar, several bar-tenders work in complete harmony their cadence is almost electric. They pour, mix and chat at a frenetic pace.
Waitresses speedily move in and out of their stations picking up and delivering drinks to the loyal patrons of this establishment. This crowd is made up of lobbyists, Congressmen and women, Senators, and highly paid lawyers.
JOSH, SAM, TOBY, MANDY and are seated in a booth that offers them a bird’s eye view of the entire tavern. They receive occasional waves and gestures of "hello" from the crowd.
Off JOSH’s wave back to a rather portly GENTLEMEN dressed in a dark tailored suit.
JOSH
I can’t stand that guy.
C.J.
Why?
JOSH
You need to ask. Come on C.J. he guaranteed us his vote on the Red Wood Conservation bill and then at the eleventh hour he changed his mind.
SAM
He ended up the final vote that killed the bill dead in its tracks.
TOBY
Josh, since when do you consider a guarantee from a congressmen a lock on any bill?
MANDY
Josh is a true democrat. He always sees the good in human nature before the bad.
They share a giggle.
C.J.
More like a hopeless romantic.
Now there is laughter.
JOSH
You guys will never understand. There has to be a point when a man’s word is enough.
TOBY
Just exactly what era are you stuck in?
Before JOSH has the opportunity to answer, a man approaches their booth. He’s tall, dark and handsome. This is JUAN CARLOS AVANTI. Dressed to the hilt, Armani all the way.
MANDY gets up from the booth. She moves toward Juan.
JUAN CARLOS
(slight Latin accent)
Hello, Mandy. How are you?
They embrace and kiss lightly on the lips.
MANDY
I’m running with the bulls
(motions to her party at the table)
and I haven’t slipped up yet.
JUAN CARLOS
Excellent.
MANDY
(looking in TOBY’s direction)
Juan Carlos this is Toby Ziegler, White House Communications Director.
Juan Carlos and TOBY shake hands.
TOBY
Pleased to meet you.
MANDY
(looking in C.J.’s direction)
And this is White House Press Secretary, C.J. Cregg.
C.J. motions to shake his hand, but this Latin Lover turns the tables and gently kisses her hand. C.J. blushes slightly and slowly pulls her hand away.
JUAN CARLOS
It is such a pleasure to meet you, C.J.
C.J.
The pleasure is all mine.
JOSH puts out his hand. They shake hands.
JOSH
Josh Lymann Deputy Chief of Staff.
JUAN CARLOS
Good to meet you.
SAM puts out his hand. They shake hands.
SAM
(in an lazy-ass manner)
Sam Seaborn.
MANDY
Sam is our Deputy Communications Director.
JUAN CARLOS
I guess you really are running with the bulls, Mandy.
MANDY
Well. So everybody Juan Carlos is a Senator from the Mexican State of Oaxaca. We met in Graduate School.
C.J.
I’m impressed. So what brings you to Washington?
JUAN CARLOS
I have several items on the agenda. Everything from trade to the war on drogas.
TOBY
Please sit down with us for a drink, Senator.
JUAN CARLOS
I’ll have to take a rain-check on that. I have some people waiting for me and I’m already running late by
(he glances at his watch)
forty five minutes. I hope we do have the opportunity to get together in the near future.
MANDY reaches for her purse.
MANDY
Wait just a second, Juan.
MANDY digs into her purse and pulls out her business card holder. She pulls a card and hands it to JUAN CARLOS.
MANDY
Make sure that you call for that rain check.
JUAN CARLOS
Oh, I will. You can count on it.
JUAN CARLOS walks off. We follow him to a table at the back of the bar.
He sits down with three other well dressed LATIN BUSINESSMEN.
SAM
So Mandy tell us about your friend.
MANDY
Like I said we met in Grad. School. He was pretty opinionated in the classroom. He played on the soccer team. Oh, and he comes from a powerful and influential family
SAM
That’s all great stuff, but I want to know if you were dating him.
C.J.
Yeah!
MANDY
What is this Sam and C.J.’s personal security clearance?
JOSH
No actually it’s mine. They’re working on my behalf. So spill your guts babe.
MANDY
Let’s just say we were an item at one time.
C.J.
Details. We need the details. Please be as colorful as possible.
SAM
And we do mean COLORFUL!
CUT TO:
EXT. LOCAL GEORGETOWN WATERING HOLE - EVENING
A black Lincoln Town car slowly comes to a stop in front of the bar. It idles momentarily. The windows are tinted to the MAX. We cannot see in.
The two rear doors pop open and TWO EARLY THIRTIES ASIAN MEN exit the car.
They walk quickly toward the entrance of the bar. The driver remains in the car with the engine running.
CUT TO:
INT. LOCAL GEORGETOWN WATERING HOLE - EVENING
JUAN CARLOS is holding court at his table. A waitress sets down a Tequila shooter and Juan Carlos downs it in an instant.
JUAN CARLOS
I hit a monster drive. So I’m lying one on the longest par four you’ll ever see. I’m about 110 to the green.
LATIN BUSINESSMAN #1
So you’re feeling great now.
JUAN CARLOS
(BEAMING)
Yeah. So the caddie hands me my sand wedge and he says to me put a little spin on it and hit as high as you can. So I say to myself birdie time and I hit that ball the sweetest ever.
The two ASIAN’S approach JUAN’S table. They pull out their guns.
JUAN CARLOS is stunned by this intrusion.
CUT TO:
MANDY has a terrified look on her face. JOSH sees her expression and he looks over at JUAN’S table.
CUT TO:
ASIAN MAN #1
(in Cantonese)
You don’t steal from us.
The two stone cold Asians shoot JUAN CARLOS up as he falls to the floor like a rag doll.
The patrons dive for cover. We hear screaming as people take cover under the tables, and over the bar.
The wait staff and bartenders scamper recklessly for any cover that will protect them from this violent invasion.
CUT TO:
MANDY
(who seems to be in slow motion,
her words are stuck in her throat) Nooooooooo!
JOSH and SAM grab MANDY who’s in shock and they pull her under the table. TOBY and C.J. dive for cover.
CUT TO:
The two Asians move like jack rabbits and bolt toward the exit of the saloon. They are tailed by FBI MAN #1.
FBI MAN #1 takes a shot and hits ASIAN MAN #2, in the shoulder. ASIAN MAN #2 stumbles, but he keeps moving.
ASIAN MAN #1 turns and fires back at FBI MAN #1. FBI MAN #1, dives for cover in an unoccupied booth.
EXT. LOCAL GEORGETOWN WATERING HOLE - EVENING
The two Asians exit the bar and make their way to the car. They get in the car.
We hear the engine roar as the car peels away.
FBI MAN #1 runs at the car from the side and begins firing but it’s too late as the Lincoln disappears into the night.
SMASH CUT TO:
MAIN TITLES
END OF TEASER
ACT I
FADE IN:
EXT. EST. WHITE HOUSE - MORNING
INT. JOSH’S BULLPEN AREA - MORNING
DONNA and JOSH walk out of JOSH’S office. LEO speeds around the corner.
He looks like he did not have a good night’s sleep. His hair is slightly out of place and his suit appears to need a good pressing.
LEO
Josh thank God you guys are all right.
JOSH
I’ve never been so scared in my life. The way the whole thing went down - I can just remember thinking I was in a dream. Everything was as if it was on auto-pilot.
LEO
How are the rest of them holding up?
JOSH
Mandy’s a wreck. She dated the guy who was killed back when she was in college.
LEO
What? This is going to be a P.R. nightmare. I was just briefed by the FBI on this Mexican Senator. He was corrupt as they come. He was working with a Southern California contingent of the Mexican Mafia.
JOSH
What was he into?
LEO
Drug smuggling, illegal immigrant transportation into "The States," - he bled illegals dry, charging fifteen grand on average for entrance into the U.S.
DONNA
I can just see it now. The front page of the POST. White House aide involved in a tumultuous fling with one of the FBI’s most wanted international political figures.
JOSH
A bit wordy for a headline, but that’s about the crux of it.
LEO
We need a meeting immediately. Donna get everybody together. My office, five minutes. I don’t want any of you speaking with the FBI, until after we discuss this situation further.
JOSH
There’s more going on than just this. Wall Street is tanking again for the eighth straight day.
LEO
One fire at a time, Josh. One at a time.
CUT TO:
INT. OVAL OFFICE - MORNING
BARTLET is seated behind his desk. His chair is faced backward, all that we see of BARTLET is the back of his head. He is on the telephone.
CHARLIE stands next to his desk taking notes.
BARTLET
(on the phone)
That’s not true Franklin and you know it. When are you and your boys going to take some responsibility for your actions?
There is a pause as BARTLET listens.
BARTLET
(on the phone)
You guys have been driving this market to stratospheric levels for the last five years. And all of you knew that the dot-coms were going to implode. Now you’re taking everything down with them.
There is a pause as BARTLET listens. CHARLIE listens intently as he jots down notes.
BARTLET
(on the phone, louder, losing
his patience) Whose holding the bag, Franklin? Who?
There is a pause as BARTLET listens.
BARTLET
(on the phone)
No Franklin you’re wrong. It’s the little guy. The individual investor with all the hype pumped into day trading. Come on you know better than that. Something has to be done to bring liquidity back to the market.
There is a pause as BARTLET listens.
BARTLET
(on the phone)
Look I am forming an emergency advisory board I need to know that I can count you as a key member.
There is a pause as BARTLET listens.
BARTLET
(on the phone)
No, nothing like that. There will only be five members. I need you here tomorrow at 10:00AM.
There is a pause as BARTLET listens.
BARTLET
(on the phone, and sarcastically)
Thank you, Franklin.
BARTLET hangs up the phone and whips his chair forward.
He looks to CHARLIE who’s now seated on the sofa with a phone in hand.
BARTLET
I need Robby Durden at Goldman Sachs next.
CHARLIE begins dialing.
INT. LEO’S OFFICE - MORNING
MANDY, JOSH, SAM, TOBY, and C.J. surround LEO’S desk.
LEO fidgets in his chair.
LEO
Things have now notched up tenfold in the last five minutes, ladies and gentlemen.
TOBY
How?
LEO
Well I thought things were bad enough dealing with the FBI on this. But now we have the CIA wanting to speak with each one of you. The assassinated Senator was working very closely with one of our congressmen from California.
TOBY
In what capacity?
LEO
Drug traffic for starters. The trail begins in Columbia through Panama, Mexico and into San Diego. Same trail new players. But our congressmen was facilitating cash,
(more)
LEO (continued)
weapons and military training to the drug lords. Juan Carlos was the congressmen’s liaison to the drug cartels.
SAM
Who’s the congressman?
LEO
Good question. But you know the CIA, they’re not giving up any of the details. So our first item on the agenda is Mandy and Juan Carlos. Mandy tell us about your involvement with Mr. Avanti.
MANDY
(shaky, holding back the tears)
We met in Grad School.
C.J.
And?
MANDY
We were attracted to each other and we started dating.
LEO
For how long?
MANDY
For the rest of the year. We started to get pretty serious. That summer I took a trip with him and his family to Mexico City.
SAM
This was more serious than I thought.
TOBY
So what happened?
MANDY
During my stay in Mexico City he left me alone with his family night after night. I realized his idea of a relationship was nothing like mine so... I jumped on a plane and went home. He tried to patch things up but I didn’t want to have anything to do with him after that.
LEO
When was the last time you spoke with or saw him? Prior to last night.
MANDY
I don’t know exactly. At a fund raiser for NAFTA. I think.
LEO
What do you mean, you don’t know? Please don’t tell me you were involved with him recently.
MANDY
No.
JOSH
We need all of your cooperation now. When was the last time you spoke, saw or met with Juan Carlos Avanti.
MANDY
At a party that followed the NAFTA fund raiser I attended two weeks ago. Look, I never thought he could be involved in anything like this.
SAM
Of course you didn’t. But that’s not what we need. We have to protect the President from any potential fall-out from your association with an international thug.
MANDY
He was a rich kid who had his share and more of a privileged life. He was an exceptional student and athlete. I was attracted to him several years ago. End of story.
C.J.
The way we play this when it leaks, is to offer up full disclosure. It may not be quite as bad as we assumed.
SAM
And with the FBI and CIA?
C.J.
That’s LEO’s turf.
LEO
Mandy when they question you - no I should re-phrase that. When they grill you. Your answers are to be yes and no. I don’t want you giving up anything that could be misconstrued.
SAM
You’ll only slightly cooperate.
LEO
First they’ll want to get to the bottom of the assassination. Second they’ll want to know if there is any underlying connection between the dead Senator and the White House.
JOSH
If they sense that they can damage the President through your association with Juan Carlos, they will go after you and try to break you any way they see fit.
MANDY
(slightly crying)
God that’s the last thing I want to have happen. I had no idea, none. I’ll do everything I can to protect the President and this administration.
LEO
Mandy all of us are here to protect you and the President. You’re in good hands.
MANDY
Thanks.
C.J.
The key is to be as truthful as you can without elaborating.
JOSH
Keep it short, simple and to the point. Don’t give them an ounce more than they ask for.
INT. SITUATION ROOM - DAY
PRESIDENT BARTLET sits at the head of the table, he is flanked by ADMIRAL FITZWALLACE, VICE PRESIDENT JOHN HOYNES, UNITED STATES AIR FORCE COMMANDER JACK ROLLINS, SECRETARY OF STATE, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, IRAN CONSULTANT PROFESSOR AMHET GUARAND, and the CIA DIRECTOR.
ADMIRAL FITZWALLACE stands up and approaches the map board. The map outlines the Middle East and centers around the Persian Gulf.
Red X markings, and red ship symbols are strategically aligned on the map, along with green X markings and green ship symbols.
LEO, bursts into the room, looking a little bit worse as the day has progressed. His clothes are frumpier, his hair more disheveled and his eyes slightly closing, appearing somewhat smaller.
BARTLET
Leo so glad you could make it.
LEO
Just moving from one disaster to another, sir.
BARTLET
For the love of country, Leo.
FITZWALLACE
(using a pointer zeroed in on the red
Xs)
Right here is where we forecast the eminent threat. As you can see gentlemen the Iranians have significantly increased the number of Subs and Destroyers in their fleet.
ROLLINS
No thanks to the Russians’ fire sale of their post cold war military machine.
CIA DIRECTOR
Add to their fleet build up - the Chinese Cruise Missiles that are housed on their Destroyers. These Missiles have over-the-horizon- radar capability giving the Missiles a 65 mile range.
ROLLINS
Opposed to the less expensive 25 mile range Missiles they’ve used in the past. This now adds a new threat to our Allied Forces throughout the region.
SECRETARY OF STATE
Now Admiral is it just the geographic implications that we should be concerned with? Or is their a larger powder keg that’s ready to ignite?
FITZWALLACE
Yes and yes. The primary concern is the stress that their fleet puts on the cohesive flow in and out of the Gulf. If they take out one tanker and disrupt this flow - the effects on the financial markets could be devastating as oil prices go through the roof.
BARTLET
And with the current condition of the markets that’s the last thing we need.
HOYNES
Troop movement?
AIR FORCE COMMANDER, JACK ROLLINS, stands up and crosses over to FITZWALLACE.
ROLLINS
Our A-WACS have picked up movement along the three strategic borders that surround Iran.
(he points to the map) (more)
ROLLINS (continued)
Here along the southeastern Iraqi border then here along the northern Kuwaiti border and finally the southwestern Pakistani border. This positioning of ground forces clearly signals aggressive action.
PROF. GUARAND
Iran’s justification for these military maneuvers lies in their criticism of the United States order of the USS Nimitz into the Persian Gulf.
LEO
This act of aggression for the U.S. deploying one aircraft carrier into the Gulf?
PROF. GURAND
Mr. McGarry, please take the entire picture into account. The U.S maintains twenty five combat and support ships in the Gulf at all times. Now couple that with the mother of all aircraft carriers entering this already tense environment - it only adds fuel to the fire.
LEO
Professor, with all due respect the order of the Nimitz into the region was not some simple indiscriminate command. It was in response to the Iranian jets that raided two Iraqi bases that supposedly housed the Iranian opposition group the Mujhadeen Khalq. Our order of the Nimitz was to maintain peace in the region.
PROF. GUARAND
The Iranians see this as the U.S. attempting to create a crisis in the region thereby enabling the sale of billions of dollars of U.S. weapons to Arab countries throughout the region.
FITZWALLACE
That’s a simplistic deduction.
PROF. GUARAND
Admiral, let me tell you something it’s not a deduction. It’s reality. I deeply understand the psychology of the Iranian’s military device. Their view is that the U.S. wants instability throughout the world which allows for the proliferation of American weapons on a global scale.
BARTLET
So Professor is it your belief that if we move the Nimitz out of the region we have the opportunity to avoid conflict.
PROF. GUARAND
Yes. And while avoiding conflict the United States also brings about the opportunity for the Iranians to pull back their troops from the borders in question.
ROLLINS
That’s an extremely optimistic view, Professor. What about their submarines and their Naval occupation of the Gulf?
FITZWALLACE
Professor with their build up, my ship’s not budging from the Gulf.
BARTLET throws a look that can kill into FITZWALLACE’S direction.
BARTLET
Admiral, I suggest that you re-phrase that comment immediately.
FITZWALLACE
Sir, it is my firm recommendation that the U.S. escalate their presence in the Gulf effective immediately. We have the resources from our base in Bahrain to deploy several cruisers,
(more)
FITZWALLACE (continued)
destroyers, frigates and ballistic submarines right now. All that I need is your order, sir.
ROLLINS
We cannot afford to allow Iran to gain influence in the region. It is clear that Iran has contingency plans to restrict maritime passage throughout the Gulf for the purpose of intimidating the surrounding countries and the world-oil-importing-community.
FITZWALLACE
Gentlemen, we can not afford to back down at this point. All they are looking for is one sign of weakness.
PROF. GUARAND
If you want to be the President to go down in history for kindling World War III, go ahead and give the order. If you are looking for a way to alleviate a disastrous conflict, then order the Nimitz out of the Persian Gulf and into the Gulf of Oman.
ROLLINS
Sir, that maneuver destroys every iota of our credibility in the region. It dramatically weakens our presence, while putting the lives of our military personnel in harms way.
HOYNES
Just the mere threat, direct or implied by the Iranians labels their attempt to gain power in the Gulf. I agree with Commander Rollins and Admiral Fitzwallace if we waffle at this point, we risk the danger of losing all of our credibility in the region.
BARTLET gets up from his chair, he motions to FITZWALLACE, who hands him the pointer and sits down. BARTLET pointing to the Red Xs on the map.
BARTLET
We know that the Iranians have nuclear capability.
(he points to the Pakistani border)
We know that the Pakistanis have nuclear capability.
(he points the Kuwaiti border)
The oil.
(he points to the Iraqi border)
And this of course this is a no-brainier. So with just these minor items in mind, I don’t see it any other way but to move the Nimitz into the Gulf of Oman.
PROF. GUARAND
Gentlemen, the Gulf of Oman will continue as a strategic location for the Nimitz while allowing for an alleviation of a potential spark to a full-fledged war. This is not so hard to understand.
FITZWALLACE
Pardon me Professor, but you have never served in the United States military. And without that experience I don’t think you’re one hundred percent qualified to suggest how hard or how easy something of this magnitude is to understand. I have thousands of men that are counting on my leadership in a crisis such as this.
BARTLETT
Admiral, I don’t see the Gulf of Oman as losing any critical foothold in the region. This is a purely psychological play on our part. By using the Gulf of Oman we don’t entirely buckle. We make a gesture that puts the ball in their court. If they so much as move another inch further towards any of these borders or if any maneuvers of their Naval operations appear slightly aggressive - I will order a full occupation of the Gulf like they’ve never seen before.
FITZWALLACE
Mr. President, I don’t feel that I’ve completely made my case.
BARTLET
Admiral, are you suggesting that I’m unable to decipher your statements regarding this crisis?
FITZWALLACE
No sir. I’m suggesting that I failed to fully explain the damage to morale a maneuver such as this places on the United States military patrolling the Gulf at this time.
BARTLET
I’ve made my decision.
FITZWALLACE
Sir. To simply acquiesce at this time and pull the carrier out of the Gulf--
BARTLET is fuming. He cannot believe that he is being challenged. He stops FITZWALLACE at mid sentence.
BARTLET
Admiral, I’ve made my decision. Get that carrier on its way to the Gulf of Oman immediately. Any stalling with my order - will be viewed upon as an act of treason and will be punished to the full extent of the law. Have I made myself entirely clear, Admiral?
FITZWALLACE
(a look of disgust has overtaken his
face)
Entirely clear, sir.
BARTLET
Good. Gentlemen I hope we all pray that the Lord is with us on this one.
FADE TO BLACK
END OF ACT I
ACT II
FADE IN
INT. OVAL OFFICE - DAY
BARTLET is sitting on the sofa. He is sipping on a coffee, while going over some documents.
CHARLIE is standing. He faces the PRESIDENT with a note pad in hand.
CHARLIE
I’ll see to it that Senator Buchanan, and Congresswoman Daniels and their spouses are seated at your table this evening.
BARTLET
Did Abbey mention to you her T.O.A. tonight?
CHARLIE
Her plane arrives at 6:00PM. I expect her at the White House by 6:45PM. She’ll have roughly thirty minutes to get ready.
BARTLET
We’re expected at 7:45PM for an entrance at 8:00PM?
CHARLIE
That’s correct.
LEO enters, he appears wiped out. His suit and hair are further disheveled.
BARTLET
Thank you Charlie.
Charlie exits.
BARTLET
Leo, you look like you’ve been through the trenches today.
LEO
Thank you, sir. Since we’ve had
(more)
LEO (continued)
such a productive day, I haven’t had the chance to lay this one on you.
BARTLET
So lay it on me now.
LEO
Okay. Earlier this morning we were briefed on the assassination of the Senator from Mexico?
BARTLET
Yes.
LEO
This Mexican Senator and Mandy had a relationship several years ago when they were in college.
BARTLET
Wonderful.
LEO
It gets more complicated. The bar where this execution took place. Sam, C.J., Josh, Toby and Mandy - they were there last night. When the hit took place.
BARTLET
More and more complicated. Thank God they’re all right.
LEO
At this moment Mandy is being interrogated by the FBI. They want to know every detail about her association with the dirty Senator.
BARTLET
And how it may relate to my Presidency?
LEO
Precisely, sir.
BARTLET
It’s times like this I count my lucky stars that you’re in my corner, Leo.
LEO
Thank you, sir.
BARTLET
I take it that you’ve prepped her for this and that this will go away by this evening.
LEO not totally sure of himself.
LEO
Yes, sir.
CUT
TO
INT. MURAL ROOM -DAY
The Mural Room has been set up as a make-shift interrogation room for the FBI’S questioning of, MANDY.
SAM sits to the right of MANDY, on the couch facing FBI AGENT TED ROCHON, and FBI AGENT SKYLAR DANO. JOSH sits to the left of MANDY. A video camera faces, SAM, MANDY, and, JOSH.
MANDY is noticeably restless facing her interrogators.
FBI AGENT ROCHON leans forward into MANDY’S direction. His hands are firmly folded. He looks deeply into MANDY’S eyes and locks on with an intimidating stare.
FBI AGENT DANO sits calmly back into the couch with her legs crossed. She throws a tightlipped smile in MANDY’S direction.
DANO
Miss Hampton, are you comfortable?
SAM
Please!
JOSH
Sam.
MANDY
I’m fine.
DANO
Good. So let’s get started. First we want to reassure you that we’re not on a fishing expedition. Our aim to fill in a few gaps.
ROCHON
Our goal is to gain further clarification. So as you know Miss Hampton, Senator Avanti was corrupt?
SAM
Don’t answer that Mandy.
DANO
Mr. Seaborn?
JOSH
Right off the bat you’re implying that Mandy had prior knowledge to Senator Avanti’s illegal activities.
DANO
At this time Miss Hampton, are you aware of Senator Avanti’s illegal dealings in Mexico and also within the United States?
MANDY
Yes, but not to-
SAM, cuts her off like a bat out of hell.
SAM
You answered the question.
ROCHON pulls out a large envelope and places it on the coffee table.
DANO
We’re perplexed by your connection to the dead Senator. Can you tell us how you came to form a relationship with the man?
MANDY
We came into contact in Graduate School.
ROCHON
At the time the two of you first met - you were working on your Masters or was it your Phd?
MANDY is taken aback by ROCHON’S intimate knowledge of her past. SAM’S face tightens.
MANDY
My Phd.
DANO
How well did you get to know one another?
MANDY
I’m not sure what you’re asking.
ROCHON bites in hard.
ROCHON
We’re the two of you engaged in a sexual relationship?
SAM
That’s irrelevant. Where the hell are you going with this Agent Rochon?
ROCHON
I’ll show you where I’m going.
ROCHON abruptly lifts the envelope and pulls a thick stack of (eight and half by eleven) photos out of it. He sets two of the photos on the table.
Photo #1, on a beach, shows MANDY on her stomach without a top on while JUAN CARLOS kisses her neck.
Photo #2, same beach, shows JUAN CARLOS on top of a topless MANDY, the two are engaged in a passionate kiss.
ROCHON
Our curiosity was peaked immensely when you came on as a consultant at the White House.
JOSH
The pictures and your curiosity don’t prove a damn thing. The two of you had better get to the point soon or this is over.
DANO
That would be a miscalculation on your part Mr. Lymann. We wouldn’t want to be forced to arrest Miss Hampton for obstructing justice.
ROCHON
Our intention today is to find clarification
(he lifts the photos)
on these and a few other minor details.
MANDY
We were involved on and off for about a year.
ROCHON
Did you ever provide strategic political advice to Mr. Avanti?
MANDY
Professionally?
ROCHON
Yes. Professionally. Were you ever paid by him?
MANDY
No!
DANO
Did you ever provide pro-bono strategic political advice to Mr. Avanti?
MANDY
There was never any type of authorized arrangement. I did express my views to him as students do exchange ideas.
ROCHON
A Phd candidate is a far cry from some GEN-X kid earning his B.A. Your views, ideas, and opinions were definitely top quality.
DANO
With that said Miss Hampton, do believe that any of the ideas that you expressed or shared with Mr. Avanti helped to propel his rapid ascent in the political arena of Mexico?
MANDY
No!
ROCHON pulls a leather bound document from a thin, black valise. He hands the document to MANDY.
DANO
Go ahead Miss Hampton read it.
MANDY reads it. A terrified look covers her face. SAM looks over her shoulder and briefly reads some of the first page’s contents. SAM clenches his jaw.
SAM
This appears to be a paper that Mandy wrote while she was in college. What’s your question?
ROCHON
The topic of the paper and why Mr. Avanti had a copy of it in his possession?
JOSH leans over and reads the document for a moment.
DANO
That paper was a very important look into the power of the Prix Party which has ruled Mexico for decades.
JOSH
Your assumptions are worthless. They don’t pass the giggle test.
ROCHON
The paper provided strategic positioning for candidates presenting their platforms while delivering an exhaustive look into how to monopolize the media for political gain.
MANDY
The paper was based on historical data that focused on Mexican politics. It offers nothing that could be viewed as political strategy.
JOSH
We know exactly what you’re up to? And if you want a fight on your hands you’ve got one.
ROCHON
Don’t tempt us Mr. Lymann. Miss Hampton is treading in some very serious waters.
JOSH
Mandy Hampton hasn’t done anything illegal and you both know it. It’s clear that it’s the administration you’re after. So like I said bring it on or leave the White House immediately.
DANO
We have enough to begin a thorough investigation of Miss Hampton and this entire White House staff. So my advice to Miss Hampton is to come clean now. Thus saving the White House from the embarrassment of another investigation.
SAM
Like Mr. Lymann said, leave the White House now.
ROCHON begins packing up the photos. He reaches for the document that MANDY is holding. She’s reluctant for moment, then she releases it.
SAM grabs the photos from ROCHON’S hands. ROCHON is fuming.
He gets in SAM’S face. SAM pushes his chest into ROCHON’S chest. ROCHON is stunned by SAM’S actions.
ROCHON
Those photos are property of the United States Federal Government.
SAM turns away and begins walking out of the room. MANDY and JOSH follow suit.
SAM
Sue me.
CUT TO:
INT. C.J.’S OUTER OFFICE - EVENING
LEO whips around the corner as C.J. scribbles notes on an legal pad.
LEO
C.J., does it look like we’re going to take a hit?
C.J.
Well Leo I’d say the odds are definitely not in our favor.
LEO
So they’ve got wind of it?
C.J.
Probably.
LEO
How long can you hold them off?
C.J.
I’m not sure if I can hold them off at all.
C.J. begins to walk out of the office. CAROL rises from her desk and hands a note to C.J.
CAROL
Good luck.
LEO
Yeah, "break a leg."
C.J. walks down the corridor towards the Press Briefing Room.
INT. PRESS BRIEFING ROOM - EVENING
C.J. enters. She approaches the podium with a confident look on her face. The press gaggle is active as we hear their loud whispering.
C.J.
Good evening ladies and gentlemen.
REPORTER #1
The assassination last evening -- can you tell us about the FBI’s visit to the White House regarding the matter?
C.J.
Unfortunately there were several
(more)
C.J. (continued)
White House staff members that witnessed the assassination. The FBI has interviewed all of us as part of their investigation to the murder.
REPORTER #2
Is the FBI looking into a White House connection to the assassinated Mexican Senator?
C.J.
There may be a staff member who attended Graduate School at the same time as the Mexican Senator.
DANNY
Miss Cregg, can you tell us who this staff member is.
C.J.
Not at this time.
REPORTER #3
What is the connection that the FBI is interested in?
C.J.
With the FBI in the midst of their investigation I’m unable to comment any further on this subject.
REPORTER #3
Isn’t that you’re more unwilling than unable? There is information floating suggesting that a White House staffer may have served as a political strategist to the Senator. Can you add anything to that?
C.J.
As I previously stated I cannot add anything more to this subject as the FBI has just begun their investigation.
DANNY
With the recent gyrations in the
(more)
DANNY (continued)
stock market, is the Fed. planning another rate hike - is there going to be any intervention by the White House to help prop the market back up?
The REPORTERS are writing.
C.J.
The White House is poised to remain neutral at this point. But there are on going internal and external discussions to bring new light onto this gloomy situation.
REPORTER #4
Is the President going to attend the Democrat’s fund raising dinner this evening.
C.J.
He’s scheduled to at this time. That’ll be about it for tonight. Thank you.
C.J. walks off.
CUT TO:
INT. THE PRESIDENT AND FIRST LADY’S RESIDENCE - EVENING
BARTLET is stationed in front of a long mirror. He is struggling to get his bow tie on correctly.
BARTLET
(to himself)
Damn!
(beat, he looks closely in the mirror)
Am I getting a thick neck?
ABBY has quietly entered the room. She wraps her arms around him from behind.
ABBY
More like a thick head.
BARTLET
You.
BARTLET whisks around and plants a kiss ala Rhett Butler on ABBY’S lips.
BARTLET
God it’s great to see you.
ABBY
I know that kiss. What’s shakin’ around here, Mr. President.
(ABBY grabs the tie from him)
Let me do that.
BARTLET
Thanks.
ABBY is a pro with the tie. It’s on perfectly in seconds.
ABBY
So?
BARTLET
So what?
ABBY
What’s bothering you?
ABBY slips off her shoes and scoots into the closet.
BARTLET
We’ve only got a few minutes.
ABBY V.O. from the closet.
ABBY
Don’t pull that. Tell me what’s going on.
BARTLET
Oh, I’m just trying to keep this country from being forced into World War Three in the Middle East. Half of my staff was witness to the assassination of a Mexican Senator at a Georgetown Bar last evening. How’s that for starters?
ABBY emerges from the closet wrapped in a robe.
ABBY
If you wanted to relieve some of that tension you’d rip off that penguin suit and jump into a warm bubble bath with me. And I don’t want to hear anything about us being late.
BARTLET doesn’t miss a beat. By the time we pan over to him, his shirt is off and he’s moving toward the bathroom.
ABBY has a seductively pleasant smile on her face, as we.
CUT TO:
INT. BALLROOM FOR FUND-RAISER DINNER - EVENING
LEO, JOSH, and SAM, are huddled up by the bar. LEO, is unfocused, and is eyeing SAM’S drink.
JOSH spots someone he wants to speak with.
JOSH
I’ll be right back.
JOSH walks off.
SAM
C.J. handled herself well, considering what she was up against.
LEO
Huh!
SAM
(half laughing)
Earth to Leo. Anybody there?
LEO
No, no. She did great. I think she bought us about a day.
SAM
If we’re lucky.
C.J. and MANDY approach.
LEO
Ladies.
MANDY
(uncertain)
How are you Leo?
LEO
Just fine Mandy. And you?
MANDY
I’m hangin’ in there.
LEO
All of you listen for a moment. Tonight we have a number of V.I.P.s that want access to the President. What we do - is use discretion and make sure that the President doesn’t wind up on the front page of the Post - shaking hands with anyone who would generate scandalous fodder.
C.J.
Leo this isn’t the first time we’ve been with the President at a fund-raiser.
LEO
(angrily)
C.J. in light of the current goings on at the White House, we need to be real careful this evening.
SAM
Leo we’ve got it.
LEO
Good.
EXT. BALLROOM FOR FUND-RAISER DINNER - EVENING
The PRESIDENT’S MOTORCADE comes to a slow stop. The rear doors to the PRESIDENT’S LIMO are opened by SECRET SERVICE MAN #1.
ABBY steps out and the cameras and flashes begin clicking at warp speed. BARTLET, steps out and puts his arm around ABBY. SECRET SERVICE MAN #1, #2, #3, and #4, flank the PRESIDENT and his WIFE. Both ABBY and BARTLET are glowing as they enter the Hotel.
INT. BALL ROOM FOR FUND RAISER DINNER - EVENING
ABBY and BARTLET enter the ball room. They are now beyond glowing as the crowd begins to applaud their entrance.
Brief montage: -
The PRESIDENT AND FIRST LADY proceed to their table as cameras are flashing in rapid succession.
LEO zipping up to the bar. The BARTENDER approaches. LEO hesitates before placing his order. (BEAT) The BARTENDER fixes his drink.
C.J. entering the ballroom. She approaches a TV REPORTER and her THREE MAN CREW. DANNY is on her in a heartbeat. They chat momentarily, then C.J., abruptly turns away and continues with the TV REPORTER. DANNY is perplexed.
TOBY spots LEO at the bar. TOBY makes a beeline for LEO. TOBY, saying nothing, looks deeply into LEO eyes. LEO turns away. TOBY begins to rip into LEO. And LEO comes right back at him.
Now we’re in with LEO and TOBY.
LEO
(enraged)
I’m the Chief Of Staff and if I want a drink, I’ll have a drink.
TOBY
Damn you to hell Leo McGarry.
LEO
Are you out of your mind?
(BEAT)
It’s tonic water.
TOBY’S jaw drops. He can’t believe what he’s done.
TOBY
I’m so sorry. It’s just that --
LEO cuts him off in a millisecond.
LEO
If you ever pull something this stupid with me again. I’m going to give you an IRISH BEATING that you’ll never forget.
LEO sternly turns away and walks off. TOBY looks to the ground in shame.
BARTLET’S table is beginning to fill up. ABBY turns to CONGRESSWOMAN IVEY DANIELS, and her husband, JASON DANIELS.
ABBY
It looks like playing in the old boys club is having a great effect on you. You look fantastic Ivey.
IVEY
You’re too kind Abigail.
ABBY
Jason, how about those Warriors? You think Jordan can turn them around for next year?
JASON
I’ll tell you Abbey, I believe in him so much that I’ve already got my playoff tickets reserved.
BARTLET chimes in.
BARTLET
That’s the spirit Jason.
BARTLET hoists his glass in preparation for a toast.
BARTLETT
Ladies and Gentlemen at this time I want to toast to the Congresswoman from California, Ivey Daniels. For her efforts in overcoming insurmountable odds in single-handedly defeating the Republicans efforts to institute a vouchers into the public school system which would have ended free education as we know it in the great state.
(BEAT)
Ivey this one is for you. For your
(more)
BARTLET (continued)
willingness to go to battle and for never giving up.
All of the GUESTS at the table turn to one another and clink their glasses in toasting the good CONGRESSWOMAN’S efforts.
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. PRIVATE GEORGETOWN RESIDENCE - MORNING
The front door of this residence opens. CONGRESSWOMAN IVEY DANIELS exits the house, ready to go to work on the hill.
She proceeds to her pearl white Jaguar. She pops the trunk and we hear the alarm chirp. She places her brief case into the trunk. She opens the driver side door and enters the car.
We hear her turn the key and in an instant she’s blown off the planet as the car is engulfed in flames.
Pieces of the car fly through the air.
FADE TO BLACK:
END OF ACT II
ACT III
FADE IN:
INT. TOBY’S OFFICE - MORNING
TOBY is seated behind his desk. SAM hovers over him.
TOBY
I don’t want to hear that you were strong arming the FBI this early in the morning.
SAM
They’re attempt to drive a false confession out of Mandy was abhorrent.
TOBY
You don’t have a legal leg to stand on. Your confiscation of the photographs was stupid, Sam.
SAM
I wanted to see exactly what we were up against.
TOBY
(seething)
This is the White House, we proceed on intellect, not emotion. Is your ego so far up your ass that you can’t see the ammunition you’ve added to their arsenal?
SAM
(calm)
I can see how upset you--
JOSH and C.J. burst in.
JOSH
We’ve got an emergency.
TOBY
What?
C.J.
Congresswoman Daniels was assassinated this morning.
TOBY rises from his desk and advances to the door. C.J., JOSH, and SAM follow.
TOBY
How?
INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
JOSH
Word from the bureau is that a highly sophisticated bomb was rigged to her car. When she started her car, she didn’t know what hit her.
C.J.
On top of the assassination the Feds didn’t mince words in stating that the Congresswoman was involved in the same illegal movements as Senator Avanti.
They move at vigorous pace as they enter another
INT. ANOTHER CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
TOBY
She sat at the President’s table last night.
SAM
We’re going to get creamed if we don’t move quick.
LEO approaches them from behind.
C.J.
We need to devise a - -
LEO finishes her thought as he passes them and heads into his office. They all follow him in.
LEO
- -response that allows us to stay the course. If we veer even an inch we may give them what they need to systematically tear down the President.
INT. LEO’S OFFICE - MORNING
TOBY
If we go in with no way out we could get buried.
LEO
(snarls and digs in his heels)
I said a statement will be issued that we will not budge from. That’s the way we’ll proceed.
SAM
Can you step back a moment and hear Toby out?
LEO
No!
JOSH
Leo there could be another approach.
LEO rises from his desk.
LEO
I want all of you to listen and to listen real good. We are moving forward on my terms and if anyone of you wants to challenge me on this you had better be ready to leave the premises immediately, because you’ll be terminated on the spot. Are we clear?
SAMSH CUT TO:
INT. OVAL OFFICE - MORNING
BARTLET is seated behind his desk. He faces the FIVE MEMBERS of his impromptu WALL STREET ADVISORY BOARD. CHARLIE is seated to the left of BARTLET’S desk, facing the advisory board. He’s taking notes at a rapid pace.
FRANKLIN STONE, a svelte and distinguished titan in his 50s, sits directly across from BARTLET.
CAROLINE SOUZA, a twenty-something super trader sits to the right of FRANKLIN.
ROBBIE DURDEN, a mid-sixties captain of industry, sits to the left of FRANKLIN.
JAKE HOBBS, a thirty-something deal-maker from Silicon Valley, sits to the right of CAROLINE.
BARTLET
I’ve brought all of you here together to brain-storm the dilemmas that the market faces both at home and abroad. Over the last year we’ve entered into a bear-market that does not appear to be letting up any time soon. The thrust of this advisory board is to get to the root of the problems. So lets just open up the floor to a free flow of ideas and theories.
ROBBIE
Mr. President please accept my frankness as a way to cut to the chase.
(he looks dead on at Jake)
The venture capitalists have become enemy number one on Wall Street.
JAKE
Don’t go down that path.
BARTLET
Let him finish.
ROBBIE
The IPO market has become a sham, and the ones behind this sham are the V.C.s who are bringing these so called companies to the public markets five years before they’re ready. It’s criminal.
JAKE
That’s below the belt.
BARTLET
Please!
FRANKLIN
Jake come on, companies are going public based on ten page business plans constructed by pimply faced twenty year olds with dot-com fever.
JAKE
That is not the way my firm brings a company public. We follow a practice that incubates the company as it’s starting up. We provide recruitment, office space and CEO structured leadership. We nurture.
BARTLET
This is what I’m after - techniques that can be used as models for the future. Bringing the market back is going to take time and leadership.
CAROLINE
Mr. President we also have to address the fact that fifteen percent of the investors in the market now are day traders. Couple that with the margin that they’re carrying and now enter the world of momentum investing.
JAKE
When the margin calls come in the day traders panic - the momentum shifts directions and liquidity vanishes from the market instantly.
FRANKLIN
We need tighter restrictions on margin requirements as a first step in shoring up the market.
BARTLET
Isn’t this phenomenon part and parcel of the new economy?
JAKE
You’re dead-on Mr. President. Momentum trading is an effect of the electronic market, it’s not the cause of the recent bear market.
ROBBIE
Look, I’ve been through the trenches of the late 60s, the oil crisis in the 70s, the junk bonds of the 80s, the recession of the 90s and now here we are again. It’s all evolution, the market does not and will not always go up. Let’s get real.
FRANKLIN
The excess trading on margin accounts is a real problem that needs to be addressed.
BARTLET listens on intently.
ROBBIE
You think we can afford to go backward with regulation of something so sophomoric as margin requirements?
FRANKLIN
Sophomoric?
ROBBIE
Franklin I’m trying to instill some reality into this debate. By making the point that we’re not going to change investor sentiment through shackling the individual investor with more regulation.
BARTLET
Regulation is not my aim. I’m inclined to insert leadership from the big trading houses that educates the individual investor on the risks associated with margin trading.
FRANKLIN
You believe that the top firms would be willing to take the time to educate their investors?
BARTLET
That’s why you’re all here. I expect each one of you to assume a leadership position in your area of expertise and find a way to get the word out to your colleagues.
CAROLINE
Mr. President there are only four of us.
LEO bursts into the Oval Office, his look evokes panic. He zero’s in on BARTLET.
The room goes silent as LEO leans in on the BARTLET and whispers in his ear. BARTLET’S jaw drops and a sorrowful look takes over his face.
LEO stands up.
BARTLET looks over to CHARLIE.
BARTLET
Charlie can you come here for a moment.
CHARLIE moves toward the PRESIDENT and leans in as the PRESIDENT, whispers in his ear. CHARLIE listens with conviction.
CHARLIE
Yes, sir. Mr. President.
BARTLET
I’ve just been faced with a national emergency. I’d appreciate your continuing this debate amongst yourselves. Charlie, will escort you to another room.
CHARLIE looks to the ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS.
CHARLIE
Please follow me.
They all stand and follow CHARLIE as he begins walking out of the room.
BARTLET
I’m counting on you to find new strategies that can be worked into our great free market. I ask all of you to reach forward. Thank you.
CHARLIE exits as they follow.
Just as they leave the Oval Office, C.J., JOSH, MANDY, TOBY, SAM, FBI AGENT ROCHON, FBI AGENT DANO, and FBI DIRECTOR ALFRED IGNATIUS enter.
LEO stands in near BARTLET.
C.J., JOSH, MANDY,TOBY, SAM, FBI AGENT ROCHON, FBI AGENT DANO and FBI DIRECTOR IGNATIUS all stand and surround the PRESIDENT’S desk. BARTLET remains seated.
BARTLET
I’m in shock.
IGNATIUS
We’re not. There has been an ongoing investigation into Congresswoman Daniel’s association with a Southern California faction of the Mexican Mafia.
BARTLET
And as usual with the FBI - the President is the last one to know.
IGNATIUS
It’s not any reflection on you sir, but our hands are tied in certain areas of national security.
ROCHON
Further to that point sir, as you’re aware a member of your staff had an association with one of the principles in our investigation.
LEO
There’s no excuse for the bureau not tipping our hat.
IGATIUS
We had no choice.
JOSH
Everybody has choices. You set this administration up. You were banking on this creating a cloud of suspicion over the White House.
ROCHON
Your mere suggestion that we hoped for an outcome such as this is reprehensible.
TOBY
Is it?
TOBY eyes ROCHON. ROCHON looks away.
BARTLET
This is extremely hard to swallow. Congresswoman Daniels was more than
(more)
BARTLET (continued)
just a fantastic legislator, she was a friend who delivered time and time again. Alfred, did your investigation of her actually prove anything?
IGNATIUS
Mr. President I understand your quandary, but I can assure you that Congresswoman Daniels was deeply entrenched.
BARTLET
Your assurance is not good enough.
IGNATIUS’ expression becomes combative. He slams a dossier down on BARTLET’S desk.
IGNATIUS
Open the file sir. In it you’ll find an array of evidence that points to the Congresswoman’s guilt.
ROCHON
(confidnetly)
Go ahead Mr. President, we have audio taped and photographed briberies for starters.
LEO is peeved as he stares down,ROCHON.
LEO
Watch your tone junior that’s the President of the United States you’re talking to.
BARTLET picks up the file. He examines the contents for a moment. LEO, TOBY, C.J., MANDY, SAM, and JOSH look on intently.
BARTLET
(to Ignatius)
How long can we expect you to keep this from the press?
IGNATIUS
Mr. President, we’re really at a crossroads here. You see we’re still examining, Mandy Hampton’s association with Senator Avanti.
(more)
IGNATIUS (continued)
With that on-going and the two assassinations we’re forced to hold a press conference detailing our findings.
SAM
We need to find a compromise before you simply sling this administration through the mud.
DANO
That’s what we were attempting yesterday Mr. Seaborn. We were a bit shocked by your lack of cooperation.
TOBY
Yesterday is done with. Let’s move in a direction that allows the FBI to communicate pertinent information regarding the case. While also allowing the White House to distance itself from the key players in your investigation.
ROCHON
Eloquent Mr. Ziegler, but I don’t see how that can be achieved.
LEO
That’s why, Mr. Ziegler, was addressing the Director of the FBI. Learn your Ps and Qs before you speak junior.
(he turns to IGNATIUS)
Mr. Ignatius I’m sure we can find a way to be fair.
IGNATIUS
At this point I’m inclined to proceed with a press conference that outlines our findings.
BARTLET
Does that mean your inclination is to drag me down by placing suspicion on an old romance that one of my consultants had with Avanti? While also adding to the fire my close dealings with Congresswoman Daniels.
LEO, TOBY, C.J., SAM, JOSH, ROCHON, DANO, and, BARTLET zone in on IGNATIUS.
IGNATIUS
That’s not my style at all sir. And whether you believe it or not, I’m not out to get you.
TOBY
That’s news to us.
IGNATIUS
Toby your cynicism is aggravating.
TOBY
Your numerous assaults on this administration are beyond aggravating.
BARTLET
Toby, not now.
TOBY
I understand, sir.
(beat)
You were saying, Alfred.
IGNATIUS
Right now the investigation into Mandy Hampton is far from complete. So at this point I see no reason to make mention of her in our press briefing. On the condition that Mr. Seaborn return the file he confiscated from the FBI yesterday.
SAM
Done.
IGNATIUS
And as far as your dealings with Congresswoman Daniels, we all know that was part of your job. I have no intention of even mentioning your name other than to say that you were briefed on the assassination and the ongoing investigation.
BARTLET
That’s unacceptable.
IGNATIUS
Excuse me.
BARTLET
I want the investigation into Mandy Hampton terminated immediately.
MANDY’S disillusioned posture is invigorated with the PRESIDENT’S remark.
IGNATIUS
I can’t do that.
BARTLET
You can and you will.
IGNATIUS
Mr. President with all due respect --
BARTLET, is done with this discussion.
BARTLET
-- I don’t want to hear another word. I want the focus on your investigation to be placed on the murdering bastards that are assassinating political figures in the nation’s capital. I want this over Alfred, now.
IGNATIUS
You’re asking for a lot.
BARTLET
I know, but right now I have a war to avoid in the middle east, so I need you to end the panic that has taken over this town.
LEO
For all intent and purposes this meeting is over. Thank you for your time.
DANO, IGNATIUS AND ROCHON follow CHARLIE and walk out of the oval office.
TOBY
C.J.’s on in five minutes, Mr. President.
BARTLET looks to C.J., wondering.
BARTLET
C.J., can you get us through this?
C.J.
With your diplomacy in handling the FBI, I have more control of the situation.
CHARLIE escorts an anxious FITZWALLACE and a stern ROLLINS into the oval office.
BARTLET
Admiral.
FITZWALLACE
Sir.
BARTLET
Commander.
ROLLINS
Mr. President.
FITZWALLACE
Sir approximately fifteen minutes ago the Iranian Air Force launched a simultaneous air raid which destroyed multiple oil fields in both Iraq and Kuwait. At the same moment of the air raids an American Airlines 747 en-route to Hawaii went down over the pacific.
BARTLET
My God.
ROLLINS
It doesn’t end there sir.
FITZWALLACE
Also at the same moment we have a report from London of a bombing of a pub in the center of Piccadilly Circus.
ROLLINS
As the Iranian bombers and fighters crossed over the 38th and 42nd parallels respectively - a joint strike force made-up of U.S. and British fighters was deployed. Several ensuing dog-fights took place.
BARTLET
Did we lose any aircraft?
ROLLINS
No sir. But three Iranian fighters dive bombed their planes into a densely populated area of Kuwait City.
FITZWALLACE
Sir we need to move into the situation room. My staff has wrangled together the French and the British personnel required to move forward with a quick and decisive response.
C.J.
Wish me luck.
BARTLET
You’ll do fine C.J.
CHARLIE
C.J., Carol just informed me that there is a Pentagon official waiting in your office to provide some more detailed information on this situation.
C.J.
Thanks Charlie.
C.J., exits the oval office, is followed by SAM and TOBY.
FADE TO BLACK:
END OF ACT III
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
INT. PRESS BRIEFING ROOM - DAY
C.J. is in the midst of a pack of ravenous reporters. Questions are being fired at her from all directions.
C.J.
(in a melancholy manner)
Ladies and gentlemen I have several areas to cover this morning so bear with me.
(C.J. takes a deep breath)
First let me preface this with my deepest sympathies for all of the victims of today’s violence. Early this morning, California Congresswoman Ivey Daniels fell victim to a car bombing outside her home. The FBI along with the D.C. police are conducting a thorough investigation into her assassination.
REPORTER #1
Has the FBI disclosed any possible leads as to who may have wanted the Congresswoman dead?
C.J.
No. And as I asked please bear with me before asking any questions. I have a lot to cover,. So please let me make a full statement before we get into it.
We hear the PRESS CORPS whispering to one another.
C.J. (continued)
We’ve received intelligence reports that indicate simultaneous acts of terrorism were inflicted in key areas around the world today. This morning at 7:10 AM eastern standard time, Iranian fighters entered Kuwaiti and Iraqi airspace and unleashed massive bombing raids on strategic oil fields in each
(more)
C.J. (continued)
country. United States and British fighters were deployed and as a result they were able to successfully knock down two Iranian fighters. Upon the strikes against the two Iranian fighters, three other Iranian fighters were able to divert the allied forces over Kuwaiti airspace where thereupon the three Iranian fighters dive-bombed their airplanes into heavily populated areas of Kuwait City. Also at 7:10 am eastern standard time an American Airlines 747 heading to Honolulu lost radio and radar contact with air traffic control over the pacific. Rescue teams have been ordered to the area in which the plane is believed to have gone down. As of yet there are no reports of survivors. At 7:12 AM a phone call made to the Israeli Embassy here in Washington, stated that Hamas the state run Iranian terrorist group assumed responsibility for the downing of the airliner. Finally at 7:10 AM eastern standard time, a pub in London was bombed. We do not have any reports on any casualties. Hamas claimed responsibility for this bombing as well. Clearly today marks the most aggressive acts of terrorism the world has ever seen. As a result the President and joint chiefs of staff are discussing all options.
DANNY
With the President’s withdrawal of the USS Nimitz from the Persian Gulf was the Navy ill prepared to react swiftly to the Iranians attack this morning?
C.J.
No.
DANNY
Could you please elaborate?
C.J.
All that I can add is the fact that the United States maintains a substantial fleet of naval vessels in the Gulf at all times. Which means that the U.S. is prepared to deal with acts of aggression in the region on an on-going basis. Next question.
REPORTER #2
Is the President prepared to declare war on Iran?
C.J.
With these terrorist acts that option has not been ruled out.
PRESS CORPS all are attempting to get a question in, they call out C.J.’s name in close unison.
REPORTER #2
Does the United States have the full support of their European and Middle Eastern allies?
C.J.
As we speak the British, French, Kuwaitis, Saudis, Israelis and Egyptians are working with the U.S. to bring about a joint effort that will swiftly punish the Iranians. My opinion is that several more nations will fall into our fold as information of these terrorist acts spreads throughout the world.
DANNY
Is there any other country or terrorist group that the U.S. believes is involved in today’s tragedies?
C.J.
Admiral Fitzwallace will be conducting a Pentagon briefing later this evening at which time questions of this nature can be more accurately answered.
REPORTER #3
Is there a connection between Congresswoman Daniel’s assassination and the slaying of the Mexican Senator?
C.J.
The FBI will be conducting their own press briefing regarding the assassinations.
DANNY
So is that a yes?
C.J.
No. That is the FBI will be conducting their own press briefing regarding the assassinations.
DANNY
That’s not even mildly evasive.
C.J.
Danny your experience on this beat should give you an upper hand on understanding how situations of this stature are handled. Right now it’s a matter of national security. You’ll have to wait for the Pentagon’s and FBI’s briefings. We’re done here today ladies and gentlemen.
INT. SITUATION ROOM - DAY
PRESIDENT BARTLET, sits at the head of the table, surrounded by LEO, FITZWALLACE, HOYNES, ROLLINS, SECRETARY OF STATE, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, and IRAN CONSULTANT PROFESSOR AMHET GUARAND and the CIA DIRECTOR.
BARTLET
Our options are minimal. So first I want to bring the Nimitz back into the Gulf. Second I want to proceed with full scale escalation of the region. Third I want to unleash ‘round the clock sorties on all of their military strongholds and terrorist training camps.
FITZWALLACE
Yes, sir. Mr. President.
BARTLET
I miscalculated their resolve. And now they’ve gravely mistaken mine.
GUARAND
Sir you are falling right into
(more)
GUARAND (continued)
their tightly woven trap. They’re betting on the U.S. committing to ground forces.
BARTLET
I didn’t mention anything about ground forces.
GUARRAND
You didn’t have to sir. With Bush’s failure to invade Baghdad and unseat Saddam Hussein back in 1991 - the Iranians are betting on ground troops. Whereby they can unleash a calculated strike of chemical and biological warfare on our forces.
FITZWALLACE
Professor you make an incredible leap in assuming that we would offhandedly send our boys into harm’s way.
ROLLINS
Our intelligence has pinpointed to the centimeter several of the Iranians chemical and biological weapons plants. These locations will be among the first outposts to be destroyed.
PROFESSOR
And what about the ones that you know nothing about?
BARTLET
Professor we thank you for your insight on these issues, but at this time I am going to have to ask you to leave. We’re falling off track here.
PROFESSOR
Mr. President I’m just trying to shed some light.
BARTLET
We want to stay on course with our goals in this crisis, so I’m not going to ask you again.
GUARRAND stands up, places his files into his brief case and walks out.
FITZWALLACE
Thank you sir.
CUT TO:
EXT. EST. WATERGATE HOTEL - DAY
INT. WATERGATE HOTEL ELEVATOR - DAY
DANO, ROCHON, FBI MAN #1, FBI MAN #2, FBI MAN #3, DC COP #1, DC COP #2, DC COP #3, DC COP #4, and DC COP #5 who dressed as a waiter and is pushing a room service cart - exit the elevator.
INT. WATERGATE HOTEL HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
They head down the hallway. Their gait is forceful. They slow-up midway down the hall. DC COP #5 rolls the cart up to the door of suite 925.
DANO, ROCHON, FBI MAN #1, FBI MAN #2, FBI MAN #3, DC COP #1, DC COP #2, DC COP #3 and DC COP #4, hide to the sides of door 925.
DC COP #5 wraps his knuckles on the door a few times. He waits patiently.
V.O. from inside the room Yeah?
DC COP #5
Room service.
V.O. from inside the room Hold on.
We hear the door-knob turn as the door opens. ASIAN MAN #1, dressed in a white bathrobe stands at the foot of the door.
ASIAN MAN #1
Bring it in.
DC COP #5
Certainly sir.
ASIAN MAN #1 turns and walks back into the suite. DC COP #5 follows and rolls the cart behind him. In an instant DC COP #5 whips a pistol from his jacket pocket.
INT. SUITE 925 WATERGATE HOTEL - CONTINUOUS
DC COP #5
I want you down on the floor now.
DANO, ROCHON, FBI MAN #1, FBI MAN #2, FBI MAN #3, DC COP #1, DC COP #2, DC COP #3 and DC COP #4 burst into the room with their weapons drawn.
ASIAN MAN #1 turns slowly around from his left side.
ASIAN MAN #1
You’re gone.
At break neck speed ASIAN MAN #1 lashes out with a .45 caliber pistol in his right hand, trained on DC COP #5.
DANO pumps him with four shots in a flash. ASIAN MAN #1 crumbles to the floor.
Two ASIAN WHORES, covered only in their bras and thongs, emerge from the bedroom. They’re both screaming.
ASIAN WHORE #1 ASIAN WHORE #2
Don’t shoot! Don’t shoot! Don’t Shoot! Don’t Shoot!
DC COP #2, DC COP #3 and DC COP #4 scurry the ASIAN WHORES out of the suite.
Dressed in a hotel robe, ASIAN MAN #2 spurts from the living room, donning a small pistol.
DANO
Drop it now!
ASIAN MAN # 2 hesitates.
DANO
(pissed off)
I said drop it.
ASIAN MAN #2 complies and drops the weapon.
DANO, DC COP #3, and DC COP #4 move in on ASIAN MAN #2.
DC COP #5, ROCHON, FBI MAN #1, FBI MAN #2, FBI MAN #3, and DC COP #1 enter the bedroom that the ASIAN WHORES sprang from.
INT. BEDROOM WATERGATE HOTEL SUITE 925 - CONTINUOUS
DC COP #5 moves in quickly on ASIAN MAN #3 who is standing stoically on the bed with his hands in the air.
DC COP #5
Get down on the floor and don’t move.
ASIAN MAN #3 doesn’t immediately listen. ROCHON bulls toward ASIAN MAN #3. He grabs him and flings him to the floor.
DC COP 5 quickly handcuffs ASIAN MAN #3.
CUT TO:
INT. COMMUNICATIONS BULLPEN - DAY
SAM leans up against a desk, he’s mulling through the latest press wire. TOBY marshals his way toward him.
TOBY
The President just got off the phone with Ignatius. The FBI has successfully taken down Congresswoman Daniel’s assassins.
SAM
That’s good news, but I’m not sure how much it helps the President.
TOBY
Why?
SAM
The latest CNBC poll shows that five out of every ten Americans feel the President’s waffling in the Persian Gulf gave the Iranians the confidence necessary to move forward with such belligerence.
TOBY
There’s always a margin of error that can skew out of our favor when the message is not on track. The President has to address the American people and reassure them that he’s in total control.
SAM
Have you discussed this with him?
TOBY
Yes and he wants you to begin preparing his speech. The tone has to be brave and conclusive.
CUT TO:
INT. PRESIDENTIAL REISDENCE - NIGHT
BARTLET in his pajamas, is standing at the foot of his bed. He is holding several pieces of paper which he glances toward as he rehearses his speech.
BARTLET
Our efforts to obtain Iran’s compliance with the resolutions adopted by the United Nations Security Council have been nullified with Iran’s recent reign of terror. We as a nation that has the power to guide peace throughout the world are faced with a set choices that can --
INT. PRESIDENTIAL REISDENCE HALLWAY - NIGHT
Continue with a V.O. of BARTLET. ABBY, has just arrived. She stands outside the bedroom and listens to her husband as he goes through his toughest speech ever.
BARTLET (continuous)
-- influence the balance of power in the middle east for many years to come. In order to make those choices we as a nation must unite as we commit forces to the region. A multinational Maritime Interception Force is currently in operation. The U.S. Navy is the single largest component of the Maritime Interception Force, it is --
Continue with a V.O. of BARTLET, as ABBY enters the room.
BARTLET (continuous)
-- augmented by ships, aircraft, and other support from England, France, Kuwait
BARTLET looks to ABBY.
ABBY
Hi.
BARTLET
Hi.
ABBEY
I’ve been out here listening.
BARTLET
So what do you think?
ABBY
It’s not coming from your heart.
BARTLET a little surprised sits down on the bed, and looks to his wife for more.
BARTLET
Tell me what you mean.
ABBY approaches the bed and sits down next to her husband.
ABBY
Jed the American people are scared they need to be reassured. They don’t need to be fed canned statements on the apparatus that makes up the American military.
BARTLET
You as a concerned American want to know that I’m going to make the best decisions to protect this country’s freedoms both at home and abroad?
ABBY
Exactly. It has to come from you. The man the American people elected to be President of their country.
BARTLET
So you think I should write this myself?
ABBY
Jed you have to convey a message that will make this country feel safe from foreign aggression without sounding like an old World War II General.
BARTLET
This is the most trying time.
ABBY
No Jed, this is the Presidency.
ABBY reaches over to BARTLET, they embrace and engage in a deep kiss.
CUT TO:
INT. OVAL OFFICE - MORNING
BARTLET is seated behind his desk. His fists hold up his head, he looks down and reads the speech that is resting on his desk.
LEO is seated across from him. His expression illustrates a great deal of concern. This is definitely an Oval Office, KODAK MOMENT.
LEO
Are you almost ready sir?
BARTLET looks up. He looks back down quickly.
BARTLET
After spending the last nine hours with this I’m getting close.
LEO
Sir.
BARTLET looks up again.
BARTLET
Yes, Leo.
LEO
Sir, you and I, we go back a long way.
BARTLET
Yes we do, Leo.
LEO
I just want you to know that there is truly nobody that I can think of not even a single historical figure,
(more)
LEO (continued)
who I would rather have behind that desk than you - at this most critical moment in the journey of this great nation.
BARTLET is touched by his most trusted friend’s comment.
BARTLET
Thank you Leo. I hope the American people have, but just a fraction of your sentiments.
CUT TO:
INT. PRESS BRIEFING ROOM - MORNING
C.J. stands at the podium. FITZWALLACE, ROLLINS, and HOYNES stand to the left of her.
C.J.
Ladies and Gentlemen the President of the United States of America.
C.J. move to the right of HOYNES.
BARTLET enters the briefing room. He confidently approaches the podium. He pulls his speech from his coat pocket and places it on the podium.
BARTLET
Good morning, my fellow citizens. Yesterday, February 14, 2000 - a date that once again will live in infamy, the world as we know it was suddenly and deliberately attacked by terrorist and military forces of the country of Iran. This combative strike constitutes an explicit threat to peace and security throughout the --
V.O. of BARTLET continuous as we CUT TO:
INT. TOBY’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
TOBY and SAM, both stand over TOBY’S desk and look to the television, watching BARTLET deliver his speech.
SAM
He went in a completely different direction.
TOBY
He did exactly what he needed to do.
CUT TO:
BARTLET, standing over the podium.
BARTLET (continuous)
-- world. This act also contradicts the repeated assurances by Iran, both publicly and privately delivered, that it was their intention to move toward peace and economic expansion throughout the Persian Gulf. The United States was at peace with this nation at the moment of this unprovoked aggression. The attacks yesterday in Iraq, Kuwait, on the American Airlines jet over the Pacific, and in downtown London, have caused severe loss of life and have infringed upon the balance of power throughout the Middle East. With Iran undertaking this surprise offensive in such a synchronized and masterfully planned fashion, the facts of yesterday speak for themselves. I believe that the people of the United States have --
V.O. of BARTLET continuous as we CUT TO:
INT. LEO’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
LEO is seated at his desk watching BARTLET deliver.
He waits on every word with great anticipation.
LEO
(to himself)
You’re doing it.
CUT TO:
BARTLET, standing over the podium.
BARTLET (continuous)
-- already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation as well as the security of the nations of our closest allies. As Commander-In- Chief of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense of this rogue nation. Neither the United States of America or the world can tolerate deliberate deception and offensive strikes on the part of any nation, large or small. Always will we remember the character of the --
V.O. of BARTLET continuous as we CUT TO:
INT. PRESIDENTIAL REISDENCE - CONTINUOUS
ABBY still in her bathrobe with her arms folded as she clenches a cup of coffee.
She stands watching her husband emote from the podium.
C.U. on ABBY as tears flow from her eyes.
BARTLET (continuous)
-- onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will overcome this adversary with no less than absolute victory. The long-known and the long-expected has taken place. The forces endeavoring to enslave the entire world are now encroaching upon this hemisphere. Never before has there been a greater challenge to life, liberty and civilization, with weapons of mass destruction in the hands of such murderous leaders of nefarious nations. As hostilities exist, there can be no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and
(more)
BARTLET (continued)
our interests are in grave danger. Therefore, I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Iran yesterday, a state of war now exists between the United States of America and Iran.
FINAL FADE:
END OF SHOW