The Presidency

THE WEST WING

"The Presidency"

by

David M. Tetreault

A Pre 9-11 Viewpoint

THE WEST WING

"The Presidency"

TEASER

FADE IN:

INT. LOCAL GEORGETOWN WATERING HOLE - EVENING

Behind an expansive bar, several bar-tenders work incomplete harmony their cadence is almost electric. Theypour, mix and chat at a frenetic pace.

Waitresses speedily move in and out of their stationspicking up and delivering drinks to the loyal patrons ofthis 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 thatoffers them a bird’s eye view of the entire tavern. Theyreceive occasional waves and gestures of "hello" from thecrowd.

Off JOSH’s wave back to a rather portly GENTLEMEN dressedin a dark tailored suit.

JOSHI can’t stand that guy.

C.J.Why?

JOSHYou need to ask. Come onC.J. he guaranteed us his voteon the Red Wood Conservationbill and then at the eleventhhour he changed his mind.

SAMHe ended up the final vote thatkilled the bill dead in its tracks.

TOBYJosh, since when do you consider aguarantee from a congressmen alock on any bill?

MANDYJosh is a true democrat. Healways sees the good in humannature before the bad.

They share a giggle.

C.J.More like a hopeless romantic.

Now there is laughter.

JOSHYou guys will never understand.There has to be a point when aman’s word is enough.

TOBYJust exactly what era are youstuck in?

Before JOSH has the opportunity to answer, a man approachestheir booth. He’s tall, dark and handsome. This is JUANCARLOS 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.

MANDYI’m running with the bulls

(motions to her party at the table)and I haven’t slipped up yet.

JUAN CARLOSExcellent.

MANDY(looking in TOBY’s direction)

Juan Carlos this is Toby Ziegler,White House Communications Director.

Juan Carlos and TOBY shake hands.

TOBYPleased to meet you.

MANDY(looking in C.J.’s direction)

And this is White House PressSecretary, C.J. Cregg.

C.J. motions to shake his hand, but this Latin Lover turnsthe tables and gently kisses her hand. C.J. blushesslightly and slowly pulls her hand away.

JUAN CARLOSIt is such a pleasure to meetyou, C.J.

C.J.The pleasure is all mine.

JOSH puts out his hand. They shake hands.

JOSHJosh Lymann Deputy Chief ofStaff.

JUAN CARLOSGood to meet you.

SAM puts out his hand. They shake hands.

SAM(in an lazy-ass manner)

Sam Seaborn.

MANDYSam is our Deputy CommunicationsDirector.

JUAN CARLOSI guess you really are runningwith the bulls, Mandy.

MANDYWell. So everybody Juan Carlosis a Senator from the Mexican

State of Oaxaca. We met inGraduate School.

C.J.I’m impressed. So what bringsyou to Washington?

JUAN CARLOSI have several items on the agenda.Everything from trade to the waron drogas.

TOBYPlease sit down with us for a drink,Senator.

JUAN CARLOSI’ll have to take a rain-check onthat. I have some people waitingfor 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 togetherin the near future.

MANDY reaches for her purse.

MANDYWait just a second, Juan.

MANDY digs into her purse and pulls out her business cardholder. She pulls a card and hands it to JUAN CARLOS.

MANDYMake sure that you call for thatrain check.

JUAN CARLOSOh, I will. You can count on it.

JUAN CARLOS walks off. We follow him to a table at theback of the bar.

He sits down with three other well dressed LATINBUSINESSMEN.

SAMSo Mandy tell us about your friend.

MANDYLike I said we met in Grad. School.He was pretty opinionated in the

classroom. He played on the soccerteam. Oh, and he comes from a powerfuland influential family

SAMThat’s all great stuff, but Iwant to know if you were dating him.

C.J.Yeah!

MANDYWhat is this Sam and C.J.’s personalsecurity clearance?

JOSHNo actually it’s mine. They’reworking on my behalf. So spill

your guts babe.

MANDYLet’s just say we were an itemat one time.

C.J.Details. We need the details.Please be as colorful as possible.

SAMAnd we do mean COLORFUL!

CUTTO:

EXT. LOCAL GEORGETOWN WATERING HOLE - EVENING

A black Lincoln Town car slowly comes to a stop in front ofthe bar. It idles momentarily. The windows are tinted tothe MAX. We cannot see in.

The two rear doors pop open and TWO EARLY THIRTIES ASIANMEN exit the car.

They walk quickly toward the entrance of the bar. Thedriver remains in the car with the engine running.

CUTTO:

INT. LOCAL GEORGETOWN WATERING HOLE - EVENING

JUAN CARLOS is holding court at his table. A waitress setsdown a Tequila shooter and Juan Carlos downs it in aninstant.

JUAN CARLOSI hit a monster drive. So I’m lyingone on the longest par four you’llever see. I’m about 110 to the green.

LATIN BUSINESSMAN #1So you’re feeling great now.

JUAN CARLOS(BEAMING)

Yeah. So the caddie hands me my sandwedge and he says to me put a littlespin on it and hit as high as you can.So I say to myself birdie time andI hit that ball the sweetest ever.

The two ASIAN’S approach JUAN’S table. They pull out theirguns.

JUAN CARLOS is stunned by this intrusion.

CUTTO:

MANDY has a terrified look on her face. JOSH sees herexpression and he looks over at JUAN’S table.

CUTTO:

ASIAN MAN #1(in Cantonese)

You don’t steal from us.

The two stone cold Asians shoot JUAN CARLOS up as he fallsto the floor like a rag doll.

The patrons dive for cover. We hear screaming as peopletake cover under the tables, and over the bar.

The wait staff and bartenders scamper recklessly for anycover that will protect them from this violent invasion.

CUTTO:

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 herunder the table. TOBY and C.J. dive for cover.

CUTTO:

The two Asians move like jack rabbits and bolt toward theexit of the saloon. They are tailed by FBI MAN #1.

FBI MAN #1 takes a shot and hits ASIAN MAN #2, in theshoulder. 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 firingbut 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 speedsaround the corner.

He looks like he did not have a good night’s sleep. Hishair is slightly out of place and his suit appears to needa good pressing.

LEOJosh thank God you guys areall right.

JOSHI’ve never been so scared in mylife. The way the whole thing wentdown - I can just rememberthinking I was in a dream.Everything was as if it was onauto-pilot.

LEOHow are the rest of themholding up?

JOSHMandy’s a wreck. She dated theguy who was killed back when she

was in college.

LEOWhat? This is going to be a P.R.nightmare. I was just briefedby the FBI on this Mexican Senator.He was corrupt as they come.He was working with a SouthernCalifornia contingent of theMexican Mafia.

JOSHWhat was he into?

LEODrug smuggling, illegal immigranttransportation into "The States," -he bled illegals dry, charging fifteengrand on average for entrance intothe U.S.

DONNAI can just see it now. The front pageof the POST. White House aide involvedin a tumultuous fling with one of theFBI’s most wanted internationalpolitical figures.

JOSHA bit wordy for a headline, butthat’s about the crux of it.

LEOWe need a meeting immediately. Donnaget everybody together. My office,five minutes. I don’t want any ofyou speaking with the FBI, until afterwe discuss this situation further.

JOSHThere’s more going on than just this.Wall Street is tanking again forthe eighth straight day.

LEOOne fire at a time, Josh. Oneat a time.

CUTTO:

INT. OVAL OFFICE - MORNING

BARTLET is seated behind his desk. His chair is facedbackward, all that we see of BARTLET is the back of hishead. He is on the telephone.

CHARLIE stands next to his desk taking notes.

BARTLET(on the phone)

That’s not true Franklin and youknow it. When are you and your boysgoing to take some responsibilityfor your actions?

There is a pause as BARTLET listens.


You guys have been driving thismarket to stratospheric levelsfor the last five years. And allof you knew that the dot-coms weregoing to implode. Now you’retaking everything down with them.

There is a pause as BARTLET listens. CHARLIE listensintently as he jots down notes.

BARTLET(on the phone, louder, losinghis patience)

Whose holding the bag, Franklin? Who?



No Franklin you’re wrong. It’sthe little guy. The individualinvestor with all the hype pumpedinto day trading. Come on youknow better than that. Somethinghas to be done to bring liquidityback to the market.



Look I am forming an emergencyadvisory board I need to know

that I can count you as a key member.



No, nothing like that. Therewill only be five members. I needyou here tomorrow at 10:00AM.


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 aphone in hand.

BARTLETI need Robby Durden at GoldmanSachs 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.

LEOThings have now notched uptenfold in the last five minutes,

ladies and gentlemen.

TOBYHow?

LEOWell I thought things were badenough dealing with the FBI onthis. But now we have the CIAwanting to speak with each one ofyou. The assassinated Senator wasworking very closely with one ofour congressmen from California.

TOBYIn what capacity?

LEODrug traffic for starters. Thetrail begins in Columbia throughPanama, Mexico and into San Diego.Same trail new players. But ourcongressmen was facilitating cash,

(more)LEO (continued)

weapons and military training tothe drug lords. Juan Carlos was thecongressmen’s liaison to the drugcartels.

SAMWho’s the congressman?

LEOGood question. But you know theCIA, they’re not giving up any of thedetails. So our first item onthe agenda is Mandy and Juan Carlos.Mandy tell us about your involvementwith Mr. Avanti.

MANDY(shaky, holding back the tears)

We met in Grad School.

C.J.And?

MANDYWe were attracted to each otherand we started dating.

LEOFor how long?

MANDYFor the rest of the year. We startedto get pretty serious. That summerI took a trip with him and hisfamily to Mexico City.

SAMThis was more serious than Ithought.

TOBYSo what happened?

MANDYDuring my stay in Mexico Cityhe left me alone with his familynight after night. I realizedhis idea of a relationship wasnothing like mine so...I jumped on a plane and went home.He tried to patch things up but Ididn’t want to have anything to dowith him after that.

LEOWhen was the last time you spokewith or saw him? Prior to last night.

MANDYI don’t know exactly. At a fundraiser for NAFTA. I think.

LEOWhat do you mean, you don’t know?Please don’t tell me you were involvedwith him recently.

MANDYNo.

JOSHWe need all of your cooperationnow. When was the last time youspoke, saw or met with Juan CarlosAvanti.

MANDYAt a party that followed the NAFTAfund raiser I attended two weeks ago.Look, I never thought he could beinvolved in anything like this.

SAMOf course you didn’t. But that’snot what we need. We have to protectthe President from any potentialfall-out from your association withan international thug.

MANDYHe was a rich kid who had his shareand more of a privileged life. Hewas an exceptional student and athlete.I was attracted to him severalyears ago. End of story.

C.J.The way we play this when it leaks,is to offer up full disclosure. Itmay not be quite as bad as we assumed.

SAMAnd with the FBI and CIA?

C.J.That’s LEO’s turf.

LEOMandy when they question you -no I should re-phrase that. Whenthey grill you. Your answers areto be yes and no. I don’t want yougiving up anything that could bemisconstrued.

SAMYou’ll only slightly cooperate.

LEOFirst they’ll want to get to thebottom of the assassination.Second they’ll want to know if thereis any underlying connection betweenthe dead Senator and the White House.

JOSHIf they sense that they can damage thePresident through your associationwith Juan Carlos, they will go afteryou and try to break you any waythey see fit.

MANDY(slightly crying)

God that’s the last thing I wantto have happen. I had no idea, none.

I’ll do everything I can to protectthe President and this administration.

LEOMandy all of us are here to protectyou and the President. You’re in

good hands.

MANDYThanks.

C.J.The key is to be as truthful as youcan without elaborating.

JOSHKeep it short, simple and to the point.Don’t give them an ounce more thanthey ask for.

INT. SITUATION ROOM - DAY

PRESIDENT BARTLET sits at the head of the table, he isflanked by ADMIRAL FITZWALLACE, VICE PRESIDENT JOHN HOYNES,UNITED STATES AIR FORCE COMMANDER JACK ROLLINS, SECRETARYOF STATE, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, IRAN CONSULTANT PROFESSORAMHET GUARAND, and the CIA DIRECTOR.

ADMIRAL FITZWALLACE stands up and approaches the map board.The map outlines the Middle East and centers around thePersian Gulf.

Red X markings, and red ship symbols are strategicallyaligned on the map, along with green X markings and greenship symbols.

LEO, bursts into the room, looking a little bit worse asthe day has progressed. His clothes are frumpier, his hairmore disheveled and his eyes slightly closing, appearingsomewhat smaller.

BARTLETLeo so glad you could make it.

LEOJust moving from one disaster toanother, sir.

BARTLETFor the love of country, Leo.

FITZWALLACE(using a pointer zeroed in on the red

Xs)Right here is where we forecast theeminent threat. As you can see gentlementhe Iranians have significantly increasedthe number of Subs and Destroyers intheir fleet.

ROLLINSNo thanks to the Russians’ fire sale oftheir post cold war military machine.

CIA DIRECTORAdd to their fleet build up - theChinese Cruise Missiles that arehoused on their Destroyers. TheseMissiles have over-the-horizon-radar capability giving the Missilesa 65 mile range.

ROLLINSOpposed to the less expensive 25 milerange Missiles they’ve used in the past.This now adds a new threat to our AlliedForces throughout the region.

SECRETARY OF STATENow Admiral is it just the geographicimplications that we should beconcerned with? Or is their alarger powder keg that’s ready toignite?

FITZWALLACEYes and yes. The primary concernis the stress that their fleet puts onthe cohesive flow in and out of theGulf. If they take out one tankerand disrupt this flow - the effects onthe financial markets could bedevastating as oil prices go throughthe roof.

BARTLETAnd with the current condition of themarkets that’s the last thing we need.

HOYNESTroop movement?

AIR FORCE COMMANDER, JACK ROLLINS, stands up and crossesover to FITZWALLACE.

ROLLINSOur A-WACS have picked up movementalong the three strategic borders thatsurround Iran.

(he points to the map)(more)

ROLLINS (continued)Here along the southeastern Iraqi borderthen here along the northern Kuwaitiborder and finally the southwesternPakistani border. This positioningof ground forces clearly signalsaggressive action.

PROF. GUARANDIran’s justification for thesemilitary maneuvers lies in theircriticism of the United Statesorder of the USS Nimitz into thePersian Gulf.

LEOThis act of aggression for the U.S.deploying one aircraft carrier intothe Gulf?

PROF. GURANDMr. McGarry, please take the entirepicture into account. The U.Smaintains twenty five combat and supportships in the Gulf at all times. Nowcouple that with the mother of allaircraft carriers entering thisalready tense environment - it onlyadds fuel to the fire.

LEOProfessor, with all due respect theorder of the Nimitz into the regionwas not some simple indiscriminatecommand. It was in response to theIranian jets that raided two Iraqibases that supposedly housed theIranian opposition group theMujhadeen Khalq. Our order ofthe Nimitz was to maintain peacein the region.

PROF. GUARANDThe Iranians see this as the U.S.attempting to create a crisis inthe region thereby enabling the saleof billions of dollars of U.S. weaponsto Arab countries throughout theregion.

FITZWALLACEThat’s a simplistic deduction.

PROF. GUARANDAdmiral, let me tell you somethingit’s not a deduction. It’s reality.I deeply understand the psychologyof the Iranian’s military device.Their view is that the U.S. wantsinstability throughout the worldwhich allows for the proliferationof American weapons on a global scale.

BARTLETSo Professor is it your belief thatif we move the Nimitz out of theregion we have the opportunityto avoid conflict.

PROF. GUARANDYes. And while avoiding conflictthe United States also brings about theopportunity for the Iranians to pullback their troops from the borders inquestion.

ROLLINSThat’s an extremely optimisticview, Professor. What about theirsubmarines and their Naval occupationof the Gulf?

FITZWALLACEProfessor with their build up, myship’s not budging from the Gulf.

BARTLET throws a look that can kill into FITZWALLACE’Sdirection.

BARTLETAdmiral, I suggest that youre-phrase that comment immediately.

FITZWALLACESir, it is my firm recommendationthat the U.S. escalate their presencein the Gulf effective immediately.We have the resources from our basein Bahrain to deploy several cruisers,

(more)

FITZWALLACE (continued)destroyers, frigates and ballisticsubmarines right now. All thatI need is your order, sir.

ROLLINSWe cannot afford to allow Iran togain influence in the region. Itis clear that Iran has contingencyplans to restrict maritime passagethroughout the Gulf for the purpose ofintimidating the surrounding countriesand the world-oil-importing-community.

FITZWALLACEGentlemen, we can not afford toback down at this point. Allthey are looking for is one signof weakness.

PROF. GUARANDIf you want to be the President togo down in history for kindlingWorld War III, go ahead and givethe order. If you are lookingfor a way to alleviate a disastrousconflict, then order the Nimitzout of the Persian Gulf and intothe Gulf of Oman.

ROLLINSSir, that maneuver destroys everyiota of our credibility in theregion. It dramatically weakensour presence, while putting thelives of our military personnelin harms way.

HOYNESJust the mere threat, direct orimplied by the Iranians labelstheir attempt to gain power inthe Gulf. I agree with CommanderRollins and Admiral Fitzwallace ifwe waffle at this point, we riskthe danger of losing all of ourcredibility in the region.

BARTLET gets up from his chair, he motions to FITZWALLACE,who hands him the pointer and sits down. BARTLET pointingto the Red Xs on the map.

BARTLETWe know that the Iranians havenuclear capability.

(he points to the Pakistani border)We know that the Pakistanis havenuclear 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 tomove the Nimitz into the Gulf of Oman.

PROF. GUARANDGentlemen, the Gulf of Oman willcontinue as a strategic location forthe Nimitz while allowing for analleviation of a potential spark to afull-fledged war. This is not so hardto understand.

FITZWALLACEPardon me Professor, but you havenever served in the United Statesmilitary. And without that experienceI don’t think you’re one hundred percentqualified to suggest how hard or howeasy something of this magnitude isto understand. I have thousands ofmen that are counting on my leadershipin a crisis such as this.

BARTLETTAdmiral, I don’t see the Gulf of Omanas losing any critical foothold inthe region. This is a purely psychologicalplay on our part. By using the Gulfof Oman we don’t entirely buckle.We make a gesture that puts theball in their court. If they somuch as move another inch furthertowards any of these borders or if anymaneuvers of their Naval operationsappear slightly aggressive - I willorder a full occupation of the Gulflike they’ve never seen before.

FITZWALLACEMr. President, I don’t feel that I’vecompletely made my case.

BARTLETAdmiral, are you suggesting thatI’m unable to decipher your statementsregarding this crisis?

FITZWALLACENo sir. I’m suggesting that I failedto fully explain the damage to moralea maneuver such as this places on theUnited States military patrolling theGulf at this time.

BARTLETI’ve made my decision.

FITZWALLACESir. To simply acquiesce at this timeand pull the carrier out of the Gulf--

BARTLET is fuming. He cannot believe that he is beingchallenged. He stops FITZWALLACE at mid sentence.

BARTLETAdmiral, I’ve made my decision. Getthat carrier on its way to the Gulf ofOman immediately. Any stalling with myorder - will be viewed upon as an act oftreason and will be punished to the fullextent of the law. Have I made myselfentirely clear, Admiral?

FITZWALLACE(a look of disgust has overtaken his

face)Entirely clear, sir.

BARTLETGood. Gentlemen I hope we allpray 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 notepad in hand.

CHARLIEI’ll see to it that Senator Buchanan,and Congresswoman Daniels and theirspouses are seated at your tablethis evening.

BARTLETDid Abbey mention to you her T.O.A.tonight?

CHARLIEHer plane arrives at 6:00PM. Iexpect her at the White House by6:45PM. She’ll have roughly thirtyminutes to get ready.

BARTLETWe’re expected at 7:45PM for anentrance at 8:00PM?

CHARLIEThat’s correct.

LEO enters, he appears wiped out. His suit and hair arefurther disheveled.

BARTLETThank you Charlie.

Charlie exits.

BARTLETLeo, you look like you’ve beenthrough the trenches today.

LEOThank you, sir. Since we’ve had


such a productive day, I haven’t hadthe chance to lay this one on you.

BARTLETSo lay it on me now.

LEOOkay. Earlier this morning we werebriefed on the assassination of theSenator from Mexico?

BARTLETYes.

LEOThis Mexican Senator and Mandy hada relationship several years agowhen they were in college.

BARTLETWonderful.

LEOIt gets more complicated. Thebar where this execution took place.Sam, C.J., Josh, Toby and Mandy - theywere there last night. When the hittook place.

BARTLETMore and more complicated. Thank Godthey’re all right.

LEOAt this moment Mandy is beinginterrogated by the FBI. Theywant to know every detail about herassociation with the dirty Senator.

BARTLETAnd how it may relate to my Presidency?

LEOPrecisely, sir.

BARTLETIt’s times like this I countmy lucky stars that you’re in mycorner, Leo.

LEOThank you, sir.

BARTLETI take it that you’ve preppedher for this and that this

will go away by this evening.

LEO not totally sure of himself.

LEOYes, sir.

CUTTO

INT. MURAL ROOM -DAY

The Mural Room has been set up as a make-shiftinterrogation room for the FBI’S questioning of, MANDY.

SAM sits to the right of MANDY, on the couch facing FBIAGENT TED ROCHON, and FBI AGENT SKYLAR DANO. JOSH sits tothe 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. Hishands are firmly folded. He looks deeply into MANDY’S eyesand locks on with an intimidating stare.

FBI AGENT DANO sits calmly back into the couch with herlegs crossed. She throws a tightlipped smile in MANDY’Sdirection.

DANOMiss Hampton, are you comfortable?

SAMPlease!

JOSHSam.

MANDYI’m fine.

DANOGood. So let’s get started. Firstwe want to reassure you that we’renot on a fishing expedition. Ouraim to fill in a few gaps.

ROCHONOur goal is to gain further clarification.So as you know Miss Hampton, SenatorAvanti was corrupt?

SAMDon’t answer that Mandy.

DANOMr. Seaborn?

JOSHRight off the bat you’re implyingthat Mandy had prior knowledge toSenator Avanti’s illegal activities.

DANOAt this time Miss Hampton, are youaware of Senator Avanti’s illegaldealings in Mexico and also withinthe United States?

MANDYYes, but not to-

SAM, cuts her off like a bat out of hell.

SAMYou answered the question.

ROCHON pulls out a large envelope and places it on thecoffee table.

DANOWe’re perplexed by your connectionto the dead Senator. Can you tellus how you came to form a relationshipwith the man?

MANDYWe came into contact in Graduate School.

ROCHONAt the time the two of you first met -you were working on your Masters orwas it your Phd?

MANDY is taken aback by ROCHON’S intimate knowledge of herpast. SAM’S face tightens.

MANDYMy Phd.

DANOHow well did you get to know oneanother?

MANDYI’m not sure what you’re asking.

ROCHON bites in hard.

ROCHONWe’re the two of you engaged in asexual relationship?

SAMThat’s irrelevant. Where the hellare you going with this Agent Rochon?

ROCHONI’ll show you where I’m going.

ROCHON abruptly lifts the envelope and pulls a thick stackof (eight and half by eleven) photos out of it. He setstwo of the photos on the table.

Photo #1, on a beach, shows MANDY on her stomach without atop on while JUAN CARLOS kisses her neck.

Photo #2, same beach, shows JUAN CARLOS on top of a toplessMANDY, the two are engaged in a passionate kiss.

ROCHONOur curiosity was peaked immenselywhen you came on as a consultant atthe White House.

JOSHThe pictures and your curiositydon’t prove a damn thing. The twoof you had better get to the pointsoon or this is over.

DANOThat would be a miscalculationon your part Mr. Lymann. Wewouldn’t want to be forced toarrest Miss Hampton for obstructingjustice.

ROCHONOur intention today is to findclarification

(he lifts the photos)on these and a few other minordetails.

MANDYWe were involved on and off forabout a year.

ROCHONDid you ever provide strategicpolitical advice to Mr. Avanti?

MANDYProfessionally?

ROCHONYes. Professionally. Were youever paid by him?

MANDYNo!

DANODid you ever provide pro-bonostrategic political advice toMr. Avanti?

MANDYThere was never any type of authorizedarrangement. I did express my views tohim as students do exchange ideas.

ROCHONA Phd candidate is a far cry from someGEN-X kid earning his B.A. Your views,ideas, and opinions were definitely topquality.

DANOWith that said Miss Hampton, dobelieve that any of the ideas thatyou expressed or shared with Mr.Avanti helped to propel his rapidascent in the political arena of Mexico?

MANDYNo!

ROCHON pulls a leather bound document from a thin, blackvalise. He hands the document to MANDY.

DANOGo ahead Miss Hampton read it.

MANDY reads it. A terrified look covers her face. SAMlooks over her shoulder and briefly reads some of the firstpage’s contents. SAM clenches his jaw.

SAMThis appears to be a paper thatMandy wrote while she was in college.What’s your question?

ROCHONThe topic of the paper and why Mr.Avanti had a copy of it in hispossession?

JOSH leans over and reads the document for a moment.

DANOThat paper was a very important lookinto the power of the Prix Party whichhas ruled Mexico for decades.

JOSHYour assumptions are worthless.They don’t pass the giggle test.

ROCHONThe paper provided strategic positioningfor candidates presenting theirplatforms while delivering anexhaustive look into how to monopolize themedia for political gain.

MANDYThe paper was based on historicaldata that focused on Mexican politics.It offers nothing that could be viewedas political strategy.

JOSHWe know exactly what you’re up to?And if you want a fight on your handsyou’ve got one.

ROCHONDon’t tempt us Mr. Lymann. MissHampton is treading in some veryserious waters.

JOSHMandy Hampton hasn’t done anythingillegal and you both know it. It’sclear that it’s the administration you’reafter. So like I said bring it on orleave the White House immediately.

DANOWe have enough to begin a thoroughinvestigation of Miss Hampton and thisentire White House staff. So my adviceto Miss Hampton is to come clean now.Thus saving the White House from theembarrassment of another investigation.

SAMLike Mr. Lymann said, leave theWhite House now.

ROCHON begins packing up the photos. He reaches for thedocument that MANDY is holding. She’s reluctant formoment, then she releases it.

SAM grabs the photos from ROCHON’S hands. ROCHON isfuming.

He gets in SAM’S face. SAM pushes his chest into ROCHON’Schest. ROCHON is stunned by SAM’S actions.

ROCHONThose photos are property of theUnited States Federal Government.

SAM turns away and begins walking out of the room. MANDYand JOSH follow suit.

SAMSue me.

CUTTO:

INT. C.J.’S OUTER OFFICE - EVENING

LEO whips around the corner as C.J. scribbles notes on anlegal pad.

LEOC.J., does it look like we’regoing to take a hit?

C.J.Well Leo I’d say the odds aredefinitely not in our favor.

LEOSo they’ve got wind of it?

C.J.Probably.

LEOHow long can you hold them off?

C.J.I’m not sure if I can hold themoff at all.

C.J. begins to walk out of the office. CAROL rises fromher desk and hands a note to C.J.

CAROLGood luck.

LEOYeah, "break a leg."

C.J. walks down the corridor towards the Press BriefingRoom.

INT. PRESS BRIEFING ROOM - EVENING

C.J. enters. She approaches the podium with a confidentlook on her face. The press gaggle is active as we heartheir loud whispering.

C.J.Good evening ladies and gentlemen.

REPORTER #1The assassination last evening --can you tell us about the FBI’svisit to the White House regardingthe matter?

C.J.Unfortunately there were several

(more)C.J. (continued)

White House staff members thatwitnessed the assassination. TheFBI has interviewed all of us aspart of their investigation to themurder.

REPORTER #2Is the FBI looking into a White Houseconnection to the assassinated MexicanSenator?

C.J.There may be a staff member whoattended Graduate School at thesame time as the Mexican Senator.

DANNYMiss Cregg, can you tell us who thisstaff member is.

C.J.Not at this time.

REPORTER #3What is the connection that the FBIis interested in?

C.J.With the FBI in the midst of theirinvestigation I’m unable to commentany further on this subject.

REPORTER #3Isn’t that you’re more unwilling thanunable? There is information floatingsuggesting that a White House staffermay have served as a politicalstrategist to the Senator. Can youadd anything to that?

C.J.As I previously stated I cannot addanything more to this subject asthe FBI has just begun theirinvestigation.

DANNYWith the recent gyrations in the

(more)DANNY (continued)

stock market, is the Fed. planninganother rate hike - is there going to beany intervention by the White House tohelp prop the market back up?

The REPORTERS are writing.

C.J.The White House is poised to remainneutral at this point. But thereare on going internal and externaldiscussions to bring new light ontothis gloomy situation.

REPORTER #4Is the President going to attendthe Democrat’s fund raising dinnerthis evening.

C.J.He’s scheduled to at this time.That’ll be about it for tonight.

Thank you.

C.J. walks off.

CUTTO:

INT. THE PRESIDENT AND FIRST LADY’S RESIDENCE - EVENING

BARTLET is stationed in front of a long mirror. He isstruggling 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 armsaround him from behind.

ABBYMore like a thick head.

BARTLETYou.

BARTLET whisks around and plants a kiss ala Rhett Butler onABBY’S lips.

BARTLETGod it’s great to see you.

ABBYI know that kiss. What’s shakin’around here, Mr. President.

(ABBY grabs the tie from him)Let me do that.

BARTLETThanks.

ABBY is a pro with the tie. It’s on perfectly in seconds.

ABBYSo?

BARTLETSo what?

ABBYWhat’s bothering you?

ABBY slips off her shoes and scoots into the closet.

BARTLETWe’ve only got a few minutes.

ABBY V.O. from the closet.

ABBYDon’t pull that. Tell me what’sgoing on.

BARTLETOh, I’m just trying to keep thiscountry from being forced into WorldWar Three in the Middle East. Half

of my staff was witness to theassassination of a Mexican Senator at aGeorgetown Bar last evening. How’sthat for starters?

ABBY emerges from the closet wrapped in a robe.

ABBYIf you wanted to relieve some ofthat tension you’d rip off that penguin

suit and jump into a warm bubble bathwith me. And I don’t want to hearanything about us being late.

BARTLET doesn’t miss a beat. By the time we pan over tohim, his shirt is off and he’s moving toward the bathroom.

ABBY has a seductively pleasant smile on her face, as we.

CUTTO:

INT. BALLROOM FOR FUND-RAISER DINNER - EVENING

LEO, JOSH, and SAM, are huddled up by the bar. LEO, isunfocused, and is eyeing SAM’S drink.

JOSH spots someone he wants to speak with.

JOSHI’ll be right back.

JOSH walks off.

SAMC.J. handled herself well, consideringwhat she was up against.

LEOHuh!

SAM(half laughing)

Earth to Leo. Anybody there?

LEONo, no. She did great. I thinkshe bought us about a day.

SAMIf we’re lucky.

C.J. and MANDY approach.

LEOLadies.

MANDY(uncertain)

How are you Leo?

LEOJust fine Mandy. And you?

MANDYI’m hangin’ in there.

LEOAll of you listen for a moment.

Tonight we have a numberof V.I.P.s that want access to thePresident. What we do - is usediscretion and make sure that

the President doesn’t wind up onthe front page of the Post - shakinghands with anyone who would generatescandalous fodder.

C.J.Leo this isn’t the first timewe’ve been with the President ata fund-raiser.

LEO(angrily)

C.J. in light of the currentgoings on at the White House, weneed to be real careful this evening.

SAMLeo we’ve got it.

LEOGood.

EXT. BALLROOM FOR FUND-RAISER DINNER - EVENING

The PRESIDENT’S MOTORCADE comes to a slow stop. The reardoors to the PRESIDENT’S LIMO are opened by SECRET SERVICEMAN #1.

ABBY steps out and the cameras and flashes begin clickingat warp speed. BARTLET, steps out and puts his arm aroundABBY. SECRET SERVICE MAN #1, #2, #3, and #4, flank thePRESIDENT 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 beyondglowing as the crowd begins to applaud their entrance.

Brief montage: -

The PRESIDENT AND FIRST LADY proceed to their table ascameras are flashing in rapid succession.

LEO zipping up to the bar. The BARTENDER approaches. LEOhesitates before placing his order. (BEAT) The BARTENDERfixes his drink.

C.J. entering the ballroom. She approaches a TV REPORTERand her THREE MAN CREW. DANNY is on her in a heartbeat.They chat momentarily, then C.J., abruptly turns away andcontinues 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. LEOturns away. TOBY begins to rip into LEO. And LEO comesright back at him.

Now we’re in with LEO and TOBY.

LEO(enraged)

I’m the Chief Of Staff and ifI want a drink, I’ll have a drink.

TOBYDamn you to hell Leo McGarry.

LEOAre you out of your mind?

(BEAT)It’s tonic water.

TOBY’S jaw drops. He can’t believe what he’s done.

TOBYI’m so sorry. It’s just that --

LEO cuts him off in a millisecond.

LEOIf you ever pull something thisstupid with me again. I’m going to

give you an IRISH BEATING thatyou’ll never forget.

LEO sternly turns away and walks off. TOBY looks to theground in shame.

BARTLET’S table is beginning to fill up. ABBY turns toCONGRESSWOMAN IVEY DANIELS, and her husband, JASON DANIELS.

ABBYIt looks like playing in the oldboys club is having a great effect onyou. You look fantastic Ivey.

IVEYYou’re too kind Abigail.

ABBYJason, how about those Warriors?You think Jordan can turn themaround for next year?

JASONI’ll tell you Abbey, I believein him so much that I’ve alreadygot my playoff tickets reserved.

BARTLET chimes in.

BARTLETThat’s the spirit Jason.

BARTLET hoists his glass in preparation for a toast.

BARTLETTLadies and Gentlemen at this timeI want to toast to the Congresswomanfrom California, Ivey Daniels. Forher efforts in overcoming insurmountableodds in single-handedly defeating theRepublicans efforts to institute avouchers into the public schoolsystem which would have ended freeeducation as we know it in the greatstate.

(BEAT)Ivey this one is for you. For your

(more)BARTLET (continued)

willingness to go to battle and fornever giving up.

All of the GUESTS at the table turn to one another andclink their glasses in toasting the good CONGRESSWOMAN’Sefforts.

SMASH CUT TO:

EXT. PRIVATE GEORGETOWN RESIDENCE - MORNING

The front door of this residence opens. CONGRESSWOMAN IVEYDANIELS exits the house, ready to go to work on the hill.

She proceeds to her pearl white Jaguar. She pops the trunkand we hear the alarm chirp. She places her brief caseinto the trunk. She opens the driver side door and entersthe car.

We hear her turn the key and in an instant she’s blown offthe 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.

TOBYI don’t want to hear that you werestrong arming the FBI this early inthe morning.

SAMThey’re attempt to drive a falseconfession out of Mandy was abhorrent.

TOBYYou don’t have a legal leg to standon. Your confiscation of thephotographs was stupid, Sam.

SAMI wanted to see exactly what wewere up against.

TOBY(seething)

This is the White House, weproceed on intellect, not emotion.Is your ego so far up your assthat you can’t see the ammunitionyou’ve added to their arsenal?

SAM(calm)

I can see how upset you--

JOSH and C.J. burst in.

JOSHWe’ve got an emergency.

TOBYWhat?

C.J.Congresswoman Daniels wasassassinated this morning.

TOBY rises from his desk and advancesto the door. C.J., JOSH, and SAMfollow.

TOBYHow?

INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS

JOSHWord from the bureau is thata highly sophisticated bomb wasrigged to her car. When she startedher car, she didn’t know what hit her.

C.J.On top of the assassinationthe Feds didn’t mince words instating that the Congresswomanwas involved in the same illegalmovements as Senator Avanti.

They move at vigorous pace as they enter another

INT. ANOTHER CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS

TOBYShe sat at the President’s tablelast night.

SAMWe’re going to get creamed ifwe 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 intohis office. They all follow him in.

LEO- -response that allows us to staythe course. If we veer even aninch we may give them what theyneed to systematically teardown the President.

INT. LEO’S OFFICE - MORNING

TOBYIf we go in with no way out wecould get buried.

LEO(snarls and digs in his heels)

I said a statement will be issuedthat we will not budge from. That’s theway we’ll proceed.

SAMCan you step back a moment andhear Toby out?

LEONo!

JOSHLeo there could be another approach.

LEO rises from his desk.

LEOI want all of you to listen andto listen real good. We aremoving forward on my terms and ifanyone of you wants to challengeme on this you had better be readyto leave the premises immediately,because you’ll be terminated onthe spot. Are we clear?

SAMSH CUT TO:


BARTLET is seated behind his desk. He faces the FIVEMEMBERS of his impromptu WALL STREET ADVISORY BOARD.CHARLIE is seated to the left of BARTLET’S desk, facing theadvisory board. He’s taking notes at a rapid pace.

FRANKLIN STONE, a svelte and distinguished titan in his50s, sits directly across from BARTLET.

CAROLINE SOUZA, a twenty-something super trader sits to theright of FRANKLIN.

ROBBIE DURDEN, a mid-sixties captain of industry, sits tothe left of FRANKLIN.

JAKE HOBBS, a thirty-something deal-maker from SiliconValley, sits to the right of CAROLINE.

BARTLETI’ve brought all of you here togetherto brain-storm the dilemmas that themarket faces both at home and abroad.Over the last year we’ve entered intoa bear-market that does not appear tobe letting up any time soon. Thethrust of this advisory board is toget to the root of the problems. Solets just open up the floor to a freeflow of ideas and theories.

ROBBIEMr. President please accept my franknessas a way to cut to the chase.

(he looks dead on at Jake)The venture capitalists have becomeenemy number one on Wall Street.

JAKEDon’t go down that path.

BARTLETLet him finish.

ROBBIEThe IPO market has become a sham,and the ones behind this sham are theV.C.s who are bringing these so calledcompanies to the public markets fiveyears before they’re ready. It’scriminal.

JAKEThat’s below the belt.

BARTLETPlease!

FRANKLINJake come on, companies are goingpublic based on ten page businessplans constructed by pimply facedtwenty year olds with dot-com fever.

JAKEThat is not the way my firm brings acompany public. We follow a practicethat incubates the company as it’sstarting up. We provide recruitment,office space and CEO structuredleadership. We nurture.

BARTLETThis is what I’m after - techniquesthat can be used as models for thefuture. Bringing the market back isgoing to take time and leadership.

CAROLINEMr. President we also have to addressthe fact that fifteen percent of theinvestors in the market now are daytraders. Couple that with the margin thatthey’re carrying and now enter the worldof momentum investing.

JAKEWhen the margin calls come in the daytraders panic - the momentum shiftsdirections and liquidity vanishesfrom the market instantly.

FRANKLINWe need tighter restrictions on marginrequirements as a first step in shoringup the market.

BARTLETIsn’t this phenomenon part and parcelof the new economy?

JAKEYou’re dead-on Mr. President.Momentum trading is an effect of theelectronic market, it’s not the causeof the recent bear market.

ROBBIELook, I’ve been through the trenches ofthe late 60s, the oil crisis in the70s, the junk bonds of the 80s, therecession of the 90s and now here weare again. It’s all evolution, themarket does not and will not alwaysgo up. Let’s get real.

FRANKLINThe excess trading on margin accountsis a real problem that needs to beaddressed.

BARTLET listens on intently.

ROBBIEYou think we can afford to go backwardwith regulation of something sosophomoric as margin requirements?

FRANKLINSophomoric?

ROBBIEFranklin I’m trying to instill somereality into this debate. By making thepoint that we’re not going to changeinvestor sentiment through shacklingthe individual investor with moreregulation.

BARTLETRegulation is not my aim. I’m inclinedto insert leadership from the big tradinghouses that educates the individualinvestor on the risks associated withmargin trading.

FRANKLINYou believe that the top firms wouldbe willing to take the time to educatetheir investors?

BARTLETThat’s why you’re all here. I expecteach one of you to assume a leadershipposition in your area of expertise andfind a way to get the word out to yourcolleagues.

CAROLINEMr. President there are only fourof us.

LEO bursts into the Oval Office, his look evokes panic. Hezero’s in on BARTLET.

The room goes silent as LEO leans in on the BARTLET andwhispers in his ear.BARTLET’S jaw drops and a sorrowful look takes over hisface.

LEO stands up.

BARTLET looks over to CHARLIE.

BARTLETCharlie can you come here for amoment.

CHARLIE moves toward the PRESIDENT and leans in as thePRESIDENT, whispers in his ear. CHARLIE listens withconviction.

CHARLIEYes, sir. Mr. President.

BARTLETI’ve just been faced with a nationalemergency. I’d appreciate yourcontinuing this debate amongstyourselves. Charlie, will escortyou to another room.

CHARLIE looks to the ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS.

CHARLIEPlease follow me.

They all stand and follow CHARLIE as he begins walking outof the room.

BARTLETI’m counting on you to find newstrategies that can be worked intoour great free market. I ask allof 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 FBIDIRECTOR ALFRED IGNATIUS enter.

LEO stands in near BARTLET.

C.J., JOSH, MANDY,TOBY, SAM, FBI AGENT ROCHON, FBI AGENTDANO and FBI DIRECTOR IGNATIUS all stand and surround thePRESIDENT’S desk. BARTLET remains seated.

BARTLETI’m in shock.

IGNATIUSWe’re not. There has been an ongoinginvestigation into Congresswoman Daniel’sassociation with a Southern Californiafaction of the Mexican Mafia.

BARTLETAnd as usual with the FBI - thePresident is the last one to know.

IGNATIUSIt’s not any reflection on you sir,but our hands are tied in certain areas

of national security.

ROCHONFurther to that point sir, asyou’re aware a member of your staffhad an association with one of theprinciples in our investigation.

LEOThere’s no excuse for the bureau nottipping our hat.

IGATIUSWe had no choice.

JOSHEverybody has choices. You setthis administration up. You werebanking on this creating a cloudof suspicion over the White House.

ROCHONYour mere suggestion that we hopedfor an outcome such as this isreprehensible.

TOBYIs it?

TOBY eyes ROCHON. ROCHON looks away.

BARTLETThis is extremely hard to swallow.Congresswoman Daniels was more than

(more)BARTLET (continued)

just a fantastic legislator, she wasa friend who delivered time and timeagain. Alfred, did your investigationof her actually prove anything?

IGNATIUSMr. President I understand yourquandary, but I can assure you thatCongresswoman Daniels was deeplyentrenched.

BARTLETYour assurance is not good enough.

IGNATIUS’ expression becomes combative. He slams a dossierdown on BARTLET’S desk.

IGNATIUSOpen the file sir. In it you’llfind an array of evidence that pointsto the Congresswoman’s guilt.

ROCHON(confidnetly)

Go ahead Mr. President, wehave audio taped and photographed

briberies for starters.

LEO is peeved as he stares down,ROCHON.

LEOWatch your tone junior that’sthe President of the UnitedStates you’re talking to.

BARTLET picks up the file. He examines the contents for amoment. LEO, TOBY, C.J., MANDY, SAM, and JOSH look onintently.

BARTLET(to Ignatius)

How long can we expect youto keep this from the press?

IGNATIUSMr. President, we’re really at acrossroads here. You see we’restill examining, Mandy Hampton’sassociation with Senator Avanti.

(more)

IGNATIUS (continued)With that on-going and the twoassassinations we’re forced to holda press conference detailing ourfindings.

SAMWe need to find a compromise beforeyou simply sling this administrationthrough the mud.

DANOThat’s what we were attemptingyesterday Mr. Seaborn. We werea bit shocked by your lack ofcooperation.

TOBYYesterday is done with. Let’smove in a direction that allows theFBI to communicate pertinentinformation regarding the case.While also allowing the White Houseto distance itself from the keyplayers in your investigation.

ROCHONEloquent Mr. Ziegler, but Idon’t see how that can be achieved.

LEOThat’s why, Mr. Ziegler, wasaddressing the Director of theFBI. Learn your Ps and Qs beforeyou speak junior.

(he turns to IGNATIUS)Mr. Ignatius I’m sure we can finda way to be fair.

IGNATIUSAt this point I’m inclined toproceed with a press conferencethat outlines our findings.

BARTLETDoes that mean your inclination isto drag me down by placing suspicionon an old romance that one of myconsultants had with Avanti? While also

adding to the fire my close dealingswith Congresswoman Daniels.

LEO, TOBY, C.J., SAM, JOSH, ROCHON, DANO, and, BARTLET zonein on IGNATIUS.

IGNATIUSThat’s not my style at all sir.And whether you believe it or not,I’m not out to get you.

TOBYThat’s news to us.

IGNATIUSToby your cynicism is aggravating.

TOBYYour numerous assaults on thisadministration are beyondaggravating.

BARTLETToby, not now.

TOBYI understand, sir.

(beat)You were saying, Alfred.

IGNATIUSRight now the investigation into MandyHampton is far from complete. So at thispoint I see no reason to make mention ofher in our press briefing. On thecondition that Mr. Seaborn return the filehe confiscated from the FBI yesterday.

SAMDone.

IGNATIUSAnd as far as your dealings withCongresswoman Daniels, we all knowthat was part of your job. I have nointention of even mentioning your nameother than to say that you were briefedon the assassination and the ongoinginvestigation.

BARTLETThat’s unacceptable.

IGNATIUSExcuse me.

BARTLETI want the investigation into MandyHampton terminated immediately.

MANDY’S disillusioned posture is invigorated with thePRESIDENT’S remark.

IGNATIUSI can’t do that.

BARTLETYou can and you will.

IGNATIUSMr. 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 investigationto be placed on the murdering bastardsthat are assassinating political figuresin the nation’s capital. I want thisover Alfred, now.

IGNATIUSYou’re asking for a lot.

BARTLETI know, but right now I have a war toavoid in the middle east, so I needyou to end the panic that has takenover this town.

LEOFor all intent and purposes thismeeting is over. Thank you foryour time.

DANO, IGNATIUS AND ROCHON follow CHARLIE and walk out ofthe oval office.

TOBYC.J.’s on in five minutes, Mr.President.

BARTLET looks to C.J., wondering.

BARTLETC.J., can you get us through this?

C.J.With your diplomacy in handling theFBI, I have more control of thesituation.

CHARLIE escorts an anxious FITZWALLACE and a stern ROLLINSinto the oval office.

BARTLETAdmiral.

FITZWALLACESir.

BARTLETCommander.

ROLLINSMr. President.

FITZWALLACESir approximately fifteen minutesago the Iranian Air Force launcheda simultaneous air raid which destroyedmultiple oil fields in both Iraqand Kuwait. At the same moment of theair raids an American Airlines 747 en-routeto Hawaii went down over the pacific.

BARTLETMy God.

ROLLINSIt doesn’t end there sir.

FITZWALLACEAlso at the same moment we have areport from London of a bombing of apub in the center of Piccadilly Circus.

ROLLINSAs the Iranian bombers and fighterscrossed over the 38th and 42nd

parallels respectively - a jointstrike force made-up of U.S. and Britishfighters was deployed. Several ensuingdog-fights took place.

BARTLETDid we lose any aircraft?

ROLLINSNo sir. But three Iranian fightersdive bombed their planes into a denselypopulated area of Kuwait City.

FITZWALLACESir we need to move into thesituation room. My staff haswrangled together the French and theBritish personnel required to moveforward with a quick and decisiveresponse.

C.J.Wish me luck.

BARTLETYou’ll do fine C.J.

CHARLIEC.J., Carol just informed methat there is a Pentagon officialwaiting in your office to providesome more detailed information onthis 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 severalareas to cover this morning so bearwith me.

(C.J. takes a deep breath)First let me preface this with my deepestsympathies for all of the victims oftoday’s violence. Early this morning,California Congresswoman Ivey Danielsfell victim to a car bombing outside herhome. The FBI along with the D.C. policeare conducting a thorough investigationinto her assassination.

REPORTER #1Has the FBI disclosed any possibleleads as to who may have wanted theCongresswoman dead?

C.J.No. And as I asked please bear with mebefore asking any questions. I have alot to cover,. So please let me make afull statement before we get into it.

We hear the PRESS CORPS whispering to one another.

C.J. (continued)We’ve received intelligence reportsthat indicate simultaneous acts ofterrorism were inflicted in key areasaround the world today. This morningat 7:10 AM eastern standard time, Iranianfighters entered Kuwaiti and Iraqiairspace and unleashed massive bombingraids on strategic oil fields in each

(more)

C.J. (continued)country. United States and Britishfighters were deployed and as aresult they were able to successfullyknock down two Iranian fighters.Upon the strikes against the twoIranian fighters, three other Iranianfighters were able to divert theallied forces over Kuwaiti airspacewhere thereupon the three Iranian fightersdive-bombed their airplanes into heavilypopulated areas of Kuwait City. Alsoat 7:10 am eastern standard time an AmericanAirlines 747 heading to Honolulu lostradio and radar contact with air trafficcontrol over the pacific. Rescue teamshave been ordered to the area in which theplane 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 IsraeliEmbassy here in Washington, stated thatHamas the state run Iranian terroristgroup assumed responsibility for thedowning of the airliner. Finally at7:10 AM eastern standard time, a pubin London was bombed. We do not haveany reports on any casualties. Hamasclaimed responsibility for this bombingas well. Clearly today marks the mostaggressive acts of terrorism the worldhas ever seen. As a result the Presidentand joint chiefs of staff are discussingall options.

DANNYWith the President’s withdrawal ofthe USS Nimitz from the Persian Gulfwas the Navy ill prepared to react swiftlyto the Iranians attack this morning?

C.J.No.

DANNYCould you please elaborate?

C.J.All that I can add is the fact that theUnited States maintains a substantialfleet of naval vessels in the Gulfat all times. Which means that theU.S. is prepared to deal with actsof aggression in the region on anon-going basis. Next question.

REPORTER #2Is the President prepared to declarewar on Iran?

C.J.With these terrorist acts thatoption has not been ruled out.

PRESS CORPS all are attempting to get a question in, theycall out C.J.’s name in close unison.

REPORTER #2Does the United States have thefull support of their European andMiddle Eastern allies?

C.J.As we speak the British, French,Kuwaitis, Saudis, Israelis andEgyptians are working with the U.S.to bring about a joint effort that willswiftly punish the Iranians. Myopinion is that several more nationswill fall into our fold as informationof these terrorist acts spreadsthroughout the world.

DANNYIs there any other country orterrorist group that the U.S. believesis involved in today’s tragedies?

C.J.Admiral Fitzwallace will be conductinga Pentagon briefing later this eveningat which time questions of this naturecan be more accurately answered.

REPORTER #3Is there a connection betweenCongresswoman Daniel’s assassinationand the slaying of the Mexican Senator?

C.J.The FBI will be conducting their ownpress briefing regarding theassassinations.

DANNYSo is that a yes?

C.J.No. That is the FBI will beconducting their own press briefingregarding the assassinations.

DANNYThat’s not even mildly evasive.

C.J.Danny your experience on thisbeat should give you an upper handon understanding how situations ofthis stature are handled. Right nowit’s a matter of national security.You’ll have to wait for the Pentagon’s andFBI’s briefings. We’re done here todayladies and gentlemen.

INT. SITUATION ROOM - DAY

PRESIDENT BARTLET, sits at the head of the table,surrounded by LEO, FITZWALLACE, HOYNES, ROLLINS, SECRETARYOF STATE, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, and IRAN CONSULTANTPROFESSOR AMHET GUARAND and the CIA DIRECTOR.

BARTLETOur options are minimal. So firstI want to bring the Nimitz backinto the Gulf. Second I want toproceed with full scale escalationof the region. Third I want tounleash ‘round the clock sorties onall of their military strongholds andterrorist training camps.

FITZWALLACEYes, sir. Mr. President.

BARTLETI miscalculated their resolve.And now they’ve gravely mistakenmine.

GUARANDSir you are falling right into

(more)GUARAND (continued)

their tightly woven trap. They’rebetting on the U.S. committing toground forces.

BARTLETI didn’t mention anything aboutground forces.

GUARRANDYou didn’t have to sir. WithBush’s failure to invade Baghdad andunseat Saddam Hussein back in 1991 -the Iranians are betting on groundtroops. Whereby they can unleash acalculated strike of chemicaland biological warfare on our forces.

FITZWALLACEProfessor you make an incredibleleap in assuming that we wouldoffhandedly send our boys intoharm’s way.

ROLLINSOur intelligence has pinpointed to thecentimeter several of the Iranianschemical and biological weaponsplants. These locations will beamong the first outposts to bedestroyed.

PROFESSORAnd what about the ones that youknow nothing about?

BARTLETProfessor we thank you for yourinsight on these issues, but atthis time I am going to have to askyou to leave. We’re falling offtrack here.

PROFESSORMr. President I’m just tryingto shed some light.

BARTLETWe want to stay on course withour goals in this crisis, so I’mnot going to ask you again.

GUARRAND stands up, places his files into his brief caseand walks out.

FITZWALLACEThank you sir.

CUTTO:

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 whodressed 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. Theyslow-up midway down the hall. DC COP #5 rolls the cart upto 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 sidesof door 925.

DC COP #5 wraps his knuckles on the door a few times. Hewaits patiently.

V.O. from inside the roomYeah?

DC COP #5Room service.

V.O. from inside the roomHold on.

We hear the door-knob turn as the door opens. ASIAN MAN#1, dressed in a white bathrobe stands at the foot of thedoor.

ASIAN MAN #1Bring it in.

DC COP #5Certainly sir.

ASIAN MAN #1 turns and walks back into the suite. DC COP #5follows and rolls the cart behind him. In an instantDC COP #5 whips a pistol from his jacket pocket.

INT. SUITE 925 WATERGATE HOTEL - CONTINUOUS

DC COP #5I 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 roomwith their weapons drawn.

ASIAN MAN #1 turns slowly around from his left side.

ASIAN MAN #1You’re gone.

At break neck speed ASIAN MAN #1 lashes out with a .45caliber pistol in his right hand, trained on DC COP #5.

DANO pumps him with four shots in a flash. ASIAN MAN #1crumbles 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 #2Don’t shoot! Don’t shoot!Don’t Shoot! Don’t Shoot!

DC COP #2, DC COP #3 and DC COP #4 scurry the ASIAN WHORESout of the suite.

Dressed in a hotel robe, ASIAN MAN #2 spurts from theliving room, donning a small pistol.

DANODrop 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, andDC COP #1 enter the bedroom that the ASIAN WHORES sprangfrom.INT. BEDROOM WATERGATE HOTEL SUITE 925 - CONTINUOUS

DC COP #5 moves in quickly on ASIAN MAN #3 who is standingstoically on the bed with his hands in the air.

DC COP #5Get down on the floor and don’tmove.

ASIAN MAN #3 doesn’t immediately listen. ROCHON bullstoward ASIAN MAN #3. He grabs him and flings him to thefloor.

DC COP 5 quickly handcuffs ASIAN MAN #3.

CUT TO:

INT. COMMUNICATIONS BULLPEN - DAY

SAM leans up against a desk, he’s mulling through thelatest press wire. TOBY marshals his way toward him.

TOBYThe President just got off the phonewith Ignatius. The FBI has successfullytaken down Congresswoman Daniel’sassassins.

SAMThat’s good news, but I’m not surehow much it helps the President.

TOBYWhy?

SAMThe latest CNBC poll shows that fiveout of every ten Americans feel thePresident’s waffling in the Persian Gulfgave the Iranians the confidence necessaryto move forward with such belligerence.

TOBYThere’s always a margin of errorthat can skew out of our favor whenthe message is not on track. ThePresident has to address the Americanpeople and reassure them that he’s intotal control.

SAMHave you discussed this with him?

TOBYYes and he wants you to begin preparinghis speech. The tone has to be braveand conclusive.

CUTTO:

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 glancestoward as he rehearses his speech.

BARTLETOur efforts to obtain Iran’scompliance with the resolutionsadopted by the United NationsSecurity Council have been nullifiedwith Iran’s recent reign of terror.We as a nation that has the power toguide peace throughout the world arefaced 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 husbandas he goes through his toughest speech ever.

BARTLET (continuous)-- influence the balance of power in themiddle east for many years to come. Inorder to make those choices we as anation must unite as we commit forces

to the region. A multinational MaritimeInterception Force is currently inoperation. The U.S. Navy is the singlelargest component of the MaritimeInterception 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.

BARTLETHi.

ABBEYI’ve been out here listening.

BARTLETSo what do you think?

ABBYIt’s not coming from your heart.

BARTLET a little surprised sits down on the bed, and looksto his wife for more.

BARTLETTell me what you mean.

ABBY approaches the bed and sits down next to her husband.

ABBYJed the American people are scaredthey need to be reassured. They don’t

need to be fed canned statements onthe apparatus that makes up theAmerican military.

BARTLETYou as a concerned American wantto know that I’m going to make thebest decisions to protect thiscountry’s freedoms both at home

and abroad?

ABBYExactly. It has to come from you. Theman the American people elected to bePresident of their country.

BARTLETSo you think I should write this myself?

ABBYJed you have to convey a messagethat will make this country feel safefrom foreign aggression withoutsounding like an old World War IIGeneral.

BARTLETThis is the most trying time.

ABBYNo Jed, this is the Presidency.

ABBY reaches over to BARTLET, they embrace and engage in adeep kiss.

CUTTO:


BARTLET is seated behind his desk. His fists hold up hishead, he looks down and reads the speech that is resting onhis desk.

LEO is seated across from him. His expression illustratesa great deal of concern. This is definitely an OvalOffice, KODAK MOMENT.

LEOAre you almost ready sir?

BARTLET looks up. He looks back down quickly.

BARTLETAfter spending the last nine hourswith this I’m getting close.

LEOSir.

BARTLET looks up again.

BARTLETYes, Leo.

LEOSir, you and I, we go back a longway.

BARTLETYes we do, Leo.

LEOI just want you to know that thereis truly nobody that I can think ofnot even a single historical figure,


who I would rather have behind thatdesk than you - at this most criticalmoment in the journey of this great

nation.

BARTLET is touched by his most trusted friend’s comment.

BARTLETThank you Leo. I hope the Americanpeople have, but just a fraction ofyour sentiments.

CUT TO:

INT. PRESS BRIEFING ROOM - MORNING

C.J. stands at the podium. FITZWALLACE, ROLLINS, andHOYNESstand to the left of her.

C.J.Ladies and Gentlemen thePresident of the United Statesof America.

C.J. move to the right of HOYNES.

BARTLET enters the briefing room. He confidentlyapproaches the podium. He pulls his speech from his coatpocket and places it on the podium.

BARTLETGood morning, my fellow citizens.Yesterday, February 14, 2000 -a date that once again will livein infamy, the world as we know itwas suddenly and deliberately attackedby terrorist and military forces ofthe country of Iran. This combativestrike constitutes an explicit threatto peace and security throughout the --

V.O. of BARTLET continuous as we CUTTO:

INT. TOBY’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

TOBY and SAM, both stand over TOBY’S desk and look to thetelevision, watching BARTLET deliver his speech.

SAMHe went in a completely differentdirection.

TOBYHe did exactly what he needed to do.

CUTTO:

BARTLET, standing over the podium.

BARTLET (continuous)-- world. This act also contradicts therepeated assurances by Iran, bothpublicly and privately delivered, thatit was their intention to move towardpeace and economic expansion throughoutthe Persian Gulf. The United States wasat peace with this nation at themoment of this unprovoked aggression.The attacks yesterday in Iraq, Kuwait,on the American Airlines jet over thePacific, and in downtown London, havecaused severe loss of life and haveinfringed upon the balance of powerthroughout the Middle East. WithIran undertaking this surpriseoffensive in such a synchronizedand masterfully planned fashion,the facts of yesterday speak forthemselves. I believe that thepeople of the United States have --


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.

CUTTO:

BARTLET, standing over the podium.

BARTLET (continuous)-- already formed their opinions and

well understand the implications tothe very life and safety of our nationas well as the security of the nationsof our closest allies. As Commander-In-Chief of the Army, Navy, Air Force andMarines, I have directed that all measuresbe taken for our defense of this roguenation. Neither the United States ofAmerica or the world can toleratedeliberate deception and offensivestrikes on the part of any nation, largeor small. Always will we remember the characterof the --


INT. PRESIDENTIAL REISDENCE - CONTINUOUS

ABBY still in her bathrobe with her arms folded as sheclenches 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 thispremeditated invasion, the Americanpeople in their righteous might willovercome this adversary with no lessthan absolute victory. The long-knownand the long-expected has taken place.The forces endeavoring to enslave theentire world are now encroaching uponthis hemisphere. Never before hasthere been a greater challenge to life,liberty and civilization, with weaponsof mass destruction in the hands of suchmurderous leaders of nefariousnations. As hostilities exist,there can be no blinking at the factthat our people, our territory and

(more)

BARTLET (continued)our interests are in grave danger.Therefore, I ask that the Congressdeclare that since the unprovoked anddastardly attack by Iran yesterday,a state of war now exists betweenthe United States of America and Iran.

FINALFADE:

END OF SHOWPAGE 66

Documents

The Presidency