A scene from “Unnecessary War”

John Adams: There has been a gross misunderstanding with France that I must reconcile.

Thomas Jefferson: You made a devil's pact with the British, their sworn enemy. And ours, I'd thought.

John Adams: It may be difficult, Thomas, if not impossible, for me to maintain neutrality, but to be drawn into war with either France or England when our own confederation is still so fragile would be suicidal. It could bankrupt the nation, divide the people even further, lead God knows where. Now I am of a mind to send an envoy extraordinary to strengthen our hand in dealing with the French government. And I can think of no one more qualified to engage with Foreign Minister Talleyrand than yourself. And nothing would give me greater pleasure than to rekindle our partnership.

Thomas Jefferson: Some may say you seek to remove a rival for public office.

John Adams: Well, let them prattle. As a known friend of France, your presence would reflect our seriousness of purpose. No one can object to that.

Thomas Jefferson: I cannot accept this commission.

John Adams: Do you tell me this as my vice president or as the head of your party?

Thomas Jefferson: That you and I differ on our assessment of the best form of government for these states united is well-known to us both.

John Adams: Yes, but we have only differed as friends should do, respecting the purity of each other's motives. Oh, surely you and I, Thomas, can rise above the din of politics.

Thomas Jefferson: Nowhere is the din of politics greater than in your own cabinet, which you have inherited from Washington without making a single change. They are Hamilton's men. They are determined upon a course of war with France.