We're confirming now that a suspect is in custody, and is being questioned by federal law enforcement . At this time, we cannot, we are not releasing any information whatsoever about the suspect.
SteveCan you tell us anything, his name, where he's from, his ethnicity, if you guys suspect a motive?
Yes, Steve, I can tell you those things, because when I said that we weren't releasing any information whatsoever, I meant except his name, his address, his ethnicity, and what we think his motives are.
KKatie
If there is an issue of national security, isn't it also a national issue for everyone down there?
RReporter
In other words, turn on the damn phones.
Someone ask Steve what time it is; it's going to crack you up!
How is it a threat to anyone on the ground?
Steve
Air Force One generally doesn't break all by itself.
Steve
Claudia, in a room someplace, they're talking about the possibility that the plane was sabotaged.
By screwing with the front wheel?
MMark
If the malfunction is because of a leak in the hydraulics, and they try to recycle the gear, the front end of the plane's gonna blow up.
No, you're right, I should definitely let you use the phones.
You're campaigning in the middle of a national tragedy....
AAtwood
You don't get it, do you? The Republicans are in awe of Bartlet. He recused himself in the only way he could. In the way envisioned by the Constitution... The whole notion of the 25th Amendment is that the institution matters more than the man. Bartlet's decision was even more self-sacrificing because he willingly gave power to his opposition.
The institution may matter more, but it's your guy protecting it, not ours.
AAtwood
A truly self-sacrificing act usually involves some sacrifice.
So, now you're going to nail us to the cross.
AAtwood
No. You beat the terrorists at their own game. We're not stupid, Josh. We try to use this to our advantage, it will blow up in our faces. We'd seem callous and unfeeling. In contrast to Bartlet's extraordinary gesture of courage and patriotism. And anyone who thinks otherwise has a particularly craven way of looking at politics.
[reading] "This isn't about partisan politics. It's about what's best for the country. However long this crisis lasts we're fortunate to have President Walken here to lead us." That's a great quote.
"However long this crisis lasts..." That's a nice...turn of phrase. Of course, a more accurate description of that period of time would be "Till President Bartlet signs the second letter and boots Walken's fat ass out of our White House."
SASteve Atwood
What the hell are you going on about?
You're campaigning in the middle of a national tragedy. Zoey Bartlet's out in the field, breathing through a straw; you're test-driving sound bites for the next election? Straight answer, Steve, once in your life. What are you guys up to? Closed-door meetings, planting quotes in the Times... What's next? Spontaneous speeches on the House floor questioning President Bartlet's fitness to lead?
SASteve Atwood
You don't get it, do you? Republicans are in awe of Bartlet. He recused himself in the only way he could. In the way envisioned by the Constitution.
None of the framers were afraid of the President's daughter being kidnapped at musket-point.
SASteve Atwood
The whole notion of the 25th Amendment is that the institution matters more than the man. Bartlet's decision was even more self-sacrificing because he willingly gave power to his opposition.
The institution may matter more, but it's your guy protecting it, not ours.
SASteve Atwood
A truly self-sacrificing act usually involves some sacrifice.
So now you're going to nail us to the cross?
SASteve Atwood
No. You beat the terrorists at their own game. We're not stupid, Josh. We try to use this to our advantage, it'll blow up in our faces. We'd seem callous and unfeeling, in contrast to Bartlet's extraordinary gesture of courage and patriotism. And anyone who thinks otherwise, has a particularly craven way of looking at politics.
The West Wing · 913 quotes
