Bartlet and Babish in “Bad Moon Rising”

Bartlet

This isn't what you signed up for. Leo begged you to take this job. This isn't what you signed up for. If you leave, I'd appreciate it if you did it now, so it doesn't look like my lawyer bailed on me when the rain starts. No one's gonna hold it against you.

Babish

Well, I appreciate that, Mr. President. [pause] If I stay, will you do exactly what I tell you to do?

Bartlet

I guess it depends.

Babish

I'm afraid it can't depend, sir.

Bartlet

[pauses and thinks] What would my first step be?

Babish

First tell your staff.

Bartlet

Yeah.

Babish

Then, decide how to make a public announcement.

Bartlet

Yeah.

Babish

Then, order the attorney general to appoint a special prosecutor. Not just any special prosecutor, the most blood-spitting, Bartlet-hating Republican in the Bar. He's gonna have an unlimited budget and a staff like an army. The new slogan around here is gonna be "Bring it on!" He's gonna have access to every piece of paper you ever touched. If you invoke executive privilege one time, I'm gone. An assistant D.A in Ducksworth wants to take your deposition, you're on the next plane. A freshman Congressman wants your testimony, you'll sit in his kitchen. They wanna drag you to The Hague and charge you with war crimes, what'll we say?

Bartlet

Bring it on.