I need to see my bed, I'm thinking of carrying a picture of it in my wallet.
S5Constituency of One
He's a Democrat from Idaho. They use Democrats for target practice up there. Sometimes he's got to lean to the right.
You're leaving the party because of me?
CCarrick
I'm not leaving the party because of you - but you made it a whole lot easier.
I admire speech writers. They have to have the tendency to doubt and the capacity to believe in equal measure.... I'm playing with a handicap.... Spare tire on the automobile of government. Heartbeat away from having a heartbeat.... I may need more help than that dead guy you got elected in Orange County, Will. I may need some political life support myself.... I'd like you to be my Communications Director.... I know I'm not the best politician, but here I am Vice President of the United States.
Sir, I'm a special assistant to the President.
Chief strategist and senior counselor to the Vice President.
Are we playing poker?
I'm showing you my hand.
You're looking for your own Toby Ziegler.
I'm looking for someone who can beat Toby....
Thank you, sir, but I'm not interested.
I like loyalty, Will. I respect loyalty. But you can run out the clock on a Bartlet Presidency that in effect is over. You can finish something that you never started in the first place.... Or you can shape the next presidency from the ground up. Total access. Coach of the team.
It's a missile defense system that can't hit missiles.... when were you promised–?
CCarrick
Seven years ago.
Under the last President?
CCarrick
Right.
Okay, a bunch of things have fallen by the wayside since then, like Communism....
S5Disaster Relief
Schadenfreude?
You know, enjoying the suffering of others. The whole rationale behind the House of Representatives.
When I write my political memoir, this will be the character building funny part.
I thought I was the character building funny part.
He hates me.
Oh, yeah. The way you hate the girl you ask to the prom who says, 'No thanks, I already have a date.' You made a choice. Now own it.
I'm just trying to see around the corner so I don't get bit in the ass.
Are you going around the corner ass-first?
Vast and violent vacuum cleaner, uprooting everything in its path.
It's a funnel cloud.
Vast and violent vacuum cleaner.
It's a vacuum cleaner and a funnel cloud. See, men? Peace on earth.
You thought I was cooked.
I did not.
You thought I was gone, and so were you. You were already cleaning out your desk. Mentally kicking dirt on my grave.
No, now I'm doing that.
Confirm my dinner with Wilcox tomorrow. Make sure I have my usual table.
That's good. You're getting out. A man about town.
Set up a meeting with Ted Davis at the Democratic Strategy Group and one with the Security Policy Working Group.
Crack some heads, Let 'em know you're riding herd. I'm not helping.
It's a blip, Donna. When I write my political memoir, this will be the character-building funny part.
I thought I was the character-building funny part.
Are we having a problem?
No.
I feel as if I did more good in the last 24 hours than in the last six months.
Yes, sir.
You resent me taking a few extra hours to console grieving people?
[She clears her throat but does not answer.]
I'm asking you a direct question, C.J.
Honestly, sir? I resent you ignoring the responsibilities of your office. If you want to reach out and touch people, teach math at East Saint Louis after your term expires.
So you think my staying longer was some sort of personal indulgence?
I think it's been a difficult time for you sir. For all of us.
What's this really about, C.J.?
I understand there was no time, sir. I can't imagine what it was like. I don't have children.
It's like I knew who I was, then woke up one morning and didn't have a clue.
I understand, sir. But I need more. You're the President of the United States. My President. I'm frightened. We're all frightened. This is... the world is too dangerous now. Unpredictable. I need you back. I need you to lead.
S5Separation of Powers
AAshland
It's all compromises, now. The ones who have no record of scholarship; no body of opinions, nothing you can hold them to. That's who they'll confirm. Raging mediocrities...I have good days and bad. But on my worst days, I am better than the amped-up ambulance chasers you could get confirmed by this Senate. You can't do it, Jed. You're not strong enough. The Speaker's running the table and I can't take a chance.
Okay, but I've got to be careful about saying "man."
Why, because--? Oh, c'mon!
You'd be surprised. I get letters.
Fine, "human being," then, or do the other mammals complain?
No, Leo, how is this acceptable? Haffley's not the prime minister, you take this to the president, you'll know what he'll say?
He'll say yes.
How can you say that?
To keep the lights on! To make sure a couple of million government employees keep getting paid. It's two more months...
This isn't governing, it's duck and cover.
He'll say that too.
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