Original subtitles

[Mac] Previously on Commander in Chief:

The president has had a stroke.

This is not the time for a woman as the leader of the free world.

I'm going out, and I am going to take the oath of office.

I want you to be my chief of staff.

Make me a part of this administration, or it won't work.

Professionally or personally.

I'm moving Rod into the West Wing.

Quite a deal the American people got.

Two for the price of one.

- Let me introduce Richard McDonald. - Will you run for re-election?

It won't be easy if she runs.

It's not just the election. This could be the next ten years of our lives.

- [Templeton] What do you think? - She's digging her own grave.

Tomorrow's papers will be full of attacking editorials.

You want to be president because you want to control the universe.

- That's not me. - Well, that's the problem!

The Constitution makes us

not rivals for power,

but partners for progress.

We are all trustees for the American people.

Custodians of the American heritage.

It is my task to report the state of the union.

To improve it is the task of us all.

[applause]

[Lyndon Johnson] A president's hardest task

is not to do what is right,

but to know what is right.

[Richard Nixon] I see a new America.

I see an America in which we have abolished hunger.

I see an America in which we've made great strides

in stopping the pollution of our air,

cleaning up our water, and most important,

I see an America at peace with all the nations of the world.

[Gerald Ford] Only from a position of strength can we negotiate

a balanced agreement to limit the growth of nuclear arms.

Only a balanced agreement will serve our interests

and minimize the threat

of nuclear confrontation.

[Jimmy Carter] Our problems are too complex

for simple slogans or for quick solutions.

We cannot solve them without effort and sacrifice.

[Ronald Reagan] Let us so conduct ourselves

that two centuries from now,

another Congress and another president

meeting in this chamber as we're meeting,

will speak of us with pride,

saying that we met the test

and preserved for them, in their day,

the sacred flame of liberty.

This last best hope of man on Earth.

God bless you and thank you.

[applause]

[people chattering]

- Mr. Calloway. - Hello.

[woman] Will the president join you?

I must say, I do respect the president on this one.

- It's not a done deal. - We've done our own head count.

The president's homeless initiative will be law by week's end.

The president spending political capital on the homeless,

over at headquarters, we have a word for people like that.

Democrats. Got the chairman right here.

Raise your right hand and swear, she's got our nomination.

She's comfortable as an Independent.

When's the last time an Independent got elected outside of Vermont?

Rod, meet the future of the Democratic party,

- Courtney Winters. - It's a pleasure.

By that, he means the girl who makes copies

of The Note and The Hotline for the senior staff.

Courtney, could you grab me a glass? And one for our closet Democrat here.

- Thank you. - Cheers.

Cheers.

Two hundred and forty-eight, gentleman. According to an in-house count,

that's the number of electoral votes I have today.

We need 271 to get the White House.

So do the Democrats.

So does our incumbent president.

- I don't follow. - Well, in a three-way race,

where do you think it all ends up?

The House of Representatives.

Where I do believe I will get a favorable ruling.

I'd rather lead with my homeless initiative,

set the tone with a bipartisan victory.

- Might be counting your chickens. - Latest count looks good for passage.

- Both sides want points for the issue. - More reason to shine a light on it.

Neither party can afford to dismiss the problem, and the public wants it fixed.

Does the initiative match the address' theme?

The courage to act if the easy choice is voting yes.

They'll need courage to get behind my proposal to curb nuclear proliferation.

Oh, speaking of which, I found a quote.

The director of the IAEA once said,

"There are some who continue to dangle a cigarette from their mouth

and tell everybody else not to smoke."

- It's perfect. Put it in. - You're already at 6,000 words.

Well, that reminds me. I want to move up the section on

raising the minimum wage.

If I'm calling on Congress to immediately increase it a dollar,

I want to do it while they're still awake.

Thank you. Thanks.

- Hey, Rod. - Dickie, hey, my man.

- Uh... You have a good night? - Yeah. Fine.

- Great. Great. - Need some help?

- No. No, I'm, uh... I'm good. - OK.

All right.

Hey. You're not leaving, are you?

- Yeah. I'm parked down the block. - Oh.

- I don't suppose you valeted. - Mmm. No. Sorry.

This is my ride right here.

- It's freezing. - Yep.

- Almost taste the Potomac, you know? - Yeah.

- Oh! Uh... - [grunts]

[groans] Man, I've got such a headache.

I'm not surprised.

What's going on?

What the hell is this?

Slow news day, apparently.

Oh, come on. This is nuts. You know that.

If it were the tabloids, maybe we could assume it was Photoshopped.

This is unbelievable.

Unbelievable. I lose my balance, and they do this? They gotta be desperate!

Are we talking about the same "they" who got you drunk last night?

[sighs] I wasn't drunk. I had one glass of champagne.

- I barely drink. - 'Morning.

'Cause I'd imagine an expression like that'd be hard to fake.

[Rod] I was tired. I don't know.

I skipped dinner. Maybe it went to my head a bit.

- Look, it wasn't that big of a deal. - It's a big deal now.

Honey. It was an opportunistic distortion.

I... I stood up. She turned around, and I found myself...

- Touching her breasts. I can see that. - You're kidding me.

- Oh, my God. - About what?

- What? You honestly think I'm... - This is absolutely ridiculous.

All a reporter has to say is "intern."

- Rod would never do that! - [Rod] I lost my footing!

- Mom, do you mind? - [Rod] This is some...

That you were willing to drink in public makes you vulnerable.

You guys seriously fighting?

Wait, is this for real?

It's not. I tripped,

and someone snapped a photo.

Uh... let's eat breakfast in the family room.

Here, baby. Take that.

This is not my fault.

[horn honking]

"Intern redux."

That's almost literary.

Somebody's read Updike.

Is the first gentleman a gentleman? That comes in many versions.

Would've been more fun if they caught him in the back seat

of the presidential limo with a hooker, but hey,

he's managed to humiliate the president,

and that's all that counts. Right?

And pushed her homeless bill right off the front page.

- Head count holding steady? - It'll pass both houses.

The photo was taken from an angle that appeared as if Mr. Calloway's hand

- touched her inappropriately. - You saying he didn't touch her?

He had no intention of touching her. He tripped and caught his balance.

- [all] Kelly! - Uh, yeah, Jim.

Kelly, how much had he had to drink when he tripped?

He had one glass of champagne, Jim.

He had not eaten dinner. He was not intoxicated.

- [all] Kelly! Kelly! Kelly! - Yes.

Are you aware The Post is carrying an interview with Miss Winters

in which she says, quote, "Mr. Calloway was drunk as a skunk," unquote.

I've answered that question.

And caused her mental distress by fondling her.

[reports chatter]

It's one way to sell newspapers. I'll be sure to read it, I love fiction.

A rider just got annexed to the homeless bill. An appropriations amendment.

- Appropriations for what? - Prison construction.

To pump up the war on drugs.

My bill is about families, housing, jobs.

It has nothing to do with prisons. Who's the sponsor?

Frank Devane, a two-term Republican from Upper Michigan.

A lot of clout for a two-termer.

The speaker never misses an opportunity to hurt you.

Betting I won't veto my own bill.

I refuse to let it be subverted by a 35-year-old policy

that's a total failure.

We've built more prisons than schools. It hasn't made a dent in drug use.

Find out what we can do for Mr. Devane to get him to withdraw the amendment.

I'll go and talk to him.

I can't spare you. Your priority is the State of the Union.

- Rod can do it. - Under the circumstances...

There are no circumstances. There's a photo.

He tripped and caught his balance. But if he lays low today,

he's gonna prove he's as guilty as he looks.

- How was the briefing? - [sighs]

I could take this binder, smash it over your head if you want a sense.

- It's a... a one-day story. - It is a hell of a day to pick.

We're days before the president lays out her agenda for the year,

all anyone cares about is how much the first gentleman had to drink.

- It was one glass of champagne. - Mr. Calloway.

- I wasn't drunk. - I'm sorry.

Listen. I don't know what happened.

I think I should put out a statement.

- Denying you were drunk? - Mm-hm.

Not a position of strength. We've got more important business.

The president needs you on her homeless initiative.

- The Devane rider? - Yeah.

We need to get that removed.

It's all hands on deck.

[Rod] Congressman, let's be straight with each other.

You waited until the president had the pen in her hand

to sign her homeless bill before you loaded up on it.

Gives the impression you're looking for attention.

I put some teeth in that bill, Mr. Calloway.

We have a homeless problem because of the drug problem

that made so many of them homeless.

- Forty percent are children. - With drug-using parents.

- Not to stereotype. - Tends to be accurate.

This bill provides for the most comprehensive drug treatment...

Like rehab works? Come on. I want roofs over these people too.

But prisons get more people off drugs than shelters.

- It's the stick and the carrot. - The president disagrees.

And she is asking you to withdraw the amendment, congressman.

My constituents need to know

I'm working hard on issues that matter to them.

Your numbers could use a bounce?

Always true.

The president wants to know what she can do to help you.

How many people can this shelter hold on any given day?

As many as come in that door.

I've had people sleep on the couch in my office.

- 'Morning. - Good morning, everyone.

[all] Good morning.

Madam President, this is Lucinda Walker.

- Nice to meet you. - It's an honor, ma'am.

Thank you.

[sobs] I'm sorry.

Oh, dear. That's OK.

- [Lucinda] Sorry. - [Mac] Thank you.

This is our financial assistance workshop.

It's the last stop before guests like Lucinda head back into the world.

We help them with bank accounts, health care.

Well, I know you're gonna do just fine.

Nice to meet you all. Good luck.

- Thank you. - [laughs]

[applause]

We have been here for 14 years now,

but this has to stand out as a red-letter day for D.C. Outreach.

We are so grateful to you, Madam President, for your support.

- Ms. Clarke. - [applause]

But... don't thank me yet. Congress still has to pass my initiative first.

- [crowd chuckles] - Madam President,

with this morning's allegations, is your husband a distraction

for your administration?

I'm not gonna let anything distract me

from keeping the homeless off the streets.

My initiative reflects, on a national scale,

the step-by-step approach so effectively demonstrated...

Madam President, do your children know about the photo?

- Does he have a drinking problem? - Will he sleep on the couch tonight?

He may choose to.

Because there hasn't been a new mattress in there since Nixon.

- [crowd laughs] - Thank you.

[knocking]

Just got a call.

The first gentleman came up the Hill today.

- To fetch a pail of water? - [laughs]

He paid Congressman Devane a visit.

Of course he did.

- Bloodied but unbowed. - What do you suppose he offered him?

Oh, I'd guess he blew some serious presidential smoke up Devane's chimney.

Promised him legislative support down the road.

A photo op with the president.

[chuckles]

Better stand on a box.

President's six inches taller than he is.

Leading by example requires the courage to act.

After extensive talks with the Joint Chiefs,

the secretary of state and my national security advisor,

I have crafted a plan to unilaterally destroy

a significant portion of America's nuclear warheads and materials.

[Kate] Excuse me?

I would like to exert my maternal authority

to remind you to eat.

You are a sight for sore eyes.

- Put your glasses back on. - Thanks.

[sighs]

You've had a tough day, I know.

- How you two doing? - I don't know.

You know what I remember most about you and Dad?

The kisses. He was always coming in for the hug,

always holding your hand.

For the longest time, I thought it was so silly.

How did you do it? How'd you manage it?

Staying in love?

[sighs] Easy.

Mutual respect.

Compromise.

That and you remember that

he spent half of every year

on a ship in the Pacific.

- Hmm. - Eat.

This too shall pass.

[woman] Mr. Speaker? Congressman Devane.

I thought we had ourselves an understanding.

We did. I, um...

- I didn't... - You know, I've built a long career,

some even say a... a distinguished career,

on one philosophy.

You're either with me or... [laughs]

...you're somewhere else.

Are you somewhere else, congressman?

- I stand with the party. - And the party supported your rider.

Which was mutually beneficial. I mean, the original goal...

Is still the goal.

Yes, but unfortunately, I... I gave my word.

To the town drunk, Frank.

To the town drunk.

Will you let an old man give you a piece of advice?

Never give up a plum committee assignment

for a photo op and a pair of presidential cuff links.

No. I... I'll call and cancel my meeting with the president.

No, no, no. She's a terrific woman.

She admires directness.

I know how much she would appreciate

the courtesy of you telling her yourself.

Homework?

Working on the travel schedule for after the State of the Union.

Hmm.

It's ironic.

You make a speech with all the pomp that the Capitol can offer,

then you have to go out and peddle the programs like Willy Loman.

- You get the word about Devane? - I did.

It's good news. What did you have to give him to drop the rider?

Oh, just a photo op with you in the Oval.

Plus, you stop by his district for a cup of coffee.

Well, it's a big weight off. Thank you.

So any... any changes in the scheduling?

I'm adding a West Coast leg.

L.A., San Francisco, maybe Seattle.

So, what does that make it? Like four days?

That's a while to be out of town, isn't it?

Whatever it takes to get you and Ms. Winters off the front page.

Sure.

Yeah. You're right.

- It's a smart move. - I don't want to fight anymore.

Neither do I.

Madam President. How's the new draft?

The staff's done a great job with it.

We're getting there. We're getting closer.

But...?

For one thing, I'm... I'm getting hung up on...

I am the first female president,

so do I talk about that, or do I ignore it because it shouldn't matter?

That's entirely up to you.

- Anyway, the speech isn't there yet. - [knocking]

Hope we're not interrupting.

Mac, Congressman Devane.

Congressman, the president.

- An honor to meet you, ma'am. - Pleasure.

- Mr. Gardner. - How you doing, Frank?

- Fine, fine. - Please.

Uh... yeah.

So you're here to talk about the initiative.

And to invite you to visit Upper Michigan's 14th District,

in return for which, Frank agreed to table the amendment.

Wonderful. I can't tell you how grateful I am to have this bill pass

- in its original form. - Actually,

I haven't had the opportunity to mention this,

but I've been doing some soul-searching and...

- And what, Frank? - [sighs]

I've decided I can't, in good conscience, reverse course.

- Excuse me? - I'm sorry. I...

- I don't want to waste your time. - You already have, congressman.

Do I need to remind you a president's endorsement

of any future bill will almost always guarantee its passage.

Any other president because he has party loyalty.

But you don't have a party.

- Who do you think you're talking to? - I should go.

- Congressman, we had an agreement. - I'm sorry. [clears throat]

What the hell was that?

[man] So Devane pulls the amendment, the administration avoids its first veto.

Or less cynically, ushers a signature bill to passage.

- [all] Kelly! Kelly! - Steve.

Devane's always banging the war on drugs drum.

How did she get him to change his mind?

She convinced him that this so-called war

needs to be fought by other means and other bills.

But let's let the congressman tell you himself.

- Good morning. - [all] Good morning.

I've just come from a meeting in the Oval Office to discuss HR1468,

known as the president's homeless initiative.

In that meeting, the president asked that I

reconsider the amendment now attached to the bill,

one that speaks to the correlation between substance abuse,

the lack of prison space and homelessness.

And while compelling arguments had been made,

I informed the president that I would not

alter, re-tool or withdraw said amendment.

- Congressman! - Yes.

How did the president respond to your refusal to back down?

- I imagine she was quite disappointed. - [man] Sir!

- Son of a bitch gave me his word. - Which obviously wasn't worth much.

Devane's wanted in on the Appropriations Committee for four years.

I guess the speaker found him a spot.

I had him. He was on board. Templeton must've come in at the 11th hour.

Then why go through the motions?

Why did Devane come to the Oval?

So he could tell the press corps himself.

- Did he...? - Yeah.

In other words, the congressman wasn't here to make a deal.

He was here to make a scene.

Somebody explain to me

how we get the North Koreans to stick to an agreement,

but a two-term congressman can't honor his word for more than 24 hours.

Because we have no recourse, Mac.

We have no allies. No infrastructure.

I mean, we can't do anything to keep him or anyone else in line.

- Guys, we need a minute. - Of course.

- You can't talk to me like that. - I can't tell the truth?

It makes the staff uncomfortable.

I didn't say anything any of them wasn't thinking.

It's not what you said, it's how you said it.

Oh, so now how I speak, that's a problem.

Listen, I am your husband, and if I can't speak to you...

That's the problem. It's always been the problem.

I have supported you. I have worked for you.

I backed you up your entire career. I thought I brought something to the...

This cannot continue to be seen as an extension of our marriage.

The lines are getting blurred, Rod.

[Rebecca] I mean, have you heard them fighting about it?

No, it's just...

...it feels weird around here, with this intern thing going on.

Yeah, well, maybe it wouldn't if Mom would just cut Dad some slack.

I mean, it's not like it hasn't been totally blown out of proportion.

Pretty big deal if you ask me.

Yeah, well, he tripped, Horace.

He had to have done something

to end up so close to that woman in the first place.

- It was an accident. - Yeah. I guess.

- You think they're in trouble? - Maybe.

Yeah. Me too.

[laughing, chattering]

Jayne.

I figured you'd head back to the White House, so I

ordered you a club soda with, yes, two wedges of lime.

Good memory. What's up?

Speaker would like to know if he's getting an advance copy

- of the State of the Union. - Uh, sorry, no.

It's embargoed till she gives it.

- We've gotten one before. - Under Bridges.

Same chief of staff.

- Come on, Jim. - We're up to, what, draft nine?

I'm hoping we have it ready for the president,

let alone giving out copies beforehand.

Mm... all right.

Well, still, it's gonna be a cold room.

Lot of sitting on hands. Lot of poker faces.

I'll keep that in mind.

[scoffs]

So are you seeing anybody?

I really have to get back.

Thanks for the soda.

Hey. How you doing? Can I get a vodka tonic?

- Um... Mr. Gardner? - Yes?

My name is Sherri Dalton. I've been interning at the DNC,

but I would like to move to the White House.

Contact our personnel office. They'll tell you everything you need.

Actually, sir, I've already done that.

I thought if I could get your recommendation...

You should know there's a fine line between assertive and inappropriate.

I wouldn't have said anything if I didn't have something to trade.

I have information.

- I'm sure you do. - No, really.

This whole thing with the first gentleman,

- I know who did it. - Did what?

Spiked his drink.

Speaker's here, ma'am.

It's good to see you. Lot of anticipation about that.

- Is there? - Oh, sure. It's the State of the Union.

The yardstick against which presidents set themselves to be measured.

It's always illuminating.

I hope you'll do us a favor and keep it under an hour.

The sciatica you get sitting in the House is murderous.

[chuckles] I'll do my level best.

I take it you've seen your colleague's press conference.

[exhales] On White House grounds. No class.

Vulgar, really vulgar.

I'm going to speak to him about it.

Conversing with a low-level congressperson twice in as many days?

That's not like you, Nathan.

I talk to everybody who needs talking to.

Five times a day if I have to.

Gotta run a tight ship.

I have no intention of perpetuating the status quo of a failed policy.

Well, that's where we differ from you.

And when I say we, I mean me...

...and every president who's come before you since Richard Nixon.

The war on drugs must not be abandoned.

Drugs are at the very heart of what's

eating away at our society

and part and parcel of what you call a failed policy

is a lack of prison space for drug offenders.

And I'm all for addressing the problem, just not as part of my initiative.

Let me... let me say something to you.

And I say it with all sincerity.

Your bill is a good bill.

And with this one small concession...

...it'll pass the House.

A concession that has nothing to do with the issue

and costs more than the bill itself.

- Politics is compromise. You know that. - This is not compromise.

This is a hijacking. I refuse to give in.

Is he on the Appropriations Committee now? Mr. Devane?

I had heard words to that effect, yes.

Well, I'll see you tomorrow.

I look forward to it.

Be good to have you in our neck of the woods for a change.

So, what was it? Some kind of a liquid tranquilizer?

Muscle relaxant. Ketamine, she thinks.

She's promised to testify to that in exchange for a job.

- And this source of yours is... - Volunteers at the DNC

along with this other intern, Courtney Winters. They're best friends.

In the Washington sense of the word.

Is this what it's come to? Spiking the first gentleman's drink?

It's just the beginning. Mackenzie Allen scares the Democrats.

[Kelly] What happened to "the enemy of my enemy is my friend"?

Democrats know in a three-way race,

they get 25 percent on the left, Templeton, 25 on the right,

the president will get the middle 50 and sail to victory.

Dems only shot is to take her out.

Yeah, but why attack Rod? Just to score some cheap political points?

To dominate headlines before her State of the Union.

Knocking me down a peg knocks her down by proxy.

You want to get the Service? Press charges?

Yeah. Yeah. And I want to talk to this girl.

[Dickie] Her lawyer's talking about a lawsuit.

Last thing you need is more contact.

- I'll do the talking this time. - What about the president?

- Should we...? - Yeah. Tell her.

- [knocking] - [door opens]

Mr. Gardner. Courtney Winters.

Close the door, Vince, would you?

I'll be outside if you need anything.

So you wanted to see me?

Do you have aspirations, Miss Winters?

Pardon me?

Political aspirations.

- Uh, I was hoping to... - We're talking about felonies here.

- Excuse me? - That's a problem.

Not only will you never vote again, but you'll likely do time.

For what? I was groped, and there's proof.

Possession and delivery of a controlled substance,

conspiracy to threaten the first gentleman, assault.

- I don't need to listen to this. - Sit down!

I can pick up the phone and have you arrested right now.

How old are you?

- How old are you? - Twenty-two.

They're gonna let you go to jail.

Your superiors. Know that.

If you give me a name,

your career in politics may be over, but you'll be able to walk out of here.

[sighs]

[clock chimes]

Hey.

I was just gonna say good night to the kids.

Well, I'll walk with you.

I heard.

About the Democratic operative.

I'm not sure of the details or how high it goes.

Doesn't matter.

Hey.

I never set out to hurt you, Mac.

- Ever. - I know.

I'm sorry too.

Mm.

- Well, uh, I've got an appointment. - OK.

- Kiss the kids good night for me? - Yeah.

All right.

[Rebecca] Shh, shh. Hey, Amy. Amy, it's OK.

It's OK. I promise. You don't have to cry.

- Everything is going to be... - Baby, what's wrong?

Nothing, she just heard some things.

What kind of things?

You and Daddy are getting a divorce.

Oh, baby, why in the world would you think that?

Horace and Becca said.

Um... no, we didn't.

Um, Amy just kinda heard us talking.

Amy. Listen to me.

All of you.

Mommy and Daddy are fine.

We just...

Sometimes people argue, that's all.

But you never argued as much as you have since we've been here.

- Oh, baby. I'm sorry. - [Amy sniffling]

[man] We need to find a better candidate.

Sir. Mr. Calloway.

- Let me call you back. - Sir?

Membership registration is on the first floor by the elevator.

We've been friends a long time.

I'd like to think you had nothing to do with this.

- What are you talk...? - I was set up.

Your political director masterminded it.

I have no idea what you're talking about...

Richard Laughlin.

We have a sworn statement from the girl that helped him.

Look, Rod, if that's the case, we will...

I remember when this was once a great party.

The party of ideas.

Well, I guess you've run out.

My family expects a public apology.

[woman on TV] We're gonna go live

- to Democratic National... - Here we go.

- Let Mr. Calloway know. - Know what?

DNC's chair's on live feed.

- [man on TV] Mr. Chairman! - Good morning. As Democrats,

for years we've blamed the Republicans for

creating a climate in which the politics of personal destruction flourish.

[sighs]

- Today, sadly... - Turn it up, Kelly.

...some of our own have stepped far over the line of civility in politics.

An employee of the DNC, without my knowledge,

is alleged to have encouraged a young intern

to place an illegal substance in a drink of first gentleman, Rod Calloway.

We are cooperating fully with the proper authorities.

As chairman,

I apologize for the rogue actions of these individuals.

And I wish to convey my most sincere regrets

to the first gentleman, the president

and their family. Thank you.

[man] Question! Question!

Jim, how do we want to respond?

- Only way we can. In kind. - [Kelly] That's not what I meant.

[Dickie] I know. We have to retaliate.

Do the same kind of dirty work with our own goons?

Well, I'd prefer to call it a political SWAT team.

- Dickie. - Ma'am?

Can I have a moment?

Close the door.

This has been one of the most frustrating weeks of my presidency.

- I'm sure it has. - I've been played, circumvented,

publicly embarrassed, privately hurt.

All in the name of politics.

If I can't take the high road to the presidency,

it's just not worth the journey, at least, not to me.

And if you are incapable of traveling that road

in the fashion to which I'm committed,

then I don't want you representing me.

I don't want you working for me. I don't want you around.

- Yes, ma'am. - Good.

- Then we're in agreement. - Yes, ma'am.

Ma'am.

The House closed voting on your initiative. It passed, 238 to 109.

I'm sorry.

[horns honking]

[chattering]

- Richard Laughlin. - Dickie McDonald.

- Figured you'd be over the border. - I have good lawyers.

- DNC'll make this go away. - No, man. You're kidding yourself.

You committed a serious crime. The DNC are gonna feed you to the dogs.

- What were you thinking? - Nothing you wouldn't have.

Actually, I draw the line at felonies.

I did what needed to be done. She's splitting the party.

The party can't afford to be split. She keeps this up,

she'll bring the system down. The whole country.

You know what's funny, Richard?

I never pegged you for a true believer.

As opposed to being paid to be one.

The truth is we are a lot alike, Dickie.

Trust me.

[Jayne] What makes you think she won't veto?

She may yet. But we can always override.

In any event, she won't be talking about it tonight.

She can hardly claim legislative victory

when it's been usurped by a costly rider.

She's going to be forced to talk about the economy

which is always in the crapper this time of year.

So if I were you, I would wear a warm coat.

It's going to be a very cold room.

Should we get dinner beforehand?

Once she gets the floor, God knows how long she'll be up there.

[man on TV] ...over the line of civility in politics.

Oh, look at this.

An employee of the DNC...

- Better them than us. - Amateur hour.

[telephone rings]

[Jayne] Hello?

You've got to be kidding me.

- What is it? - Send it over ASAP.

Thanks.

They're messengering over the president's State of the Union

as a written report.

- I don't understand. - She's not addressing the House.

- She's doing it from the Oval Office. - She can't do that.

They're citing Article Two, Section Three.

She doesn't have to give a report in person.

The joint session, Supreme Court justices...

Diplomatic corps. I know. She's calling them all off.

She's spitting in the face of history.

In the face of every president since Woodrow Wilson.

Hey, let that rest. It's a good speech.

What's a five-letter word for highway?

[scoffs] I should've known.

- It's better than biting my nails. - You're gonna be great.

- [breathes deeply] - So...

...I am moving my things out of the West Wing

and back into the first gentleman's office.

- Rod, we can talk about... - Mac. Mac.

You're the first woman president.

You need to stand taller and be stronger

than any man who's come before you.

And with me by your side, you can't do that.

It's not fair. It's not right. But it's the truth.

It'll be better that way.

For us too.

And you only have eight minutes left.

And that's your husband talking.

Thanks.

- Oh, it's... it's "route," by the way. - What?

"Route," it's a five-letter word for highway.

- Hmm. - Mm-hm.

[man] In three, two...

My fellow Americans, tonight I have the honor

of reporting on the state of our great union.

And I've chosen to do so,

not before the people's representatives,

but directly to the people who are watching this

on television in living rooms and workplaces across the country.

The past year has been one of tragedy,

of both pain and pride,

of victory and uncertainty.

Despite this, the American economy is strong,

the will of the people, unbending,

and its conscience, clear.

I wish that the same could be said of our elected officials in Washington.

As witnessed recently,

tactics of ugliness and deception have prevailed.

Earlier today, bill HR1468 was passed by Congress,

a bill designed to help men, women and children

across the nation find jobs,

find homes and build lives.

But that bill doesn't exist any longer.

It was hijacked and inflated by ideology,

by a system, by personal agenda.

It was amended, not because it needed improvement,

but because it could pave the way for special interest groups to make money,

for them to treat poverty with prison terms.

It was business as usual.

It was politics as usual.

In the next ten days,

I will be vetoing HR1468,

a bill I myself sponsored.

It's important that you, the people,

let your representatives know that our government,

that our liberty and that our rights are not for sale.

If you do, I promise you this:

The end of politics as usual

and the beginning of true political independence.