All language subtitles for The West Wing (1999) - S06E17 - A Good Day (1080p AMZN WEB-DL x265 ImE)_track3_[eng]

Previously on The West Wing:

Do you have any interest
in leaving the private sector?

Are you offering me a job?

Engaging your interest.

In a White House job.

Don't make me think
about it too hard.

No, thanks.

I need Charlie.
We're working.

I heard "Brad Pitt."
You're not working.

Talk to me about
the announcement

for the Family Leave
expansion.

Hello.
Am I interrupting?

You were in New Hampshire,
right?

I was.
That's nice.

This country was founded

on the principle of freedom.

Freedom stands opposed
to constraints,

and the bigger
the government,

the more the constraints.

Wow.

You agree with that?

No, it's a crock,

but you're really cute.

Yeah, I know.

You're too good at this.

You can't just walk away.

Watch me.

Are you sure I can't
get you anything?

No, thank you.

And it's my job
to insure that?

Pretty much.

Is she...?
Go on in.

( door opening )

Is the President ready for
his press conference tomorrow?

Unless Congress cooks up
more recipes for lame duck.

Sorry about last week's
veto override.

I'm more worried
about this latest stunt.

Yeah. Today's vote

on stem cell funding.

Where did that come from?

Apparently, the Speaker
wasn't thrilled

we found $55 million

in the HHS budget
last month

for stem cell research.

Haffley's introducing
legislation

that would de-fund
our whole program.

"Embryonic" is their favorite
fighting word.

Isn't this funding limited
to genetic material

that is being
thrown away?

Which is why we have enough
Republicans to make it close.

A dozen votes
could make the
difference.

Guess the Speaker saw
an opening

with so many Democrats
out campaigning.

I'm on it.
Been making calls
all morning.

20 Democrats
are flying back
for the vote.

Most have already landed.

In fact,
I should be...
Go.

The President doesn't need
any more bad news

in the next 18 hours.

He needs a good day.

Count on it.

Sorry.
Did I miss it?

Got his marching orders.

Then one of
those days.

About tonight...?

Nobel Laureates Dinner.
Brought my tux.

And dancing shoes?
Latin jazz on tap.

For those of us
who are seated

with the organometallic chemists

and have run out
of small talk by
the soup course.

I'm afraid you'll
miss the soup.

Why's that?

Future Leaders
for Democracy.

Near future,
distant future?

Middle. Middle
schoolers, in fact.

No, no. Not that.

I'm wall-to-wall today.

These kids are great.
They won a commendation

for some
Internet voting thing.

Give them ten minutes.

Ten minutes is how my whole
day's been divvied up.

There's a plot to ensure

I never get
to anything of substance.

They were bumped
off the President's
schedule yesterday,

bumped from mine
this morning.

They're on yours for 6:00.

Why?
It's their last day in town.

No. I meant, why me?

'Cause you're so good with kids.

Congressman Santos.

Did I miss it?

Doing the rule
right now.

Sorry to cut it
so close.

Traffic from Dulles.

Appreciate you
interrupting the campaign.

For stem cell?
This one matters.

Mm-hmm.

CONGRESSIONAL STAFFER:
One more vote!
One vote arriving!

Saw the news crews.

If you want to
comment after.

Congrats on Arizona
and New Mexico.

Keeps us alive.

Super Tuesday's
a real gauntlet.

Well, we appreciate
this detour.

And you calling back
so many others

out stumping
for your guy.

Three months
of primary potshots.

It's a relief
to see the Democrats
pulling on the same oar

working together
to protect...

Hey.
DONNA:
Hi.

Thought you were
in Atlanta.

White House asked
the Vice President
to pitch in.

Important one
for the President.

Vice President can't vote.

But as a former
House member,

he retains lifetime
floor privileges.

He's in there now?

Whipping support
for the President.

As only a Vice President
can do.

No stone unturned.

He's wheels up in an hour,
but he'll take questions
on his way out.

You arranged
the press?
DONNA:
I did.

That's a nice touch.
Unless we don't win this

and have to sneak
him out the back.

We have the votes.

Ah, it'd be great.

That's why
we're all here.

A win for
the President.

Or... not.

Son of a bitch.

What happened?

Nothing to do
with democracy.

We can hit the road.

Why?
The Speaker saw

just how many Democrats
were back in town,

did the math,
pulled the vote.

He pulled
the vote?
Game over.

We've been had.

Can I get you some tea?

No, thank you.

I make a mean cup of ocha.

Perhaps I could
proceed on my own.

She won't be much longer.

She'll want the honor
of escorting you herself.

( knock at door )

( music playing )

* We have not Begun

* the Beguine...

I can come back.

ABBEY:
No, no, stay. Stay.

Jed, you have
to use the cane.

Doc said I didn't have
to use it at home, right, C.J?

I'm guessing he meant
the residence, sir,

not the entire White House.

My home, where I'm having
a party tonight with dancing.

You ready to cut a rug?

I'm the product of
a ballroom class
short on boys.

Tall girls had to lead.

PRESIDENT:
Look how well
it served you.

You're in rare
form today, sir.

He certainly is.

The Speaker
withdrew his bill

attacking
stem-cell research.

More good news.

They'll reschedule
as soon as our guys leave town.

And that could be
as soon as when?

Tomorrow in the middle
of your press conference.

Still, something can
be said for MS.

Good days you don't take
for granted.

But tonight, sir...

Nobel laureates.

Some of my favorite people.

I wanted to ask you
about Yosh Takahashi.

I assumed you weren't close.

I mean, I know

he's the economist you
shared the Nobel with.

Not shared, split.

Ours was not a shared prize

for shared work.

The prize was split.

That year, the Swedes chose
to recognize to recognize

two separate-- some would say--
fundamentally divergent,

even contradictory efforts
in the same field.

He is a bit
conservative.

Ha!

He makes Milton Friedman
look middle of the road.

Thank God he's half a globe away
and not on the guest list,

so we don't have
to think about him tonight.

That's the thing.

Be gentle.
I'm not a well man.

Dr. Takahashi was invited.

He's flying in from Kyoto?

He's a visiting
scholar

at the University of Chicago
this quarter.

He's crashing my party?

He's here now,

waiting to pay his respects.

I got the message

about baby-sitting
your student group.

Can't stop.
Running late.

Are you sure
I'm the right fit?

You're perfect.

I'm stop in at the end
to say hello.

But I got to review tapes
of the President

for tomorrow's
press conference.

Why? You already said
the President's announced.

Why mess
with perfection?

I did?

Sounds like your
schedule is clear.

CLIFF:
Look, stay one more day.

Haffley will
reschedule this.

Not if we're here.

The Speaker can delay
calling a vote

for as long as he wants.

Super Tuesday is coming
and I'm in a tight race.

Yeah, so are plenty
of Republicans.

Look, give me
another day.

Would if I could,
but that dog won't hunt.

Well, keep your phones on.

Don't board any flights
without talking to me first.

Nice try.
Mr. Speaker.

So, uh, Leg Affairs tougher
than lobbying or just different?

You are dead meat.

It's a good sign
that in year seven

the President can still
rally the troops.

This won't affect
my serve, you know.

I'm gonna slaughter you
tomorrow, straight games.

Save it
for the court, dude.

( sighs )

( grunts )

Congressman, tell me
you're not leaving town.

I never leave town.

And you have
the President's gratitude
for your committed service.

To be honest,
I have some doubts

about funding
stem cell research.

Of course you do.

DONNA:
Mm-hmm.

Yeah, I'm going to miss
those little peach things.

Bring some to
Cleveland for me.

Bye.

Sorry about the vote.

Strike one for stem cells?

Nah. Sometimes

things are going so smoothly,

you don't see it coming
till they fall apart.

True.

You look changed...

in a good way.

Congratulations on the job.

May not be mine
after today.

But you, onward
and upward with
Bingo Bob.

Vice President
would have stayed

if he thought it
would still help.

Oh, thank him
for the use of his office.

Are you kidding? If Leg Affairs
didn't have this office,

where would you camp out
on the Hill?

Guess Josh worked
out of here a lot.

( sighing ):
Back in the day.

We need to have dinner sometime
so you can catch me up.

I'll be back
after Super Tuesday.

Good luck on it.

The Kohasa rebels continue
to arm conscripts

from refugee camps
along the Angola border.

Under this contingency,
we would mobilize near Llebo,

where intel reports stocks
of munitions and RPGs.

But we're advocating
wait and see.

Then we're
done for now.

Unless you
want an update

on the Canada
situation.

Uh, right, Canada.

Go on.

As you know,
tensions along
the 49th parallel

have been growing.

What's their beef?

Good one.

Yes, our ban
on live Canadian
cattle exports

is a catalyst, but I
wouldn't reduce this

to a simple
mad-cow conflict.

I'll avoid that.

Hostilities escalated
dramatically

at the start of the spring
snow goose hunting season.

Certain Canadian ranchers

posted "No Trespass" signs

on wooded property...

Canadian property?

Yes. But we're their
Montana neighbors

that hunted quarry
for generations.

Are you from Interior?

Fish and Wildlife, ma'am.

While an American party
was setting out decoys

for the Great Snowy Honker
this morning,

Canadians surrounded them
and pinned them down.

It's unclear whether
the Americans
are under siege

or have been
taken hostage.
Hostage?

That's affirm.

And local law enforcement
can't...?

Before Canadian
officials
could respond,

one of the hunters,
a retired Montana State Trooper,

called in backup
on his cell.

Off-duty officers
responded

to the scene, and they
infiltrated the 20-yard swath

de-marking
the border.
Have shots been fired?

Yes, but there were geese
in the air at the time.

Do we even have
a map of Canada?

PRESIDENT:
Dr. Takahashi.

Mr. President.

Dr. Bartlet.

What a lovely
surprise.

Thank you for allowing me

to say hello.

I regret that
I'm so busy today.

But for an old friend...

These two met
in grad school.

And we competed even then.

A fellowship you won,

as I recall.
I was always

the bookworm;

he was the politician.

I wasn't.

A tenure track was all
I aspired to back then.

But his economics

betrayed his true calling.

C.J.:
How so?

President of
the Welfare State...

the footnote to
explain his theory.

PRESIDENT:
We'll have opportunity

for more of this at dinner.

That, sir, would be
a rational expectation.

ABBEY:
They're setting tea

in the other room.
Would you join me?

Well, he's certainly a...

Smug son of a bitch.

"Rational expectation."

What?

Territory he claims
to have pioneered.

"Footnote" my ass.

I don't think
he was saying...

As if his work would
still be read if he hadn't

spent a lifetime assigning it
to hapless undergrads.

All due respect, sir,

you sit in this office,

you're pretty much not allowed

to harbor
professional jealousies.

He started it.

Congressman.
You're still here.

I got held up.
I know you've got

that fund raiser tonight
in Hartford.

Yeah, I'm on my way now.

Isn't there any chance...
Okay.
Look unhappy.

You see how I'm
shaking my head,

telling you no way?

I do. Are you in fact
telling me the opposite?

I'm not sure yet.

Don't smile.

Is it too much
if I slump?

Careful.

So where can we talk?

My office,
half an hour?

Look, I'm... I'm sorry.

I'm really sorry.

You sure you have the
clearance to discuss this?

The Vice President
is on his way to Atlanta,

but he wanted me to weigh in.

He has an interest
in the situation.

Please, tell me
this is a ruse

concocted to steal moments
in my promising company.

The Vice President has an
interest in the situation.

He's a snow gooser?

More a stalker
of the black bear.

Owns a hunting cabin
north of Chinook.

Ah.
Hunts with the governor
of Montana in fact.

They spoke today.

And he'd like to see
this resolved bloodlessly.

Actually, he's more
concerned we not back down,

that we not appear weak
in any way.

"We?"
The United States.

There's no "we"
in this.

It's 15 drunks
in camo vests.

The Vice President
advocates a hard line.

Permanent lockout
in the NHL?

Maple syrup embargo?

Turn off Niagara Falls?

I know you're disappointed...

We understand that the President
has other priorities.

We were cool with Ms. Cregg
as backup;

even Mr. Ziegler
made sense.

But getting bumped
to Deputy Press Secretary

in Charge of Hairstyles
kind of sucks?

I'm sure you're great
at what you do.

If we were a media club,
we wouldn't be

lodging this protest.

We're not lodging
a protest, Cody.

We're a political group.

Did you even read our materials?

As a matter of fact, I did.

Then you know a glorified field
trip is a waste of our time.

Let's talk about it
on our way to the East Room.

Josh.

I love what you've
done with the place.

I expected the Congressman.

He's on his way.

But you're wasting
his time with this.

Stem cell's not a waste.

It's a win for you
with women.

You must have
polled on this.

We have; that's not...

Caregivers get what
this research means

for those with diabetes,
Parkinson's...

ALS, Alzheimers.

Yep, we're on board.

Great to hear.

But we're not going
down with the ship.

The problem
isn't stem cells.

It's asking us
to stick around

when there's no viable
strategy to win this.

I am talking to the Congressman,
at his request,

about his President's agenda.

Maybe you could

give us a sec...

You kicking me out?
Of this office?

I got a better idea.

Why don't you give
Josh and me a minute.

Take your time.

My office is your office.

Was, in fact.

You set this up?
You can't let me out of
your sight for a minute.

This is a lose-lose.

As long as you stay,
Haffley won't
call the vote.

As soon as you leave, he will.
There's no way

to change that.

There is one way.
If you'd just hear me out.

You have a plan
to win this vote?
But I'm gonna need you

to iron out some crucial
details with Cliff.

Yes, ma'am?

What's this?

"Operation Northern Lights."

It's a working title.

You want
to infiltrate Canada

with CIA operatives
posing as ranchers?

Standard procedure
in a hostage situation

on foreign soil--
assess the threat level.

Before the insertion
extraction phase?

Yes, ma'am.

What, are you thinking
blackhawks or helo drop?

I could get them
both out.

Defcon-1 out of Fort
Bragg, then the other...

Stop.
The ranchers
are making

a statement
on Canadian television.

Don't give this to anyone.

Including me.

And the desk was made from
the timbers of the HMS Resolute,

which was presented
to President Hayes

by Queen Victoria in 1880.

The Presidential coat of arms
was added by FDR,

who was President Bartlet's
hero when he was your age.

Thanks, Phil.

So, are there any questions?

Ah!

As promised, the Director
of White House Communications,

Mr. Toby Ziegler.

Hi, everybody.

Annabeth showing
you the place?

We only have the
Roosevelt Room left.
Well,
don't let me interrupt.

I have one question
for Mr. Ziegler, if I may.

Sure. Fire away.

Do you know who we are?
Yeah.

Junior Leaders of...
Future Leaders
for Democracy.

Were you briefed on our purpose?

Probably not.
We're a youth lobby

in support
of a Constitutional
Amendment to forbid

discrimination of voting rights
on the basis of age.

They want
the voting age lowered.

We want it abolished.

Well, that's... radical.

Why did we get
the brush-off today?

Why do we keep
getting passed down
the food chain?

Why do you keep looking
at our chaperone

or Ms. Schott to intervene?

We're children.

And that in itself shouldn't
render us meaningless.

But in this society
we are meaningless,

'cause we're powerless,
we have no voice.

Well, that's an
interesting point.

I'll, I'll, I'll,
I'll read your stuff.

The Roosevelt Room...

The brush-off again.

And why not?

No risk in offending us,
we don't exist.

What is it you want?
More than

a 15-minute tour
and 30-second drive-by.

We've been
shuffled around,
ten minutes here,

ten minutes there.
It's like there's a plot

to keep us from
discussing our agenda

with anyone that matters.

What Cody means is that
children's suffrage

is a complex issue
and it...

I-I... I get it.

I get what he means.

Okay.

This is
the Roosevelt Room...

where issues are discussed.

Pull up a chair.

It's your meeting.

PRESIDENT:
When he was asked

why he wanted
a one-armed economist,

Truman said because
he was always being advised:

"On the one hand,
but on the other hand..."

( laughing )

Academics often
confound politicians.

Yes, in politics,
it's dog eat dog;

in academia,
it's the opposite.

( laughing )

When Japan Railway
privatized in '87,

my theories were
put to the test.

And you got lucky.

It would have been hard
to fail worse than

the government had.

PRESIDENT:
All that red ink...

must be why
the private sector

turns to government
for a bail-out

when things get tough.

And why disciplined
leaders learn to say no.

I'm so sorry to interrupt.

But they're calling us
in for dinner.

Excuse us.

Does the steward
have laryngitis?

It would be a pity
to battle MS,

only to succumb
to an aneurysm.

Jefferson said it best:

A man's management
of his own purse

speaks volumes
about character.

You're still pissed
about Stockholm?

We were Nobel Laureates
in economics.

It was no empty gesture
when he stiffed me
for the cab fare.

I hear there's to be
Latin dancing after dinner.

And he's a big fan.
Oh.

I trust you'll save me tango,
Dr. Bartlet.

Your dance card
is full, Toots.

Jed, did you bring
your cane?

You can hold me up.

Maybe I'll give him
just a little samba.

Over my dead body.

FECTEAU:
The Prime Minister

wishes to emphasize
the unofficial nature

of the ranchers' declaration of
war against the United States.

Thank you for that.

You have seen their demands
on Canadian television?

We have.

are on ready response.

Some volunteer reinforcements

may be crossing over
through Peace Park.

We are concerned about
reports of escalation,

an effigy-burning

in Alberta.

A response to your
governor of Montana.

He mentioned calling
in the National Guard.

He referred to a contingency
plan to invade Canada.

That is absurd.
There is no

U.S. contingency plan to...

Are you there?

Yeah, um, I was saying,

we trust that local officials
will resolve this very soon.

We'll be in touch.

We have a contingency
plan to invade Canada?

Would you like
to be briefed?

( sighs )

Other... other developments?

A sawmill in Climax

is piling on.

Is Climax us or them?
Them.

Their demanding President
Bartlet drop tariffs

on soft lumber products.

And a meat packing plant
in Lodgepole-- us--

they're offering free coffee

to all Americans on
their way to the front.

Can we at least
not call it a front.

The Royal Canadians
have arrived,

but they're at a disadvantage.

How so?

Mountie's standard issue
is a Smith & Wesson,
nine millimeter.

And the hunters are packing
12-gauge shotguns.

And...?

A couple Barrett
.50-caliber snipers,

HK carbine fiber assault rifles

and infrared
night goggles.
( giggles )

( sighs )

Congressman.

Talk to Josh.

He's going to Hartford?

Folks there paid
to shake his hand.

You want me to...?
No, no, no.
Stay put.

I'm fine here.

But he can shake those
hands and be back in D.C.

in a few hours.
And the dozen congressman

who are heading out
to stump for him?

I'm ready to start
calling them back.

Thank you, man.

Thank the congressman.

But if there's a single
Republican on this flight

or someone sees him
at the airport...

He's flying himself.

He'll land
at the private terminal.

The question is where
does he go after that?

Give me a half an hour.
It can be arranged.

( knock at door )

Hi.

Congressman.

Uh... do you want to come in?

So, the rumor's true.

You really do sleep
in your office.

Can't afford DC rent

on this salary, and in Pine
Bluff, we favor a short commute.

The President needs
you, Arkansas.

You shared my concerns
on stem cell

and I'm being summoned
to the White House?

It's more legwork
the President needs,

a loyal Democrat who
can walk these halls

and look like
he belongs here.

Where do I start?

Do you have some pants?

TOBY:
I'm saying all societies

distinguish between
an adult phase of life

with inherent rights,
and childhood

as a time
of development,

when those rights
are curtailed,

But the 26th Amendment, lowering
the voting age to 18, proved

that line is arbitrary--
or at least fluid.

In the 30 years since
the 26th passed,

society has not
much altered

its stance on when
adulthood begins.

CODY:
Well...

18 is still the common age
of graduation from school,

military
conscription...

What about children
as young as 12

get tried for
crimes as adults?

So, I'm mature enough
to face sentencing

as a full citizen,
but not to vote?

You can be pretty dumb

and commit a crime.

Voting requires
a level of reasoning.

Adults don't have to prove
any level of reasoning to vote.

Nor should they.

Okay, I'll cede that,
but would you agree

children need special
protections against coercion

and mistreatment
by adults?

Sure.

Those same vulnerabilities

make them unable
to vote independently.

That exact argument:
immature logic...

And being easy to coerce.

That argument was
used to prevent Negroes

and women from voting
up until the 20th century.

Sorry.
C.J.'s looking for you.

Your next meeting.

Dining and dancing.

And your parents called
from District Pizza.

You guys are
missing dinner.

Oh, my gosh. We are.

Um... we took up
a lot of your time.

CODY:
It's been great, sir.

Another half hour, I
could have convinced you.

I believe you.

ELISHA:
We heard District is
the best pizza in town.

ANNABETH:
Outrageous.

District Pizza
delivers, don't they?

I think so.

I need the Mural Room
for a meeting.

Is it Canada?

Okay.

Maybe I'm overly
emotional these days,

but Mother's Canadian, you know.
Dad hails from upstate,

so there's always been a
north-south tug-of-war for us
kids.

Today's events--
this is the kind of thing

that pulls families apart,

pits brother against brother.

So, can I have the room?

All yours.

Give peace a chance.

I wasn't looking.

I missed the whole thing.

He overdid it.

A man his age
attempting a tango.

C.J.:
A physician
is on the way.

TAKAHASHI:
Oh, there's no need.

Could we bring
him some ice?

You hit your head.

Did you hurt yourself?

You are the expert
on soft landings.

You tell me.

He's fine.

Congressman Santos is
in Hartford tonight.

Do you want
to leave word?

Sounds like I missed him.

I can try him
on his cell.

Just tell him I stopped by.
Good night.

Elvis has left the building.

CLIFF:
Anyone see you?

Okay, Arkansas,
Congressman Reilly's

approaching the
south entrance.

Got it covered.

Nice flight?

A little turbulence,
but, you know,

makes it interesting.
Oh.

Does the Vice President know
we're using his office for this?

I'm not telling him.

I'd keep the noise down
and the curtains pulled.

You aren't staying?

Miles to go, and I can't
be seen around here.

Can I get you anything?

Is there coffee...?

Yeah, and the
soda's there,

washroom
through there.

Thanks.

( screaming )

No, no, no,
I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

D-D-D-Don't,
don't scream.

Don't scream.
I'm... I'm sorry.

Aah.

I'm sorry.

Oh, God.

I didn't plan...
I mean, I...

Oh, I crashed.

You're Russell's
chicken fighter.

Donna Moss.

You're Matt Santos.

Running for President.

Um... and I haven't
shaken your hand yet.

Okay.

Assuming I'm not in some state

of deep REM hallucination...

I'm hiding out.

We're trying to outsmart
the Speaker,

have him think that we've all
left town before he calls

the vote tomorrow.

And when you say "we"...?

There's some others
that are coming. Excuse me.

Does the Vice President
know that you...?

This is not
for the Santos campaign.

It's for the President.

I bet you're a fan.

You're not going to try "It's
for stem cells everywhere,"

are you?

I was going in next.

I made a fool of myself.

We all know
the feeling.

Even Presidents?

Especially Presidents.

You're thinking of last
week's veto override?

No, but thanks for the reminder.

Not that you should judge.

You'd veto all
government spending.

You think I judge you?

We judge each other,
always have.

Here, put this on it.

Thank you.

What if I were here as a friend,
with a friendly warning?

What would that be?

Japan has been

heavily investing in
your national debt.

If you mean that Japan has been
buying US Treasury bonds,

Foreign investors have bought
90% of your new debt.

My government alone
holds $700 billion

in assets.

Since when did
deficits bother you?

They bother you.

Your work was a jeremiad

on keeping deficits low.

My work applied
to developing economies.

There are rumors Singapore
may dump her dollars.

It could start a run.

Never happen.

Japan could not
afford to be caught.

It's in Japan's
own interest

for these notes
to hold their value.

We have an aging
population.

We'll have to divest.

Gradually.
A soft landing,

not that I don't
appreciate the sentiment

behind your
nightmare scenario.

A deficit projected over
$300 billion on your watch

is not my nightmare.

Hence my veto
of the highways bill.

Which I mistook
for mutual concern

over the world's
greatest economy,

burdened with
mounting debt,

increasingly held

by foreign... friends.

What are friends for?

CANADIAN AMBASSADOR:
Thank you for seeing me.

I know you've had a long day.

Will said something's
on your mind.

As Canadian Ambassador,

I am pleased to report
all's quiet

on the Western front.

Though still
unresolved.

Yes. And when I spoke
with the Vice President...

You called
the vice president?

The Vice President
called the Ambassador.

I've had some
unofficial conversations...

You understand, I'm not
at liberty to speak officially?

What are we talking about?

You'll have to excuse my, uh...

I don't,
I haven't had much practice

at this kind
of intrigue.

We all learn by doing.

Our two countries are
close and historic friends.

Yes, of course, there are
some areas where we differ--

Bovine spongiform is one.

And lumber tariffs.

And mail-order
prescription drugs.

And U.S. global
military presence.

But, on the whole, friends.

If you would trust me,
I could prevail

upon the premier
of the province

to exert pressure on his
citizens to relent

and allow the Americans free
passage back across the border.

That would be swell.

Of course,
this would

create some... expectations.

Expectations?

The Ambassador suggested
if there were some

flexibility on
the U.S. appeal

of NAFTA's lumber
decision...

Guys. The United States
does not make trade decisions

based on the actions
of amped-up cowboys.

Unless they've been

elected to office.

I-I understand you can't
negotiate with me directly,

but if you sense
the possibility

of an openness

to consider
my proposal, you could

signal the same by...
crossing your legs.

Or uncrossing and
crossing them again.

Just to be sure.

Ambassador,
listen carefully.

An hour ago I reviewed
the United States

contingency plan
to invade your country.

There's a
contingency plan?

1789. Amended in 1815.

The calligraphy is beautiful,
and if one more "deal"

is floated in this room, I'm
gonna ask DOD to reactivate it.

You could argue
that 18 is

the worst age
to start voting.

You're all worried
about college

or paying rent
for the first time

or falling in love.

It isn't only
power that corrupts.

Weakness corrupts.

It makes kids
grow up cynical.

So you think
half of adults

don't vote 'cause
they didn't

get started soon enough?

Absolutely.
Churches don't wait.

They get kids at birth,

and it's as kids we
have unique concerns.

Like what?

I'm going to be
breathing the air

and drinking the water
after you're long gone,

but I can't vote

to protect the
environment?

And we're required
to attend

underfunded schools,
but can't vote to improve them.

And kids who work pay
into Social Security

without any say as to how
the fund is managed.

Right. When you guys

fix Social Security,
you have to keep

adults happy, but you
can rob our future

without losing
a single vote.

Here's another one.

Poverty among young people
exceeds

all other age groups,
yet the government

spends ten times more
on each poor senior

than it does
each poor child.

Wow.

We have no AARP to lobby for us.

We have no voice at all.

So, are you, uh...

Did we convince you?

Well, I'd go for lowering
the age in increments--

and I wouldn't start
at the federal level.

But you'll mention it
to the President?

I'll do better than that.

But it's crucial
to the President.

And I am in a
crucial primary.

Sir.
Gentlemen.

I'm sorry, buddy,
but I am out of here.

( half-whisper ):
Hey, Donna.

Congressman.

You want to take this in?

What about popcorn?

Smell too risky?

I'd wait another hour.

( knocks "Shave
and a Haircut" )

( applause )

Greg, didn't you
get the message
about provisions?

Voilà.

It's 75 degrees here.

I may never
go back to D.C.

It was a dirty trick.

Worked like
a charm, though.

The Speaker
crossed a line.

( knocking )
You should've seen
the stuff we pulled

when we were the majority.

Why I hated coed dorms.

Once again we let
the Republicans set the terms.

This is therapeutic research,
not reproductive cloning.

Congressman,
no more souls to ferry?

All in for now.

Well, pull up a chair.

We're, uh, preaching
to the choir here on stem cells.

I may sing
another tune.

( group boos )

No, no, no, take it easy;
he's on our team.

It burns me up the Speaker
didn't put this to a fair vote.

Even though you're
leaning his way?

Should I turn in
my decoder ring?

SANTOS:
Haffley closed
the floor to debate,

but we're not playing
by his rules.

What are your reservations?

I have morality questions.

Ask them.

We have all night.

Half day?

Those Nobel laureates
can party.

Did Josh fill you in on
what's afoot on the Hill?

Operation Sleep Over?

A cool move, if it works.

What I can't figure is

how you get Haffley
to call the vote.

He can put it off forever.

This is where
squash comes in.

The sport
or the vegetable?

I punish the Speaker
every Thursday morning
in a standing match.

Tomorrow?
In five hours
to be exact.

You're going to talk him
into scheduling the vote
on a squash court?

And shut him out with my awesome
forehand at the same time.

Here's how it'll go:

I say, "Ooh, nice nick"--
squash talk--

"and nice maneuver on the floor,
yesterday, pulling the vote."

He says, "Thanks.
let, please.

"And play a
little squash.

Everything's a game
with you, I say.

Even research that can
save millions of lives.

Stem cell's not a game,
thus speaketh Haffley.

Looks like that
to the President.

This research could be the
trafficking in human embryos.

I don't take that lightly.

Oh, come on. If this were
a trip to moral high ground

and not an inside-the-beltway
bitch slap,

you'd schedule the vote
now that you can win,

thus protecting clustered cells
in petri dishes everywhere.

Why let it slide?

Maybe the Republican Party
has a stronger interest

in keeping its base agitated

than it does in protecting
the sanctity of human life

Might work.

Gonna have to let them
win the game, though.

No mercy.

JUNIOR ARKANSAS:
Yes, they're in labs,

but they're still embryos.

No. What-what they are--
have-have you seen them?--

they're frozen,
fertilized eggs.

Call them eggs, call
them genetic material,

they're potential
human life.

Potential--
that's the key.

These embryos may
contribute to life,

but-but they can never become
a person, or-or even a fetus,

without a mother's womb.

That's a fine line.

Mystery of life.

It's all fine lines
and tough odds,

as anyone who's
ever been through

in vitro fertilization knows.

Do you object to that, too?

In vitro? No.

That's science
helping folks conceive.

SANTOS:
Well, these cells are what's
leftover when that work is done.

JUNIOR ARKANSAS:
But the science is the same
as the science of cloning.

That's why funding would be
limited to discarded cells.

If not used in research, these
cells would be thrown away

There would be no outcry
from Congress.

And, you know, if
it's a moral call--

and I-I agree it is--

what about the morality
of dragging our heels

when we could be
alleviating suffering?

Is this true?

We have Officer Horn
at the site confirming it now.

An American helicopter,
entered Canadian airspace

without a flight plan
and emergency-landed

in a field half a click
from the standoff?

HORN ( on speaker ):
Yes, ma'am.

This was a UH-1H helicopter?

HORN:
Yes, ma'am.

A Huey.

They make civilian
aircraft, too.

We have deniability...

I don't want
deniability.

I want absolute assurance

this was not part of a
military action on our part!

I can't vouch
for Black Ops.

The problem is not
a few rowdy outlaws
from a bygone era

blowing off
testosterone.

The problem is us.

We are still
the Wild Bunch.

I mean, the higher it goes,
the hotter the risk.

I just threatened
the Canadian Ambassador.

Someone on the ground
has got...

Okay. Officer,
are you still there?

HORN:
I am.

Who is the ranking Canadian
at the scene?

Probably the Grasslands
EcoRegion Director.

Does he or she have access
to a bullhorn?

Could be arranged.

Okay. What if...

It's just past
midnight Mountain Time.

Announce the end
of hunting season.

That's not
till next week.

It just changed.
Ended at midnight.

And anyone
of any nationality

discharging a fire arm
is subject to immediate

and permanent loss
of their hunting license.

HORN:
Could work.

These guys don't fool
around with hunting.
Give it a shot.

PRESIDENT:
The man's a gnat.

A buzzing mosquito.

Mm-hmm.

Nah, he's a pit bull.

He locks his jaws
and won't let go.

Yeah.

With his doomsday
predictions.

Uh-huh.

Not that that stuff
keeps me awake.

No.

What keeps you awake
is the deficit.

First term we made
so much progress,

we were talking
balanced budget.

Economy slowed.

Costs spiralled.

Security at home,

terrorism...

peacekeeping abroad,

Republican tax cuts--
I couldn't control it.

And I'm an economist
for God's sakes.

Mm, and a smart one.

I gotta ask: What's the next
guy, a mere mortal, gonna do?

It's like Eisenhower.

In what way?

Even though he'd
been a General,

when he was President,
he couldn't do anything

to control the military
industrial, you know...

( sighs )

He did one thing.

DONNA:
Haffley just called

the first procedural bill of
the day approving the journal.

Testing to see if there's
anyone here to flush out.

He announced
the day's going to be

about pharmaceutical
drug trials.

GROUP ( groaning ):
Oh, no...

Stem cell isn't
on the agenda?

TOBY:
This is a nationally televised
Presidential press conference.

You don't speak
unless you're called on.

Yes, sir.

C.J.:
The President's on his way.

Anything
from the Hill?
Not so far.

You think that would
be appropriate?

I don't think that would
be a problem at all, sir.

( chuckling ):
No. Good morning.

Morning, sir.
Morning, sir.

Ready to shake
things up, Toby?

Yes, sir.
If you're in the mood,

there's a young man in the back
you might want to call on.

Mm-hmm.

Good morning.

I love you all, but two days
without a change of clothes,

I may switch parties.

Whose toothpaste
was this?

What did I miss?

We're reconsidering
our strategy.

Let's give it
another hour, guys.

DONNA:
Haffley just
called the vote.

For stem cell?

Just now.

Well, 20
seconds ago.

Got your voting card?
( group cheers )

Right here.

Get on out there and vote.

Chris?
Mr. President!
Mr. President!

CHRIS:
Mr. President, as you head
into your final year in office,

do you have any regrets?

One big regret-- and here's
your lead, people--

is my failure to bring the
budget deficit under control.

I know, an election cycle is
warming up and no one wants

to hear about budget deficits,

but both sides are gonna
hear about them from me.

That's my campaign promise.

Honestly, I wasn't sure
you'd follow through
and schedule it.

Thanks for your vote,
Congressman.

CONGRESSIONAL STAFFER:
One more vote arriving!

Angela,
thanks for coming in.

With your help, we've
got this one sewed up.

Thought maybe you'd
join us on this one.

Administration
bend your ear?

I made up my own
mind, Mr. Speaker.

I had such high hopes for you.

Sometimes when you get them

while they're still wet
behind the ears, it's...

Mr. Speaker.

Good match today.

Mr. President!
Mr. President!

The young man in the back, I'm
sorry I don't know your name.

Cody Zucker, Mr. President.

PRESIDENT:
Cody?

Do you think the budget deficit

is especially unfair
to younger Americans?

Absolutely.

that's not something

a responsible parent
would choose to do.

Yeah, David.

CODY:
A follow-up, sir.

Do you think we'd have
such a large deficit

if children were
allowed to vote?

PRESIDENT:
Well, as adults, we certainly

aren't shouldering
our responsibility

and your generation
has a vested interest.

Allowing children to vote
is worthy of consideration.

PRESIDENT:
Thank you, Cody.

PRESIDENT:
Yeah, David?

C.J.:
Well done, Commander Harper.

Cooler heads prevailed.

All Americans home safe?

Peace in our time.

TV REPORTER:
...turn of events will end the
Speaker's unchallenged control.

The surprise arrival was
led by Presidential hopeful,

Congressman Matt Santos.

SANTOS:
It was a stunt;
no doubt about it.

Good work.

Group effort.

Santos was the brains.

216 Congressmen and women
did the voting.

And on the squash court?

Best of five. All by myself.

You know, sometimes
the American people

wonder what it is we
do here in Congress.

Sometimes I wonder myself.

Today wasn't one of those days.

Yes?