The Seduction of Joe Tynan (1979) Movie Script
1
Black men and women
between 20 and 24
are trying to find jobs
to support
themselves and their families.
What are we here for, gentlemen?
Ten million people are not able
to put bread on their tables.
Are we here for them?
Now I know that this bill
is not a cure all.
According to the estimates
made by
the Congressional
Budget Office,
between 56,000 and 70,000 jobs
will be created
for every billion dollars spent.
So, at best, this bill
will create only a million jobs.
Only a million.
But the question has been
raised, can we afford
to subsidize that many jobs?
Well, let me ask my
distinguished
colleague from Arizona.
How many children can this
nation afford to let go hungry?
If we're not here
for these children,
for these families...
what are we here for, gentlemen?
Mr. President,
I yield the floor.
Do you realize I got
the Works Bill passed?
Do you know how many people
have tried? And I got it passed.
I think you must be a genius.
Really, darling.
- I think that must be it.
- Ha-ha-ha!
I got clout.
My little subcommittee
has power.
Hey.
Hey. What... I...
- I don't have any covers.
- Oh!
No kidding?
What are you doing?
It's called
"getting your attention."
- Oh, really?
- Mm-hm.
You can't get
enough of me, right?
- Well...
- Power makes women crazy.
Well, it's certainly
making you crazy.
Do you realize that I got
a bill passed today
and it's going to put
a million people to work?
You know how I did it?
- I said one word.
- Hm.
Shazam?
No. Subcommittee.
Oh, my God!
Don't say that word.
- Why?
- Well, it drives me... wild.
Stop it. Stop it!
Oh... Stop!
Alright, I'm giving you
five seconds
to do something
wonderful to my body,
and after that,
I start playing rough. Okay?
- Five, four, three...
- Okay, come here.
Two...
How's that? Is that better?
Yeah, of course.
Do you know that
there are dozens of men
lying in their beds right now
just wishing they were me?
Just wishing they had
their names
on that Public Works Bill.
- That's it.
- What?
- That's it. That's it.
- What? Ha-ha-ha!
Come on!
Nobody pushes Joe Tynan
out of bed.
Oh, yeah?
- How do you do that?
- I jog.
I have very strong legs.
You wanna try again?
Oh! Wow, am I sleepy.
No. No, I won't.
- Oh, yes.
- No. I'm a virgin.
- Not for long.
- He-he-he!
Tiger.
You look too good,
you're gonna lose votes.
Proxmire can do
50 of these.
Have you seen this?
Edward Anderson, yeah.
The President assured me
that he was gonna nominate him
to fill Perkins' place
on the Supreme Court.
But he wasn't gonna announce it
until next week.
I wonder why this leaked.
Well, I don't know.
Can I see you
in your private office?
Yeah, sure, senator.
Come on.
Good morning, senator.
Now what's going on here?
Who's trying to block Anderson?
You think somebody's trying
to block him?
Look, 20 years ago,
Anderson said some things
during a campaign
that wouldn't sound
so good today.
But the man's a moderate. You
don't have to worry about him.
Senator, I really don't know
the man.
Now, look, I don't care
if you vote against him.
Just don't make
a problem for me.
Like what?
Like leadin' the opposition.
I shouldn't have
any trouble with this
unless some flaming liberal
like you makes a fuss.
Senator, I'll give Anderson
my most careful consideration.
You can count on that.
You keep any bourbon down here?
Sure.
You know, Joe...
some folks back home are saying
that I'm beginning
to get too old.
That my stroke
has left me feeble.
Now, that's a lot
of bull, but...
they got somebody
very attractive
runnin' against me next time.
And, uh, I'd rather not
take this man on
if I can avoid it.
I'm wondering if you can guess
who he is.
Edward Anderson.
If he's on the Supreme Court,
he's out of the runnin'
for life.
And he happens to be
eminently qualified.
I understand, sir.
- Can I count on you?
- Sure.
Hey, you vote against him
if you like, but...
just don't start a crusade,
alright?
Fine, senator.
Are you with me?
I won't oppose you, senator.
Fine.
Piss on them,
with their self-satisfied
talk about old age.
They think they ain't
gonna get old?
Hah! They just have to wait
a while, that's all.
Don't take any talent
to get old.
Answer me that, mon vieux.
I don't, uh, I don't
speak French, senator.
Now, you just,
you vote against him,
but just don't make a fuss.
I won't oppose you
on this, senator.
Senator?
And you told him
you wouldn't come out
against Anderson,
you told him that?
Maybe he won't remember.
His guy just had me on the phone
nailing it down.
Goddammit.
Get that file on aging, please?
I wish you'd make him
ask you twice,
at least he'd owe us something.
Angela, I have the status
of the bills on aging
in the House for you.
Okay. I'll write it up for you.
Thank you.
Look, how bad can Anderson be?
Arthur Briggs
of the NAACP called
and told me Anderson
is a racist.
A racist?
The man has come out publicly
in favor of segregated schools.
Jesus Christ!
Senator Henry Goodfellow,
the director of the
National Civil Rights Coalition
is on three,
he says it's urgent.
Can you take it now?
- His name is Henry?
- Yeah.
Henry, how are you?
No, I have, uh,
I have not come out
in favor of Anderson,
that's just a rumor.
Well, Joe Tynan is not
gonna back a racist.
Uh, yeah.
Henry... how's Florence?
Good, give her my best,
will you?
Okay. Bye-bye.
Francis, if I fought
Birney on this,
I'd be going in
against the most powerful man
in the Senate,
and the President.
I'd get my brains knocked out.
Now it seems to me,
if you were to establish
yourself as the big kid
on the block,
Birney's the one to beat.
He's also a friend.
Yeah, well...
Of course, senator,
this is a decision
that, uh, no one
can make for you.
Well, let's see what
Arthur Briggs has to say.
Senator, Anderson may be
a moderate to Senator Birney
but he's certainly
no moderate to us.
Well, I'm still not convinced
the man is all that bad.
I mean, people
do rise to the office.
Senator, I would like
to read you something.
"In my heart, I have never
accepted integration
and I never will."
How would you feel
about the man who said that?
Not so good.
Mrs. Traynor
is a very fine labor lawyer.
She's also our local
Counsel in Louisiana.
She knows
Anderson's background.
Now whoever leads this fight
against Anderson
is gonna get a lot of attention.
Someone's gonna get
a lot of ink outta this.
But, senator, if you choose
not to take him on,
then we're gonna release
this statement
to the press ourselves.
At which point, as the fiery
liberal from New York,
I'll have to go in
against him anyway, hmm?
Well, that will, um,
be up to you, senator.
Very nice, Arthur.
I would need more than this. I
can't quote him out of context.
There's film on him sayin' this.
And there has to be a consistent
pattern showing him to be unfit.
You'll have it, senator.
Alright, you get me that,
and I'm with you.
Senator, thank you.
We'll be in touch.
I'll call you at the end
of the week, senator.
Nice to meet you, Mrs. Traynor.
Arthur.
Well, looks like we're in
for a fight.
- This man's not a racist.
- He is to them.
And also, it's a hell
of an opportunity.
Yeah, well, I don't think
I should betray a friend
just for the sake of an
opportunity, do you?
Politics and, uh,
politicians, um,
it's not a popular subject
with the public,
particularly on, uh,
talk shows, senator.
Everyone wants entertainment,
forget about
their problems and...
And we, and... and
for so long, we...
public hasn't trusted
their public officials,
but of all the people
in politics,
uh, the public loves you.
We see it in your mail.
When you... when you've
been on in the past.
Well, thank you. That's a...
That's a... high praise.
- You talk to some of the best.
- I know.
I'm curious, somebody,
somebody told me
that your son just ran
for President.
- Of his class, yes. Yeah.
- Oh, of his class.
It was really very
interesting, a great wave
of anxiety went through
our house.
Because we really
wanted him to win, you know.
- Oh, yeah.
- And, uh...
we took a speech of mine
and we tailored it for him...
uh, to give, you know,
in the class...
and he really was wonderful
with that speech.
He gave that speech about
as well as it could be given.
- How'd he do?
- He lost.
- Oh, shit!
- It was one of your old...
I'm sorry, Paul.
Did I embarrass you?
But, uh,
he lost gracefully,
and that's one of the best
things to learn
in politics, is how to lose
with a smile.
And, uh, he, uh,
smiled right up until
the time he broke down.
I want to get
a little personal
'cause you're very private about
your home life.
You live in Westchester.
What is it?
How's everything going with you?
Lousy.
Why? What's the matter?
- You wanna know?
- Yeah.
- Really?
- Janet, what's the problem?
Life sucks.
I see.
What do you mean, "Life sucks?"
It sucks.
Yeah, well, in what way
exactly does it suck?
Every way.
You know, you're not being
very explicit.
Well, I'm not very happy, okay?
Look, whatever you're going
through, mom and I
have probably
gone through it too.
Use us.
- Maybe I'll talk to mom.
- I'll get her.
No! I mean, someday.
Look, well,
you don't have to tell us
anything personal, you know?
But when you're ready...
a little hint, okay?
Okay.
I'll see you later.
No.
Oh. Karen Traynor,
Congresswoman Cenza.
- Hello.
- Oscar Harris.
- How do you do?
- You know Francis.
Okay, Joe.
We'll be in touch.
- Good to see you again.
- Goodbye, Joe.
- Oscar.
- Bye. Bye.
- Uh, Francis?
- Yeah.
Find out if Halloren
is gonna be against us on this.
I don't wanna get it
from behind, you know?
Right.
I'm sorry if
I was interrupting you.
No, no, you're right on time.
Can I get you a cup of coffee?
Uh. No. Thanks.
- Too cold out here for you?
- He-he-he.
No, I love the cold.
So...
How's it goin'?
Well, I'm not crazy about
admitting this,
but I'm having trouble
getting that film on Anderson.
Well, if it's not there,
it's not there.
Oh, it's there.
Somebody's holding it back.
A black woman.
I can't believe it.
- Can you get to her?
- It's Carla Willis.
You know her.
Yeah, she's going for
a seat in Congress.
Yeah.
Somebody on her staff got a hold
of a kinescope of Anderson
making that.
"In my heart" speech,
and she won't use it,
she won't give it up.
I think she's made a deal.
How would you feel
about talking to her?
- Well, I don't know.
- Oh, I think you should.
Senator, I think you are
the most exciting
political figure in this
country today.
And... when I think
about the splash
you could make if you had
this film,
I get weak in the knees.
And, of course,
it's the right thing to do.
I'm gonna be speaking in Houston
on, uh, Friday, right?
That's right.
I go over to New Orleans
on Saturday,
and we'll talk to her,
how's that?
Senator, this is gonna make
a big difference.
Mrs. Traynor,
that film is ours.
You and your
stupid friends, you just
stay out of my stuff, okay?
- I'm not even in your room!
- You are!
- You're always in my room!
- Bullshit!
Will you stop swearing,
you little shit?
What the hell is going on
up there?
Oh, he probably read one of her
love letters,
they'll work it out.
Jesus Christ!
Joe, they can work this
thing out without a parent.
They don't need a parent,
they need a referee.
Hey, come on, will you?
Cut it out!
Joe, come here. Sit down.
- What are you doing?
- Oh.
I'm trying to figure out
my reactions
to one of my patients.
Everyday I make
the same notes over and over.
Nothing new.
It's like following you
in a campaign.
Listening to you make that
same speech day after day.
Damn.
Didn't I read in "Time" magazine
you have a great sense of humor?
Mm, that's why I'm not laughing.
Ah! That's good.
That's good.
I may not like politics,
but I love you.
- Excuse me.
- Alright.
Yeah, but you know...
I'm a politician.
I mean, I am politics.
You, you're a good, decent man
who's in politics.
If you ever are politics...
- What?
- Oh!
Would you still love me?
Oh, I'll have to get back
to you on that one.
If she touches my racket
once more time,
I'm gonna break her camera,
you got that?
- Right.
- Just so you know that.
Oh, God.
When will we all grow up?
Any of us.
- Do you mind if I drive?
- No, not at all.
- How long you been flying?
- Long time.
I think two weeks is
a long time, don't you?
I was right about Carla Willis.
- She made a deal.
- How do you know?
I asked the Louisiana
Democratic Chairman.
And he told you?
He's my daddy!
Full of surprises, aren't you?
So you've been in politics
all your life?
When I was a little bitty girl,
I used to go campaigning
with my daddy
on every single one
of those roads down there.
Wasn't that kinda
hard on you?
It was that
or never see him.
- This is flying, isn't it?
- Yeah, this is great.
Senator, I can't buy
a Congressional campaign
on what I make from soy beans.
I need the support of
the Democratic organization.
The man is headed
for the Supreme Court.
He'll affect this country
for as long as he lives.
Times have changed.
He's not that bad.
Well, how bad
does he have to be, Carla?
I was in Catahoula parish
when my daddy
came down here and supported you
for legislature.
I remember what you said
that night
about the people
you grew up with.
Do you remember that?
How bad does he have to be?
You ask your daddy
if I can get
the Democratic nomination
if I help you destroy Anderson.
Look, Miss Willis, I didn't want
to go after Anderson either.
I have a lot to lose
if I fail on this.
But you have a lot to gain
if you win.
And I won't forget you
when I win.
And I will win.
He's gonna win.
I want the voters
of this county to know
that regardless of what
I've said in the past
or that I might say
in the future
in my heart,
I have never accepted
integration
and I never will.
I guess I better get that.
Right.
I don't answer it anymore.
One of Joe's constituents
called once
and offered to blow up
our house.
Well...
There's a lot of pressure
in a political family.
Joe's a public figure.
I'm trying to do other things.
Hello?
Yeah, Francis?
You've, uh, become
a psychologist lately,
haven't you?
I've just been accepted
as a fellow
at the Karen Horney Institute.
I have my own case load.
It's very exciting.
How'd you get interested
in that?
- Were you in therapy?
- I was, yes.
You know, a lot
of political people
are kind of reluctant to talk
about their therapy.
Mm, I certainly don't think
treatment's anything
to be ashamed of.
It's my profession.
Has it been difficult
being a political wife?
Well, uh, it was
in the beginning, yes.
During Joe's first campaign,
they had me out
stumping for him.
We were running
ourselves ragged,
I had a miscarriage.
Joe couldn't take me
to the hospital.
One of his aides checked me in.
I... it was a nightmare
for both of us.
Yeah, well, now, just get
them on, alright?
Tell them that's part
of the deal. Yeah.
Alright. Goodbye.
Is that when you
went into therapy?
Well, I thought I needed
a few sessions with somebody
to get my head straight.
Uh, five years later,
I was beginning to think
that my treatment would go on
till just after my death.
I guess I'm not too thrilled
with politics.
I'm sorry. What did I miss?
Ah. Ah, you've heard
it all before.
I guess you can tell
for yourself
Ellie is a very special woman.
- Okay, come on. What is it?
- Look, it's your life.
I'm not gonna tell you
not to talk about it.
I think that's a good idea.
You know what it costs
to talk like that to reporters.
To say I've been in therapy?
50 votes.
I didn't say you
were in therapy.
That would mean 1000 votes.
Analysis is, uh, 5000 votes.
Lithium is 20,000 votes.
Electroshock treatments
go for 50,000 each.
I know what things cost.
Look, these people ask
anything they can.
You don't have to dig
into your bowels
every time they come up
with some stupid
question about the furniture.
She wasn't asking
about the furniture.
She was asking about me.
It's taken me seven years,
but I think
I know how to tell
the difference.
How could you let her get you
to run down politics like that?
I didn't want to do
the interview!
I told you that!
Ellie, how much do
I ask you to do?
You live a life entirely
apart from politics.
No, I don't!
I can't escape it for a minute.
I can't call a plumber
without being Mrs. Joe Tynan.
"Oh, yes, Mrs. Tynan.
I worked on the senator's toilet
a couple of years ago."
I'm living in a fish bowl!
Don't you think it's a late
to think of that?
When was I supposed
to think of it?
When you decided to run for
the Senate without asking me?
When I hear your decision
to run for reelection
in an interview
on television?
I discussed that with you.
You said you were
thinking about it.
Well, what did you expect me
to do?
I mean, it was there, wasn't it?
You mean, you're never gonna
give anything any thought
as long as it's there?
What about today, Ellie?
I was asked questions
about my life. I answered.
Yeah, well, next time
for God's sake, handle it!
Help a little.
Next time you handle it.
And next week when they come
to take our pictures
for that interview,
stand with your arms
around your administrative
assistant.
This is sensational.
How'd you get all this stuff?
A lot of diggin'.
Terrific.
Thank you.
I'll tell you what I would like.
I would love to work with you
when you make your move.
I think we would knock 'em
right on their fannies.
You really like to win,
don't you?
Oh, when I want somethin',
I go get it.
Just like you.
I have some more notes
in my briefcase.
I have a...
1970 decision on segregation,
makes him look really bad.
What are you smilin' at?
I'm not sure.
Well, what do you think
you're smilin' at?
Um, well, I... I think
that, uh...
something may be happening here
that we didn't expect.
What do you think?
I was hoping we were gonna have
the brains not to mention it.
Oh, we don't have to do
anything about it.
I... I just don't think
there's any harm
in being honest, you know.
I don't think you have any idea
how many times
I've thought of you
since, since New Orleans.
Yeah, I do.
You know, I... I have a husband.
I'm not suggesting anything.
However, I do notice that I...
I want this Anderson thing
to go on forever.
I think I'm infatuated with you.
You remind me
of John F. Kennedy.
Oh, boy!
I have never heard
that one before.
You do.
If you looked just behind
his eyes, you could see
his intelligence, his wit...
compassion, just like you.
Did you make a pass at Kennedy?
Is this a pass?
- I think this is a pass.
- Oh, yeah.
Yeah?
Uh, Mary Anne, I'll have
to call him back later.
Oh, alright. Okay, um...
Yeah, put him through down here.
It's my son.
He says it's an emergency.
Paul?
Wha... Wait, what...
What rabbit?
Oh, yeah. What... what...
What's the matter?
But why won't she let you
keep it in your room?
Well, Paul, it's gonna smell up
the whole house.
What? No, wait. I can't talk
to her right now. Wha...
Okay. No, alright, alright.
Put, put her on, put her on.
Hiya, El.
Yeah. Look, maybe you can
keep it in the basement.
Maybe you won't smell it there.
Look, maybe it's not the rabbit.
Maybe it's him.
Uh, El, I'll be home
for the weekend.
Okay.
Me too.
I'll see you
in a couple of days. Bye-bye.
Joe, I think I better go.
No. Wait a minute. Look, wait,
just wait a second. Please.
You weren't faking with her.
So... I don't think I want you
faking with me.
What would you think
about living in Washington?
You mean, move there?
I think I need you down there.
No, I wanted to move
to Washington
when you first got elected
and you said to stay here
so that we could have
the weekends to ourselves.
Yeah, well, now we don't have
weekends anymore.
- I have to lecture.
- You have to lecture.
Well, do you think we can live
on what I make as a senator?
And what about my work?
Well, isn't there
a psychoanalytic institute
in Washington?
Well, I guess there is,
but the one
that's accepted me
is in New York.
And the man I work with,
the man
who's brought me along
to the point
where I am now
is also in New York.
I don't just work
in a building, Joe.
There are people there
who mean something to me.
Joe.
Really?
Think about Washington,
will you?
Okay.
You got your raincoat?
It's in my bag.
You gonna have some coffee?
I haven't got time, honey.
- Isn't that your line?
- Yeah.
Yeah, it's probably the office.
I'll call 'em back later.
Can I drive you
to the airport?
I have a driver downstairs.
Thanks.
Where will you be goin'?
New York, Rome and Tunis.
Didn't my girl send your girl
the itinerary?
She probably couldn't believe
it was our only means
of communication.
When you get to Italy,
you call me?
Sure.
- Goodbye.
- Bye.
- Hello?
- Karen, it's Joe.
Oh, hi.
You're kinda hard to reach,
you know.
- Yeah.
- Listen.
Uh, on the Anderson thing...
Yeah.
I need to work with you
some more on that.
Could you come up here
to Washington?
I can't, Joe.
Look, the hearings
are in three weeks.
I need you to help me work out
a line of questioning.
Nobody else can do that?
Well, you did
most of the research.
I don't see how I can.
When would you want me
to be there?
How about tomorrow?
Oh, no, I... I have a problem.
I'm trying to settle a strike
down here.
I thought that's what
this call was.
Okay, Wednesday.
I really need you.
I, uh, I... You know,
I need your expertise.
Well...
Look, you're not gonna quit
when we're so close
to winning, are you?
Alright.
Alright, Wednesday, Joe.
- But listen.
- Yeah?
This is just work, right?
Karen, the hearings
are in three weeks. I need help.
Yeah, well, I mean, if you
sit on the couch and I don't,
that's not gonna
make you smile, right?
Why would that make me smile?
I'll see you Wednesday, Joe.
I'm not sure it's worth
the extra expense, senator.
No, I, uh, I think
she'll work out fine.
Whatever it may be,
for that matter.
Whenever they want.
Actual images...
I think Karen Traynor
is terrific.
But, uh, I don't know
if we can get that much more
mileage out of her.
No, I... I want
to work with her some more
on this, Francis, uh...
I've already asked her.
Oh, fine.
I'm sure
she's very knowledgeable.
Yeah, yeah, I think
she can make a difference.
Yeah.
I'll get her a room
at the Fairfax
and you can
work with her there.
- Fine.
- I'll...
I'll take care of that myself.
Fine.
Karen Hi.
Listen, I spent a lot of time
on the plane
workin' on notes
for this meetin'.
Good.
Good, we'll...
We'll, uh, go over it together.
Yeah, good.
- This place have a bedroom?
- I don't know. I just got here.
Oh, God, you kiss good.
Yeah.
Can you...
I can't get my arm out.
- What?
- My arm. I can get my arm out.
Listen, I'm gonna...
I'm gonna sound like an
idiot talking about this now.
But, uh, I want to be
honest with you.
I know.
You're married. I know.
So am I.
It's okay.
You're very demonstrative.
You never made love
to a democrat?
Mm, this affair's gonna put
20 pounds on me.
How come you just
don't smoke afterwards
like normal people?
I'm very oral.
So I noticed.
What's his name?
- My husband?
- Yeah.
Barry.
Barry?
Sounds very upper.
No. He works his way upper.
- You'd probably like him.
- Uh-huh.
What's he doing
while you're here?
He's in, uh... Tunis.
- He travels a lot.
- That I like.
I... is your wife as smart as
they say in all the magazines?
I'm sorry,
I wish I could tell you
she had the brains
of a chorus girl.
Unfortunately,
just the body of one.
Oh, that's cute.
That's really cute.
Jesus!
I think you froze it.
Oh, are you alright?
- Come on, get over here.
- Ah!
Gee, it's true.
Things do contract in the cold.
You southerners are all nuts.
- Oh, I talked to my daddy.
- Yeah?
I got some terrific stuff
you can use against Anderson.
- Yeah?
- Mm-hm.
- Yeah, like what?
- Uh.
Campaign contributions.
Two corporations
made secret...
contributions.
That's great, I don't even
have to use it, I can just...
tell 'em that I got it.
Yeah.
Yeah, that's good.
Oh, my God!
Oh, you are gonna be
so fantastic in this hearing.
Do you know how far
you're gonna go with this?
When you get there...
clip me a rose
from the rose garden
and send it to me, okay?
Ah, I'll tell you one thing,
she has the biggest tits
I ever saw, Joe.
If I ever fell into a pot
of honey, this was it.
I said, "Look here, young lady,
I'm a US Senator."
"What if somebody comes in here
and finds me
in a public toilet
in flagrante poontang
while I'm flyin'
over my home state?"
Then, Christ!
She threw a fit. Mmm!
It was wonderful.
Oh, she acted so needy.
I just had to give in.
You know what I mean?
And afterwards...
Afterwards, ahem, she gave me
this card that says,
"I'm a member
of the Mile High Club
for doin' it
over 5000 feet aloft!"
Hugh,
you are the genuine article.
Oh, it was a religious
experience up there.
Son, I felt close to God.
Listen, today I had a visit
from a couple of guys
representin" the labor unions.
They tell me that they have you
on this Anderson thing.
They have me?
I said, "Listen,
it's high time
the south was represented
on the Supreme Court."
Now, this means a lot
to Senator Birney
and it means a lot to me, too
and I'm sure
that Senator Tynan
will talk this thing over
before comin' out against us.
Well, Hugh, uh...
I'm sure Senator Birney
will get what he wants.
He usually does.
Mm, hey, what do you say
we go partners
on those two over there?
I'll give you 50 bucks
if that blonde ain't a screamer.
Jesus, Hugh, are you crazy?
That's somebody's wife.
Oh, that ain't nobody's wife
anymore than I am.
That's Hutchin's wife,
the freshman from Minnesota.
Jesus! H!
Goddamn hippies
don't even marry women
that look like wives.
Hi, how are you?
- Hey, Joe.
- Althena!
Come and sit next to me
for a minute.
You know, I really don't think
you ought to be seen
talkin' to that horse's ass.
- Which one?
- My husband.
Look at him.
Look at him talking
to that shit Cardoza.
You know, he's got
the same taste
in his business associates
that he does in his women.
Thanks, man.
Why don't you come over
to my house sometime
and we'll have an affair?
Al, when was the last time
you and Hugh
took a vacation together?
Took a vacation together?
I not only
don't sleep with him,
I won't even drink
out of the same cup with him.
- You wanna do me a favor?
- What?
Get me another glass
of this bourbon.
Are you sure?
Yeah, why don't you
just go screw yourself?
Would you get me another real
big glass of bourbon, please?
- Yes, ma'am.
- Thank you.
No, I'm not.
Uh, Al, can I, uh...
Can I get you something to eat?
And spoil all this good bourbon?
Don't be silly.
Go on. Go on.
Mingle, Joe.
Oh, my God!
Would you look at that one?
That should do it, right?
Now, who in the hell
do you suppose brought her?
I don't think
anyone brought her.
Oh, I see.
She's free-lancin'.
Well, I think
that lady might stand
to make herself $50
real easy tonight.
That is if she can get up
the stairs 10 or 12 times.
Joe, you know
Congressman Tiller?
- How are you, senator?
- How are you?
Good to see you. Senator
Joe Tynan, Karen Traynor.
Uh, yes, we've met.
How are you?
I'm fine.
How have you been, senator?
Fine.
- Uh, you know, uh, Mary Cenza.
- Hello.
I am starving.
They got any food here?
In the other room,
they have, uh,
chicken salad
in the shape of Louisiana.
You wanna stay?
There's a good restaurant
at your hotel.
That sounds convenient.
Well, why don't we see
what they have inside first?
- Excuse us.
- Nice to see you again.
- Let's give her room!
- Ooh!
Hey, look out!
Give her room.
Get this thing
out of her way!
Watch it! Watch it!
Watch out, honey.
Goin' out!
Hold it! Hold it!
Jesus! H!
What an asshole!
How could you go there
with him?
I thought you weren't
gonna get involved.
How could you go anywhere
with him?
The man is a renowned jerk.
Well, he was perfectly adequate
for what I needed him for,
which was to pass
the evenin' with.
How do you know him?
He's my congressman.
You're in bigger trouble
than I thought.
So are you.
Senator Kittner
always lands on his feet.
- I don't know sometimes.
- Huh.
He's drivin' me nuts.
He's a wild man.
Instead of talking about
legislation, he talks about sex.
I'm trying to go over
his defense bill
and he wants to bet me $15
that the waitress
isn't wearing panties.
Francis, Senator Tynan
isn't gonna go out
in front against Anderson,
is he?
No, he's just voting
against him, John.
I'm sure that's as far
as it'll go.
- Francis?
- Hm?
How big a problem do I have?
Is your boss gonna make
a big thing out of this?
Nothing that your guy
can't handle, I'm sure, John.
Oh, shit.
Senator?
We've got a problem.
We've lost Senator Tynan
on the Anderson thing.
Uh, John, I'm kinda busy now.
I'm readin" here.
I don't mean
we've just lost his vote,
I mean he's gonna lead
the opposition.
- You know what I mean?
- Yeah.
Well, John, uh...
I'm readin' here from my pad.
Senator, we could have are...
Maybe we could
discuss this later.
Yes.
I'm readin' right now.
At the moment.
Right.
Well, I'll just... Right.
Would you ask Tynan
to come down for some gumbo...
in my private office?
What?
My private office
in the basement?
Right, right. I'll...
I'll get right on it.
And, son, close the door
when you go out.
I got a red pepper
in here that grows
only on the shores of hell.
- Oh, oh, yeah.
- Alright, men. Let's go.
Not for me. I might need
my stomach later.
How about it, Joe?
You only live once.
- Hugh, I can't.
- Come on. Huh?
I just swallowed
the roof of my mouth.
Come on, Joe.
Have some good southern cookin'.
Jesus, H! In Baton Rouge,
this is baby food.
Hugh, you are so full
of shit, I can't believe it.
You haven't had one spoonful
of this.
Son, I'm gonna match you
bite for bite.
- Go ahead, Hugh.
- Oh, yeah.
Divide that in half.
In half? There's almost
four pounds in here.
Yes, I know,
for a country boy like you,
this is just an appetizer.
You're never gonna see...
Oh, now my plate, yeah.
And you're never gonna see
the bottom of this dish, kid.
Hey, I'm gonna give
the winner a buck
for every second
under two minutes, go!
Whoopee!
Come on!
Come on, Joe.
Whoopee!
Come on, Joe!
Get him! Get him!
I think I'm gonna be sick.
This is a goddamn
Shriner's Convention.
Can I get somethin'
for you, senator?
Yeah, what about a noise maker
and a funny hat?
That never happened to me
before. I think I have the flu.
Must be that.
It is not my opinion
that this gentleman's
gonna change his mind
just because you two
have thrown-up together.
Are you gonna fight us
on Edward Anderson or not?
Senator, you know how much
I respect you...
Yes or no?
- I'll answer you but...
- Ecoutez, mon ami.
- Senator, now hold it.
- Oui ou non?
Hey!
Cut it out!
You understand what I'm saying?
Yeah, I do.
Well, I sure
as hell don't.
He just don't wanna
be pressured, that's all.
Well, who does?
The thing is,
I think that we can
find a way
to see each other's
point of view.
Don't you think we can?
Sure, why not?
How about a beer, senator?
You're my favorite senator.
- Oh, how are you?
- You're just wonderful.
Uh, would you mind giving me
your autograph for my daughter?
She just thinks
you're wonderful.
And you're wonderful, too.
I've read
you're a psychologist.
My son's interested in that.
- Okay. Thank you. Goodbye.
- Bye.
Nice.
Yes, may I help you, senator?
Uh, yes. Uh, uh, do you...
Oh, hi.
Uh, where's the pro shop?
Yes, out the front door
and to the left, senator.
Oh, it's out the front,
it's to the left here.
Just out of curiosity, why
are we going to the pro shop?
Because the guy who just
waved at me in there
is Senator Aikers
from Minnesota.
So now we're gonna play golf?
Not me. I don't know
how to hold a club.
No, I've gotta...
Gotta go, uh...
Hello. Hi. Jesus!
Hi, senator,
can I help you?
Uh, yes, we'd like to rent
some clubs and a golf cart,
and balls and things.
Sure, you wanna come over here?
You gonna hold your tongue?
Try to look like a golfer.
People don't act like that
on the golf course.
Where are we going?
I'm looking for privacy.
There. Over there...
Oh! That's incredible.
Oh, no! Ah!
Will you stop laughing?
I can't.
Oh, my God...
Oh, my God...
What do we have to eat?
Um, uh, Al...
Take that... Uh, remove that.
Okay.
Hi, you need a lift?
Oh, hi.
- Where you going?
- Just seeing some friends.
Janet, I don't wanna get
your defenses up,
but what the hell
are you doing hitchhiking?
Don't worry, I'm careful.
You're not allowed
to hitch-hike.
Why not?
That's really dumb.
I'm not gonna get murdered.
Listen, pal,
you're not gonna go around
doing any damn thing
you please.
You're getting
your wings clipped.
What does that mean?
We're going to start
living a normal life.
- That's what it means?
- How?
What are you talking about?
I'm talking about
the whole family
living in the same house.
Where?
I'm thinking
of moving to Washington.
No! No way!
I'm not going!
Look, it's not gonna be easy
on any of us.
Mom, no!
I don't wanna go. I can't!
You can't make me leave
my friends.
Please.
Janet...
it's not good
for us like this.
Dad misses us a lot.
Then let him
be the one to move.
He can't.
His work is there.
Well, I'm not going!
I'm not going!
Janet! Close that door!
That door now!
Come on home with me, okay?
We'll have a cup of tea
and we'll talk.
About what?
About nothing.
Well, let's just calm down.
- What's for desert?
- Fruit compote.
Oh, terrific!
I haven't had that
in a long time.
- Don't give me any!
- Why not?
- It's got prunes in it.
- Come on!
When was the last time
you tried it?
When I was too little
to fight back.
- Don't even let me smell it.
- Come on, try it.
- It's good for you.
- Where's your curiosity?
Yeah, dad's right.
It's an adventure.
Eating prunes
is an adventure?
Uh, not really.
- We lie.
- Here.
No, I don't want this, dad.
It's got sugar in it.
Where are you going?
Hey, where are you goin'?
Sit down. We... Come on, let's
have a little conversation.
- What do you wanna talk about?
- Whatever comes up. Sit down.
I haven't been home
in three weeks.
How was that paper you did on
Roosevelt? How'd it turn out?
I told you.
I got an A on it.
Oh, yeah, right.
I forgot, I'm sorry.
Uh, can I read it?
Well, they're keeping it
for the student fair.
Are you coming to that?
- When is that?
- I told you, May 11th.
Oh, no. I can't, babe.
I gotta be in Washington.
- I'm sorry.
- Oh, that's okay.
I think you made a really good
choice with, uh, Roosevelt.
You know, he's, um...
He's a really fascinating man.
- He had, he had amassed his...
- Can I go?
You always talk about things
that don't interest me.
So we'll include you.
How's your bike?
Did you get the chain fixed?
In that case, can I go?
I'm sick of his bike.
I got a good idea.
Why don't you shut up?
Hey, Paul!
- Dad, the game is almost on.
- Go ahead.
I'll talk to you later.
I really love a close knit
family like this.
I think
you were rushing 'em a little.
You have to talk about
what interests them.
I was trying to talk about
what interests them.
You were doing
all the talking.
Senator, senator...
Sorry, can't right now.
It's the
Pardew Amendment on coal mining.
Safety measures
and health standards.
He's giving up some ground,
but what he's got left
is still strong. It's all stuff
you've come out in favor of.
Okay. Fine. Hi,
how are you? Good to see you.
- How's it look?
- Well, headcount not so good.
Okay, write me up
something on this.
We'll use it
in the newsletter, okay?
- Mr. Treadwell.
- No.
- Mr. Travis.
- No.
- Mr. Tynan.
- Aye.
- How's it goin', Ed?
- They're killing it.
Ed, it's an excellent amendment.
Mr. Arthur Lewis?
- No.
- Well...
- It'll save a few lives.
- Mr. Ervin?
If you don't get it passed this
session, you will next time.
- I won't be here next session.
- Mr. McCarro?
I've had enough.
After a while you start
to forget what you're here for.
Mr. Valentine?
And then getting clout
and keeping it is all there is.
You start lying
to your constituents,
your colleagues,
to everybody...
and you forget what you thought
you cared most about in life.
Mr. Farrell?
No.
Among the courtesy calls
Mr. Anderson made today,
was one to the office
of Senator Joe Tynan.
I got it.
Why didn't somebody tell me
to get my cowlick down?
Well, I think
you look sincere this way.
How do you feel
about his statements...
- Look at that.
- Yeah...
I had a very frank
and a very
uh, useful talk
with Mr. Anderson
and, uh, I find him to be
a very straightforward man.
Will you support
his nomination, senator?
Uh, no.
I'm afraid I can't.
Are you going to lead
the opposition
against Mr. Anderson, senator?
Well, if I can be of any help
to my colleagues, I'll be, uh,
I'll be happy to confer
with them on this.
Well, there it is.
I wonder if Birney's heard
this yet.
Can't expect to lose votes
at home.
- The man's a realist, isn't he?
- Obviously, uh...
If the president
likes Mr. Anderson,
uh, he should be considered
very carefully.
We're not gonna be capricious
about this.
It's... Supreme Court...
Senator Birney's office
just called.
He wants to see you right away.
- That was quick.
- Good luck.
- I'll be back in half an hour.
- Give him hell, senator.
Who he plays in that position
is not going to be a repre...
You see the Boy Scouts
in 45 minutes.
Right.
Do you feel
the opposition has enough
information to go
against the president?
Senator, I'm not looking
to dethrone you.
I've always thought
we were friends.
So have I.
What will you do if the senate
starts lining up
against you on this?
I was countin' on you
to stop 'em.
Isn't that asking a lot?
Of a friend?
Joe, they're after me.
I stand convicted
of bein' an old man.
I'm telling you straight out,
Joe. I need your help.
I'll owe you.
Why does this have to be
over Anderson?
Anderson could destroy me.
I didn't draw the lines
for this battle.
I didn't either.
I hope you remember that.
Joe, I can't let you
do this to me.
Not with the whole senate
watching.
Senator, this would hurt me
very badly at home.
You can live with this.
I know you can
because I've lived with worse.
Now, you just want to get
some mileage out of this.
Save the country
from a disastrous appointment.
- Make yourself a hero.
- No, I don't, senator.
The hell you don't.
Now...
if I were you, I wouldn't have
the presidential seal
embroidered on my shorts
just yet.
You do this...
and no bill of yours will ever
get out of my committee.
It'll take time,
but I got a lot of friends
around here...
and your little old subcommittee
ain't gonna have
much of a budget.
You're gonna look about
as glamorous as a toad
with a tire track
down its back.
How does that sound to you?
Thanks for the bourbon, senator.
- Is this a direct quote?
- Yeah.
But stay away
from voter registration.
He's got himself covered there.
Stick to schooling.
Here. Laycock vs Louisiana.
Just read him that.
Ask him if he said it.
"Nothing can compel a community
to open its doors
to any group which it fears
for its very survival."
"This is the principle
of self-defense
which precedes all others."
Did you say that, Mr. Anderson?
Well, you're quotin' me
out of context, senator.
I am not, sir.
Let me ask the clerk to hand you
a copy of your opinion
in, uh, Laycock versus
the State of Louisiana,
and you can read any sentence
you like, Mr. Anderson.
Uh, Mr. Anderson...
Here's the quote
that you wanted.
Mr. Anderson, isn't it true
that your decision in this case
was overturned
by a higher court
in a matter of hours?
Yes, senator,
and hours after that,
I directed the
State of Louisiana to comply.
In just hours?
What about the fact
that it's been 20 years
since the Supreme Court
ordered your schools integrated
with all deliberate speed?
Well, you can't change
old ways overnight.
We have to learn to crawl
before we can walk.
Twenty years, Mr. Anderson.
We got people on the moon
and you can't walk yet?
We will have quiet
in this room.
Now, there'll be
no more outbursts
or we will clear the room.
Inasmuch as
Senator Birney has returned,
we will return the gavel to
the chairman of this committee.
Mr. Anderson...
when you were attorney general
of the State of Louisiana,
you worked to tone down
a desegregation plan,
didn't you?
Yes, sir, I did.
Would you tell us why,
Mr. Anderson?
Because the schools
would've closed, senator.
Forced integration
isn't workin' in Boston today
and it wasn't workin'
in the south 15 years ago.
I found a compromise
that allowed the children
of both races
to continue to go to school.
Mr. Chairman,
I'd like to point out
that I still have
five minutes due me
under the rules,
uh, for questioning the nominee.
Certainly, Senator Tynan.
Go right ahead.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Anderson,
I felt from the beginning
that you are a decent man.
I'm not impugning
your basic motives.
But do you feel
that in your public life,
you've devoted yourself
to carrying out
the spirit of the law?
To the best of my ability,
senator.
When you said,
"If the Supreme Court
wants to take
crime off the streets
and put it in the schools,
let them,
but we don't have to send
our children there,"
was that to the best
of your ability?
Was it to the best
of your ability to raise funds
for segregated
private schools in your state?
When you said,
"In my heart,
I have never accepted
integration and I never will,"
was that to the best
of your ability?
Now, that is untrue!
Would you like to see the film
I have of you saying that?
What about the law of the land,
Mr. Anderson?
What about simple human justice?
Order!
Mr. Chairman,
I have no further questions.
Order!
Can I have order here?
I want order!
Order we will have here.
These proceedings
will be conducted with dignity.
I remind our guests
that this is a senate hearing.
Mr. Chairman...
Mr. Chairman...
Mr. Chairman, if I may...
Mr. Chairman...
Mr. Chairman...
In a victory
for Senator Joe Tynan,
the president withdrew the
nomination of Edward Anderson
to the Supreme Court today.
And has instead
submitted the name
of Richard Emerson.
Confirmation is expected
within days.
It was grease city
on the New York side
of the Tappan Zee Bridge
this evening
after a tractor trailer truck
carrying 14 tons of liquid hog
and animal fat overturned.
After the accident...
Could be your
launching pad
into a presidential orbit?
Well, I'm glad the governor
has confidence in me
but, um,
I think that's premature.
Isn't it true that
Professor Woodruff from Harvard
has come down to Washington
to advice you
on foreign policy matters?
Yes, that's... that's right.
Senator, if... if you have
no ambitions
for higher office,
why the sudden need
for a foreign policy advisor?
Well, uh, Richard,
I think that, uh,
this is the greatest
deliberative body
in the world, uh,
because it doesn't simply
concerns itself
with parochial interests.
Uh, we're not only concerned
with our states,
we're concerned with,
uh, with world events,
with national events,
and I think every senator
has that responsibility.
- Senator! Senator!
- Yeah!
Senator, someone has said
that you've engaged
a speech coach of some kind?
Is that true?
You think I need
a speech coach, Frank?
Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.
Thank you.
Thank you, senator.
- Way to go!
- Thank you.
First of all,
let's kill the speech coach.
Alright, let's,
uh, set up some interviews
with, uh, the editorial boards
of, um, a few good newspapers,
okay?
Y... you know, whatever.
Then, uh, let's start hitting
the people we got cards on.
- A money letter?
- No. Uh, not yet.
Let's, slant a letter
to their special interest.
Uh, "Dear Clyde, I've been
giving a lot of thought
lately to the state
of our nation."
"Uh, especially, uh, um..."
Whatever, uh, air pollution,
uh, racism,
whatever we have him coded for.
"Uh, I need your ideas,
your intuition, your passion."
Then we'll hit them for money.
Senator Joe Tynan speaks
on our national energy crisis.
Five second leader.
Why should an 85-year-old woman
freeze to death
in her own apartment
in Pennsylvania?
See, don't open your eyes
wide like that.
It's honest and it's sincere,
but it's not fatherly.
You've gotta show
a quiet strength.
Don't be afraid to be
a little bit more butch.
See, your head is tilted,
boss.
You've gotta keep it straight.
Don't angle it like that.
Now, that...
That's butch!
Bring it around
to foreign entanglements,
that sort of thing. Why should
such important decisions...
Senator Joe Tynan,
democrat of New York
is in our state...
Senator, the president's
calling on line two.
Senator, there's a call
for you in control room.
Your wife.
- Ellie?
- Joe, hi.
We've got a problem here.
It's Janet.
She woke up
with a fever of a 104.
- Did you call Sam?
- Mm-hm.
He just left.
He... thinks
she has viral hepatitis.
Well, what makes him
so sure it's hepatitis?
Uh, well,
her skin is yellow.
It seems
she's had herself tattooed.
What?
That... that's what I said.
What do you mean
"tattooed?
I never saw any tattoos on her.
Uh, well, it's on her behind.
- Put her on the phone.
- I can't. She's sleeping.
I want to talk to her.
Put her on the phone.
I...
Joe, she's sleeping.
What's she got it
on her behind for?
Who's gonna see it there?
Well, I was wondering
the same thing.
Jeez. I mean, where...
What... what is it?
Does it say something?
It's a flower. A tulip.
Jesus. A tulip.
On her behind.
One second.
Hi, what?
I just wanted to see
how you're doing.
Can I... Can I talk to you
for a minute?
Can I call you back
in a few minutes?
Yeah. Okay. Bye-bye.
- Your fever's down.
- Yeah?
I'm bored to death lying here.
Well, if you wanna get well,
you have to rest.
Hmm, no kidding?
Can I ask you a question?
Why did you get a tattoo?
No. You can't ask me.
What's that?
I got you some daisies
from the garden.
- Oh, yeah?
- I wasn't very smart.
I, uh, I have... haven't got
anything to put them in.
Oh, put 'em in the water glass.
Thanks.
They're nice.
You know...
I think we ought to know
more about what's going on
in each other's lives.
Yeah? Like what?
Well, you're seeing a boy
and I don't really know him.
Oh, you don't know him
at all.
Yeah, well,
I'd like to meet him sometime.
Why?
Because you're my daughter.
Look, will you just
leave me alone?
No, I'm not gonna leave you
alone. Goddammit, I love you.
Don't you think I'm old enough
to make my own friends?
Yeah, of course you are.
I just wanna meet them.
Why?
So I can know
what you're going through.
What for?
Because I love you, goddammit!
I'm sorry I raised my voice.
And every time you tell me
you love me,
you say, "Goddammit."
I... I don't understand
what went through your head.
I mean, you must have known
that a tattoo doesn't come off.
I don't want it to come off!
How are you going to explain
that later in the future?
I don't have to explain
my goddamn ass to anybody!
- Alright, calm down.
- It's my ass, isn't it?
No, goddammit, as long
as your ass is in this house,
your mother and I
have to watch out for it!
Look, will you leave me alone?
Will you just leave me alone?
I'm not leaving
until I get an... an... an...
some kind of response from you.
Yeah? Okay!
- That's not what I had in mind.
- Get out!
- Go on!
- Alright, okay. Come on.
Calm down.
Janet.
What?
Don't you know
that I love you?
That I just wanna be
closer to you?
Don't you understand that?
No.
Why?
Well, you're not here
that much, are you?
Janet...
open the door.
No.
Just for a second, please,
and then I'll go.
Please.
No.
How did I lose her?
You didn't.
She adores you.
She says I'm never here.
Why don't you take her
away next weekend?
Up to the barn, alone.
Talk with her,
picnic.
Have some fun.
I have a fundraiser
at the Hilton next weekend.
Tell 'em you're sick.
- What are you doing?
- Tell 'em.
Francis?
No, no, no.
Everything's fine.
Listen, that,
that, uh, fundraiser
at the Hilton next week,
I wanna cancel that.
Why not?
Well, so what?
Look, Francis,
who do I represent?
The White House
or the people of New York?
Well, tell him I can't.
Why?
Why? What are they offering?
Yeah.
Is that... Is that definite?
I'll call you later.
What are they offering you?
Well, there's a lot of bullshit
going back and forth.
But what it boils down to
is if, uh...
I do a selling job on the...
New York Committee, then I...
I can give the nominating speech
at the convention.
- What about Janet?
- Ah, come on, Ellie!
Talkin' about the nominating
speech!
Jesus!
What do you want me to do?
Nothing, Joe. I want you to do
whatever it is you want.
I guess what makes
my husband special
is how much he cares.
Not just about
the people who can afford
a $100 a plate,
but about people
who cannot afford to eat.
I'm very proud of being
Mrs. Joe Tynan.
Thank you
for honoring us tonight.
You were just great.
Senator, I just wanted to pay
my respects.
Dick Harman, I'm chairman of
the Louisiana State Committee.
Yes. How are you?
How are you?
That was a delightful speech,
Mrs. Tynan.
I just wanted to thank you
for everything
you've done to help us.
Not at all.
I think you know my daughter.
- Oh, yes, hello.
- Don't get up.
- Uh...
- Rolf, how are you?
Ellie, this is Karen Traynor.
She gave us, uh,
enormous help with the, uh,
the Anderson hearings.
It was, uh, wonderful.
It was really very helpful.
It was a wonderful job
you did, really.
Uh, she's, uh, miss, uh...
Mrs. Traynor is a, uh,
lawyer, and...
Is it Mrs. Traynor or miss?
Uh...
- Mrs.
- Mrs., right.
And, uh, and she gave us
uh, a... all this great stuff
on Anderson that just, uh...
May I have your attention,
please?
Daddy,
I think we'd better go.
- Glad to see you, senator.
- Nice to meet you.
Ladies and gentlemen.
- Keep punchin'.
- Okay.
I now have an honor
that comes too seldom
in politics.
A chance to introduce a man
who deserves all the good words
that you can find for him.
A man who has...
Six years ago,
this guy tried to have me
thrown out of the senate.
He is a man who believes
in putting the people first.
And now,
ladies and gentlemen...
Senator Joe Tynan.
He'll just be another minute.
He started leaving
25 minutes ago.
It's great though, isn't it?
Holding his coat?
No, how things are moving.
He can go all the way now.
All the way where?
Well, we're giving him
a more national image.
We've got a new,
uh, a new press aide.
We've got an advisor
on international affairs.
We're really moving.
- Is that so?
- Yeah.
Listen, we have to have
a little talk.
You see, we're starting to play
for really high stakes now
and, uh, we have to watch
what kind of face
we present to the media.
I got hold of that
McCall's interview you gave.
I was really floored.
I mean, she had you in analysis.
Tsk! Ooh!
What's wrong with that, Francis?
Well, analysis is usually
a code word.
It means you have
a drinking problem or, or worse.
But that was,
that was our fault really.
From now on,
you won't give an interview
without someone from our office
sitting right there with you.
Well, we can't just throw you
to the wolves like that.
Would you excuse me, please?
Don't worry. I fixed it.
All the article says now
is that you have
an interest in psychology.
It's ambiguous.
It could mean anything.
Look, I know you're not
crazy about this.
Don't you think
we should discuss it?
Francis, there's only one thing
I have to say to you
and I'm afraid
it's not ambiguous enough.
Wait a minute.
What the hell is the idea
of leaving me
thirty miles from home
without a car?
You son of a bitch!
Jesus Christ! You broke it!
Get out!
- Cut it out!
- Out!
Stupid woman!
And I'm gonna take this crap
out of my bedroom!
Ellie!
Stop it! Christ! Stop it!
- Wait.
- What's the matter?
Go back inside! Go to sleep!
Will you stop it? Jesus!
And when were you planning
to tell me
you were running for president?
- At the inaugural ball?
- Stop it, stop.
You tell her,
and you won't tell me?
What? When, when?
What are you...
What are you talking about?
The lawyer you're screwing,
you son of a bitch!
You want to wreck this house?
Don't tell me you care about
this house or anything in it.
I hated you tonight.
To think you would let
that woman into our life.
It feels like someone
has broken into my house
and gone through
all my private things.
A stranger knows
everything about me.
My habits, my weaknesses,
even what I was like in bed.
How much does she mean to you?
I don't really know.
But I know what you mean to me.
Really?
Ellie, everything
I care about in my life
we've made together.
Do you think that anything
could ever mean
as much to me as you?
Not until tonight.
Look, I know how much
I've hurt you.
But it doesn't
have to happen again. It won't.
Ellie, what can I say?
What can I do?
Nothing, Joe, I don't expect
anything of you.
I'm sorry, I don't.
Look, I know you don't really
have any reason to, but...
Please give me another chance.
All I ever wanted was for you
to love me. That's all.
Ellie, I do.
I do love you.
Senator...
Room 402 at the Raleigh.
Hello?
- Hi, it's me.
- Hi.
Guess who can stay
the whole weekend?
Oh, God, I wish I could.
I have to get home.
I... My daughter's come down
with hepatitis.
Karen?
Look, I think you ought
to be with your wife.
You don't
have to make up stories.
I'm not, she has hepatitis.
She had hepatitis four weeks
ago. How long does that last?
Well, she's not...
She's not really over it.
I... I... I'm not
making up stories.
I've seen this before.
You're falling in love
with your wife.
Look, I need to talk to you.
I'll be right over there.
No. Maybe you better not.
No, I... I have to talk to you,
I'll... I'll...
I'll be right there.
Karen?
Joe, I'm sorry.
I got to go.
Yes?
Oh, hi.
- This 402?
- Yeah, sure it is.
Hey, I just saw you yesterday
on "The Mike Douglas Show."
It's nice to see you again.
Mr. Hasse,
Mr. John Hasse,
please come to the public
information counter
of United Airlines,
there's a phone call.
I heard you got 'em
to hold my plane.
You left without saying goodbye.
Well, I thought I would be
the first to leave...
while there was still time.
I have to go home.
- I have to.
- I know.
I've been ditching them
in little ways and I...
I can't. It's... it's too...
I, uh, I had
a whole speech prepared for this
but I can't say it
in an airport.
That's okay.
I've heard it... before.
Goodbye.
Hi, Hal.
Just cut it,
make... make sure it's changed.
Ellie.
Paulie.
Listen, make sure
the teleprompter guy
gets that changed.
There's less than five minutes,
okay?
- Sure, right away, sir.
- Where's Janet?
She couldn't come.
It's kinda complicated.
My fellow Americans...
we have a new vision
in this great land of ours.
A new spirit, a new hope
and shining confidence
that justice and decency
will guide us
in our public hours.
Francis, will you take, uh, take
Paul to his seat, will you?
Sure, senator.
I just want to talk to mom
for a minute, okay?
Oh, senator, here's
our schedule for today, uh...
After you speak, uh,
you're meeting
with the National Chairman
and his staff
and then, uh, we have interviews
with "The Washington Post"
and "The New York Times."
Fine.
I'll see you.
I'll sit by the podium.
Listen, uh, folks, I need this
room for a minute.
- Okay? Can I have the room?
- Okay, I'll see you later.
- Good luck.
- Yep.
- Good luck.
- Thanks.
- Knock 'em out.
- Okay.
- Where's Janet?
- I couldn't get her to come.
I'm sorry.
I've really done a great job
with her, haven't I?
She'll be alright.
- Will you be alright?
- Yes, fine.
Come on, what's the matter?
Let's talk about it later, okay?
No, tell me now.
Not right before
you go out there. Later.
No. Not later. Now!
Go ahead, say it.
Joe, I love you
but I can't take it anymore.
Ellie, don't do this.
You have to give me
another chance.
I...
I can...
I can slow down, I can make time
for the things
that I care about.
You think so?
Two months ago,
you were in tears
because you thought
you'd lost Janet.
You were gonna take her away
with you.
Did you?
Then what is it
you really care about?
What?
Ellie, I love you.
Please stay.
We're not married anymore.
Why should I stay with you?
Because you put 19 years
into this marriage.
You have a responsibility to it.
And so do I.
And I'm going to be there.
Until Francis calls
with another offer?
No, I can take the same energy
that I put into my work,
and I can put it into our life.
But will you?
Ellie, I love you.
Please stay.
You're on, senator.
Ellie.
Do well out there.
Ellie.
I'll take you
to your seat, Mrs. Tynan.
You'll be terrific.
As a constant reminder
of his great future...
There is a man
who has come to symbolize
that hope
for justice
and decency in government...
Hope for humanity
to the cold grey halls
of the law.
It is my great privilege
to present to you.
Senator Joe Tynan.
We want Joe! We want Joe!
We want Joe! We want Joe!
We want Joe! We want Joe!
We want Joe! We want Joe!
We want Joe!
We want Joe!
We want Joe! We want Joe!
We want Joe!
We want Joe!
We want Joe! We want Joe!
We want Joe!
We want Joe!
We want Joe! We want Joe!
We want Joe! We want Joe!
Black men and women
between 20 and 24
are trying to find jobs
to support
themselves and their families.
What are we here for, gentlemen?
Ten million people are not able
to put bread on their tables.
Are we here for them?
Now I know that this bill
is not a cure all.
According to the estimates
made by
the Congressional
Budget Office,
between 56,000 and 70,000 jobs
will be created
for every billion dollars spent.
So, at best, this bill
will create only a million jobs.
Only a million.
But the question has been
raised, can we afford
to subsidize that many jobs?
Well, let me ask my
distinguished
colleague from Arizona.
How many children can this
nation afford to let go hungry?
If we're not here
for these children,
for these families...
what are we here for, gentlemen?
Mr. President,
I yield the floor.
Do you realize I got
the Works Bill passed?
Do you know how many people
have tried? And I got it passed.
I think you must be a genius.
Really, darling.
- I think that must be it.
- Ha-ha-ha!
I got clout.
My little subcommittee
has power.
Hey.
Hey. What... I...
- I don't have any covers.
- Oh!
No kidding?
What are you doing?
It's called
"getting your attention."
- Oh, really?
- Mm-hm.
You can't get
enough of me, right?
- Well...
- Power makes women crazy.
Well, it's certainly
making you crazy.
Do you realize that I got
a bill passed today
and it's going to put
a million people to work?
You know how I did it?
- I said one word.
- Hm.
Shazam?
No. Subcommittee.
Oh, my God!
Don't say that word.
- Why?
- Well, it drives me... wild.
Stop it. Stop it!
Oh... Stop!
Alright, I'm giving you
five seconds
to do something
wonderful to my body,
and after that,
I start playing rough. Okay?
- Five, four, three...
- Okay, come here.
Two...
How's that? Is that better?
Yeah, of course.
Do you know that
there are dozens of men
lying in their beds right now
just wishing they were me?
Just wishing they had
their names
on that Public Works Bill.
- That's it.
- What?
- That's it. That's it.
- What? Ha-ha-ha!
Come on!
Nobody pushes Joe Tynan
out of bed.
Oh, yeah?
- How do you do that?
- I jog.
I have very strong legs.
You wanna try again?
Oh! Wow, am I sleepy.
No. No, I won't.
- Oh, yes.
- No. I'm a virgin.
- Not for long.
- He-he-he!
Tiger.
You look too good,
you're gonna lose votes.
Proxmire can do
50 of these.
Have you seen this?
Edward Anderson, yeah.
The President assured me
that he was gonna nominate him
to fill Perkins' place
on the Supreme Court.
But he wasn't gonna announce it
until next week.
I wonder why this leaked.
Well, I don't know.
Can I see you
in your private office?
Yeah, sure, senator.
Come on.
Good morning, senator.
Now what's going on here?
Who's trying to block Anderson?
You think somebody's trying
to block him?
Look, 20 years ago,
Anderson said some things
during a campaign
that wouldn't sound
so good today.
But the man's a moderate. You
don't have to worry about him.
Senator, I really don't know
the man.
Now, look, I don't care
if you vote against him.
Just don't make
a problem for me.
Like what?
Like leadin' the opposition.
I shouldn't have
any trouble with this
unless some flaming liberal
like you makes a fuss.
Senator, I'll give Anderson
my most careful consideration.
You can count on that.
You keep any bourbon down here?
Sure.
You know, Joe...
some folks back home are saying
that I'm beginning
to get too old.
That my stroke
has left me feeble.
Now, that's a lot
of bull, but...
they got somebody
very attractive
runnin' against me next time.
And, uh, I'd rather not
take this man on
if I can avoid it.
I'm wondering if you can guess
who he is.
Edward Anderson.
If he's on the Supreme Court,
he's out of the runnin'
for life.
And he happens to be
eminently qualified.
I understand, sir.
- Can I count on you?
- Sure.
Hey, you vote against him
if you like, but...
just don't start a crusade,
alright?
Fine, senator.
Are you with me?
I won't oppose you, senator.
Fine.
Piss on them,
with their self-satisfied
talk about old age.
They think they ain't
gonna get old?
Hah! They just have to wait
a while, that's all.
Don't take any talent
to get old.
Answer me that, mon vieux.
I don't, uh, I don't
speak French, senator.
Now, you just,
you vote against him,
but just don't make a fuss.
I won't oppose you
on this, senator.
Senator?
And you told him
you wouldn't come out
against Anderson,
you told him that?
Maybe he won't remember.
His guy just had me on the phone
nailing it down.
Goddammit.
Get that file on aging, please?
I wish you'd make him
ask you twice,
at least he'd owe us something.
Angela, I have the status
of the bills on aging
in the House for you.
Okay. I'll write it up for you.
Thank you.
Look, how bad can Anderson be?
Arthur Briggs
of the NAACP called
and told me Anderson
is a racist.
A racist?
The man has come out publicly
in favor of segregated schools.
Jesus Christ!
Senator Henry Goodfellow,
the director of the
National Civil Rights Coalition
is on three,
he says it's urgent.
Can you take it now?
- His name is Henry?
- Yeah.
Henry, how are you?
No, I have, uh,
I have not come out
in favor of Anderson,
that's just a rumor.
Well, Joe Tynan is not
gonna back a racist.
Uh, yeah.
Henry... how's Florence?
Good, give her my best,
will you?
Okay. Bye-bye.
Francis, if I fought
Birney on this,
I'd be going in
against the most powerful man
in the Senate,
and the President.
I'd get my brains knocked out.
Now it seems to me,
if you were to establish
yourself as the big kid
on the block,
Birney's the one to beat.
He's also a friend.
Yeah, well...
Of course, senator,
this is a decision
that, uh, no one
can make for you.
Well, let's see what
Arthur Briggs has to say.
Senator, Anderson may be
a moderate to Senator Birney
but he's certainly
no moderate to us.
Well, I'm still not convinced
the man is all that bad.
I mean, people
do rise to the office.
Senator, I would like
to read you something.
"In my heart, I have never
accepted integration
and I never will."
How would you feel
about the man who said that?
Not so good.
Mrs. Traynor
is a very fine labor lawyer.
She's also our local
Counsel in Louisiana.
She knows
Anderson's background.
Now whoever leads this fight
against Anderson
is gonna get a lot of attention.
Someone's gonna get
a lot of ink outta this.
But, senator, if you choose
not to take him on,
then we're gonna release
this statement
to the press ourselves.
At which point, as the fiery
liberal from New York,
I'll have to go in
against him anyway, hmm?
Well, that will, um,
be up to you, senator.
Very nice, Arthur.
I would need more than this. I
can't quote him out of context.
There's film on him sayin' this.
And there has to be a consistent
pattern showing him to be unfit.
You'll have it, senator.
Alright, you get me that,
and I'm with you.
Senator, thank you.
We'll be in touch.
I'll call you at the end
of the week, senator.
Nice to meet you, Mrs. Traynor.
Arthur.
Well, looks like we're in
for a fight.
- This man's not a racist.
- He is to them.
And also, it's a hell
of an opportunity.
Yeah, well, I don't think
I should betray a friend
just for the sake of an
opportunity, do you?
Politics and, uh,
politicians, um,
it's not a popular subject
with the public,
particularly on, uh,
talk shows, senator.
Everyone wants entertainment,
forget about
their problems and...
And we, and... and
for so long, we...
public hasn't trusted
their public officials,
but of all the people
in politics,
uh, the public loves you.
We see it in your mail.
When you... when you've
been on in the past.
Well, thank you. That's a...
That's a... high praise.
- You talk to some of the best.
- I know.
I'm curious, somebody,
somebody told me
that your son just ran
for President.
- Of his class, yes. Yeah.
- Oh, of his class.
It was really very
interesting, a great wave
of anxiety went through
our house.
Because we really
wanted him to win, you know.
- Oh, yeah.
- And, uh...
we took a speech of mine
and we tailored it for him...
uh, to give, you know,
in the class...
and he really was wonderful
with that speech.
He gave that speech about
as well as it could be given.
- How'd he do?
- He lost.
- Oh, shit!
- It was one of your old...
I'm sorry, Paul.
Did I embarrass you?
But, uh,
he lost gracefully,
and that's one of the best
things to learn
in politics, is how to lose
with a smile.
And, uh, he, uh,
smiled right up until
the time he broke down.
I want to get
a little personal
'cause you're very private about
your home life.
You live in Westchester.
What is it?
How's everything going with you?
Lousy.
Why? What's the matter?
- You wanna know?
- Yeah.
- Really?
- Janet, what's the problem?
Life sucks.
I see.
What do you mean, "Life sucks?"
It sucks.
Yeah, well, in what way
exactly does it suck?
Every way.
You know, you're not being
very explicit.
Well, I'm not very happy, okay?
Look, whatever you're going
through, mom and I
have probably
gone through it too.
Use us.
- Maybe I'll talk to mom.
- I'll get her.
No! I mean, someday.
Look, well,
you don't have to tell us
anything personal, you know?
But when you're ready...
a little hint, okay?
Okay.
I'll see you later.
No.
Oh. Karen Traynor,
Congresswoman Cenza.
- Hello.
- Oscar Harris.
- How do you do?
- You know Francis.
Okay, Joe.
We'll be in touch.
- Good to see you again.
- Goodbye, Joe.
- Oscar.
- Bye. Bye.
- Uh, Francis?
- Yeah.
Find out if Halloren
is gonna be against us on this.
I don't wanna get it
from behind, you know?
Right.
I'm sorry if
I was interrupting you.
No, no, you're right on time.
Can I get you a cup of coffee?
Uh. No. Thanks.
- Too cold out here for you?
- He-he-he.
No, I love the cold.
So...
How's it goin'?
Well, I'm not crazy about
admitting this,
but I'm having trouble
getting that film on Anderson.
Well, if it's not there,
it's not there.
Oh, it's there.
Somebody's holding it back.
A black woman.
I can't believe it.
- Can you get to her?
- It's Carla Willis.
You know her.
Yeah, she's going for
a seat in Congress.
Yeah.
Somebody on her staff got a hold
of a kinescope of Anderson
making that.
"In my heart" speech,
and she won't use it,
she won't give it up.
I think she's made a deal.
How would you feel
about talking to her?
- Well, I don't know.
- Oh, I think you should.
Senator, I think you are
the most exciting
political figure in this
country today.
And... when I think
about the splash
you could make if you had
this film,
I get weak in the knees.
And, of course,
it's the right thing to do.
I'm gonna be speaking in Houston
on, uh, Friday, right?
That's right.
I go over to New Orleans
on Saturday,
and we'll talk to her,
how's that?
Senator, this is gonna make
a big difference.
Mrs. Traynor,
that film is ours.
You and your
stupid friends, you just
stay out of my stuff, okay?
- I'm not even in your room!
- You are!
- You're always in my room!
- Bullshit!
Will you stop swearing,
you little shit?
What the hell is going on
up there?
Oh, he probably read one of her
love letters,
they'll work it out.
Jesus Christ!
Joe, they can work this
thing out without a parent.
They don't need a parent,
they need a referee.
Hey, come on, will you?
Cut it out!
Joe, come here. Sit down.
- What are you doing?
- Oh.
I'm trying to figure out
my reactions
to one of my patients.
Everyday I make
the same notes over and over.
Nothing new.
It's like following you
in a campaign.
Listening to you make that
same speech day after day.
Damn.
Didn't I read in "Time" magazine
you have a great sense of humor?
Mm, that's why I'm not laughing.
Ah! That's good.
That's good.
I may not like politics,
but I love you.
- Excuse me.
- Alright.
Yeah, but you know...
I'm a politician.
I mean, I am politics.
You, you're a good, decent man
who's in politics.
If you ever are politics...
- What?
- Oh!
Would you still love me?
Oh, I'll have to get back
to you on that one.
If she touches my racket
once more time,
I'm gonna break her camera,
you got that?
- Right.
- Just so you know that.
Oh, God.
When will we all grow up?
Any of us.
- Do you mind if I drive?
- No, not at all.
- How long you been flying?
- Long time.
I think two weeks is
a long time, don't you?
I was right about Carla Willis.
- She made a deal.
- How do you know?
I asked the Louisiana
Democratic Chairman.
And he told you?
He's my daddy!
Full of surprises, aren't you?
So you've been in politics
all your life?
When I was a little bitty girl,
I used to go campaigning
with my daddy
on every single one
of those roads down there.
Wasn't that kinda
hard on you?
It was that
or never see him.
- This is flying, isn't it?
- Yeah, this is great.
Senator, I can't buy
a Congressional campaign
on what I make from soy beans.
I need the support of
the Democratic organization.
The man is headed
for the Supreme Court.
He'll affect this country
for as long as he lives.
Times have changed.
He's not that bad.
Well, how bad
does he have to be, Carla?
I was in Catahoula parish
when my daddy
came down here and supported you
for legislature.
I remember what you said
that night
about the people
you grew up with.
Do you remember that?
How bad does he have to be?
You ask your daddy
if I can get
the Democratic nomination
if I help you destroy Anderson.
Look, Miss Willis, I didn't want
to go after Anderson either.
I have a lot to lose
if I fail on this.
But you have a lot to gain
if you win.
And I won't forget you
when I win.
And I will win.
He's gonna win.
I want the voters
of this county to know
that regardless of what
I've said in the past
or that I might say
in the future
in my heart,
I have never accepted
integration
and I never will.
I guess I better get that.
Right.
I don't answer it anymore.
One of Joe's constituents
called once
and offered to blow up
our house.
Well...
There's a lot of pressure
in a political family.
Joe's a public figure.
I'm trying to do other things.
Hello?
Yeah, Francis?
You've, uh, become
a psychologist lately,
haven't you?
I've just been accepted
as a fellow
at the Karen Horney Institute.
I have my own case load.
It's very exciting.
How'd you get interested
in that?
- Were you in therapy?
- I was, yes.
You know, a lot
of political people
are kind of reluctant to talk
about their therapy.
Mm, I certainly don't think
treatment's anything
to be ashamed of.
It's my profession.
Has it been difficult
being a political wife?
Well, uh, it was
in the beginning, yes.
During Joe's first campaign,
they had me out
stumping for him.
We were running
ourselves ragged,
I had a miscarriage.
Joe couldn't take me
to the hospital.
One of his aides checked me in.
I... it was a nightmare
for both of us.
Yeah, well, now, just get
them on, alright?
Tell them that's part
of the deal. Yeah.
Alright. Goodbye.
Is that when you
went into therapy?
Well, I thought I needed
a few sessions with somebody
to get my head straight.
Uh, five years later,
I was beginning to think
that my treatment would go on
till just after my death.
I guess I'm not too thrilled
with politics.
I'm sorry. What did I miss?
Ah. Ah, you've heard
it all before.
I guess you can tell
for yourself
Ellie is a very special woman.
- Okay, come on. What is it?
- Look, it's your life.
I'm not gonna tell you
not to talk about it.
I think that's a good idea.
You know what it costs
to talk like that to reporters.
To say I've been in therapy?
50 votes.
I didn't say you
were in therapy.
That would mean 1000 votes.
Analysis is, uh, 5000 votes.
Lithium is 20,000 votes.
Electroshock treatments
go for 50,000 each.
I know what things cost.
Look, these people ask
anything they can.
You don't have to dig
into your bowels
every time they come up
with some stupid
question about the furniture.
She wasn't asking
about the furniture.
She was asking about me.
It's taken me seven years,
but I think
I know how to tell
the difference.
How could you let her get you
to run down politics like that?
I didn't want to do
the interview!
I told you that!
Ellie, how much do
I ask you to do?
You live a life entirely
apart from politics.
No, I don't!
I can't escape it for a minute.
I can't call a plumber
without being Mrs. Joe Tynan.
"Oh, yes, Mrs. Tynan.
I worked on the senator's toilet
a couple of years ago."
I'm living in a fish bowl!
Don't you think it's a late
to think of that?
When was I supposed
to think of it?
When you decided to run for
the Senate without asking me?
When I hear your decision
to run for reelection
in an interview
on television?
I discussed that with you.
You said you were
thinking about it.
Well, what did you expect me
to do?
I mean, it was there, wasn't it?
You mean, you're never gonna
give anything any thought
as long as it's there?
What about today, Ellie?
I was asked questions
about my life. I answered.
Yeah, well, next time
for God's sake, handle it!
Help a little.
Next time you handle it.
And next week when they come
to take our pictures
for that interview,
stand with your arms
around your administrative
assistant.
This is sensational.
How'd you get all this stuff?
A lot of diggin'.
Terrific.
Thank you.
I'll tell you what I would like.
I would love to work with you
when you make your move.
I think we would knock 'em
right on their fannies.
You really like to win,
don't you?
Oh, when I want somethin',
I go get it.
Just like you.
I have some more notes
in my briefcase.
I have a...
1970 decision on segregation,
makes him look really bad.
What are you smilin' at?
I'm not sure.
Well, what do you think
you're smilin' at?
Um, well, I... I think
that, uh...
something may be happening here
that we didn't expect.
What do you think?
I was hoping we were gonna have
the brains not to mention it.
Oh, we don't have to do
anything about it.
I... I just don't think
there's any harm
in being honest, you know.
I don't think you have any idea
how many times
I've thought of you
since, since New Orleans.
Yeah, I do.
You know, I... I have a husband.
I'm not suggesting anything.
However, I do notice that I...
I want this Anderson thing
to go on forever.
I think I'm infatuated with you.
You remind me
of John F. Kennedy.
Oh, boy!
I have never heard
that one before.
You do.
If you looked just behind
his eyes, you could see
his intelligence, his wit...
compassion, just like you.
Did you make a pass at Kennedy?
Is this a pass?
- I think this is a pass.
- Oh, yeah.
Yeah?
Uh, Mary Anne, I'll have
to call him back later.
Oh, alright. Okay, um...
Yeah, put him through down here.
It's my son.
He says it's an emergency.
Paul?
Wha... Wait, what...
What rabbit?
Oh, yeah. What... what...
What's the matter?
But why won't she let you
keep it in your room?
Well, Paul, it's gonna smell up
the whole house.
What? No, wait. I can't talk
to her right now. Wha...
Okay. No, alright, alright.
Put, put her on, put her on.
Hiya, El.
Yeah. Look, maybe you can
keep it in the basement.
Maybe you won't smell it there.
Look, maybe it's not the rabbit.
Maybe it's him.
Uh, El, I'll be home
for the weekend.
Okay.
Me too.
I'll see you
in a couple of days. Bye-bye.
Joe, I think I better go.
No. Wait a minute. Look, wait,
just wait a second. Please.
You weren't faking with her.
So... I don't think I want you
faking with me.
What would you think
about living in Washington?
You mean, move there?
I think I need you down there.
No, I wanted to move
to Washington
when you first got elected
and you said to stay here
so that we could have
the weekends to ourselves.
Yeah, well, now we don't have
weekends anymore.
- I have to lecture.
- You have to lecture.
Well, do you think we can live
on what I make as a senator?
And what about my work?
Well, isn't there
a psychoanalytic institute
in Washington?
Well, I guess there is,
but the one
that's accepted me
is in New York.
And the man I work with,
the man
who's brought me along
to the point
where I am now
is also in New York.
I don't just work
in a building, Joe.
There are people there
who mean something to me.
Joe.
Really?
Think about Washington,
will you?
Okay.
You got your raincoat?
It's in my bag.
You gonna have some coffee?
I haven't got time, honey.
- Isn't that your line?
- Yeah.
Yeah, it's probably the office.
I'll call 'em back later.
Can I drive you
to the airport?
I have a driver downstairs.
Thanks.
Where will you be goin'?
New York, Rome and Tunis.
Didn't my girl send your girl
the itinerary?
She probably couldn't believe
it was our only means
of communication.
When you get to Italy,
you call me?
Sure.
- Goodbye.
- Bye.
- Hello?
- Karen, it's Joe.
Oh, hi.
You're kinda hard to reach,
you know.
- Yeah.
- Listen.
Uh, on the Anderson thing...
Yeah.
I need to work with you
some more on that.
Could you come up here
to Washington?
I can't, Joe.
Look, the hearings
are in three weeks.
I need you to help me work out
a line of questioning.
Nobody else can do that?
Well, you did
most of the research.
I don't see how I can.
When would you want me
to be there?
How about tomorrow?
Oh, no, I... I have a problem.
I'm trying to settle a strike
down here.
I thought that's what
this call was.
Okay, Wednesday.
I really need you.
I, uh, I... You know,
I need your expertise.
Well...
Look, you're not gonna quit
when we're so close
to winning, are you?
Alright.
Alright, Wednesday, Joe.
- But listen.
- Yeah?
This is just work, right?
Karen, the hearings
are in three weeks. I need help.
Yeah, well, I mean, if you
sit on the couch and I don't,
that's not gonna
make you smile, right?
Why would that make me smile?
I'll see you Wednesday, Joe.
I'm not sure it's worth
the extra expense, senator.
No, I, uh, I think
she'll work out fine.
Whatever it may be,
for that matter.
Whenever they want.
Actual images...
I think Karen Traynor
is terrific.
But, uh, I don't know
if we can get that much more
mileage out of her.
No, I... I want
to work with her some more
on this, Francis, uh...
I've already asked her.
Oh, fine.
I'm sure
she's very knowledgeable.
Yeah, yeah, I think
she can make a difference.
Yeah.
I'll get her a room
at the Fairfax
and you can
work with her there.
- Fine.
- I'll...
I'll take care of that myself.
Fine.
Karen Hi.
Listen, I spent a lot of time
on the plane
workin' on notes
for this meetin'.
Good.
Good, we'll...
We'll, uh, go over it together.
Yeah, good.
- This place have a bedroom?
- I don't know. I just got here.
Oh, God, you kiss good.
Yeah.
Can you...
I can't get my arm out.
- What?
- My arm. I can get my arm out.
Listen, I'm gonna...
I'm gonna sound like an
idiot talking about this now.
But, uh, I want to be
honest with you.
I know.
You're married. I know.
So am I.
It's okay.
You're very demonstrative.
You never made love
to a democrat?
Mm, this affair's gonna put
20 pounds on me.
How come you just
don't smoke afterwards
like normal people?
I'm very oral.
So I noticed.
What's his name?
- My husband?
- Yeah.
Barry.
Barry?
Sounds very upper.
No. He works his way upper.
- You'd probably like him.
- Uh-huh.
What's he doing
while you're here?
He's in, uh... Tunis.
- He travels a lot.
- That I like.
I... is your wife as smart as
they say in all the magazines?
I'm sorry,
I wish I could tell you
she had the brains
of a chorus girl.
Unfortunately,
just the body of one.
Oh, that's cute.
That's really cute.
Jesus!
I think you froze it.
Oh, are you alright?
- Come on, get over here.
- Ah!
Gee, it's true.
Things do contract in the cold.
You southerners are all nuts.
- Oh, I talked to my daddy.
- Yeah?
I got some terrific stuff
you can use against Anderson.
- Yeah?
- Mm-hm.
- Yeah, like what?
- Uh.
Campaign contributions.
Two corporations
made secret...
contributions.
That's great, I don't even
have to use it, I can just...
tell 'em that I got it.
Yeah.
Yeah, that's good.
Oh, my God!
Oh, you are gonna be
so fantastic in this hearing.
Do you know how far
you're gonna go with this?
When you get there...
clip me a rose
from the rose garden
and send it to me, okay?
Ah, I'll tell you one thing,
she has the biggest tits
I ever saw, Joe.
If I ever fell into a pot
of honey, this was it.
I said, "Look here, young lady,
I'm a US Senator."
"What if somebody comes in here
and finds me
in a public toilet
in flagrante poontang
while I'm flyin'
over my home state?"
Then, Christ!
She threw a fit. Mmm!
It was wonderful.
Oh, she acted so needy.
I just had to give in.
You know what I mean?
And afterwards...
Afterwards, ahem, she gave me
this card that says,
"I'm a member
of the Mile High Club
for doin' it
over 5000 feet aloft!"
Hugh,
you are the genuine article.
Oh, it was a religious
experience up there.
Son, I felt close to God.
Listen, today I had a visit
from a couple of guys
representin" the labor unions.
They tell me that they have you
on this Anderson thing.
They have me?
I said, "Listen,
it's high time
the south was represented
on the Supreme Court."
Now, this means a lot
to Senator Birney
and it means a lot to me, too
and I'm sure
that Senator Tynan
will talk this thing over
before comin' out against us.
Well, Hugh, uh...
I'm sure Senator Birney
will get what he wants.
He usually does.
Mm, hey, what do you say
we go partners
on those two over there?
I'll give you 50 bucks
if that blonde ain't a screamer.
Jesus, Hugh, are you crazy?
That's somebody's wife.
Oh, that ain't nobody's wife
anymore than I am.
That's Hutchin's wife,
the freshman from Minnesota.
Jesus! H!
Goddamn hippies
don't even marry women
that look like wives.
Hi, how are you?
- Hey, Joe.
- Althena!
Come and sit next to me
for a minute.
You know, I really don't think
you ought to be seen
talkin' to that horse's ass.
- Which one?
- My husband.
Look at him.
Look at him talking
to that shit Cardoza.
You know, he's got
the same taste
in his business associates
that he does in his women.
Thanks, man.
Why don't you come over
to my house sometime
and we'll have an affair?
Al, when was the last time
you and Hugh
took a vacation together?
Took a vacation together?
I not only
don't sleep with him,
I won't even drink
out of the same cup with him.
- You wanna do me a favor?
- What?
Get me another glass
of this bourbon.
Are you sure?
Yeah, why don't you
just go screw yourself?
Would you get me another real
big glass of bourbon, please?
- Yes, ma'am.
- Thank you.
No, I'm not.
Uh, Al, can I, uh...
Can I get you something to eat?
And spoil all this good bourbon?
Don't be silly.
Go on. Go on.
Mingle, Joe.
Oh, my God!
Would you look at that one?
That should do it, right?
Now, who in the hell
do you suppose brought her?
I don't think
anyone brought her.
Oh, I see.
She's free-lancin'.
Well, I think
that lady might stand
to make herself $50
real easy tonight.
That is if she can get up
the stairs 10 or 12 times.
Joe, you know
Congressman Tiller?
- How are you, senator?
- How are you?
Good to see you. Senator
Joe Tynan, Karen Traynor.
Uh, yes, we've met.
How are you?
I'm fine.
How have you been, senator?
Fine.
- Uh, you know, uh, Mary Cenza.
- Hello.
I am starving.
They got any food here?
In the other room,
they have, uh,
chicken salad
in the shape of Louisiana.
You wanna stay?
There's a good restaurant
at your hotel.
That sounds convenient.
Well, why don't we see
what they have inside first?
- Excuse us.
- Nice to see you again.
- Let's give her room!
- Ooh!
Hey, look out!
Give her room.
Get this thing
out of her way!
Watch it! Watch it!
Watch out, honey.
Goin' out!
Hold it! Hold it!
Jesus! H!
What an asshole!
How could you go there
with him?
I thought you weren't
gonna get involved.
How could you go anywhere
with him?
The man is a renowned jerk.
Well, he was perfectly adequate
for what I needed him for,
which was to pass
the evenin' with.
How do you know him?
He's my congressman.
You're in bigger trouble
than I thought.
So are you.
Senator Kittner
always lands on his feet.
- I don't know sometimes.
- Huh.
He's drivin' me nuts.
He's a wild man.
Instead of talking about
legislation, he talks about sex.
I'm trying to go over
his defense bill
and he wants to bet me $15
that the waitress
isn't wearing panties.
Francis, Senator Tynan
isn't gonna go out
in front against Anderson,
is he?
No, he's just voting
against him, John.
I'm sure that's as far
as it'll go.
- Francis?
- Hm?
How big a problem do I have?
Is your boss gonna make
a big thing out of this?
Nothing that your guy
can't handle, I'm sure, John.
Oh, shit.
Senator?
We've got a problem.
We've lost Senator Tynan
on the Anderson thing.
Uh, John, I'm kinda busy now.
I'm readin" here.
I don't mean
we've just lost his vote,
I mean he's gonna lead
the opposition.
- You know what I mean?
- Yeah.
Well, John, uh...
I'm readin' here from my pad.
Senator, we could have are...
Maybe we could
discuss this later.
Yes.
I'm readin' right now.
At the moment.
Right.
Well, I'll just... Right.
Would you ask Tynan
to come down for some gumbo...
in my private office?
What?
My private office
in the basement?
Right, right. I'll...
I'll get right on it.
And, son, close the door
when you go out.
I got a red pepper
in here that grows
only on the shores of hell.
- Oh, oh, yeah.
- Alright, men. Let's go.
Not for me. I might need
my stomach later.
How about it, Joe?
You only live once.
- Hugh, I can't.
- Come on. Huh?
I just swallowed
the roof of my mouth.
Come on, Joe.
Have some good southern cookin'.
Jesus, H! In Baton Rouge,
this is baby food.
Hugh, you are so full
of shit, I can't believe it.
You haven't had one spoonful
of this.
Son, I'm gonna match you
bite for bite.
- Go ahead, Hugh.
- Oh, yeah.
Divide that in half.
In half? There's almost
four pounds in here.
Yes, I know,
for a country boy like you,
this is just an appetizer.
You're never gonna see...
Oh, now my plate, yeah.
And you're never gonna see
the bottom of this dish, kid.
Hey, I'm gonna give
the winner a buck
for every second
under two minutes, go!
Whoopee!
Come on!
Come on, Joe.
Whoopee!
Come on, Joe!
Get him! Get him!
I think I'm gonna be sick.
This is a goddamn
Shriner's Convention.
Can I get somethin'
for you, senator?
Yeah, what about a noise maker
and a funny hat?
That never happened to me
before. I think I have the flu.
Must be that.
It is not my opinion
that this gentleman's
gonna change his mind
just because you two
have thrown-up together.
Are you gonna fight us
on Edward Anderson or not?
Senator, you know how much
I respect you...
Yes or no?
- I'll answer you but...
- Ecoutez, mon ami.
- Senator, now hold it.
- Oui ou non?
Hey!
Cut it out!
You understand what I'm saying?
Yeah, I do.
Well, I sure
as hell don't.
He just don't wanna
be pressured, that's all.
Well, who does?
The thing is,
I think that we can
find a way
to see each other's
point of view.
Don't you think we can?
Sure, why not?
How about a beer, senator?
You're my favorite senator.
- Oh, how are you?
- You're just wonderful.
Uh, would you mind giving me
your autograph for my daughter?
She just thinks
you're wonderful.
And you're wonderful, too.
I've read
you're a psychologist.
My son's interested in that.
- Okay. Thank you. Goodbye.
- Bye.
Nice.
Yes, may I help you, senator?
Uh, yes. Uh, uh, do you...
Oh, hi.
Uh, where's the pro shop?
Yes, out the front door
and to the left, senator.
Oh, it's out the front,
it's to the left here.
Just out of curiosity, why
are we going to the pro shop?
Because the guy who just
waved at me in there
is Senator Aikers
from Minnesota.
So now we're gonna play golf?
Not me. I don't know
how to hold a club.
No, I've gotta...
Gotta go, uh...
Hello. Hi. Jesus!
Hi, senator,
can I help you?
Uh, yes, we'd like to rent
some clubs and a golf cart,
and balls and things.
Sure, you wanna come over here?
You gonna hold your tongue?
Try to look like a golfer.
People don't act like that
on the golf course.
Where are we going?
I'm looking for privacy.
There. Over there...
Oh! That's incredible.
Oh, no! Ah!
Will you stop laughing?
I can't.
Oh, my God...
Oh, my God...
What do we have to eat?
Um, uh, Al...
Take that... Uh, remove that.
Okay.
Hi, you need a lift?
Oh, hi.
- Where you going?
- Just seeing some friends.
Janet, I don't wanna get
your defenses up,
but what the hell
are you doing hitchhiking?
Don't worry, I'm careful.
You're not allowed
to hitch-hike.
Why not?
That's really dumb.
I'm not gonna get murdered.
Listen, pal,
you're not gonna go around
doing any damn thing
you please.
You're getting
your wings clipped.
What does that mean?
We're going to start
living a normal life.
- That's what it means?
- How?
What are you talking about?
I'm talking about
the whole family
living in the same house.
Where?
I'm thinking
of moving to Washington.
No! No way!
I'm not going!
Look, it's not gonna be easy
on any of us.
Mom, no!
I don't wanna go. I can't!
You can't make me leave
my friends.
Please.
Janet...
it's not good
for us like this.
Dad misses us a lot.
Then let him
be the one to move.
He can't.
His work is there.
Well, I'm not going!
I'm not going!
Janet! Close that door!
That door now!
Come on home with me, okay?
We'll have a cup of tea
and we'll talk.
About what?
About nothing.
Well, let's just calm down.
- What's for desert?
- Fruit compote.
Oh, terrific!
I haven't had that
in a long time.
- Don't give me any!
- Why not?
- It's got prunes in it.
- Come on!
When was the last time
you tried it?
When I was too little
to fight back.
- Don't even let me smell it.
- Come on, try it.
- It's good for you.
- Where's your curiosity?
Yeah, dad's right.
It's an adventure.
Eating prunes
is an adventure?
Uh, not really.
- We lie.
- Here.
No, I don't want this, dad.
It's got sugar in it.
Where are you going?
Hey, where are you goin'?
Sit down. We... Come on, let's
have a little conversation.
- What do you wanna talk about?
- Whatever comes up. Sit down.
I haven't been home
in three weeks.
How was that paper you did on
Roosevelt? How'd it turn out?
I told you.
I got an A on it.
Oh, yeah, right.
I forgot, I'm sorry.
Uh, can I read it?
Well, they're keeping it
for the student fair.
Are you coming to that?
- When is that?
- I told you, May 11th.
Oh, no. I can't, babe.
I gotta be in Washington.
- I'm sorry.
- Oh, that's okay.
I think you made a really good
choice with, uh, Roosevelt.
You know, he's, um...
He's a really fascinating man.
- He had, he had amassed his...
- Can I go?
You always talk about things
that don't interest me.
So we'll include you.
How's your bike?
Did you get the chain fixed?
In that case, can I go?
I'm sick of his bike.
I got a good idea.
Why don't you shut up?
Hey, Paul!
- Dad, the game is almost on.
- Go ahead.
I'll talk to you later.
I really love a close knit
family like this.
I think
you were rushing 'em a little.
You have to talk about
what interests them.
I was trying to talk about
what interests them.
You were doing
all the talking.
Senator, senator...
Sorry, can't right now.
It's the
Pardew Amendment on coal mining.
Safety measures
and health standards.
He's giving up some ground,
but what he's got left
is still strong. It's all stuff
you've come out in favor of.
Okay. Fine. Hi,
how are you? Good to see you.
- How's it look?
- Well, headcount not so good.
Okay, write me up
something on this.
We'll use it
in the newsletter, okay?
- Mr. Treadwell.
- No.
- Mr. Travis.
- No.
- Mr. Tynan.
- Aye.
- How's it goin', Ed?
- They're killing it.
Ed, it's an excellent amendment.
Mr. Arthur Lewis?
- No.
- Well...
- It'll save a few lives.
- Mr. Ervin?
If you don't get it passed this
session, you will next time.
- I won't be here next session.
- Mr. McCarro?
I've had enough.
After a while you start
to forget what you're here for.
Mr. Valentine?
And then getting clout
and keeping it is all there is.
You start lying
to your constituents,
your colleagues,
to everybody...
and you forget what you thought
you cared most about in life.
Mr. Farrell?
No.
Among the courtesy calls
Mr. Anderson made today,
was one to the office
of Senator Joe Tynan.
I got it.
Why didn't somebody tell me
to get my cowlick down?
Well, I think
you look sincere this way.
How do you feel
about his statements...
- Look at that.
- Yeah...
I had a very frank
and a very
uh, useful talk
with Mr. Anderson
and, uh, I find him to be
a very straightforward man.
Will you support
his nomination, senator?
Uh, no.
I'm afraid I can't.
Are you going to lead
the opposition
against Mr. Anderson, senator?
Well, if I can be of any help
to my colleagues, I'll be, uh,
I'll be happy to confer
with them on this.
Well, there it is.
I wonder if Birney's heard
this yet.
Can't expect to lose votes
at home.
- The man's a realist, isn't he?
- Obviously, uh...
If the president
likes Mr. Anderson,
uh, he should be considered
very carefully.
We're not gonna be capricious
about this.
It's... Supreme Court...
Senator Birney's office
just called.
He wants to see you right away.
- That was quick.
- Good luck.
- I'll be back in half an hour.
- Give him hell, senator.
Who he plays in that position
is not going to be a repre...
You see the Boy Scouts
in 45 minutes.
Right.
Do you feel
the opposition has enough
information to go
against the president?
Senator, I'm not looking
to dethrone you.
I've always thought
we were friends.
So have I.
What will you do if the senate
starts lining up
against you on this?
I was countin' on you
to stop 'em.
Isn't that asking a lot?
Of a friend?
Joe, they're after me.
I stand convicted
of bein' an old man.
I'm telling you straight out,
Joe. I need your help.
I'll owe you.
Why does this have to be
over Anderson?
Anderson could destroy me.
I didn't draw the lines
for this battle.
I didn't either.
I hope you remember that.
Joe, I can't let you
do this to me.
Not with the whole senate
watching.
Senator, this would hurt me
very badly at home.
You can live with this.
I know you can
because I've lived with worse.
Now, you just want to get
some mileage out of this.
Save the country
from a disastrous appointment.
- Make yourself a hero.
- No, I don't, senator.
The hell you don't.
Now...
if I were you, I wouldn't have
the presidential seal
embroidered on my shorts
just yet.
You do this...
and no bill of yours will ever
get out of my committee.
It'll take time,
but I got a lot of friends
around here...
and your little old subcommittee
ain't gonna have
much of a budget.
You're gonna look about
as glamorous as a toad
with a tire track
down its back.
How does that sound to you?
Thanks for the bourbon, senator.
- Is this a direct quote?
- Yeah.
But stay away
from voter registration.
He's got himself covered there.
Stick to schooling.
Here. Laycock vs Louisiana.
Just read him that.
Ask him if he said it.
"Nothing can compel a community
to open its doors
to any group which it fears
for its very survival."
"This is the principle
of self-defense
which precedes all others."
Did you say that, Mr. Anderson?
Well, you're quotin' me
out of context, senator.
I am not, sir.
Let me ask the clerk to hand you
a copy of your opinion
in, uh, Laycock versus
the State of Louisiana,
and you can read any sentence
you like, Mr. Anderson.
Uh, Mr. Anderson...
Here's the quote
that you wanted.
Mr. Anderson, isn't it true
that your decision in this case
was overturned
by a higher court
in a matter of hours?
Yes, senator,
and hours after that,
I directed the
State of Louisiana to comply.
In just hours?
What about the fact
that it's been 20 years
since the Supreme Court
ordered your schools integrated
with all deliberate speed?
Well, you can't change
old ways overnight.
We have to learn to crawl
before we can walk.
Twenty years, Mr. Anderson.
We got people on the moon
and you can't walk yet?
We will have quiet
in this room.
Now, there'll be
no more outbursts
or we will clear the room.
Inasmuch as
Senator Birney has returned,
we will return the gavel to
the chairman of this committee.
Mr. Anderson...
when you were attorney general
of the State of Louisiana,
you worked to tone down
a desegregation plan,
didn't you?
Yes, sir, I did.
Would you tell us why,
Mr. Anderson?
Because the schools
would've closed, senator.
Forced integration
isn't workin' in Boston today
and it wasn't workin'
in the south 15 years ago.
I found a compromise
that allowed the children
of both races
to continue to go to school.
Mr. Chairman,
I'd like to point out
that I still have
five minutes due me
under the rules,
uh, for questioning the nominee.
Certainly, Senator Tynan.
Go right ahead.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Anderson,
I felt from the beginning
that you are a decent man.
I'm not impugning
your basic motives.
But do you feel
that in your public life,
you've devoted yourself
to carrying out
the spirit of the law?
To the best of my ability,
senator.
When you said,
"If the Supreme Court
wants to take
crime off the streets
and put it in the schools,
let them,
but we don't have to send
our children there,"
was that to the best
of your ability?
Was it to the best
of your ability to raise funds
for segregated
private schools in your state?
When you said,
"In my heart,
I have never accepted
integration and I never will,"
was that to the best
of your ability?
Now, that is untrue!
Would you like to see the film
I have of you saying that?
What about the law of the land,
Mr. Anderson?
What about simple human justice?
Order!
Mr. Chairman,
I have no further questions.
Order!
Can I have order here?
I want order!
Order we will have here.
These proceedings
will be conducted with dignity.
I remind our guests
that this is a senate hearing.
Mr. Chairman...
Mr. Chairman...
Mr. Chairman, if I may...
Mr. Chairman...
Mr. Chairman...
In a victory
for Senator Joe Tynan,
the president withdrew the
nomination of Edward Anderson
to the Supreme Court today.
And has instead
submitted the name
of Richard Emerson.
Confirmation is expected
within days.
It was grease city
on the New York side
of the Tappan Zee Bridge
this evening
after a tractor trailer truck
carrying 14 tons of liquid hog
and animal fat overturned.
After the accident...
Could be your
launching pad
into a presidential orbit?
Well, I'm glad the governor
has confidence in me
but, um,
I think that's premature.
Isn't it true that
Professor Woodruff from Harvard
has come down to Washington
to advice you
on foreign policy matters?
Yes, that's... that's right.
Senator, if... if you have
no ambitions
for higher office,
why the sudden need
for a foreign policy advisor?
Well, uh, Richard,
I think that, uh,
this is the greatest
deliberative body
in the world, uh,
because it doesn't simply
concerns itself
with parochial interests.
Uh, we're not only concerned
with our states,
we're concerned with,
uh, with world events,
with national events,
and I think every senator
has that responsibility.
- Senator! Senator!
- Yeah!
Senator, someone has said
that you've engaged
a speech coach of some kind?
Is that true?
You think I need
a speech coach, Frank?
Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.
Thank you.
Thank you, senator.
- Way to go!
- Thank you.
First of all,
let's kill the speech coach.
Alright, let's,
uh, set up some interviews
with, uh, the editorial boards
of, um, a few good newspapers,
okay?
Y... you know, whatever.
Then, uh, let's start hitting
the people we got cards on.
- A money letter?
- No. Uh, not yet.
Let's, slant a letter
to their special interest.
Uh, "Dear Clyde, I've been
giving a lot of thought
lately to the state
of our nation."
"Uh, especially, uh, um..."
Whatever, uh, air pollution,
uh, racism,
whatever we have him coded for.
"Uh, I need your ideas,
your intuition, your passion."
Then we'll hit them for money.
Senator Joe Tynan speaks
on our national energy crisis.
Five second leader.
Why should an 85-year-old woman
freeze to death
in her own apartment
in Pennsylvania?
See, don't open your eyes
wide like that.
It's honest and it's sincere,
but it's not fatherly.
You've gotta show
a quiet strength.
Don't be afraid to be
a little bit more butch.
See, your head is tilted,
boss.
You've gotta keep it straight.
Don't angle it like that.
Now, that...
That's butch!
Bring it around
to foreign entanglements,
that sort of thing. Why should
such important decisions...
Senator Joe Tynan,
democrat of New York
is in our state...
Senator, the president's
calling on line two.
Senator, there's a call
for you in control room.
Your wife.
- Ellie?
- Joe, hi.
We've got a problem here.
It's Janet.
She woke up
with a fever of a 104.
- Did you call Sam?
- Mm-hm.
He just left.
He... thinks
she has viral hepatitis.
Well, what makes him
so sure it's hepatitis?
Uh, well,
her skin is yellow.
It seems
she's had herself tattooed.
What?
That... that's what I said.
What do you mean
"tattooed?
I never saw any tattoos on her.
Uh, well, it's on her behind.
- Put her on the phone.
- I can't. She's sleeping.
I want to talk to her.
Put her on the phone.
I...
Joe, she's sleeping.
What's she got it
on her behind for?
Who's gonna see it there?
Well, I was wondering
the same thing.
Jeez. I mean, where...
What... what is it?
Does it say something?
It's a flower. A tulip.
Jesus. A tulip.
On her behind.
One second.
Hi, what?
I just wanted to see
how you're doing.
Can I... Can I talk to you
for a minute?
Can I call you back
in a few minutes?
Yeah. Okay. Bye-bye.
- Your fever's down.
- Yeah?
I'm bored to death lying here.
Well, if you wanna get well,
you have to rest.
Hmm, no kidding?
Can I ask you a question?
Why did you get a tattoo?
No. You can't ask me.
What's that?
I got you some daisies
from the garden.
- Oh, yeah?
- I wasn't very smart.
I, uh, I have... haven't got
anything to put them in.
Oh, put 'em in the water glass.
Thanks.
They're nice.
You know...
I think we ought to know
more about what's going on
in each other's lives.
Yeah? Like what?
Well, you're seeing a boy
and I don't really know him.
Oh, you don't know him
at all.
Yeah, well,
I'd like to meet him sometime.
Why?
Because you're my daughter.
Look, will you just
leave me alone?
No, I'm not gonna leave you
alone. Goddammit, I love you.
Don't you think I'm old enough
to make my own friends?
Yeah, of course you are.
I just wanna meet them.
Why?
So I can know
what you're going through.
What for?
Because I love you, goddammit!
I'm sorry I raised my voice.
And every time you tell me
you love me,
you say, "Goddammit."
I... I don't understand
what went through your head.
I mean, you must have known
that a tattoo doesn't come off.
I don't want it to come off!
How are you going to explain
that later in the future?
I don't have to explain
my goddamn ass to anybody!
- Alright, calm down.
- It's my ass, isn't it?
No, goddammit, as long
as your ass is in this house,
your mother and I
have to watch out for it!
Look, will you leave me alone?
Will you just leave me alone?
I'm not leaving
until I get an... an... an...
some kind of response from you.
Yeah? Okay!
- That's not what I had in mind.
- Get out!
- Go on!
- Alright, okay. Come on.
Calm down.
Janet.
What?
Don't you know
that I love you?
That I just wanna be
closer to you?
Don't you understand that?
No.
Why?
Well, you're not here
that much, are you?
Janet...
open the door.
No.
Just for a second, please,
and then I'll go.
Please.
No.
How did I lose her?
You didn't.
She adores you.
She says I'm never here.
Why don't you take her
away next weekend?
Up to the barn, alone.
Talk with her,
picnic.
Have some fun.
I have a fundraiser
at the Hilton next weekend.
Tell 'em you're sick.
- What are you doing?
- Tell 'em.
Francis?
No, no, no.
Everything's fine.
Listen, that,
that, uh, fundraiser
at the Hilton next week,
I wanna cancel that.
Why not?
Well, so what?
Look, Francis,
who do I represent?
The White House
or the people of New York?
Well, tell him I can't.
Why?
Why? What are they offering?
Yeah.
Is that... Is that definite?
I'll call you later.
What are they offering you?
Well, there's a lot of bullshit
going back and forth.
But what it boils down to
is if, uh...
I do a selling job on the...
New York Committee, then I...
I can give the nominating speech
at the convention.
- What about Janet?
- Ah, come on, Ellie!
Talkin' about the nominating
speech!
Jesus!
What do you want me to do?
Nothing, Joe. I want you to do
whatever it is you want.
I guess what makes
my husband special
is how much he cares.
Not just about
the people who can afford
a $100 a plate,
but about people
who cannot afford to eat.
I'm very proud of being
Mrs. Joe Tynan.
Thank you
for honoring us tonight.
You were just great.
Senator, I just wanted to pay
my respects.
Dick Harman, I'm chairman of
the Louisiana State Committee.
Yes. How are you?
How are you?
That was a delightful speech,
Mrs. Tynan.
I just wanted to thank you
for everything
you've done to help us.
Not at all.
I think you know my daughter.
- Oh, yes, hello.
- Don't get up.
- Uh...
- Rolf, how are you?
Ellie, this is Karen Traynor.
She gave us, uh,
enormous help with the, uh,
the Anderson hearings.
It was, uh, wonderful.
It was really very helpful.
It was a wonderful job
you did, really.
Uh, she's, uh, miss, uh...
Mrs. Traynor is a, uh,
lawyer, and...
Is it Mrs. Traynor or miss?
Uh...
- Mrs.
- Mrs., right.
And, uh, and she gave us
uh, a... all this great stuff
on Anderson that just, uh...
May I have your attention,
please?
Daddy,
I think we'd better go.
- Glad to see you, senator.
- Nice to meet you.
Ladies and gentlemen.
- Keep punchin'.
- Okay.
I now have an honor
that comes too seldom
in politics.
A chance to introduce a man
who deserves all the good words
that you can find for him.
A man who has...
Six years ago,
this guy tried to have me
thrown out of the senate.
He is a man who believes
in putting the people first.
And now,
ladies and gentlemen...
Senator Joe Tynan.
He'll just be another minute.
He started leaving
25 minutes ago.
It's great though, isn't it?
Holding his coat?
No, how things are moving.
He can go all the way now.
All the way where?
Well, we're giving him
a more national image.
We've got a new,
uh, a new press aide.
We've got an advisor
on international affairs.
We're really moving.
- Is that so?
- Yeah.
Listen, we have to have
a little talk.
You see, we're starting to play
for really high stakes now
and, uh, we have to watch
what kind of face
we present to the media.
I got hold of that
McCall's interview you gave.
I was really floored.
I mean, she had you in analysis.
Tsk! Ooh!
What's wrong with that, Francis?
Well, analysis is usually
a code word.
It means you have
a drinking problem or, or worse.
But that was,
that was our fault really.
From now on,
you won't give an interview
without someone from our office
sitting right there with you.
Well, we can't just throw you
to the wolves like that.
Would you excuse me, please?
Don't worry. I fixed it.
All the article says now
is that you have
an interest in psychology.
It's ambiguous.
It could mean anything.
Look, I know you're not
crazy about this.
Don't you think
we should discuss it?
Francis, there's only one thing
I have to say to you
and I'm afraid
it's not ambiguous enough.
Wait a minute.
What the hell is the idea
of leaving me
thirty miles from home
without a car?
You son of a bitch!
Jesus Christ! You broke it!
Get out!
- Cut it out!
- Out!
Stupid woman!
And I'm gonna take this crap
out of my bedroom!
Ellie!
Stop it! Christ! Stop it!
- Wait.
- What's the matter?
Go back inside! Go to sleep!
Will you stop it? Jesus!
And when were you planning
to tell me
you were running for president?
- At the inaugural ball?
- Stop it, stop.
You tell her,
and you won't tell me?
What? When, when?
What are you...
What are you talking about?
The lawyer you're screwing,
you son of a bitch!
You want to wreck this house?
Don't tell me you care about
this house or anything in it.
I hated you tonight.
To think you would let
that woman into our life.
It feels like someone
has broken into my house
and gone through
all my private things.
A stranger knows
everything about me.
My habits, my weaknesses,
even what I was like in bed.
How much does she mean to you?
I don't really know.
But I know what you mean to me.
Really?
Ellie, everything
I care about in my life
we've made together.
Do you think that anything
could ever mean
as much to me as you?
Not until tonight.
Look, I know how much
I've hurt you.
But it doesn't
have to happen again. It won't.
Ellie, what can I say?
What can I do?
Nothing, Joe, I don't expect
anything of you.
I'm sorry, I don't.
Look, I know you don't really
have any reason to, but...
Please give me another chance.
All I ever wanted was for you
to love me. That's all.
Ellie, I do.
I do love you.
Senator...
Room 402 at the Raleigh.
Hello?
- Hi, it's me.
- Hi.
Guess who can stay
the whole weekend?
Oh, God, I wish I could.
I have to get home.
I... My daughter's come down
with hepatitis.
Karen?
Look, I think you ought
to be with your wife.
You don't
have to make up stories.
I'm not, she has hepatitis.
She had hepatitis four weeks
ago. How long does that last?
Well, she's not...
She's not really over it.
I... I... I'm not
making up stories.
I've seen this before.
You're falling in love
with your wife.
Look, I need to talk to you.
I'll be right over there.
No. Maybe you better not.
No, I... I have to talk to you,
I'll... I'll...
I'll be right there.
Karen?
Joe, I'm sorry.
I got to go.
Yes?
Oh, hi.
- This 402?
- Yeah, sure it is.
Hey, I just saw you yesterday
on "The Mike Douglas Show."
It's nice to see you again.
Mr. Hasse,
Mr. John Hasse,
please come to the public
information counter
of United Airlines,
there's a phone call.
I heard you got 'em
to hold my plane.
You left without saying goodbye.
Well, I thought I would be
the first to leave...
while there was still time.
I have to go home.
- I have to.
- I know.
I've been ditching them
in little ways and I...
I can't. It's... it's too...
I, uh, I had
a whole speech prepared for this
but I can't say it
in an airport.
That's okay.
I've heard it... before.
Goodbye.
Hi, Hal.
Just cut it,
make... make sure it's changed.
Ellie.
Paulie.
Listen, make sure
the teleprompter guy
gets that changed.
There's less than five minutes,
okay?
- Sure, right away, sir.
- Where's Janet?
She couldn't come.
It's kinda complicated.
My fellow Americans...
we have a new vision
in this great land of ours.
A new spirit, a new hope
and shining confidence
that justice and decency
will guide us
in our public hours.
Francis, will you take, uh, take
Paul to his seat, will you?
Sure, senator.
I just want to talk to mom
for a minute, okay?
Oh, senator, here's
our schedule for today, uh...
After you speak, uh,
you're meeting
with the National Chairman
and his staff
and then, uh, we have interviews
with "The Washington Post"
and "The New York Times."
Fine.
I'll see you.
I'll sit by the podium.
Listen, uh, folks, I need this
room for a minute.
- Okay? Can I have the room?
- Okay, I'll see you later.
- Good luck.
- Yep.
- Good luck.
- Thanks.
- Knock 'em out.
- Okay.
- Where's Janet?
- I couldn't get her to come.
I'm sorry.
I've really done a great job
with her, haven't I?
She'll be alright.
- Will you be alright?
- Yes, fine.
Come on, what's the matter?
Let's talk about it later, okay?
No, tell me now.
Not right before
you go out there. Later.
No. Not later. Now!
Go ahead, say it.
Joe, I love you
but I can't take it anymore.
Ellie, don't do this.
You have to give me
another chance.
I...
I can...
I can slow down, I can make time
for the things
that I care about.
You think so?
Two months ago,
you were in tears
because you thought
you'd lost Janet.
You were gonna take her away
with you.
Did you?
Then what is it
you really care about?
What?
Ellie, I love you.
Please stay.
We're not married anymore.
Why should I stay with you?
Because you put 19 years
into this marriage.
You have a responsibility to it.
And so do I.
And I'm going to be there.
Until Francis calls
with another offer?
No, I can take the same energy
that I put into my work,
and I can put it into our life.
But will you?
Ellie, I love you.
Please stay.
You're on, senator.
Ellie.
Do well out there.
Ellie.
I'll take you
to your seat, Mrs. Tynan.
You'll be terrific.
As a constant reminder
of his great future...
There is a man
who has come to symbolize
that hope
for justice
and decency in government...
Hope for humanity
to the cold grey halls
of the law.
It is my great privilege
to present to you.
Senator Joe Tynan.
We want Joe! We want Joe!
We want Joe! We want Joe!
We want Joe! We want Joe!
We want Joe! We want Joe!
We want Joe!
We want Joe!
We want Joe! We want Joe!
We want Joe!
We want Joe!
We want Joe! We want Joe!
We want Joe!
We want Joe!
We want Joe! We want Joe!
We want Joe! We want Joe!