Commander in Chief (2005) s01e09 Episode Script
The Mom Who Came to Dinner
Previously on "commander in chief" this has footage of nathan templeton at a private fundraiser in 1965.
Segregation is the word of god.
If the lord almighty wanted colored people to mix with whites, to live with whites, to marry whites, he wouldn't ha placed them on separate continents.
I don't believe that tape represents who you are today.
It doesn't represent who I ever was.
It doesn't have to get out.
Why hold it back? Maybe I think the country doesn't need another scandal right now.
Maybe you want to have something to hold over my head.
I trusted you, jayne.
I gave you information from him whenever I could.
This time you gave my information to him.
Mr.
Speaker-- don't! Just get out of here! I don't want to see you again.
I'm moving rod into the west wing.
Completely your call, ma'am.
I would like to welcome rod calloway to our staff.
I learned a long time ago, never cross anyone who sleeps with the boss.
I'm focused on her new agenda here.
You have a white house to run.
Run it.
We're an independent commission.
The goal is to be above politics.
Mr.
Chairman! Was economic impact a factor in your recommendation? We considered all factors, but our mandate is to provide the best proposals possible to hape the future of our military.
Mr.
Chairman? Mr.
Chairman, you're recommending closure of the essex naval base in connecticut, which could devaste the economy in the president's home state.
Has she been consulted? The white house has received our report.
And I'm sure that the president and her staff are currently reviewing our recommendations.
How did we not know about this? Essex naval wasn't supposed to be on there.
It's always in consideration, never makes the list.
it made the list this time.
It made the top of the list.
They close that base, they're going to put over 30,000 people out of work.
People that I grew up with.
Independent commission means independent of the president,ma'am.
It's your state.
It's your watch.
Thiss tonight's lead story.
Just what we need three days before thanksgiving.
It's going to be a tricky dance.
Either you're heartless to people in your home state, or you're weak on defense across the board.
Does no one here care that closing the base might be what's best for the country? No, mr.
Vice president, you're the only one that cares about the country.
The rest of us are here just for the book deals.
Okay, okay, let's focus on options.
The best thing for us to do is to remain above the fray.
Let it play out.
Which means let the base close.
We stick our nose in this, we get bloody.
And then they'd probably close the base anyway, which will only make us seem ineffective.
So it's better to be ineffeive than seem ineffective, right? What a town.
Excuse me, everybody.
I'd like to introduce richard mcdonald.
Dickie, what are you doing here? Jim, nice to see they're keeping the chief of staff in the loop.
Mr.
Mcdonald, thank you for coming by.
It's an honor to meet you,madam president.
And kelly ludlow-- veep's director of comm turned white house press sec.
-- Meteoric rise.
Thank you.
We don't want to interrupt.
just observing.
Don't mind me.
We're reviewing options for the essex base closure.
And I was saying, as a retired general who once sat on brac, they know what they're doing.
Announcing the closure of a huge base in the president's hometown right before thanksgiving.
It's a nonpartisan recommendation of what they think is best for national defense.
Maybe we should cancel this week's press conference.
Just till after the holidays.
Let this blow over.
I can't cancel my second weekly press conference.
Agreed.
Rod? Dickie? Yes.
Kelly? You have talking options? We didn't know the base was on the list.
Don't you always have talking points ready on every option? We're not looking back at what we didn't do, dickie.
We're going to look forward to what we can do.
The press conference isn't till wednesday.
No need to make any announcements yet.
Holiday press, weekend reporters, good way to let the story die.
8:45, madam president, you have a working call with the E.
U.
At 9:00.
Okay.
We'll get back to this.
We'll pick this up.
mac, dickie's going to join us in the oval for a few minutes before your phone call.
Great.
I'd appreciate you letting me know when you're bringing someone new in.
It undermines me with the staff if it seems I'm out of the loop.
You're right.
I'm sorry.
I won't let that happen again.
Thank you, vince.
You're welcome.
Vince taylor,dickie mcdonald.
Nice work going public on your gay H.
I.
V.
Thing.
The president's empathy rating went up four points.
Okay, then.
Good.
Sorry the schedule's tight.
you're the president.
I'd be worried if it were any other way.
Please.
Thank you.
Rod thinks we need some help.
They say you're the best.
Your numbers are below where they should be given the circumstances.
You're playing defense.
We know the critique.
What we're looking for is strategy.
That's what I do.
One question first, are you going to run for reelection? I hadn't really thought about it much yet.
we came into this kind of fast.
I realize that, madam president, but unless you're going to run, there's not much point in my being here.
look, we know that you're mainly a campaign guy, but what we want to start with are image issues, approval numbers-- whether she's running is the image issue.
Ma'am, with due respect, you haven't been elected to this position.
You've made no indication as to whether you want to be.
If you don't start running today, you're a lame duck for the next two years.
Ma'am, the E.
U.
Working group is on the line.
Thank you.
We'll talk further.
To start with, I'd like to know how you'd frame the base closure issue.
To be honest, unless you're nning, it's not going to matter what position you take on the bases.
It's not going to matter what position you take on anything.
Rumor is the president's decided to run.
That's your hello? Come on, you guys brought in dickie mcdonald.
Like a half-hour ago.
Did somebody send up a smoke signal from the R.
N.
C.
? we use instant messaging now.
But she's definitely running? If she is, she hasn't told me.
What about you? Any progress on the job front? Actually, I found something.
K street--gerken and leigh.
See, big-time lobbyist.
That was fast.
Part-time lobbyist.
They gave me one client.
Said they'd see how I do.
Who's the client? B.
K.
Industries, they do guidance systems for submarines.
Let me guess, their biggest contract is with essex naval base? It's the president's home state, and the nation can't afford to give up its edge in naval warfare.
What do you need? I want to talk to the president.
Come on, jim, I lost my job over you.
You owe me.
A luncheon speech to the A.
A.
R.
P.
, Sec-def, 2:15, F.
B.
I.
Briefing, see if you can get templeton in here for a closed door on essex naval.
Yes, ma'am.
You have the A.
A.
R.
P.
Speech to look at on the way? You know mike stanton? we went to law school together.
He keeps calling.
He says he needs to talk to you.
He's representing a linda bodum.
I had counsel pull a file.
I know the case.
She's allegedly retarded, fell in with some lowlife robbing cab drivers.
One of 'em died, right? She's on death row in texas.
Right, and mike wants the supreme court to hear an appeal based on her diminishedental capacity.
And the court announced an hour ago that they are not going to hear her appeal.
So what, he wants to come in and get me to commute her sentence? Motorcade's ready, madam president.
Thank you.
I'll tell him you're too busy.
he's a friend.
I have to call him back.
Just not what I needed today.
I'll tell him that you'll call him back next week after the holiday.
The supreme court was their last appeal.
The execution is scheduled for the day after thanksgiving.
She'll be dead by next week.
Okay.
commander.
in.
chief.
Season 01 Episode 09 It's a bad idea.
He's an old friend from law school.
I owe him the courtesy of a face-to-face.
He's representing a killer who's about to get the needle.
A killer with an I.
Q.
Hovering somewhere around room temperature.
If I put his name on the schedule, the entire press corps is going to be all over us.
All we'll be talking about is the death penalty.
Okay, arrange a drop-by.
He gets a tour of the white house, I run into him, we spend a few minutes in private and then it's never on the schedule.
In the world of drop-bys, do you remember jayne murray? She's templeton's former chief of staff.
She's lobbying for related industries on the base closure.
If you could give her five minutes.
Of course.
Madam president, your mother just arrived at the residence.
Thank you, laura.
For thanksgiving, right? Must be nice to get a visit from someone who's just here for the turkey.
Yodon't know my mother.
Mom.
Hey! honey.
Oh, god.
Hi.
look at you.
You got in early.
the escorts used the sirens all the way from connecticut.
It was very effective.
Where are the kids? still in school.
They don't get off for thanksgiving till wednesday.
which reminds me brought your favorite recipes.
you know, I think the kitchen staff has that covered.
honey, I know how to handle help.
Don't worry.
They're going to love me.
They're not exactly help, mom.
I know.
They're staff.
I understand they're professionals.
They're not used to interference, but, honey, I have been cooking thanksgiving dinner for my family for 50 years.
It's our tradition, even without dad, and as long as I'm standing, I'm cooking.
Okay.
I'll do this later.
Show me your office.
The oval's still the same.
I haven't changed anything.
yes, you havE.
You're sitting behind the desk now.
you could use more assertive colors in here.
redecorating is at the bottom of my list, mom.
I'm not talking at all about decor.
It's a way to lift your leg and establish your territory.
The point is to mark your turf.
I forgot how beautiful this woodwork is.
Just right in here, mom.
All right.
Madam president, I'm a little early.
Yes.
Excuse me.
Nathan templeton, mrs.
Allen.
Hello, mr.
Speaker.
How do you do? Going to give your mother a tour of the oval office? no, I've already done that with president bridges.
I was just walking the president to work.
please, don't let me interrupt.
I'm early.
No, no, I'll wait here while you do your visit.
You certainly will not, sir.
You have business with the government.
Government runs slow.
But not because of the president's mother.
I'll see you later, dear.
Okay.
You're makg me feel bad, mrs.
Allen.
I doubt it.
it was a pleasure meeting you, mr.
Speaker.
And you, and you.
And you're much handsomer than your pictures.
Your hair is beautiful, just like my husband'S.
Mr.
Speaker.
This is your last chance.
excuse me.
What were you doing just now? I-I was trying to make friends for you.
Mom, I don't need any help with that.
The longer we're here, the more he'll think we're talking about him.
Go.
your mother's very charming.
Almost always.
she's right.
I've never taken a good picture.
Are you going back to your district for thanksgiving? No.
We're going to stay put this year.
You know, the hurricane took the house and sarah's had a tough week.
I'm sorry to hear that.
If she's up to it, why don't you join us? It's just the family.
Thought it'd be better for the kids than having a big white house affair.
No, no, that's your family dinner.
There's always room at the table at thanksgiving.
That's very kind of you,thank you.
I'll I'll ask sarah, see how she feels.
Good.
But you didn't call me in to ask us to thanksgiving.
No.
Please.
The essex naval base is a relic of the cold war.
Closing it would save the military $1.
7 billion in the first year alone.
we could cook those numbers any way we want.
My people tell me that the domino effect on the economy could cost 2 billion over 5 years.
Those are local numbers.
The brac report is very clear.
There will be no economic impact nationally.
This affects my home community, -and you know that.
-I do.
You also know that essex was never supposed to be on the closure list.
I had a deal with president bridges, a deal that you made a promise to honor.
I made a promise, a personal promise to teddy, not to you.
A community is at stake, a community that I care about, and all I am asking of you is to honor your original position.
It's a position that I was compelled to reconsider based on the merits of the report.
This is just shuffling military money back and forth, robbing peter to pay paul.
No, it's sending money where it's needed.
I had a private meeting with the head of the joint chiefs of staff, and he was very forthright.
He said that it was critical-- sad, but critical-- that we close these obsolete bases and release those funds for fighter readiness, intelligence systems, homeland security.
You really want to make this where we draw our battle lines? You willing to die on this hill? Are you telling me that you're going to take the tape out of the safe and make it public? I have no intention of using that tape.
I could fight fair and win.
Madam president, I would expect nothing less from you, and yoshould expect nothing less from me.
She's really going to see me? Soon as templeton leaves.
Templeton's here? On base closure? The important thing is that you're here, right? don't be nervous.
Three minutes with her can determine the future of my entire career.
Why should I be nervous? Do ask sarah about thanksgiving.
We'd love to have you.
Yes, I will.
Thank you, madam president.
Jayne.
Jim.
Mr.
Speaker.
Madam president.
You remember my former chief of staff jayne murray.
Good to see you.
You, too.
Jayne's just taken a cushy k street job, probably lobbying your man here on the base closings.
Ready for you in the roosevelt room, madam president.
Thank you.
Will you walk with me? actually, we're not quite through.
And I need jim for a minute.
Walk with us? Sure.
Mr.
Speaker.
Thank you so much for meeting with me, madam president.
I'm not meeting with you, I'm walking with you.
Walking and chatting, chatting and walking.
What would you care to chat about? Essex naval base.
we're doing work with certain related industries.
Who would take a substantial hit if the base is closed.
Undersea warfare can be critical to our survival as a nation.
It's not our only undersea base, just the only one your clients happen to have a contract with.
I have a brief on the impact of the base closure.
Can I put it in your hands? Of course.
Can I say I put it in your hands? Of course.
Good luck with your new position.
Thank you, madam president.
Ladies and gentlemen, the president of the united states.
She took the brief.
I just became the k street lobbyist who put a brief directly into the hands of the president.
That's great.
do you have a second? Jayne, we can't keep seeing each other.
When you were working for templeton, it was barely ethical.
Now that you're a lobbyist, it'S illegal.
I know.
It was nice for awhile.
I can't believe she took the brief.
I'm going to miss you.
We'll see each other all the time.
I'll still miss you.
This is chef tom and chef carl and this is chef paul who's the dessert chef.
-chef paul,what an honor.
-Look at these incredible desserts.
Mrs.
Allen, hello.
I'm nora woodruff.
-I'm the first gentleman's chief of staff.
-nora.
I would be delighted to show you around.
The president's mother is going to be cooking thanksgiving dinner, nora.
this isn't really a domestic kitchen, mrs.
Allen.
don't worry, nora.
I know my way around btus.
I have a restaurant range at hom and I'm sure chef paul will help me.
actually, sir-- mrs.
Allen's always made thanksgiving dinner for the family, nora.
We're not going to mess with tradition.
It's just a family dinner.
There's no state protocol involved.
Would you like place cards written? That would be lovely.
and individual menu cards? We have little crystal holders.
can you show me those? Right over here.
I know when I'm not needed.
Now what china pattern do you think we should use, nora? Have you seen the lenox and right this way, mr.
Stanton.
The roosevelt room was the original site of the president's office when the west wing was built in 1902.
Kennedy kept his fishing trophies in here, didn't he? Watch out, vince.
Mike's a kennedy buff.
He knows all the trivia.
Madam president.
Mike.
Impressive.
I'm sorry I can't show you the oval.
I understand.
I only have a few minutes.
I actually just snuck this in.
Mac, I want you to commute linda bodum's death sentence.
Supreme court denied your peal.
President's don't commute state-mandated death sentences.
Presidents can commute any sentences they want.
Come on, I can't unilaterally revoke the death penalty, much as I might like to.
It's just not realistic.
Federal crime bill 18, usca section 9536a-- "a sentence of death shall not be carried out "upon a person who is mentally retarded.
" They passed that 20 years ago, mac.
All you have to do is site the law of the land.
Not that easy.
Linda bodum has the mental acuity of a 5-year-old, mac.
She doesn't understand what's happening, doesn't understand her crime and certainly doesn't understand D.
C.
Politics.
It doesn't make them any less real, mike.
You know something? I told her that I was going to try to see the president to save her life.
I told her I knew you from school, and the woman that I knew wouldn't let her die.
She made you this, mac.
Oh, god.
"Dear president, "I don't want to die.
Mr.
Stanton says you are gD.
"I want to live.
" mike, this is beyond manipulative.
What choice do I have? What choice do i have? Come on, mac, you're the president of the united states.
Don't be naive.
There is a reality to this office.
The reality that you hold her life in your hands.
I understand there may be political costs, but if you do nothing, you might as well stick that needle in her arm yourself.
so what did you tell him? I told him I can't do it.
The supreme court has spoken.
States' rights.
You did the right thing.
Then why does it feel so lousy? he was imposing on an old friendship, and that's inappropriate.
I would have done the same thing.
So would you.
I keep thinking about that base back home.
My head tells me do nothing.
Let it close, stay out of the fray, but my heart close that base, we close a whole community.
you're not the president of connecticut.
You've got a whole nation to worry about.
Do you think we should shut it down? Look, it would free up enough money to cover the entire f-35 joint strike fighter program with enough funds left over for the rapid deployment expansion that you've been pushing.
It feels lousy, looks bad, but it may be the best move.
I don't know.
I thought with this job, I'd have more chances to do the right thing.
You do.
It's just the right thing isn't always the opposite of the wrong thing.
Does mommy know that you gave me chocolate milk? And fruit and cereal, bunny.
We'll tell her chocolate's brain food.
No, it actually is true.
I would never lie to your mother.
Why am I even studying french? This whole world speaks english.
This is so stupid.
Good morning, becky.
Morning.
If you'd taken french instead of spanish, you could help me,becca.
What happened to your eyes? They're all black.
Do I have to talk this early in the morning? Can I just eat breakfast? I studied french.
So can you conjugate the past subjunctive of venir in the first person plural? Nous soyons venus.
The present subjunctive of the auxiliary plus the past participle.
Okay, I'm an idiot.
Thanks, grandma.
De rien.
-Good morning.
-Good morning, everyone.
Good morning,everyone.
my baby boy.
Hi, baby.
Mom I like the way I look, okay? Fine.
That's linda bodum's mother leading a prayer vigil outside the prison.
Becca, could you pass the milk, please? The whole idea that the government can kill your child and you can't do a damn thing to stop it grandma doesn't mean a little girl, baby.
She's talking about a 30-year-old woman.
With a subnormal I.
Q.
Who was convicted of murder.
And the state of texas is going to return evil for evil and murder her? It's not murder, grandma.
No? Why not? because murder isn't justifd,and this this is completely justified.
I mean, the woman shot a taxi driver who had a family.
Unless she didn'T.
please.
No, we talked about this in civics.
They couldn't prove whether it was her or her boyfriend that pulled the trigger.
either way, she's guilty.
Right, but props for compassion, becca.
please, and what grade do you have in civics? we can finish arguing about this on the way to school.
Time to go.
See ya, grandma.
Good-bye, dear.
How are they going to kill her? first they strap her to a kind of table with wheels.
And then the doctor's gonna put a needle in the big vein-- mom, you made your point.
I was answering amy's question.
She has a right to get an answer.
I've always answered your questions.
Come on, baby, I got your backpack.
Let's go.
Does it hurt? Nobody knows.
The dead don't talk.
god.
Come on.
Say bye-bye, grandma.
Bye, grandma.
Bye, honey.
Since you got here, all I'm getting is speculation on "is she running?" And "when's she announcing?" I like that.
I'm sure that you do, but the's only so much I can vamp from the podium.
Your vamping polls higher than you think.
You polled my vamping? I poll everything.
Guys, how's prep coming for tomorrow's press conference? Can't really prep until we have a policy.
How's she coming down on the base closures? Still considering the issue.
I hope she makes up her mind by tomorrow, unless she has a press conference to announce she can't make up her mind.
How would that poll, dickie? All right, jim, how would you like to handle it until we know? We'll split staff, have teams prepping both ways.
About your numbers my numbers? You're testing in the eights and nines in warmth and relatability.
Good stuff, but you're lower than I'd like on judgment and confidence.
What? We need to talk about your hair.
Get rid of the girl next door look.
Go more sexy, sophisticated.
Is it really my hair that needs to be sophisticatedin this job? Wardrobe and makeup, too.
There's a reason no one's done a style piece on president allen's new press sec.
We need to change that.
Give this guy a call.
He's the best.
Rod.
Someone has a fan? Can we steal you? Rod tells me you have no plans for thanksgiving.
You'll join us? Thank you.
Dickie had a concern.
I told him he shouldn't hold anything back.
somehow I think holding back has never been his issue.
No, ma'am.
What's on your mind? You met with linda bodum's attorney.
Don't worry,it's not out there, but I saw him-- figured he wasn't here for the white house tour.
70% of americans support the death penalty.
Unless the poll gives an option of life in prison, in which case the number drops to 41%.
Texas has 34 electoral votes.
Not to mention the rest of the south and the midwest.
Day may come when you wish you had them.
Kate.
don't worry.
I'm still breathing.
Me, too.
That's the definition of a good day.
Come and sit for a minute.
are you all right? I'm sorry about this morning.
I thought I was preaching to the choir.
I mean, where is rebecca getting her ideas? Not from either of her parents.
Kate, I'm glad you're here.
president allen.
Madam president.
My daughter, the president.
do you know, I remember when I couldn't open a checking account without my husband's signature? michael would be so thrilled to see her now.
He bragged about her from the day she was born.
Everybody says you get used to loss.
I miss him more every day.
Kate you spend too much time in that house.
there's nowhere to go, and nobody to go with.
What about all your friends? They can't see, and they can't hear, and they can't walk.
Going to lunch is like a major expedition.
And once we get there, all we do is talk about our medical problems.
I remember bullying michael into having a vacation in hawaii.
Right, right.
After one day, he said doctors should send all theiterminally ill patients to hawaii because being there one day was like a year.
Getting old is like a vacation in hawaii.
Come on.
I get depressed when it's dark.
I'll be much better in the morning.
Sure you will.
Pleasant dreams.
Good night.
It's 7 A.
M.
, And you look tired.
What's going on? I've been up since 5.
I've been looking over linda bodum's case.
You're not seriously considering commutation? I am.
Honey, you're just handing yourself up on a platter with an apple in your mouth.
I'm already sick of this campaign before I've even agreed to run.
I can't make a decision like this, between my life and her life.
You're asking me to compromise before I'mven out of the gate.
If you intend to stay president.
Why have the job if the only point is keeping the job, not doing the job? Don't pretend you're above politics, mac.
Or you'd have resigned when bridges died and this would be templeton's bedroom right now.
I have the power to save that woman's life.
Look, you weren't present at the trial.
You didn't hear the evidence.
And you want to subvert this jury's decision? I have that right.
Nice.
Look, there are 3,000 people on death row.
Are you going to commute all their sentences? This is different.
A conmutar why?Because she's retarded? Because she's a woman? Because you had a thing with her lawyer? I didn'T.
He was just a friend.
A close friend.
Do you really want to trump the supreme court? president's invited us for thanksgiving dinner.
In the private dining room, ju the family.
Her mother's in town.
I saw the mother on tv she's attractive.
It's all spackle and paint.
Some of us need that.
No, you never did.
I know what she wants.
Girl's so transparent, sarah.
She didn't invite us for company.
She wants to send a message that I support her presidency.
That we're friends.
I told her, in washington there are no friends.
I'm t going to let her use me this way.
She thinks she's so canny.
Does she? because she's really smart.
Don't underestimate her.
Too bad you lost your inside source.
I shouldn't have fired jayne.
Jayne was an excellent chief of staff.
You won't find any better.
And you know you miss her.
I can't hire her back.
Why not? Because I'd have to beg.
It's just a tactic,sweetheart.
For thanksgiving, shall I wear the black suit or shall I wear the velvet pants with the jacket? We do have to go, don't we? You like the velvet pants.
Whatever you wear, you are going to be the most beautiful woman at the table.
I love you, too.
I have an idea.
Start by apologizing.
I'm sorry.
That was too easy.
What do you think about having your mother live at the white house? With us? Yes.
Have you already talked to her? No, I have not.
But we need an official hostess, mac.
She'd be perfect.
She could write an etiquette book.
In french? Right.
She's like jackie kennedy without the pillbox.
And a much louder voice.
She knows how to make herself heard.
You know, she's in connecticut, we can ignore her.
She's desperately lonely there, mac.
She never said that.
Not to you.
But she thinks that you have enough to worry about.
You know, with the nation.
But she's all by herself.
She's just gonna start fading away.
And the kids need more attention, mac.
You know they do.
Are you really ready to start living with your mother-in-law? it's a very large house.
I'm ready to take questions now.
Madam president, madam president.
Luis.
The closure of essex naval could have a huge impact on citizens in your home state.
Will you fight to keep the base open? I grew up on that base.
I had my birthday parties at the bowling alley there every year.
This is personal for me, and I've agonized over it.
And that's why the commission on closures is independent.
Their recommendations are above personal feelings and politics and will move billions of dollars into critical national security programs.
Madam president.
Terry.
Do you worry turning your back on these people will cost you support in your home state? I'm not turning my back.
We're preparing economic assistance plans that will help these communities adjust and attract new industry.
Are you sending a signal that running in the next election isn't a factor for you? Right now, I'm concentrating on being president, not running for president.
Does that mean you're not gonna run? madam president.
Barry.
40% of students at your elementary school are children of base personnel.
Does it bother you that your school may have to shut its doors because of this decision? Yes, of course it does, and I'm going to do everything I can to see that that doesn't happen.
But I'm not going to play favorites from this office, not even for my hometown.
The right decision isn't always the easy one.
But it doesn't make it any less right.
madam president! What do you think? I think she'll make a hell of a candidate.
Let's assume I decide to run.
What will you need from me? Focus.
Time.
You have to be serious about fundraising.
You don't have the benefit of an R.
N.
C.
Or a D.
N.
C.
Behind you--no infrastructure.
Cost of that alone will be north of $300 million.
Same for the campaign itself.
We're probably talking about raising a million dollars a day.
I'll also need to be on the team formulating the message.
If you were on the team, I'd have some ground rules.
You'd have input, but ultimately,the message would be mine.
Of course.
You're a talented guy.
I'm glad rod brought you in.
But you're not going to make me into some product to sell.
I won't be handled.
I won't be made over.
Madam president, if you hire me, I'll be working for you.
I'll call it how I see it, but ultimately,every decision will be yours.
You strike me as a rather mercenary young man.
Ambitious, good at what you do.
-But you like to win.
-Always.
Then why are you here? I'm in this job by accident.
I have no party support.
My numbers are sliding.
I am a long shot for reelection.
My first job out of college was for congressman lehland.
While he was setting fundraising records from every sleazebag in america, you resigned because campaign finance reform was going down in flames, and you said you didn't want to be a part of a corrupt system that couldn't heal itself.
I'd have thought you'd say that that was a dumb move.
You shamed them into passing campaign finance reform.
It wouldn't have happened otherwise.
It sort of made you a hero in my book.
You think I'm a hero? I think you can win this,madam president.
Do you have someplace to go for thanksgiving? this looks beautiful, mom.
and I put you and rod across from each other in the middle of the table.
Just like william randolph hearst and marion davies.
except happy and married to each other.
That way, mr.
Templeton is seated to your right.
Good.
Does his wife need any special accommodations? Not that I know of.
I have her next to rod.
-That works.
-Perfect.
And the youngsters are together at the end of the table.
Great, great.
You love this, don't you? I do.
I haven't had so much fun in years.
You should close up the connecticut house and move in here with us.
Be careful.
I just might accept.
I'm serious, mom.
I want to have you here with us.
Are you feeling sorry for me? We need you, mom.
Is this your idea or rod's? We discussed it together.
Spoken like a president.
I'll think about it.
Okay.
You're not just going after the senior vote, are you? that hadn't occurred to me.
happy thanksgiving.
Happy thanksgiving.
Welcome, nathan.
Sorry we're a little late.
No, you're not.
We're gathering at the west end.
Thank you.
I watched your press conference.
You were right.
It was the only decision possible.
You continue to amaze me.
I have something for you.
We didn't bring-- I didn't bring-- I'm giving you the original film and the tape.
Why? If I decide to run for reelection-- not that I have-- of course not.
You'll run against me.
that's an assumption.
Assuming you do, I'm going to beat you because of what you believe now, not what you said then.
Thank you.
Madam president.
Dickie, happy thanksgiving.
happy thanksgiving.
You look beautiful, kelly.
As always.
Thank you, ma'am.
Be careful.
You'll be next.
And it won't be just another new hairstyle.
Madam president? Excuse me.
The governor's been reached.
He's wting on the line.
Thank you.
My daughter has invited me to live in the white house.
How nice.
She needs me here.
You've made your feelings quite clear.
I've taken note of your position, but it doesn't change mine.
Tomorrow, you will receive my executive order commuting miss bodum's sentence to life in prison.
I'd like to wish you and your family a very happy thanksgiving.
Good night.
You called the governor.
I had to pardon the national turkey in the rose garden this week.
It gets to live its life out in a farm somewhere.
Does linda bodum deserve any less compassion than a turkey? if you're going to go down, honey, at least you're gonna go down fighting.
Come on.
Everybody's waiting for you.
Okay.
you should know your mother tested off the charts.
You just made that up.
Okay, you're right, but when I get the results tomorrow, her positives will hit within 2 points of 85% across the board, no party split.
You'll need a new picture for the christmas card.
Three generations in the white house.
Go sit down.
Doesn't she look fantastic? Please, everyone.
Nathan, will you do us the honor of saying grace? Lord, we thank you for the bounty we are about to receive and for the hands that prepared it.
On this day of giving thanks, let us give thanks to our families who love us, to our friends who stand by us, to our enemies who forgive us and to our leaders who need your strength, lord, your compassion and mercy to do your work and theirs.
Amen.
amen.
Happy thanksgiving.
happy thanksgiving.
That was lovely,thanks.
Segregation is the word of god.
If the lord almighty wanted colored people to mix with whites, to live with whites, to marry whites, he wouldn't ha placed them on separate continents.
I don't believe that tape represents who you are today.
It doesn't represent who I ever was.
It doesn't have to get out.
Why hold it back? Maybe I think the country doesn't need another scandal right now.
Maybe you want to have something to hold over my head.
I trusted you, jayne.
I gave you information from him whenever I could.
This time you gave my information to him.
Mr.
Speaker-- don't! Just get out of here! I don't want to see you again.
I'm moving rod into the west wing.
Completely your call, ma'am.
I would like to welcome rod calloway to our staff.
I learned a long time ago, never cross anyone who sleeps with the boss.
I'm focused on her new agenda here.
You have a white house to run.
Run it.
We're an independent commission.
The goal is to be above politics.
Mr.
Chairman! Was economic impact a factor in your recommendation? We considered all factors, but our mandate is to provide the best proposals possible to hape the future of our military.
Mr.
Chairman? Mr.
Chairman, you're recommending closure of the essex naval base in connecticut, which could devaste the economy in the president's home state.
Has she been consulted? The white house has received our report.
And I'm sure that the president and her staff are currently reviewing our recommendations.
How did we not know about this? Essex naval wasn't supposed to be on there.
It's always in consideration, never makes the list.
it made the list this time.
It made the top of the list.
They close that base, they're going to put over 30,000 people out of work.
People that I grew up with.
Independent commission means independent of the president,ma'am.
It's your state.
It's your watch.
Thiss tonight's lead story.
Just what we need three days before thanksgiving.
It's going to be a tricky dance.
Either you're heartless to people in your home state, or you're weak on defense across the board.
Does no one here care that closing the base might be what's best for the country? No, mr.
Vice president, you're the only one that cares about the country.
The rest of us are here just for the book deals.
Okay, okay, let's focus on options.
The best thing for us to do is to remain above the fray.
Let it play out.
Which means let the base close.
We stick our nose in this, we get bloody.
And then they'd probably close the base anyway, which will only make us seem ineffective.
So it's better to be ineffeive than seem ineffective, right? What a town.
Excuse me, everybody.
I'd like to introduce richard mcdonald.
Dickie, what are you doing here? Jim, nice to see they're keeping the chief of staff in the loop.
Mr.
Mcdonald, thank you for coming by.
It's an honor to meet you,madam president.
And kelly ludlow-- veep's director of comm turned white house press sec.
-- Meteoric rise.
Thank you.
We don't want to interrupt.
just observing.
Don't mind me.
We're reviewing options for the essex base closure.
And I was saying, as a retired general who once sat on brac, they know what they're doing.
Announcing the closure of a huge base in the president's hometown right before thanksgiving.
It's a nonpartisan recommendation of what they think is best for national defense.
Maybe we should cancel this week's press conference.
Just till after the holidays.
Let this blow over.
I can't cancel my second weekly press conference.
Agreed.
Rod? Dickie? Yes.
Kelly? You have talking options? We didn't know the base was on the list.
Don't you always have talking points ready on every option? We're not looking back at what we didn't do, dickie.
We're going to look forward to what we can do.
The press conference isn't till wednesday.
No need to make any announcements yet.
Holiday press, weekend reporters, good way to let the story die.
8:45, madam president, you have a working call with the E.
U.
At 9:00.
Okay.
We'll get back to this.
We'll pick this up.
mac, dickie's going to join us in the oval for a few minutes before your phone call.
Great.
I'd appreciate you letting me know when you're bringing someone new in.
It undermines me with the staff if it seems I'm out of the loop.
You're right.
I'm sorry.
I won't let that happen again.
Thank you, vince.
You're welcome.
Vince taylor,dickie mcdonald.
Nice work going public on your gay H.
I.
V.
Thing.
The president's empathy rating went up four points.
Okay, then.
Good.
Sorry the schedule's tight.
you're the president.
I'd be worried if it were any other way.
Please.
Thank you.
Rod thinks we need some help.
They say you're the best.
Your numbers are below where they should be given the circumstances.
You're playing defense.
We know the critique.
What we're looking for is strategy.
That's what I do.
One question first, are you going to run for reelection? I hadn't really thought about it much yet.
we came into this kind of fast.
I realize that, madam president, but unless you're going to run, there's not much point in my being here.
look, we know that you're mainly a campaign guy, but what we want to start with are image issues, approval numbers-- whether she's running is the image issue.
Ma'am, with due respect, you haven't been elected to this position.
You've made no indication as to whether you want to be.
If you don't start running today, you're a lame duck for the next two years.
Ma'am, the E.
U.
Working group is on the line.
Thank you.
We'll talk further.
To start with, I'd like to know how you'd frame the base closure issue.
To be honest, unless you're nning, it's not going to matter what position you take on the bases.
It's not going to matter what position you take on anything.
Rumor is the president's decided to run.
That's your hello? Come on, you guys brought in dickie mcdonald.
Like a half-hour ago.
Did somebody send up a smoke signal from the R.
N.
C.
? we use instant messaging now.
But she's definitely running? If she is, she hasn't told me.
What about you? Any progress on the job front? Actually, I found something.
K street--gerken and leigh.
See, big-time lobbyist.
That was fast.
Part-time lobbyist.
They gave me one client.
Said they'd see how I do.
Who's the client? B.
K.
Industries, they do guidance systems for submarines.
Let me guess, their biggest contract is with essex naval base? It's the president's home state, and the nation can't afford to give up its edge in naval warfare.
What do you need? I want to talk to the president.
Come on, jim, I lost my job over you.
You owe me.
A luncheon speech to the A.
A.
R.
P.
, Sec-def, 2:15, F.
B.
I.
Briefing, see if you can get templeton in here for a closed door on essex naval.
Yes, ma'am.
You have the A.
A.
R.
P.
Speech to look at on the way? You know mike stanton? we went to law school together.
He keeps calling.
He says he needs to talk to you.
He's representing a linda bodum.
I had counsel pull a file.
I know the case.
She's allegedly retarded, fell in with some lowlife robbing cab drivers.
One of 'em died, right? She's on death row in texas.
Right, and mike wants the supreme court to hear an appeal based on her diminishedental capacity.
And the court announced an hour ago that they are not going to hear her appeal.
So what, he wants to come in and get me to commute her sentence? Motorcade's ready, madam president.
Thank you.
I'll tell him you're too busy.
he's a friend.
I have to call him back.
Just not what I needed today.
I'll tell him that you'll call him back next week after the holiday.
The supreme court was their last appeal.
The execution is scheduled for the day after thanksgiving.
She'll be dead by next week.
Okay.
commander.
in.
chief.
Season 01 Episode 09 It's a bad idea.
He's an old friend from law school.
I owe him the courtesy of a face-to-face.
He's representing a killer who's about to get the needle.
A killer with an I.
Q.
Hovering somewhere around room temperature.
If I put his name on the schedule, the entire press corps is going to be all over us.
All we'll be talking about is the death penalty.
Okay, arrange a drop-by.
He gets a tour of the white house, I run into him, we spend a few minutes in private and then it's never on the schedule.
In the world of drop-bys, do you remember jayne murray? She's templeton's former chief of staff.
She's lobbying for related industries on the base closure.
If you could give her five minutes.
Of course.
Madam president, your mother just arrived at the residence.
Thank you, laura.
For thanksgiving, right? Must be nice to get a visit from someone who's just here for the turkey.
Yodon't know my mother.
Mom.
Hey! honey.
Oh, god.
Hi.
look at you.
You got in early.
the escorts used the sirens all the way from connecticut.
It was very effective.
Where are the kids? still in school.
They don't get off for thanksgiving till wednesday.
which reminds me brought your favorite recipes.
you know, I think the kitchen staff has that covered.
honey, I know how to handle help.
Don't worry.
They're going to love me.
They're not exactly help, mom.
I know.
They're staff.
I understand they're professionals.
They're not used to interference, but, honey, I have been cooking thanksgiving dinner for my family for 50 years.
It's our tradition, even without dad, and as long as I'm standing, I'm cooking.
Okay.
I'll do this later.
Show me your office.
The oval's still the same.
I haven't changed anything.
yes, you havE.
You're sitting behind the desk now.
you could use more assertive colors in here.
redecorating is at the bottom of my list, mom.
I'm not talking at all about decor.
It's a way to lift your leg and establish your territory.
The point is to mark your turf.
I forgot how beautiful this woodwork is.
Just right in here, mom.
All right.
Madam president, I'm a little early.
Yes.
Excuse me.
Nathan templeton, mrs.
Allen.
Hello, mr.
Speaker.
How do you do? Going to give your mother a tour of the oval office? no, I've already done that with president bridges.
I was just walking the president to work.
please, don't let me interrupt.
I'm early.
No, no, I'll wait here while you do your visit.
You certainly will not, sir.
You have business with the government.
Government runs slow.
But not because of the president's mother.
I'll see you later, dear.
Okay.
You're makg me feel bad, mrs.
Allen.
I doubt it.
it was a pleasure meeting you, mr.
Speaker.
And you, and you.
And you're much handsomer than your pictures.
Your hair is beautiful, just like my husband'S.
Mr.
Speaker.
This is your last chance.
excuse me.
What were you doing just now? I-I was trying to make friends for you.
Mom, I don't need any help with that.
The longer we're here, the more he'll think we're talking about him.
Go.
your mother's very charming.
Almost always.
she's right.
I've never taken a good picture.
Are you going back to your district for thanksgiving? No.
We're going to stay put this year.
You know, the hurricane took the house and sarah's had a tough week.
I'm sorry to hear that.
If she's up to it, why don't you join us? It's just the family.
Thought it'd be better for the kids than having a big white house affair.
No, no, that's your family dinner.
There's always room at the table at thanksgiving.
That's very kind of you,thank you.
I'll I'll ask sarah, see how she feels.
Good.
But you didn't call me in to ask us to thanksgiving.
No.
Please.
The essex naval base is a relic of the cold war.
Closing it would save the military $1.
7 billion in the first year alone.
we could cook those numbers any way we want.
My people tell me that the domino effect on the economy could cost 2 billion over 5 years.
Those are local numbers.
The brac report is very clear.
There will be no economic impact nationally.
This affects my home community, -and you know that.
-I do.
You also know that essex was never supposed to be on the closure list.
I had a deal with president bridges, a deal that you made a promise to honor.
I made a promise, a personal promise to teddy, not to you.
A community is at stake, a community that I care about, and all I am asking of you is to honor your original position.
It's a position that I was compelled to reconsider based on the merits of the report.
This is just shuffling military money back and forth, robbing peter to pay paul.
No, it's sending money where it's needed.
I had a private meeting with the head of the joint chiefs of staff, and he was very forthright.
He said that it was critical-- sad, but critical-- that we close these obsolete bases and release those funds for fighter readiness, intelligence systems, homeland security.
You really want to make this where we draw our battle lines? You willing to die on this hill? Are you telling me that you're going to take the tape out of the safe and make it public? I have no intention of using that tape.
I could fight fair and win.
Madam president, I would expect nothing less from you, and yoshould expect nothing less from me.
She's really going to see me? Soon as templeton leaves.
Templeton's here? On base closure? The important thing is that you're here, right? don't be nervous.
Three minutes with her can determine the future of my entire career.
Why should I be nervous? Do ask sarah about thanksgiving.
We'd love to have you.
Yes, I will.
Thank you, madam president.
Jayne.
Jim.
Mr.
Speaker.
Madam president.
You remember my former chief of staff jayne murray.
Good to see you.
You, too.
Jayne's just taken a cushy k street job, probably lobbying your man here on the base closings.
Ready for you in the roosevelt room, madam president.
Thank you.
Will you walk with me? actually, we're not quite through.
And I need jim for a minute.
Walk with us? Sure.
Mr.
Speaker.
Thank you so much for meeting with me, madam president.
I'm not meeting with you, I'm walking with you.
Walking and chatting, chatting and walking.
What would you care to chat about? Essex naval base.
we're doing work with certain related industries.
Who would take a substantial hit if the base is closed.
Undersea warfare can be critical to our survival as a nation.
It's not our only undersea base, just the only one your clients happen to have a contract with.
I have a brief on the impact of the base closure.
Can I put it in your hands? Of course.
Can I say I put it in your hands? Of course.
Good luck with your new position.
Thank you, madam president.
Ladies and gentlemen, the president of the united states.
She took the brief.
I just became the k street lobbyist who put a brief directly into the hands of the president.
That's great.
do you have a second? Jayne, we can't keep seeing each other.
When you were working for templeton, it was barely ethical.
Now that you're a lobbyist, it'S illegal.
I know.
It was nice for awhile.
I can't believe she took the brief.
I'm going to miss you.
We'll see each other all the time.
I'll still miss you.
This is chef tom and chef carl and this is chef paul who's the dessert chef.
-chef paul,what an honor.
-Look at these incredible desserts.
Mrs.
Allen, hello.
I'm nora woodruff.
-I'm the first gentleman's chief of staff.
-nora.
I would be delighted to show you around.
The president's mother is going to be cooking thanksgiving dinner, nora.
this isn't really a domestic kitchen, mrs.
Allen.
don't worry, nora.
I know my way around btus.
I have a restaurant range at hom and I'm sure chef paul will help me.
actually, sir-- mrs.
Allen's always made thanksgiving dinner for the family, nora.
We're not going to mess with tradition.
It's just a family dinner.
There's no state protocol involved.
Would you like place cards written? That would be lovely.
and individual menu cards? We have little crystal holders.
can you show me those? Right over here.
I know when I'm not needed.
Now what china pattern do you think we should use, nora? Have you seen the lenox and right this way, mr.
Stanton.
The roosevelt room was the original site of the president's office when the west wing was built in 1902.
Kennedy kept his fishing trophies in here, didn't he? Watch out, vince.
Mike's a kennedy buff.
He knows all the trivia.
Madam president.
Mike.
Impressive.
I'm sorry I can't show you the oval.
I understand.
I only have a few minutes.
I actually just snuck this in.
Mac, I want you to commute linda bodum's death sentence.
Supreme court denied your peal.
President's don't commute state-mandated death sentences.
Presidents can commute any sentences they want.
Come on, I can't unilaterally revoke the death penalty, much as I might like to.
It's just not realistic.
Federal crime bill 18, usca section 9536a-- "a sentence of death shall not be carried out "upon a person who is mentally retarded.
" They passed that 20 years ago, mac.
All you have to do is site the law of the land.
Not that easy.
Linda bodum has the mental acuity of a 5-year-old, mac.
She doesn't understand what's happening, doesn't understand her crime and certainly doesn't understand D.
C.
Politics.
It doesn't make them any less real, mike.
You know something? I told her that I was going to try to see the president to save her life.
I told her I knew you from school, and the woman that I knew wouldn't let her die.
She made you this, mac.
Oh, god.
"Dear president, "I don't want to die.
Mr.
Stanton says you are gD.
"I want to live.
" mike, this is beyond manipulative.
What choice do I have? What choice do i have? Come on, mac, you're the president of the united states.
Don't be naive.
There is a reality to this office.
The reality that you hold her life in your hands.
I understand there may be political costs, but if you do nothing, you might as well stick that needle in her arm yourself.
so what did you tell him? I told him I can't do it.
The supreme court has spoken.
States' rights.
You did the right thing.
Then why does it feel so lousy? he was imposing on an old friendship, and that's inappropriate.
I would have done the same thing.
So would you.
I keep thinking about that base back home.
My head tells me do nothing.
Let it close, stay out of the fray, but my heart close that base, we close a whole community.
you're not the president of connecticut.
You've got a whole nation to worry about.
Do you think we should shut it down? Look, it would free up enough money to cover the entire f-35 joint strike fighter program with enough funds left over for the rapid deployment expansion that you've been pushing.
It feels lousy, looks bad, but it may be the best move.
I don't know.
I thought with this job, I'd have more chances to do the right thing.
You do.
It's just the right thing isn't always the opposite of the wrong thing.
Does mommy know that you gave me chocolate milk? And fruit and cereal, bunny.
We'll tell her chocolate's brain food.
No, it actually is true.
I would never lie to your mother.
Why am I even studying french? This whole world speaks english.
This is so stupid.
Good morning, becky.
Morning.
If you'd taken french instead of spanish, you could help me,becca.
What happened to your eyes? They're all black.
Do I have to talk this early in the morning? Can I just eat breakfast? I studied french.
So can you conjugate the past subjunctive of venir in the first person plural? Nous soyons venus.
The present subjunctive of the auxiliary plus the past participle.
Okay, I'm an idiot.
Thanks, grandma.
De rien.
-Good morning.
-Good morning, everyone.
Good morning,everyone.
my baby boy.
Hi, baby.
Mom I like the way I look, okay? Fine.
That's linda bodum's mother leading a prayer vigil outside the prison.
Becca, could you pass the milk, please? The whole idea that the government can kill your child and you can't do a damn thing to stop it grandma doesn't mean a little girl, baby.
She's talking about a 30-year-old woman.
With a subnormal I.
Q.
Who was convicted of murder.
And the state of texas is going to return evil for evil and murder her? It's not murder, grandma.
No? Why not? because murder isn't justifd,and this this is completely justified.
I mean, the woman shot a taxi driver who had a family.
Unless she didn'T.
please.
No, we talked about this in civics.
They couldn't prove whether it was her or her boyfriend that pulled the trigger.
either way, she's guilty.
Right, but props for compassion, becca.
please, and what grade do you have in civics? we can finish arguing about this on the way to school.
Time to go.
See ya, grandma.
Good-bye, dear.
How are they going to kill her? first they strap her to a kind of table with wheels.
And then the doctor's gonna put a needle in the big vein-- mom, you made your point.
I was answering amy's question.
She has a right to get an answer.
I've always answered your questions.
Come on, baby, I got your backpack.
Let's go.
Does it hurt? Nobody knows.
The dead don't talk.
god.
Come on.
Say bye-bye, grandma.
Bye, grandma.
Bye, honey.
Since you got here, all I'm getting is speculation on "is she running?" And "when's she announcing?" I like that.
I'm sure that you do, but the's only so much I can vamp from the podium.
Your vamping polls higher than you think.
You polled my vamping? I poll everything.
Guys, how's prep coming for tomorrow's press conference? Can't really prep until we have a policy.
How's she coming down on the base closures? Still considering the issue.
I hope she makes up her mind by tomorrow, unless she has a press conference to announce she can't make up her mind.
How would that poll, dickie? All right, jim, how would you like to handle it until we know? We'll split staff, have teams prepping both ways.
About your numbers my numbers? You're testing in the eights and nines in warmth and relatability.
Good stuff, but you're lower than I'd like on judgment and confidence.
What? We need to talk about your hair.
Get rid of the girl next door look.
Go more sexy, sophisticated.
Is it really my hair that needs to be sophisticatedin this job? Wardrobe and makeup, too.
There's a reason no one's done a style piece on president allen's new press sec.
We need to change that.
Give this guy a call.
He's the best.
Rod.
Someone has a fan? Can we steal you? Rod tells me you have no plans for thanksgiving.
You'll join us? Thank you.
Dickie had a concern.
I told him he shouldn't hold anything back.
somehow I think holding back has never been his issue.
No, ma'am.
What's on your mind? You met with linda bodum's attorney.
Don't worry,it's not out there, but I saw him-- figured he wasn't here for the white house tour.
70% of americans support the death penalty.
Unless the poll gives an option of life in prison, in which case the number drops to 41%.
Texas has 34 electoral votes.
Not to mention the rest of the south and the midwest.
Day may come when you wish you had them.
Kate.
don't worry.
I'm still breathing.
Me, too.
That's the definition of a good day.
Come and sit for a minute.
are you all right? I'm sorry about this morning.
I thought I was preaching to the choir.
I mean, where is rebecca getting her ideas? Not from either of her parents.
Kate, I'm glad you're here.
president allen.
Madam president.
My daughter, the president.
do you know, I remember when I couldn't open a checking account without my husband's signature? michael would be so thrilled to see her now.
He bragged about her from the day she was born.
Everybody says you get used to loss.
I miss him more every day.
Kate you spend too much time in that house.
there's nowhere to go, and nobody to go with.
What about all your friends? They can't see, and they can't hear, and they can't walk.
Going to lunch is like a major expedition.
And once we get there, all we do is talk about our medical problems.
I remember bullying michael into having a vacation in hawaii.
Right, right.
After one day, he said doctors should send all theiterminally ill patients to hawaii because being there one day was like a year.
Getting old is like a vacation in hawaii.
Come on.
I get depressed when it's dark.
I'll be much better in the morning.
Sure you will.
Pleasant dreams.
Good night.
It's 7 A.
M.
, And you look tired.
What's going on? I've been up since 5.
I've been looking over linda bodum's case.
You're not seriously considering commutation? I am.
Honey, you're just handing yourself up on a platter with an apple in your mouth.
I'm already sick of this campaign before I've even agreed to run.
I can't make a decision like this, between my life and her life.
You're asking me to compromise before I'mven out of the gate.
If you intend to stay president.
Why have the job if the only point is keeping the job, not doing the job? Don't pretend you're above politics, mac.
Or you'd have resigned when bridges died and this would be templeton's bedroom right now.
I have the power to save that woman's life.
Look, you weren't present at the trial.
You didn't hear the evidence.
And you want to subvert this jury's decision? I have that right.
Nice.
Look, there are 3,000 people on death row.
Are you going to commute all their sentences? This is different.
A conmutar why?Because she's retarded? Because she's a woman? Because you had a thing with her lawyer? I didn'T.
He was just a friend.
A close friend.
Do you really want to trump the supreme court? president's invited us for thanksgiving dinner.
In the private dining room, ju the family.
Her mother's in town.
I saw the mother on tv she's attractive.
It's all spackle and paint.
Some of us need that.
No, you never did.
I know what she wants.
Girl's so transparent, sarah.
She didn't invite us for company.
She wants to send a message that I support her presidency.
That we're friends.
I told her, in washington there are no friends.
I'm t going to let her use me this way.
She thinks she's so canny.
Does she? because she's really smart.
Don't underestimate her.
Too bad you lost your inside source.
I shouldn't have fired jayne.
Jayne was an excellent chief of staff.
You won't find any better.
And you know you miss her.
I can't hire her back.
Why not? Because I'd have to beg.
It's just a tactic,sweetheart.
For thanksgiving, shall I wear the black suit or shall I wear the velvet pants with the jacket? We do have to go, don't we? You like the velvet pants.
Whatever you wear, you are going to be the most beautiful woman at the table.
I love you, too.
I have an idea.
Start by apologizing.
I'm sorry.
That was too easy.
What do you think about having your mother live at the white house? With us? Yes.
Have you already talked to her? No, I have not.
But we need an official hostess, mac.
She'd be perfect.
She could write an etiquette book.
In french? Right.
She's like jackie kennedy without the pillbox.
And a much louder voice.
She knows how to make herself heard.
You know, she's in connecticut, we can ignore her.
She's desperately lonely there, mac.
She never said that.
Not to you.
But she thinks that you have enough to worry about.
You know, with the nation.
But she's all by herself.
She's just gonna start fading away.
And the kids need more attention, mac.
You know they do.
Are you really ready to start living with your mother-in-law? it's a very large house.
I'm ready to take questions now.
Madam president, madam president.
Luis.
The closure of essex naval could have a huge impact on citizens in your home state.
Will you fight to keep the base open? I grew up on that base.
I had my birthday parties at the bowling alley there every year.
This is personal for me, and I've agonized over it.
And that's why the commission on closures is independent.
Their recommendations are above personal feelings and politics and will move billions of dollars into critical national security programs.
Madam president.
Terry.
Do you worry turning your back on these people will cost you support in your home state? I'm not turning my back.
We're preparing economic assistance plans that will help these communities adjust and attract new industry.
Are you sending a signal that running in the next election isn't a factor for you? Right now, I'm concentrating on being president, not running for president.
Does that mean you're not gonna run? madam president.
Barry.
40% of students at your elementary school are children of base personnel.
Does it bother you that your school may have to shut its doors because of this decision? Yes, of course it does, and I'm going to do everything I can to see that that doesn't happen.
But I'm not going to play favorites from this office, not even for my hometown.
The right decision isn't always the easy one.
But it doesn't make it any less right.
madam president! What do you think? I think she'll make a hell of a candidate.
Let's assume I decide to run.
What will you need from me? Focus.
Time.
You have to be serious about fundraising.
You don't have the benefit of an R.
N.
C.
Or a D.
N.
C.
Behind you--no infrastructure.
Cost of that alone will be north of $300 million.
Same for the campaign itself.
We're probably talking about raising a million dollars a day.
I'll also need to be on the team formulating the message.
If you were on the team, I'd have some ground rules.
You'd have input, but ultimately,the message would be mine.
Of course.
You're a talented guy.
I'm glad rod brought you in.
But you're not going to make me into some product to sell.
I won't be handled.
I won't be made over.
Madam president, if you hire me, I'll be working for you.
I'll call it how I see it, but ultimately,every decision will be yours.
You strike me as a rather mercenary young man.
Ambitious, good at what you do.
-But you like to win.
-Always.
Then why are you here? I'm in this job by accident.
I have no party support.
My numbers are sliding.
I am a long shot for reelection.
My first job out of college was for congressman lehland.
While he was setting fundraising records from every sleazebag in america, you resigned because campaign finance reform was going down in flames, and you said you didn't want to be a part of a corrupt system that couldn't heal itself.
I'd have thought you'd say that that was a dumb move.
You shamed them into passing campaign finance reform.
It wouldn't have happened otherwise.
It sort of made you a hero in my book.
You think I'm a hero? I think you can win this,madam president.
Do you have someplace to go for thanksgiving? this looks beautiful, mom.
and I put you and rod across from each other in the middle of the table.
Just like william randolph hearst and marion davies.
except happy and married to each other.
That way, mr.
Templeton is seated to your right.
Good.
Does his wife need any special accommodations? Not that I know of.
I have her next to rod.
-That works.
-Perfect.
And the youngsters are together at the end of the table.
Great, great.
You love this, don't you? I do.
I haven't had so much fun in years.
You should close up the connecticut house and move in here with us.
Be careful.
I just might accept.
I'm serious, mom.
I want to have you here with us.
Are you feeling sorry for me? We need you, mom.
Is this your idea or rod's? We discussed it together.
Spoken like a president.
I'll think about it.
Okay.
You're not just going after the senior vote, are you? that hadn't occurred to me.
happy thanksgiving.
Happy thanksgiving.
Welcome, nathan.
Sorry we're a little late.
No, you're not.
We're gathering at the west end.
Thank you.
I watched your press conference.
You were right.
It was the only decision possible.
You continue to amaze me.
I have something for you.
We didn't bring-- I didn't bring-- I'm giving you the original film and the tape.
Why? If I decide to run for reelection-- not that I have-- of course not.
You'll run against me.
that's an assumption.
Assuming you do, I'm going to beat you because of what you believe now, not what you said then.
Thank you.
Madam president.
Dickie, happy thanksgiving.
happy thanksgiving.
You look beautiful, kelly.
As always.
Thank you, ma'am.
Be careful.
You'll be next.
And it won't be just another new hairstyle.
Madam president? Excuse me.
The governor's been reached.
He's wting on the line.
Thank you.
My daughter has invited me to live in the white house.
How nice.
She needs me here.
You've made your feelings quite clear.
I've taken note of your position, but it doesn't change mine.
Tomorrow, you will receive my executive order commuting miss bodum's sentence to life in prison.
I'd like to wish you and your family a very happy thanksgiving.
Good night.
You called the governor.
I had to pardon the national turkey in the rose garden this week.
It gets to live its life out in a farm somewhere.
Does linda bodum deserve any less compassion than a turkey? if you're going to go down, honey, at least you're gonna go down fighting.
Come on.
Everybody's waiting for you.
Okay.
you should know your mother tested off the charts.
You just made that up.
Okay, you're right, but when I get the results tomorrow, her positives will hit within 2 points of 85% across the board, no party split.
You'll need a new picture for the christmas card.
Three generations in the white house.
Go sit down.
Doesn't she look fantastic? Please, everyone.
Nathan, will you do us the honor of saying grace? Lord, we thank you for the bounty we are about to receive and for the hands that prepared it.
On this day of giving thanks, let us give thanks to our families who love us, to our friends who stand by us, to our enemies who forgive us and to our leaders who need your strength, lord, your compassion and mercy to do your work and theirs.
Amen.
amen.
Happy thanksgiving.
happy thanksgiving.
That was lovely,thanks.