THE WEST WING
6x21 - “THINGS FALL APART”
WRITTEN BY PETER NOAH
DIRECTED BY NELSON McCORMICK
Transcribed by Walking, Talking, And Yelling At Clouds
(kegofglory.blogspot.com)
Link To My Blog Post For This Episode
TEASER
THINGS FALL APART
FADE IN: INT. - RUSSELL’S HOTEL BEDROOM – NIGHT
We hear REP. DARREN GIBSON speaking at the Republican National Convention on television; as the image fades in we see VICE PRESIDENT RUSSELL is watching the RNC on TV in his hotel room.
GIBSON (on TV)
… as most of you know, President Bartlet won a Nobel Prize years ago. (beat; sarcastically) For economics.
As the RNC crowd laughs and cheers, there is a knock at the door.
RUSSELL
Yeah?
DONNA (opening the door and leaning in)
Mr. Vice President, the governor is here.
RUSSELL
Show him in.
RUSSELL stands and walks to greet GOVERNOR ERIC BAKER as DONNA ushers him in. GIBSON’s speech continues in the background.
RUSSELL (shaking hands)
Governor.
BAKER
Mr. Vice President. (referring to the TV) What have they been saying?
RUSSELL
Bartlet bashing, mostly.
BAKER
One advantage of not yet having our nominee. They could be going after you.
RUSSELL
Have a seat.
As RUSSELL and BAKER move to sit, we hear GIBSON on the TV.
GIBSON (VO)
Seems to me you have something of theirs, they’re gonna need back!
As the crowd cheers, RUSSELL turns down the TV sound.
RUSSELL
It’s good of you to come.
BAKER
My pleasure.
RUSSELL
I don’t need to tell you what a critical time this is for our party.
BAKER
Brokered convention. It’s been a while.
RUSSELL
After the first ballot, we need - a consensus nominee.
BAKER
Consensus? We’re Democrats.
They both chuckle.
RUSSELL
The right ticket could create one.
BAKER (takes a breath)
There’s press speculation about Matt Santos as VP.
RUSSELL
Oh, of course. But you’ve gotta – think seriously about regional balance.
BAKER
I think that’d be a must.
RUSSELL
Vinick’s a moderate; states’ll be in play that the Democrats are used to counting on. We need to, uh, protect our flank.
BAKER
Vinick’s well-liked in my state.
RUSSELL
Mmm, Pennsylvania’s critical. From the convention straight through to the general. We’re gonna want to do everything possible to make sure, that – goes for us.
BAKER nods slightly.
RUSSELL
Thirsty? You want something to drink?
BAKER
Sure. Absolutely.
RUSSELL rises to get the drinks, as BAKER turns his attention back to the TV.
GOVERNOR MIKE REED (on TV)
Eight is enough!
As the RNC crowd cheers, we
CUT TO: INT. - HOTEL BAR – NIGHT
JOSH is at the bar, getting a drink from the bartender. The same RNC coverage is on the TV behind the bar.
REED (on TV)
Eight is enough! Eight long liberal years -
WILL comes up behind JOSH, also looking at the TV.
REED (on TV)
- of social policies out of step with the values -
WILL
Elevating oratory.
JOSH
It’s Lincolnesque. Boil your message down to the title of a bad TV show.
WILL (taking a seat at the bar next to JOSH)
Careful. It was formative for many of us.
JOSH
Formative?
WILL
Crush on the mom.
JOSH
Very Mrs. Robinson. What were you, eight?
WILL
Yeah. She seemed knowing.
JOSH (looking at WILL)
Eight kids.
WILL
Maybe not so knowing about contraception. What’s he been saying?
JOSH
I wouldn’t know. I’m not watching.
WILL
Yeah, we were ‘not watching’ up in the suite.
REED (on TV)
What do we say to years of failed trade policies?
As the audience chants ‘Eight is enough!’ we
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – NIGHT
CJ is working at her desk, also with the RNC coverage on her TV.
REED (on TV)
To years of overregulation? (crowd chants, ‘Eight is enough!’)
The camera pans behind CJ’s TV and we find ourselves in TOBY’s office, as he and ANNABETH also watch the convention coverage. TOBY appears flustered by the speech, sitting mouth agape on the sofa.
REED (on TV)
To years of windfalls for trial lawyers? (Another ‘Eight is enough!’ chant) To bloated bureaucracy, runaway entitlements, and endless red tape? (‘Eight is enough!’) What say we?
CUT TO: INT. - LEO’S OFFICE – NIGHT
LEO and CHARLIE are standing in the office, also watching the convention on TV.
LEO
Would eight, perhaps, be enough?
REED (VO)
Eight is enough!
CHARLIE’s cell phone rings. As he pulls it out of his pocket, he responds to LEO’s question.
CHARLIE
Uncanny.
LEO
Psychic. You need to - ?
CHARLIE holds up his phone, looking at a message on the screen.
CHARLIE
Someone I’m meeting later.
LEO
Don’t want to keep a lady waiting.
CHARLIE
It’s good for her.
CUT TO: INT. - HOTEL BAR – NIGHT
Back to JOSH and WILL at the bar, with REED still speaking on the TV.
REED (on TV)
To years of radical, activist -
JOSH
You wanted to talk?
WILL (beat)
I have a proposition.
CUT TO: INT. - SANTOS HOTEL SUITE – NIGHT
JOSH comes in the door. A few staffers are around in the outer suite area, including RONNA, watching the RNC on TV.
RONNA
You watching this?
JOSH (heading for the bedroom)
Is the Congressman in?
RONNA (starting to head for JOSH to stop him)
Yeah, but -
JOSH opens the door and finds MATT and HELEN, embracing on the bed. As JOSH comes in they break apart, startled, and HELEN tries to straighten her clothing.
MATT
Whoa …
JOSH
Oh.
MATT
It’s okay.
JOSH
Sorry.
MATT
My time is your time.
HELEN
Yeah, evidently.
MATT
What’s up?
HELEN
I’ll just, um …
JOSH
You should probably hear this, too.
MATT and HELEN turn towards JOSH.
JOSH
The Russell campaign – in return for us releasing our convention delegates – is prepared to name Matthew Santos as the Democratic nominee for Vice President of the United States.
SMASH CUT TO: MAIN TITLES.
END TEASER.
***
ACT ONE
FADE IN: INT. - SANTOS HOTEL BEDROOM – NIGHT
MATT is taking a moment to let JOSH’s words sink in. He turns to HELEN, then back to JOSH.
MATT
Vice President.
HELEN (her arms crossed)
To Russell?
JOSH
They’ve given us till Thursday.
HELEN
Well, don’t need it. Tell them we pass.
MATT (to HELEN)
We do, do we? (they exchange a look, then MATT turns back to JOSH) What do you think?
JOSH
He’s trying to act like the front-runner.
MATT
He is the front-runner.
HELEN
By the skin of his teeth! You’ve got all the momentum, if this race had gone one more week, you would be the one ahead.
JOSH
Arguments in favor: It, it – avoids a messy floor fight, chaotic convention.
HELEN
Also known as exciting, also known as great television.
MATT
Also known as there goes the Democrats again, they can never get their crap together.
JOSH
The best argument is, it sets you up as the consensus front-runner in either four or eight years. Nomination would be yours.
HELEN
Or you’re so tainted by association when Vinick cleans Russell’s clock, you can’t run for dogcatcher.
JOSH
I don’t think anyone elects dogcatchers any more.
HELEN
My dad ran for dogcatcher.
JOSH
Really?
MATT
No - !
HELEN
This whole campaign has been predicated on, driven by, gotten all the aforementioned momentum from the ironclad conviction that Russell can’t win.
MATT (standing and going to HELEN)
I am a three-term Congressman being offered a shot at the second most powerful job in the world.
HELEN (tightly)
Oh, I’m sorry, I thought we were discussing the Vice Presidency.
JOSH
How about we all sleep on it?
JOSH turns to go. MATT stops him at the door.
MATT
Hey, it’s, uh … gettin’ real, isn’t it?
JOSH
Real as it gets.
CUT TO: INT. - RUSSELL’S HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT
RUSSELL is on the sofa, talking on the phone, as DONNA and other staffers bustle about. RUSSELL turns to see WILL walking in the door.
RUSSELL (into phone)
I’ll call you right back. (hangs up) Well?
WILL
You didn’t expect an answer.
RUSSELL
How it hit him. A read.
WILL (to DONNA)
You know Josh. What’s he gonna recommend?
DONNA stands with a slight grin on her face, looking at WILL and then RUSSELL.
WILL
I’m not asking you to betray king and country, a best guess.
DONNA (shrugging)
I have no idea.
RUSSELL
That’s a real coup for Santos, obscurity to the Vice Presidency?
WILL
Right, he’d be a fool not to take it. It elevates him to the big leagues. How’d it go with Baker?
RUSSELL
Definitely receptive.
WILL
You said nothing explicit?
RUSSELL
No, he got the drift.
WILL
Santos turns us down, we go to Baker.
DONNA
Win-win.
RUSSELL
Good day, really good day.
CUT TO: INT. - WHITE HOUSE HALLWAY – DAY
CJ and CHARLIE walk out of the hallway into the foyer.
CJ
Treasury, Commerce, OMB - I want all hands out refuting that bilious swill the Republicans were spewing last night.
As they turn a corner KATE comes up behind them.
KATE
Hey -
CJ
Is for horses – thank you, Grammy Cregg.
KATE
You can take the girl out of the Midwest …
CJ
As fast as he little feet could fly, or, not so little.
KATE
Something’s gone wrong with the International Space Station. It’s losing oxygen.
CHARLIE
The astronauts onboard can’t fix it?
KATE (handing CJ a file)
Not so far. I’ve got a NASA administrator, wants to see the President.
CJ
President’s unavailable, bring him here.
KATE nods and walks away as CJ and CHARLIE enter CJ’s office.
CUT TO: INT. - COMMUNICATIONS BULLPEN – DAY
LEO walks into the bullpen, greeting TOBY, standing at one of the desks.
LEO
Morning.
TOBY
Hey.
LEO
You watch last night’s Bartlet bash-a-thon?
TOBY
They think it’ll be Russell. They’re tying him to us.
LEO
Bob Russell’s had about as much to do with what’s gone on around here as -
TOBY
Not the best defense. ‘I had the job, but no one actually listened to me.’
LEO
Get ready for press questions about how organized and unified the Republicans are compared to us.
TOBY
‘Organized.’ They’re about as spontaneous as – I actually can’t think of anything as unspontaneous as a Republican convention.
LEO
Four nights of Swiss watch precision; we get a pie fight.
CUT TO: INT. - OVAL OFFICE – DAY
BARTLET is welcoming DNC chairman STEVE RORSCHE into the Oval Office.
BARTLET
Thanks, Nancy. Steve – come in.
RORSCHE (shaking hands, then following BARTLET to his desk)
Children. Infants.
BARTLET
Yeah, there’s a lot at stake for these candidates.
RORSCHE (with frustration)
I’m chair of the DNC, and that’s what my days have become. Babysitting. Tantrums, Mr. President. ‘They have more floor passes.’ Uh, ‘We need a bigger room in the hall,’ ‘We don’t like this hotel, we want their hotel.’
BARTLET
I’m sorry this is falling to you. Until we have a nominee …
RORSCHE
You saw last week’s Time cover.
BARTLET
The exploding donkey?
RORSCHE
‘Dems In Disarray.’ You know what next week’s are gonna be.
BARTLET
‘Republicans On A Roll’?
RORSCHE (sighs)
Something has to be done, sir. I’ve reached the end of my influence. They’re not listening to the nanny anymore.
BARTLET
We may be in danger of overextending the metaphor.
RORSCHE
We need Daddy to step in.
BARTLET looks away in dismay.
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
CJ is meeting with NASA Administrator EDWIN KELWICK and KATE. We see a TV screen in the background, showing photos of three astronauts with the header LEAK ENDANGERS THREE ASTRONAUTS. The names under the photos read ROBERT IVERSON, HARLAN SCOTT, and SERGEI YERONKOVA.
KELWICK
A rescue operation is obviously called for, but the space shuttles are grounded right now, pending an uncompleted safety review and retrofit.
KATE
And the Russians can’t get a launch together in time.
CJ
How long have they got?
KELWICK
Hmmm, assuming the present rate of oxygen loss, in three weeks they’ll be dead.
CJ
Can’t a shuttle be pressed into service, notwithstanding the review?
KELWICK
One’s missing half its wing assembly, and the other one’s undergoing a complete tile replacement. Now, we can try and speed up repairs -
KATE
The concern would then be losing the shuttle crew and the space station crew.
KELWICK
Now, that’s the civilian shuttle -
CJ
Sorry?
KATE shoots KELWICK an alarmed look, and he reacts as if he’s said too much.
KELWICK (stammering)
Can we speak with the President?
KATE regards CJ to see if she can tell what she’s thinking.
CUT TO: INT. - SANTOS HOTEL SUITE – DAY
JOSH, RONNA, and MATT are having a strategy session around the coffee table. JOSH is handing out styrofoam containers with lunch.
JOSH
Yeah, they wanna announce right after the Republican convention.
MATT
Blunt the bounce. Smart. (beat) How come we’re not that smart?
JOSH
Believe me, it’s all I’ve been thinking – why didn’t we offer it to him first?
RONNA
Because we hope to do better for our Vice President?
MATT
And ‘cause he’s in front.
RONNA
If Hoynes’ bimbo eruption had happened three weeks earlier, we’re the nominee. If New York had been later …
MATT
Yeah, if wishes, horses, et cetera.
RONNA
What is that? From some Dylan song? Guys your age have this thing about Dylan.
JOSH
Guys my age?
MATT
Look, this is where we’re at. We got close, Russell got closer. Neither of us is home. They’re offering a bird in the hand.
JOSH (to RONNA)
You know that one?
RONNA
What about Hoynes? He doesn’t want it to be Russell.
JOSH
He doesn’t want it to be us.
RONNA
You think he still thinks he has a hope in hell?
JOSH
It’s his last hurrah. He’s gonna milk this for all it’s worth. And yes, I believe, that somewhere in the back of his deeply deluded political mind, he imagines … deadlocked convention – nation turns its lonely eyes to Hoynes.
MATT (to RONNA)
Simon and Garfunkel.
JOSH
Forget Hoynes, he’s a wounded animal. He could wind up doing anything.
The phone rings and RONNA answers.
RONNA (into phone)
Matt Santos for President. (beat) Yeah, just a moment. (to JOSH) Will Bailey for you.
JOSH stands and picks up the receiver.
JOSH (into phone)
Yup.
WILL (on phone)
Just checking in.
JOSH (into phone)
Okay.
CUT TO: INT. - RUSSELL HOTEL SUITE – DAY
WILL is on the phone, with DONNA in the background.
WILL (into phone)
Any preliminary thoughts on our offer?
The viewpoint switches between WILL and JOSH as the scene continues.
JOSH (into phone)
It’s the next thing we’re gonna talk about.
WILL (into phone)
Thought the Congressman might want to sit down with the Vice President.
JOSH (into phone)
I’ll get back to you about that.
WILL (after a beat; into phone)
Okay.
JOSH (into phone)
I’ll talk to you later. (hangs up)
RUSSELL’s suite.
DONNA (to WILL)
What’d he say?
Back to SANTOS’ suite.
MATT
What was that?
And RUSSELL’s suite again.
WILL (to another staffer)
Get me Holloffson.
DONNA
Baker’s chief of staff.
And back to SANTOS’ suite.
JOSH
He’s just taking our temperature.
Jumping back to RUSSELL’s suite.
WILL
We’re gonna want to stay in touch.
And back to SANTOS’ suite, to see MATT accepting what JOSH said and taking a drink.
CUT TO: INT. - OVAL OFFICE – DAY
CJ is briefing BARTLET on the ISS problem.
BARTLET
How long have they got up there?
CJ
They run out of oxygen in less than three weeks. If the leak doesn’t get worse. Sir, the NASA administrator alluded to a non-civilian shuttle.
BARTLET (a bit cagily)
Wehrner von Braun’s autobiography was titled, I Aim For The Stars. Mort Sahl joked he should have added, Only Sometimes I Hit London. I want hourly updates on everything that’s being done to fix this. Thank you, CJ.
CJ (beat)
Thank you, Mr. President.
CJ exits as BARTLET appears to be mulling over something.
CUT TO: INT. - SANTOS HOTEL SUITE – DAY
MATT is on the phone, with some staffers milling about. RONNA is on a cell phone. The Republican convention is back on the TV. JOSH enters from the hallway.
RONNA (crossing behind, into phone)
Less, they’re a little worried about.
MATT (into phone)
Oh, thanks, Bill. You know I’m counting on you. (beat) Bye.
We hear a woman, PAULA HARLAN, speaking at the RNC. She is the assistant secretary of the convention.
HARLAN (on TV)
Left, left, left. (crowd cheers) And that is exactly how Americans feel about the Bartlet-Russell White House. Left, left, left behind.
The convention crowd laughs and cheers. JOSH leads MATT out of the suite into the hotel hallway.
JOSH
Finish all your calls?
MATT (chuckling)
You don’t finish. At some point you just – decide to stop dialing.
JOSH
How you feeling?
MATT
Hard to say no to the Vice Presidency.
JOSH
Well, it’s not what you signed up for.
MATT
No one signs up to come in second.
JOSH (chuckling)
Are you kidding me?
MATT
We didn’t.
JOSH
No.
MATT (chuckles again, then)
Hard to say no to the Vice Presidency.
JOSH
You don’t have to for another couple of days.
MATT thinks a bit, nods slightly, then slowly starts back for his suite.
JOSH (patting him on the shoulder)
Night, Congressman.
MATT
Good night.
JOSH heads down the corridor as MATT goes back inside his suite.
FADE OUT.
END ACT ONE.
* * *
ACT TWO
FADE IN: INT. - HOTEL BAR – NIGHT
JOSH once again is sitting at the bar watching the Republican convention on TV. RAY SULLIVAN, the Vice-Presidential nominee, is speaking.
SULLIVAN (on TV)
My fellow Americans – the body politic, is ailing.
JOSH (to himself)
You’re not going there.
SULLIVAN (on TV)
We have businesses paralyzed by overregulation.
JOSH (to himself)
Tell me you’re not going there.
SULLIVAN (on TV)
An international profile that’s a shadow of our former strength -
DONNA comes up behind JOSH. She is also watching the TV.
DONNA
Is he doing what I think he is?
SULLIVAN (on TV)
A foreign policy stumbling from one crisis to another -
DONNA
The MS, he’s invoking the MS.
SULLIVAN (on TV)
Infrastructure progressively falling apart before our very eyes -
JOSH
This is gonna backfire.
SULLIVAN (on TV)
A Defense Department that’s enfeebled -
DONNA
Maybe people won’t get it.
SULLIVAN (on TV)
A tax code so clogged with complications, it’s positively sclerotic.
DONNA
Okay, they’ll get that.
SULLIVAN (on TV)
Well, I don’t know about you, but I am sick and tired of being sick and tired!
JOSH (shouting at the TV as the convention crowd roars)
You’re going to hell!
DONNA (leading JOSH away from the bar, where other patrons are eyeing him oddly for his outburst)
Josh, let’s sit over here.
JOSH picks up his drink and walks over to join DONNA at a table. He notices other people in the bar staring at him.
JOSH (to bar patrons)
How you doing? (sitting with DONNA) I mean, I realize the VP candidate’s the designated hatchet man, but that’s -
DONNA
If Santos accepts, you can get your revenge.
JOSH
Yeah, you think I might find five, or 500 ways to call Vinick old? You want sclerotic, I’ll give you sclerotic.
DONNA
Santos wouldn’t do it.
JOSH
Probably not.
DONNA
Maybe why he shouldn’t take the job.
JOSH
Maybe why he’d be a great choice, restore some civility.
DONNA
You want him to accept?
JOSH
You don’t.
DONNA (beat)
I have concerns.
JOSH (beat)
He’s not hit-man enough.
DONNA (faster now)
He’s too much voltage at the bottom of the ticket.
JOSH (immediately)
Overshadows the nominee.
DONNA (almost talking over JOSH)
Gets people wishing the names were reversed.
JOSH
Gets people willing to wait until next time.
JOSH and DONNA regard each other with smiles.
JOSH
How’d you get so smart about this?
DONNA (grinning)
I had a good teacher.
JOSH (as DONNA stands to leave)
Thanks.
DONNA (over her shoulder, walking away)
I meant Will.
JOSH takes a moment to consider the discussion.
CUT TO: INT. - WHITE HOUSE RESIDENCE – NIGHT
Pop music is playing from inside a room. A bedroom door cracks opens and ZOEY peers out. Seeing no one, she opens the door wider. CHARLIE comes out of the room behind her, carrying his jacket and tie, his shirt partly unbuttoned.
ZOEY
Drive safely. Good night.
CHARLIE
Good night.
CHARLIE and ZOEY have a long, lingering kiss. CHARLIE walks slowly out into the hallway, looking off at nothing in particular. Behind him we hear a voice.
BARTLET
Evening, Charlie.
CHARLIE stops cold. Slowly he turns and sees BARTLET standing at the end of the hall, in his robe and leaning on his cane. He has a cold, stern look on his face.
CHARLIE
Mr. President, um …
BARTLET (approaching CHARLIE)
Listening to relentless attacks upon my record seems to have left me wakeful. Thought I’d stretch my legs. So it’s really the Republicans’ fault that we’re caught in this terribly embarrassing situation.
CHARLIE (struggling to find words)
It’s …
BARTLET
I think perhaps the best thing is for us to carry on as if this encounter hadn’t happened.
CHARLIE
Due respect – I’m having a hard time exactly imagining that.
BARTLET
It’s 1:00 in the morning, we both have to be at work in a few hours … and you’re standing outside my daughter’s bedroom. I say we give it a shot.
CHARLIE sighs, still standing there embarrassed.
BARTLET (turning to go back to his room)
Night, Charlie.
CHARLIE
Good night, Mr. President.
CHARLIE takes a moment, gathers his thoughts, and then heads down the hall to exit.
CUT TO: INT. - SITUATION ROOM – DAY
CJ enters the Situation Room, where KATE, SECRETARY HUTCHINSON, and a few other military officers greet her.
CJ
Good morning. (KATE, HUTCHINSON and the others reply ‘Morning.’) What’s the status of the space station leak?
KATE
Unchanged.
CJ
Current thinking on options?
KATE
Sections of the space station can be sealed off. There are small compartments the crew can repair to, to conserve air.
CJ
Which just delays the inevitable.
HUTCHINSON
Which buys time to fix the problem.
KATE
Ground-based engineers are working around the clock on this.
HUTCHINSON
Around the world.
CJ
Which is great, and inspirational, and hopefully they’ll make one heck of a movie someday, but should these efforts fail, I don’t particularly relish the idea of dead astronauts floating weightless in some spaceship sarcophagus. Rescue options?
HUTCHINSON
That’s NASA’s area.
CJ
DOD’s space program expenditures for the last fiscal year came to $22.9 billion, or seven billion more than NASA’s civilian program. What are we spending that on?
HUTCHINSON
That’s what the Chinese would like to know.
CJ
Well, since they’re not here, maybe you could just tell me.
HUTCHINSON
Missile warning, command and control.
KATE
Solar flare watch.
CJ
Twenty billion to tell us every time the sun burps?
KATE
They can disrupt satellite communications.
CJ
Yes, and Grand Old Opry broadcasts.
KATE looks away, as if she’s hiding something.
CJ (to HUTCHINSON)
Are we weaponizing space?
HUTCHINSON
Air Force Special Command operates and supports the Global Positioning System and military communications satellites.
KATE
We look at ways space systems can support war fighters in navigation, intelligence –
HUTCHINSON
Is that weaponizing space?
CJ (looking at a file she brought in)
Space-based lasers, highly targeted, no nuclear fallout; space-based kinetic energy weapons, hunter-killer satellites -
HUTCHINSON
R & D guys talk about a lot of things.
CJ
A military space shuttle.
HUTCHINSON
Reusable launch vehicle.
CJ
Space bomber.
HUTCHINSON
That has the theoretical capability of launching and dropping a weapon anywhere in the world.
KATE
With virtually no ability to detect it in advance.
HUTCHINSON
Out of reach of conventional air defense systems.
CJ
‘Theoretical capability.’
HUTCHINSON (sighing, as KATE looks on warily)
No one wants space to become a battleground.
CJ
Is that the argument in favor of building it? Is that the argument in favor of not building it? (beat) Or is that the argument in favor of building it and not telling anyone?
HUTCHINSON
The answer to that would be yes.
CUT TO: INT. - BACK AREA OF PRESS BRIEFING ROOM – DAY
ANNABETH is meeting with a group of reporters, including CHRIS, STEVE, CHARLAYNE, and GREG BROCK.
CHRIS
Annabeth, is there a contingency plan to go up and rescue these space station astronauts if they can’t fix the leak?
ANNABETH (handing out briefing sheets)
NASA is exploring all their options. The precise nature of what those comprise is something best gotten from them, but the President has every confidence in their expertise.
STEVE
What’s the White House reaction to the Bartlet-bashing on display at the Republican convention?
ANNABETH
Not aware anyone around here’s seen it.
CHARLAYNE
No one?
ANNABETH
We have a country to mis-run.
CHARLAYNE (as reporters chuckle)
So, you saw it?
ANNABETH
I gleaned the gist: ‘Republican good, Democrat bad.’ Sophisticated dialectic. Nuanced.
BROCK
Would the White House care to comment on the expected contrast between the high degree of organization and discipline in the Republican convention and the Democrat’s anticipated free-for-all?
ANNABETH
I believe the American people will be the beneficiaries, in that they will be presented with a clear choice: do they want to be governed by people who are animated, or animatronic?
CUT TO: INT. - OVAL OFFICE – DAY
BARTLET is working at his desk when we hear NANCY knock at the doorway.
NANCY
Mr. President – the First Lady’s back, and Leo’s here.
BARTLET
Send him in, please.
NANCY (ushering in LEO)
Mr. McGarry.
LEO
Good morning, Mr. President.
BARTLET
Leo.
LEO
How you feeling, sir?
BARTLET
Vexed, riled, irked.
LEO
The Republican convention.
BARTLET
Ticked, honked, pissed.
LEO
You can’t take it personally.
BARTLET
That’s what I keep telling myself – problem is, once you’re telling yourself that, it’s too damn late. You’re already taking it personally.
LEO
Gonna be more of the same next couple of nights.
BARTLET
We got calls from everybody in the party about ours. Rorsche is going to pieces.
LEO
Rock that he is.
BARTLET
Thought he might cry in here, actual tears. But with no nominee, they’re running right over him. We need someone strong enough to organize the damn thing.
LEO (resigned)
Wonder who we can get.
BARTLET
If it helps, it gives me no pleasure, dumping this damn thing on you.
LEO
There’s the pleasure of not having to do it yourself.
BARTLET
Which is not inconsiderable. Let’s get representatives of the three candidates in here – set down some ground rules, establish a tone. A floor fight doesn’t have to devolve into a brawl. Is there anything to these press rumors of a Russell-Santos deal?
LEO
Be a smart move. A Latino on the ticket from Texas gives us a genuine shot there, Florida, maybe even makes California contestable.
BARTLET
Let’s not get carried away. The Southwest -
LEO
Vinick’s politics put these places in play.
BARTLET
Now, one way or another, we’re coming out of this with a nominee. Be nice if he didn’t seem like merely the last clown standing.
BARTLET exits to the portico.
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
CJ is at her desk, watching KELWICK give a press conference on TV. The chyron on the MSNBC telecast reads NASA PRESS ROOM: EDWIN KELWICK, ADMINISTRATOR OF NASA.
KELWICK (on TV)
Another space walk is scheduled for 0900 hours Houston time, to again try and source the oxygen leak. Now, the problem with space walks is they’re strenuous, resulting in increased oxygen consumption. Obviously not an optimal condition at this juncture. The American people can be assured, we on the ground are doing everything possible to assist these astronauts at this time.
CJ uses the remote to shut off the TV.
CUT TO: INT. - RESIDENCE SITTING AREA – DAY
An aide walks away from ABBEY, who is sitting on a sofa by the window, as BARTLET arrives.
BARTLET
How was your trip?
ABBEY
You didn’t haul yourself up here in the middle of a Presidential morning just to inquire about my trip – oh, my God, I can’t remember where I was. (trying to recall) Folk dancing, people winning things, and lots of fiddles screeching -
BARTLET
I’m sure the fiddles were played wonderfully.
ABBEY
Maybe it was me doing the screeching – inside.
BARTLET
I caught Charlie tiptoeing away from Zoey’s room last night.
ABBEY (smiling)
Caught?
BARTLET
Discovered. Encount – no, damn it, I caught him red-handed skulking away from my daughter’s bedroom.
ABBEY (standing)
Oh, I’m sure he wasn’t skulking.
BARTLET
To his credit, if he’d been sauntering, there might have been a row.
ABBEY
Ooh, I got a big picture of that.
BARTLET (approaching ABBEY)
Are you being blithe about this just to irritate me?
ABBEY
Zoey told me about the two of them, not that she had to, because there was the small matter of the Secret Service. (BARTLET stares in disbelief) The clandestine is a non-starter around here.
BARTLET
And why have I been so ostentatiously kept out of the loop?
ABBEY
Golly - one wonders. (beat) Is that actual dismay, or just your assumption of the standard paternal attitude?
BARTLET
Does it matter?
ABBEY
Well, I Рjust know how you abhor the clich̩.
ABBEY walks away and BARTLET is left stewing.
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
CJ is reviewing the files of the astronauts from the space station. There is a knock at the door and TOBY steps in.
TOBY
What’s up?
CJ (rising to meet TOBY)
I have an awkward question to ask.
TOBY
Awkward prying, awkward embarrassing, awkward prurient - ?
CJ (sitting on the sofa)
About your brother.
TOBY (taken aback)
Okay.
CJ
I’m sorry to ask, but … did David ever mention anything about another kind of space shuttle?
TOBY
Another kind of space shuttle?
CJ
A non-civilian shuttle?
TOBY
A military shuttle?
CJ
Did he ever mention anything about anything like that?
TOBY (scoffing, moving to sit)
You mean did he ever commit a felonious breach of national security?
CJ
Hints, intimations, a brotherly confidence.
TOBY
Brotherly confidence, by definition -
CJ
Showing off, sibling one-upmanship. ‘Look what I know.’
TOBY (taking a moment)
An occasional cryptic hint – when he wanted to lord it over me.
CJ
Like actually being an astronaut wasn’t enough.
TOBY (wryly)
Thank you so much.
CJ
If he had been up in that space station and we didn’t send such a vehicle up after him -
TOBY
To send it reveals it.
CJ
Would he have been okay about sacrificing himself for national security?
TOBY
He would’ve insisted on it. (pause) But don’t ask me what I would’ve insisted on.
TOBY stands and walks out of the office.
FADE OUT.
END ACT TWO.
* * *
ACT THREE
FADE IN: INT. - ROOSEVELT ROOM – DAY
WILL is sitting at the table, scrolling through messages on his phone. JOSH enters behind him.
JOSH
Hey.
WILL
Hey.
JOSH takes a seat as WILL puts his phone away.
JOSH
Post has the VP offer. You got somebody leaking in your campaign.
WILL
I’d check yours.
JOSH
We run a pretty tight ship.
WILL
Maybe Hoynes’ people got wind.
JOSH
Puts more pressure on us.
WILL
Lays us out there if you turn us down.
LEO enters, JOSH and WILL stand.
LEO
Thanks for coming in, guys. President asked me to take the lead in organizing the convention since we don’t have a nominee. Though, from what I’m now hearing, that may change?
WILL (as they all sit)
We hope so.
JOSH
It’s under respectful consideration.
LEO
Well, the White House is officially neutral, of course. But I don’t think anyone would be opposed to avoiding a prime-time display of disharmony and dysfunction – which is what we’re here to discuss. We’ll just wait for the Hoynes representative to arrive.
WILL
I don’t know why he was even invited, in all honesty.
JOSH (chuckling)
He has 956 delegates.
A man enters the Roosevelt Room behind JOSH.
WILL
And no chance for the nomination.
The man, DYLAN CLARK, speaks as he closes the door.
CLARK
Dylan Clark, Hoynes for President, and thank you for that dispassionate assessment of our chances.
WILL
I’m sorry you heard that, but, due respect, it happens to be true.
CLARK (taking a seat)
With you two maneuvering to pre-empt the floor vote -
LEO
Gentlemen …
CLARK (to JOSH)
You gonna accept?
JOSH
We’re mulling.
CLARK
It’s a lousy job. (to WILL) I’m sure your candidate would agree. (to LEO) Mine certainly does.
WILL
Maybe why he treated it with such dubious respect.
LEO
This is exactly what we don’t want on prime time TV. The first order of business is to select a convention chair. (pulling out some pages) I’ve drawn up a list of candidates.
LEO hands out a page to each representative.
JOSH (reading)
Martindale?
WILL
I have no problem with him.
CLARK
He stumped for you all over Ohio.
WILL
He’s up for reelection, we had a couple of joint appearances.
JOSH
Couple? If they’d showed up together any more people would’ve thought he and Russell had eloped. I’m dinging Martindale.
CLARK
Frenley’s not acceptable.
JOSH
Well, he’s strong, respected -
WILL
He’s on your VP short list.
JOSH
We don’t have one, we don’t believe in putting the cart in front of the horse.
WILL
You have one, he’s on it, I’m dinging him.
CLARK
No to Pereira.
JOSH
Why not?
WILL
Are you joking?
CLARK
He’s Latino.
JOSH
God forbid we show off our diversity.
WILL
Said the man with the Latino candidate.
LEO is watching the fracas with a stern, dissatisfied look.
JOSH
I hope you’re not suggesting Latinos can’t be trusted to be fair and unbiased.
As WILL and CLARK both start responding, LEO cuts them all off.
LEO
The three of you knock it off! Put lines through the names you object to, and let me have them back.
WILL
Well, I’d like a day to go over this.
LEO
No.
The three get out pens and start going through the list. They all appear to be scratching out the majority of names. LEO watches in alarm.
LEO
Maybe you guys’d prefer a Republican?
They look up at LEO. JOSH slides his paper back, followed by CLARK. WILL continues to look at the list, pondering, almost striking through a name at the bottom, then stopping himself and sliding the paper to LEO.
LEO (standing)
I’ll look these over later, see if there’s a consensus.
JOSH
I’d like to discuss floor positions - to counteract the perception that Vinick has it wrapped up, I propose prominent placement of the California delegation up front.
WILL
Wouldn’t have anything to do with Santos having won there?
CLARK
Nice try.
LEO (sitting again)
We’re not really gonna sit here, suggesting states your campaigns won.
WILL
Battleground states – Missouri, Wisconsin.
JOSH
Texas! Spirited, boisterous -
WILL
And loud enough to carry from way in the back.
CLARK
Do you have something against my guy’s home state?
WILL
No, but you should. The Vice President carried his home state, as a matter of fact -
JOSH
Come on, we’re not putting Colorado up front.
CLARK
A Southern strategy, I am telling you -
LEO has a frozen, defeated look on his face.
JOSH
California, fifth largest economy in the world -
WILL
What has that got to do with anything?
LEO buries his head in his hand.
CUT TO: INT. - OVAL OFFICE – DAY
CHARLIE opens the door and enters.
CHARLIE
Mr. President, you wanted to see me?
BARTLET is standing behind his desk, looking out the window. He turns to CHARLIE as CHARLIE closes the door.
BARTLET
You were right. Avoiding last night is really not going to work.
CHARLIE
Yes, sir.
BARTLET
I don’t want to get all righteously paternal -
CHARLIE
Sir, I don’t wanna sneak around the White House anymore.
BARTLET
I’m not trying to break you two up.
CHARLIE
No, sir, I’m talking about actually seeing more of Zoey. More time with her. Spent together. Being together. And such.
BARTLET
Charlie … the President’s daughter can’t move in with somebody, and I assume you understand that you cannot -
CHARLIE
Move in here? Yes, sir, that had occurred to me.
BARTLET
Then I’m sorry, I’m not quite sure what you mea … (BARTLET’s gaze at CHARLIE changes, his brow furrowing) Oh. Are you … talking about … ?
CHARLIE
Uh … yyyes, sir?
BARTLET
You want to make an honest woman out of her?
CHARLIE
No, Mr. President, that’s not it at all. We’ve been sleeping together for kind of a while.
BARTLET
You might want to consider quitting while you’re ahead.
CHARLIE
Yes, sir.
CHARLIE turns to go, stops, and thinks. Finally he turns back.
CHARLIE
Sir … would I have your blessing?
BARTLET
I’m not the member of the family you should be concerned about at the moment.
CHARLIE
Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. President.
CHARLIE exits.
CUT TO: INT. - HALLWAY – DAY
LEO, exasperated, comes out of the Roosevelt Room. He sees JOSH walking away down a corridor.
LEO
Josh!
JOSH stops and walks up to LEO.
JOSH (as they begin to walk)
Probably not exactly what you had in mind in there.
LEO
It’s exactly what we’re worried about.
JOSH
People are always complaining about how canned these conventions have become.
LEO
Not the people trying to use them to put a clear, cohesive message in front of the American electorate.
JOSH
Good TV.
LEO (as they arrive at LEO’s office)
It’ll be entertaining. Professional wrestling is entertaining. But when they click off the set, no one runs out and votes for the loudmouth in the leotard.
JOSH
Outside of Minnesota.
LEO (closing the door)
You need to take the VP deal.
JOSH
Uh, we’re, considering it.
LEO
Not consider it – take it. The party, the President, needs you to accept.
JOSH (quietly)
Yeah.
LEO
Santos will be incurring the gratitude of a great many people – people who can be very helpful to his future plans.
JOSH
That future could be now.
LEO
A three-term Congressman going up against Arnie Vinick? Be careful what you wish for.
JOSH
I don’t know that Russell has a better shot.
LEO
I don’t either. But Russell goes down, you want people in the party – key people, organizers, fundraisers – thinking it was partly Matt Santos’ fault? Long memories, Josh. Big win for your guy. Four years from now, he can run the table. You’ll be doing him a favor.
CUT TO: INT. - OVAL OFFICE – DAY
BARTLET is meeting with military advisers, including HUTCHINSON and KATE. CJ is also in the meeting.
BARTLET
The spacewalk?
KATE
Unsuccessful.
BARTLET
How much oxygen it cost them?
KATE
Couple hours, maybe. Could’ve been worse.
CJ
‘Worse’ being a relative term when it comes to slow suffocation.
BARTLET
We have a decision to make.
HUTCHINSON
The security concerns outweigh the consequences.
CJ
It’s presumably been launched before without exposure. I realize this is a high-profile situation -
KATE
It would disclose the asset.
CJ
Possibly, but measured against our responsibility toward three lives -
HUTCHINSON
Two. Only two are Americans.
CJ
Meaning what? The Russian’s life doesn’t count? Two Americans are more expendable than three?
KATE
The cosmonaut would see the asset. Ride in it.
HUTCHINSON
Take pictures of it, for all we know.
KATE
Even without the camera in his shoe, cosmonauts are all military. It’d be the greatest intelligence coup of the new century.
CJ
I appreciate that. But wouldn’t we essentially be revealing a piece of hardware everyone assumes we have anyway?
HUTCHINSON
Maybe we should invite the, uh, Chinese and the Russians over for a formal tour, then the Israelis and the Iranians can visit each other’s nuclear weapons facilities.
BARTLET (who’s been watching the discussion with concern)
Mr. Secretary …
CJ
I can’t help note the absence of anyone from NASA to make the case for a rescue.
BARTLET
I don’t need anyone to make it. I need more time.
BARTLET stands and heads for his desk. CJ and the other advisers thank him as the meeting breaks up.
CUT TO: INT. - SANTOS HOTEL BEDROOM – DAY
JOSH walks into the room. MATT is on the phone.
MATT (into phone)
I appreciate that, Senator. (beat) I’m giving it every consideration. (pause) Thank you for the call. (hangs up) Another voice for party unity.
JOSH
Yeah, the White House just leaned on me pretty good.
MATT
Same extortionate undertone?
JOSH
I heard something else on the way over. Source I have in Philadelphia. Russell’s been talking to Baker. As backup, we turn him down.
MATT
Thinks it flips Pennsylvania.
JOSH
It does flip Pennsylvania. One hundred and seventy-eight votes swing from us to Russell on the second ballot.
MATT
If the Hoynes delegates break anywhere near even once they’re released -
JOSH
It’s game over.
MATT (to himself)
Smart. Smart. How come we’re not that smart?
JOSH
You have to go sit down with Russell. And when you’re in there, you look for a way to tell him yes.
FADE OUT.
END ACT THREE.
* * *
ACT FOUR
FADE IN: INT. - SANTOS HOTEL BEDROOM – NIGHT
HELEN is sleeping in the bed. She turns over, her arm draping toward the empty other side of the bed. She notices MATT isn’t there, and sighs deeply.
CUT TO: INT. - SANTOS HOTEL SUITE – NIGHT
MATT is sitting at a desk, papers and clutter strewn around, deep in contemplation. HELEN comes out of the bedroom, putting on a robe.
HELEN
You okay?
MATT
Yeah. Yeah … just … (tossing a bumper sticker) you know.
HELEN
Night yips?
MATT
Little bit.
HELEN
Because you’ve made a decision or because you can’t?
MATT
Both. Neither. (sitting back, sighing deeply) I bet Arnie Vinick is sleeping like a rock.
HELEN (crossing to MATT)
I don’t know, he’s old.
MATT (laughing)
What?
HELEN (rubbing MATT’s shoulders)
Old people don’t sleep so good.
MATT
Old people who have their party’s Presidential nomination wrapped up and – have a mortal lock on California in the general, they sleep like the dead.
HELEN
Ah, but the prospect of sleeping like the dead is part of what keeps old people up nights.
MATT allows himself to smile and looks up at HELEN.
HELEN (bending down to hug MATT across his shoulders)
You ever stop to think that maybe Arnie Vinick’s up right now worried about you? Hmm?
MATT
I can guarantee you that’s not happening.
HELEN
Oh, smart guy. Young guy. Good-lookin’, too.
MATT
Yeah.
HELEN nuzzles MATT’s neck as he smiles and sighs.
HELEN
Let’s see about helping this troubled office-seeker get himself some sleep.
HELEN takes MATT’s hand and leads him back to bed.
CUT TO: INT. - WHITE HOUSE HALLWAY – DAY
LEO walks down the hall and into his office. He finds CJ there waiting for him.
LEO
Morning.
CJ
What do you do when he’s just wrong?
LEO
You remind yourself that he was the one got elected.
CJ
We could rescue these astronauts.
LEO
He’s got 295 million Americans to think about, not just these three.
CJ
Only two are Americans. Defense Secretary’s made it clear if they offed the third, he’d be all for sending it. Wouldn’t that be a lovely affirmation of international cooperation in space?
LEO
We don’t want Russia, China, building space bombers of their own.
CJ
Well, they’re gonna build them anyway if they assume we’ve got one.
LEO
Yeah, but if they know we’ve got one, they have to build it.
CJ
This is Alice in Wonderland!
LEO
Yeah. Some days it is.
CJ walks out as LEO pulls out the morning newspaper.
CUT TO: INT. - RUSSELL’S HOTEL SUITE – DAY
The door opens and MATT and JOSH are ushered in. WILL and DONNA are waiting outside RUSSELL’s bedroom.
WILL (to DONNA)
Quick, hide the Ouija board.
MATT (to JOSH)
See, they can afford Ouija boards. (to WILL and DONNA) Josh still has us reading chicken entrails.
WILL
I’ll tell the Vice President you’re here. (goes into bedroom)
DONNA
We’re very excited you’ve come.
MATT
Excited to be here.
JOSH
It’s exciting.
JOSH and DONNA exchange a look. WILL brings RUSSELL out of the bedroom.
RUSSELL
Congressman, welcome.
MATT (shaking hands)
Good of you to see me, Mr. Vice President.
RUSSELL
Shall we?
MATT and RUSSELL head off into the bedroom.
JOSH (grinning)
Remember, three feet on the floor at all times.
Everyone stops and stares at JOSH, who is chuckling at his joke. Finally RUSSELL and MATT exit, as JOSH’s smile disappears.
RUSSELL
Have a seat -
MATT
Thank you.
The door closes. DONNA starts walking up to JOSH.
JOSH
Don’t.
CUT TO: INT. - RUSSELL’S HOTEL BEDROOM – DAY
RUSSELL and MATT sit at a table.
RUSSELL
Congratulations on a well-fought campaign.
MATT
You, too.
RUSSELL
And hopefully – we’re about to put that all behind us.
MATT (uneasily)
That’s what we’re here to discuss.
There is a pause.
RUSSELL
Arnie Vinick is gonna be a tough customer. We need to, marshal all our strength, and I can’t think of a better way than by having both our names on the ticket.
MATT
It’s a good point. So you want to flip a coin?
RUSSELL stares at MATT, then breaks out laughing.
RUSSELL
That’s a good one. Um, in all seriousness, let me, let me describe the relationship that I envision. (leaning forward) A substantive role in policy. Strategic planning. A voice – a clear and palpable presence. More of a, partnership, frankly, then I’ve had with Jed Bartlet.
MATT
I’m flattered.
RUSSELL
You should be. It’s not an offer, it’s not the relationship I’d envision with a lesser man. You’re capable and bright.
MATT (uncomfortably)
Very kind.
RUSSELL
I’m sure there’s things that I could learn from you.
MATT
Well, uh … eh, I don’t …
RUSSELL
Just as there are undoubtedly things you could learn from me.
That doesn’t sit well with MATT as he uneasily looks at RUSSELL and doesn’t speak.
CUT TO: INT. - RUSSELL’S HOTEL SUITE – DAY
The door to the bedroom opens and MATT strides out, leaving RUSSELL in the doorway.
MATT
Thank you, all. Josh.
As MATT exits the suite WILL and DONNA go to RUSSELL questioningly. JOSH quickly stands and follows MATT out. RUSSELL puts his hands in his pockets and looks at WILL.
CUT TO: INT. - HOTEL ELEVATOR – DAY
MATT enters the elevator. JOSH comes in behind him and presses a button.
MATT
Mad at me?
JOSH (beat)
No. (another beat) Oddly.
MATT
Disappointed?
JOSH
Proud – I think.
MATT
You’ve got a tough conversation ahead.
JOSH
Not so tough. (there’s a moment, as the elevator bell dings) Yeah, I do.
MATT regards JOSH with a small smile as he walks off the elevator.
CUT TO: INT. - TOBY’S OFFICE – NIGHT
TOBY is watching the final night of the Republican convention on TV. SULLIVAN is introducing the Republican Presidential candidate, ARNOLD VINICK.
SULLIVAN (on TV)
Ladies and gentlemen – please welcome – the next President of the United States, Arnold Vinick!
The crowd roars as VINICK comes to the podium, hugging SULLIVAN and then posing with their hands held together high. ANNABETH comes into TOBY’s office and they both look at the TV.
VINICK (on TV)
Thank you.
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – NIGHT
CJ, in her darkened office, also has the convention on her TV.
VINICK (on TV)
Thank you. We’re gonna run out of prime time.
CUT TO: INT. - RESIDENCE SITTING AREA – NIGHT
LEO and BARTLET are watching the convention as well.
VINICK (on TV)
It is with great humility that I accept your nomination for President of the United States. (crowd cheers again) Before I share with you my vision for America … I want to say a few words about the man who I hope is my predecessor - President Josiah Bartlet.
The convention crowd boos as LEO and BARTLET exchange a look.
VINICK (on TV)
He has graced and honored his office, the highest in the land. The most powerful in the world, some would say, myself included.
Our point of view shifts between TOBY and ANNABETH, and BARTLET and LEO, all intently watching VINICK speak.
VINICK (on TV)
He has served this country steadfastly, and laudably. I say this despite our political, and, and philosophical differences. For in the end, a Presidency is more than a simple catalogue of policies pursued, -
We now see CJ, with her eyes on the convention coverage.
VINICK (on TV)
- crises weathered, battles lost or won. It’s a stewardship. A sacred trust. A commitment to sacrifice every fiber of your being, every thought, every moment, every … every, everything in service to your nation. President Bartlet has done this well, and ably.
Back to LEO and BARTLET.
VINICK (on TV)
And he deserves nothing less than our humble appreciation, and heartfelt gratitude.
As the convention crowd applauds, LEO looks to BARTLET.
LEO
Nice what he said about you.
VINICK (on TV)
This is the basis on which I make my appeal for your support -
BARTLET
Yeah. The bastard. He just picked up five million Democratic votes.
VINICK (on TV)
- for that very same office.
We return to CJ, sitting in her very dark office, her eyes riveted to the TV.
VINICK (on TV)
My commitment to strive to be worthy of the example of the great men who have gone before.
Now to TOBY and ANNABETH. A glimmer of a smile of admiration plays at the corner of ANNABETH’s lips.
VINICK (on TV)
Presidents walk in giant footsteps. They have magnificent legacies to uphold. I stand here on this day and put my name forth as one who aspires to their example, -
Back to CJ.
VINICK (on TV)
- who will daily make that sacrifice, -
We see LEO again.
VINICK (on TV)
- who will honor not just the office, but the people that office serves. Their President of these United States of America.
We see BARTLET watching intently, his brow furrowed, as the convention crowd erupts in cheers and applause. Then we see TOBY, wryly smiling to himself, moving behind his desk.
TOBY
Arnold Vinick just positioned himself as Jed Bartlet’s natural successor.
ANNABETH
How’d he do that?
TOBY
Without one mention, without so much as an allusion to either one, he managed to dismiss Russell and Santos as puny, dwarf-like children trying to get a seat at the grownups’ table.
Back to the residence, where a phone rings. BARTLET answers.
BARTLET (into phone)
Yeah. (beat) I’ll send him right down. (hanging up) Josh is here to see you.
BARTLET and LEO stand, and face each other.
BARTLET
We start working to beat this guy right now.
LEO nods and turns to leave.
CUT TO: INT. - OUTER OVAL OFFICE – NIGHT
JOSH is waiting. TOBY appears down the hallway and enters the outer office.
TOBY
Hey.
JOSH
Hey.
TOBY
What, uh … ?
JOSH
Talk to, Leo.
TOBY (beat)
Okay.
TOBY drops a paper on DEBBIE’s desk and then starts back out.
JOSH
Could’ve used you out there.
TOBY (stops, turns, looks at JOSH)
Did okay without me.
JOSH (beat)
It’s not the same.
TOBY (smiling tightly)
Good luck.
TOBY walks away.
JOSH
Thanks.
LEO enters from the portico.
LEO
Listen to Vinick?
JOSH
No.
LEO
You’re better off.
The two walk into the Mural Room, and LEO closes the door.
JOSH
Santos turned Russell down.
LEO (takes a moment)
Okay.
JOSH
Okay?
LEO
Okay, so now you get him to un-turn it down.
JOSH
Doesn’t work like that.
LEO
Now it does.
JOSH
I told him to find a way to say yes.
LEO
You find it for him.
JOSH
You’re not hearing me.
LEO
You’re not hearing me. (beat) Matthew Santos has had a terrific ride, improbable, impressive – and over. This is the return to reality, he’s Russell’s Vice President.
JOSH
It’s not gonna happen.
LEO
You are going to do this, for us. For the President, for your party.
JOSH (levelly)
I’m not, ‘cause I don’t agree with it. I told him to say yes, I was wrong. He’s twice the man Russell is on his best day. Ten times. And – Russell doesn’t have that many best days.
LEO regards JOSH sadly, then turns to go.
LEO
I’ll go tell the President.
LEO walks to the door, opens it, and slowly exits to the portico. JOSH stands stock-still, watching him go.
CUT TO: INT. - TOBY’S OFFICE – NIGHT
ANNABETH hurries through the Communications bullpen into TOBY’s office.
ANNABETH
Toby – Toby …
TOBY (on the phone)
Okay. Yeah. Okay. (hangs up) You have to quit and then get re-hired. Leo wants you in California -
ANNABETH
Greg Brock just released a story about a classified military space shuttle that could be but hasn’t yet been sent up to rescue those astronauts. It’s already on the website, it’ll be on the front page of tomorrow’s New York Times.
TOBY takes off his glasses as he hears the news.
ANNABETH
To do this, Brock would have had to assure them that he had it cold, which means whoever leaked it – it’s somebody big.
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – NIGHT
CJ is still sitting in her darkened office, watching the TV coverage of the Republican convention. Her face is impassive as she looks down, then off to the distance, lost in thought.
DISSOLVE TO: END TITLES.
FADE TO BLACK.
THE END.
* * *
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The West Wing Transcript
Episode 6x21 – Things Fall Apart
Original Airdate: March 30, 2005