THE WEST WING
6x22 - “2162 VOTES”
WRITTEN BY JOHN WELLS
DIRECTED BY ALEX GRAVES
Transcribed by Walking, Talking, And Yelling At Clouds
(kegofglory.blogspot.com)
Link To My Blog Post For This Episode
TEASER
2162 VOTES
FADE IN: CONVENTION CENTER – DAY
We see bright overhead lights coming on inside an arena. Then quick cuts of jerky, sometimes slo-mo, hand-held camera style shots of campaign buttons, people in patriotic costumes, security screenings – a general vibe of excitement, anticipation, and unease about what’s to come at the Democratic National Convention. Over these scenes, we hear a series of disembodied TV news voices describing the beginnings of the event.
VOICE 1 (VO)
The first task was accomplished minus any melodrama. Each of the three main candidates turned in their official petitions for nominations early this morning. Four thousand delegates swarming the Convention Center can expect to be casting their votes between these three men for the next few days, until a winner can be crowned with the necessary 2,162 votes -
The view changes to inside the arena, with shots of the logos of the various news organizations covering the convention. As more lights come on, we hear a cacophony of additional voices.
VOICE 2 (VO)
News vans from all over the United States -
VOICE 3 (VO)
- the convention is Vice President’s election -
The quick cuts and the overlapping voices continue in the background as we see LEO, who is in a meeting with representatives of the candidates, including WILL, JOSH, DONNA, BRAM, and DYLAN CLARK. We see bits of action inside that meeting room along with preparations on the convention floor, with state signs being raised and workmen setting up inside the arena.
LEO
Networks want the balloting to happen in prime time.
WILL
What are we supposed to do all day, debate the color of the confetti?
JOSH
We do issue segments that build up the party, no matter who’s the nominee.
WILL
I wonder what issue Santos would like to lead off with – health care, maybe?
JOSH
Gee, why don’t we ask the 44 million Americans who don’t have any -
WILL
You mean the ones who made it the only issue your guy polls higher on than -
And now we settle on the meeting in a back room of the convention hall. ANNABETH is standing behind LEO.
LEO (loudly)
We’ll vote on the rules, platforms, recognize the delegations, be lucky to get it done by dinner.
JOSH
What time is the President going to speak tomorrow night?
LEO
He’s not.
WILL
Second-term Presidents always speak on the first night.
LEO
The President’s a unifying figure – we need the party and the country to know he supports our nominee, and he can’t do that until we have one. Moving on … speaking order before the first ballot?
WILL
As the candidate with the most delegates, the Vice President has earned the right to appear -
JOSH
Congressman Santos won almost all of the final primaries.
CLARK
There are three viable candidates, and in the interest of fairness -
WILL
Hoynes isn’t in this thing.
CLARK
We have almost a thousand delegates.
JOSH
Nine-hundred fifty-six isn’t almost a thousand.
WILL
It’s 1677 delegates, we won 25 states, which is why we must, ‘in the interest of fairness,’ be allowed to -
JOSH
Twenty-five small states.
WILL
New York is small? Since when?
JOSH
California, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Illinois, all for Congressman Santos.
LEO
Enough! We’ll flip a coin.
WILL
Well, there are three of us. A coin only has two sides -
LEO
Draw straws, pick a number out of a hat! I don’t care. (beat) Annabeth will be handling podium operations, please clear your speeches four hours before -
WILL
We have to clear our speeches?
LEO
She approves everything that goes on-air until we have a nominee.
WILL
What about our introductory videos? You’re gonna censor those, too?
LEO
No, because there aren’t gonna be any.
ANNABETH
Networks hate ‘em, it’s a free ad for your candidates. And please, limit those speeches to ten minutes. Networks are threatening to cut us off at the two-hour mark, and we’ve gotta get into that second ballot before they switch us to Seinfeld repeats.
LEO
Anything else?
WILL
Yeah, I’d like to talk about staff rooms. Santos’ is closer, we have more delegates -
JOSH
You drew the low card, dude. You lost fair and square.
WILL
Yeah, the candidate with the most delegates ought to have some sort of acknowledgment of that fact -
JOSH (to LEO)
How many ways do you think he’s gonna come up with to work his delegate count into this?
LEO
Hey, hey – hey! Where are you on your Vice Presidential vetting?
JOSH (quietly)
Doing well.
CLARK (almost mumbling)
We’re almost there.
WILL (softly)
I’m fine.
LEO
So, no dramatic, last-minute announcements on the horizon?
JOSH and WILL exchange a quick glance as no one answers LEO.
LEO (standing)
All right. We want a nominee by the end of tomorrow night, gentlemen. We need the party united behind a single candidate. No attacks from the floor or the podium. No nasty squabbling on CNN. This is the week when we pull this party together and show we can lead with integrity and maturity. Okay, the speaking order … rock, paper, scissors, on three.
JOSH, WILL, and CLARK rise and walk over to stand in a circle with LEO.
LEO.
One. Two. Three!
The three representatives throw in their hand signals, as we
CUT TO: INT. - ARENA HALLWAY – DAY
JOSH and NED are leading MATT and HELEN on a walk through one of the entryways of the convention center. Workers are setting up refreshment stands and unloading placards for the candidates.
MATT
Hoynes is speaking last?
JOSH
Paper covers rock. You and Russell were both, you know – rocks.
MATT
Well, if it’s gonna be Baker for VP, why hasn’t Russell announced it?
JOSH
Probably want to put more distance between you turning him down and Baker accepting.
MATT
Till they announce Baker tomorrow?
JOSH
Press conference off-site after the first ballot, Baker and Russell holding hands. Hope it drums up enough Hoynes delegates on the second ballot.
HELEN
Will it? Well, at least I don’t have to give a speech in front of 25,000 people.
NED
More like 25 million. Gotta figure in the television audience.
There is a loud screeching noise as a metal door between the entry hallway and the convention floor slowly rises. JOSH, NED, MATT, and HELEN slowly walk through the doorway, down a passageway between rows of seats, and finally get a look at the arena. It’s still being set up by workmen moving state signs and setting up seats. The four look around in awe.
MATT
Wow.
JOSH
Yeah.
HELEN reaches out with her hand, and MATT takes it in his. The camera moves around the four, as they take in the convention floor, and as MATT and HELEN exchange a look, we
SMASH CUT TO: MAIN TITLES.
END TEASER.
***
ACT ONE
FADE IN: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
The camerawork continues to be nervous and in-motion, as it will be throughout most of the episode. KATE is sitting at CJ’s desk, TOBY is sitting on a side table reading the newspaper, and CHARLIE comes in with some papers for CJ. We hear a news report on TV in the background. CJ is on the phone.
NEWS ANCHOR (on TV)
Two NASA astronauts and one Russian cosmonaut -
CJ (into phone)
I understand your frustration, Mr. Secretary, but I’ve conveyed -
CHARLIE drops the Washington Post on CJ’s desk. The lead story reads ‘Time Running Out For Crew’ with pictures of the three crewmembers on the International Space Station.
CHARLIE (to TOBY)
It is weird out there. It’s like we had a fire drill, and everybody’s still out on the lawn.
CJ (into phone)
Yes, sir. I know, sir.
TOBY
The convention – fire drill without the fire.
KATE (as CJ hangs up)
Hutchinson upset?
CJ
Livid. And Senator Weller’s on his way over here to discuss the situation.
TOBY
Weller’s gonna want to hold hearings.
CJ
Well, he can’t without tacitly acknowledging the thing exists.
TOBY
Secret hearings, then.
CJ
Wouldn’t stay secret for long.
KATE
Not around here, at least.
DEBBIE (opening the door from the Oval Office)
He’s ready. If you own knee pads, maybe an old hockey mask, strap ‘em on. Now.
NEWS ANCHOR (on TV, as they head into the Oval Office)
- roughly three days of oxygen remaining.
CUT TO: INT. - OVAL OFFICE – DAY
CJ, KATE, and TOBY walk up to BARTLET’s desk as he explodes at them.
BARTLET
A national security leak during the Democratic Convention – are we working for the Republicans now? They’re gonna whack us for the security leak, then whack us again for dithering over saving the lives of brave astronauts! I’ve gotten calls from the French, the Russians, the Chinese, even the Lithuanians, irate! Demanding to know if we’re weaponizing space!
DEBBIE (opening the door from the outer office)
Senator Weller is here.
BARTLET (as DEBBIE exits)
Now, I’ve got Weller in the lobby, how much you wanna bet he’s gonna demand I appoint a special prosecutor?
KATE
Sir, as long as we continue to deny its existence, it’s just an unconfirmed story in the New York Times.
BARTLET (to CJ)
Where’s your friend, Greg Brock?
CJ
Sir, I don’t think it would be wise for you -
BARTLET
You better believe Weller’s gonna subpoena him, and he’s gonna ask him who his source was!
CJ
If we pull Brock’s credentials, this will seem bigger than an unfounded rumor, prematurely reported, that -
BARTLET
It’s a federal crime to divulge classified information! You think Weller’s gonna pass up an opportunity to put a high-ranking Democrat behind bars?
CJ
Greg Brock is gonna resist any attempt to compel him to reveal his sources -
BARTLET
Dammit, CJ! I’ve got three men up there trying to take very, very shallow breaths.
There is a quiet moment.
BARTLET
I want this leaker found by us. What about somebody at NASA? Kelwick, maybe -
KATE
No, sir, I can’t imagine -
BARTLET
You don’t have to imagine, ‘cause you’re gonna find out, you and Toby. I want to know who it is in this administration who thinks their opinion of how I should handle this situation matters more than mine. I want a name on this desk by Friday.
CJ
Thank you, Mr. President.
CJ, KATE, and TOBY exit the Oval Office.
CUT TO: INT. - SANTOS WAR ROOM – DAY
DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
DAY ONE – 8:45 AM
Whiteboards with state delegate counts are arrayed around the room. Staffers sit at a table or stand by the window. JOSH is writing on one of the whiteboards.
JOSH
All of Hoynes’ delegates are up for grabs on the second ballot. Arkansas, North Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana – we need another 563 delegates to put us over the top.
JOSH writes a large 563 on the whiteboard and circles it.
NED
Are we gonna be able to hold on to our own delegates on the second ballot?
JOSH (to another staffer)
Chris, I want floor whips with each delegation, updates every 15 minutes – who’s wavering, who needs a carrot, who needs a stick. Nobody goes to the bathroom, we don’t know about it. (to different staffers) Andrew, Alex – keep your people with the Hoynes delegates. (turning to BRAM) Bram - how’s Stanton, any progress?
BRAM
Uh, Hoynes has been on the phone all night telling Georgia to sit tight after the first ballot. He’s spinning a scenario where the convention deadlocks, swings back to him as the voice of experience.
JOSH
Somebody get me a pipe of whatever it is he’s smoking.
RONNA
We’re getting a lot of requests for comment on this leak story.
JOSH
The space station thing?
RONNA
Congressional Republicans are trying to make some rain.
JOSH
No comment. White House can carry the rain water on that one.
NED
If Russell announces Baker as his VP, how do we prevent a stampede to Russell on the second ballot?
JOSH
By getting Hoynes to throw his support behind us.
NED
Why would he do that?
JOSH
Only thing Hoynes would hate more than Matt Santos getting the nomination is Bob Russell getting the nomination.
BRAM
‘Santos – you hate him less.’
JOSH
Look, none of the talking heads thought that we would get this far. It ain’t over till it’s over. That’s it, thank you very much. (as the staffers start to leave) Ronna, you get the delegate breakdown for the Northeast?
RONNA
Yeah.
CUT TO: INT. - STAIRWELL – DAY
JOSH and RONNA are walking up the stairs.
JOSH
You’re looking for stray Atkins delegates ripe for the picking. That is, if they’re not too busy stuffing canapes in their pockets.
RONNA (as they exit into the concourse)
Nice. Can I quote you when we’re trying to get ‘em to vote for us?
They walk through the arena concourse, with delegates and attendees buying refreshments, talking, moving from place to place. A man on stilts wearing an Uncle Sam costume is juggling.
JOSH
They’re only here to grunt and cheer and stomp their feet at every cheap applause line. They’re completely out of step with the voters we need in the fall.
RONNA
Well, they’re gonna pick our nominee.
JOSH
Four years ago, two-thirds of the delegates wanted to cut defense spending. Even Democratic voters don’t want us to touch it. Delegates were split on the death penalty, Democrats favor it two-to-one.
RONNA
You don’t think they’re qualified to do the job?
JOSH
The job as previously constituted was to clap and wave noisemakers for five hours straight.
The two stop at a food stand where JOSH buys hot dogs and waters for them.
RONNA
Sooo, the delegates’ sole purpose is to pick our party’s nominee.
JOSH
Yeah, if you’re leaving out the, uh, part about the little foam hats in the shape of the Hoover Dam, yes.
RONNA
But we selected them with no regard for their ability to perform that job?
JOSH
Yeah. Did I mention that we have a hell of a balloon drop planned for Thursday?
RONNA (with her hot dog and water)
Thank you.
JOSH (walking away)
Be back in an hour.
RONNA
Wait – convention’s gonna start any minute, where are you going?
JOSH
To beg an old friend.
CUT TO: INT. - HOYNES HOTEL SUITE – DAY
JOSH enters as HOYNES comes up to greet him.
HOYNES
Hey, Josh, sorry to keep you waiting -
JOSH (shaking hands)
Nice to see you, sir.
HOYNES
- I got stuck on a call. Want some watered-down coffee or something? I ordered breakfast, but I didn’t get a chance to eat anything.
JOSH
No, thanks.
HOYNES
So, I heard your guy turned Russell down. I would’ve loved to have been a fly on that wall. (laughs) I bet Bob had a heifer, huh? I’m glad you did, that kept me alive. (moving to sit) So, Russell’s gonna announce Baker as his VP tonight, huh?
JOSH (sitting)
That’s the rumor.
HOYNES
Guy’s got a hell of a nerve, floating VPs before he has the nomination. Hubris – ask Odysseus how that worked out.
JOSH
He offer it to you?
HOYNES
Why - are you here to make an offer?
JOSH
No, sir. I’m not.
HOYNES
You know, Larry King’s booker calls my delegates ten times a day, asking who they’re gonna vote for. And you know what they tell her?
JOSH
That they’re voting for you.
HOYNES points at JOSH in agreement.
JOSH
What do you want, sir?
HOYNES
What you got?
JOSH
Bob Russell doesn’t get the nod.
HOYNES
Spoiler?
JOSH
Savior. Save the party from ruin.
HOYNES
You think Matt Santos can beat Arnie Vinick?
JOSH
I know Bob Russell can’t.
HOYNES
But I can.
JOSH
That’s not gonna happen, sir.
HOYNES
Couple of deadlocked ballots, the party faithful are going to panic.
JOSH
Your political life is over.
There is a pause as JOSH looks steadily at HOYNES.
JOSH
It was over the day you resigned the Vice Presidency. I don’t care what they’re saying to Larry King. Your delegates are going to rush to the nearest lifeboat after the first ballot.
HOYNES
Hey, don’t sugarcoat it for me, Josh, I can take it -
JOSH
And there’s not gonna be a Cabinet post or an ambassadorship coming your way, either. Your indiscretion saw to that. (beat) But your years of governmental service, your connections and experience can be invaluable to the party and to the country.
HOYNES
As what, a lobbyist?
JOSH
Party elder. Power broker. (HOYNES scoffs) It’s a role I can guarantee you in a Santos administration, and I doubt that you can say the same about a Russell administration.
HOYNES
So Santos sent you here with nothing.
JOSH
No, he doesn’t know I’m here. You’ve had a long and distinguished career, sir. Wouldn’t you like to see your name just, one more time in the history books without the word ‘scandal’ after it?
CUT TO: INT. - RUSSELL HOTEL SUITE – DAY
WILL is on the phone. DONNA is nearby.
WILL (into phone)
Yeah, I’m still here.
DONNA
Is he in the hotel yet? (beat) He was supposed to be here by now.
WILL (into phone)
Yes, thanks. (a pause as RUSSELL enters the room from behind) Hey, Bill, how was the flight? Great. You guys on your way over?
RUSSELL
Baker here yet?
DONNA
Will’s talking to Hollofson now.
WILL (into phone)
Yeah, sure. (beat) I, I understand, but – (beat) Right. Call you back. (hangs up, then to RUSSELL) Baker wants to talk.
RUSSELL
Again? About what?
WILL
Hollofson didn’t say, said Governor Baker’s been thinking.
RUSSELL
Thinking! The damn balloting starts in two hours!
WILL
I suspect he knows that, sir.
RUSSELL (sighs)
How long till I have to leave for this speech?
DONNA (checking her watch)
Forty minutes.
RUSSELL
All right, let’s get Hamlet over here, see what doth trouble his mind this time.
CUT TO: INT. - SANTOS HOTEL SUITE – DAY
MATT is sitting on the bed, staring into the distance, lost in thought. HELEN is moving around getting ready to leave. We hear a TV newscast in the background – on the screen a graphic reads ‘Brokered Convention Yields No Nominee – Who Will Be The Democratic Nominee? Baker gains momentum before third ballot,’ then switches to ‘VP Contenders Still A Mystery – Russell-Baker Ticket? Convention center geared for DNC kickoff.’
NEWSCASTER (on TV)
- and obviously there’s the regional appeal. Baker comes from a critical swing state. One might say Pennsylvania’s the northeastern tip of the industrial Midwest, and, as governor, he had strong support among exactly the kind of blue collar, lunchpail voters Democrats needed to win to ensure victory -
JOSH (leaning in the doorway)
How’s your speech?
MATT (standing)
Short.
JOSH
Well, people like pith.
MATT
Then they’re gonna love it.
JOSH
I went over the VP list again, you should take another look.
HELEN
Nothing on Russell and Baker?
JOSH
Baker flew in this afternoon.
HELEN
Yeah, they had it on CNN, looked like a papal visit, the fawning masses awaiting a humble blessing.
JOSH
I went to see Hoynes.
MATT and HELEN both look at JOSH.
MATT
You offer him anything?
JOSH
No. I, I asked him to throw his support to you.
MATT
He say no?
JOSH
No.
HELEN
He said yes?
JOSH
No, he’s thinking about it.
BRAM (knocks on door and leans inside)
We need to leave for the convention center, Congressman.
MATT
Okay. (as everyone prepares to leave) He’s thinking about it, huh?
Everyone walks out, with JOSH lingering, watching the TV.
MATT
So, you coming?
JOSH
Yeah, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
As MATT and JOSH leave, we focus back on the TV screen, with ‘VICE PRESIDENT BAKER?’ across the top.
REPORTER (on TV)
- the obvious choice for the leader of the party had stumbled, and at this point Baker may be the only candidate with enough broad-based appeal to -
FADE OUT.
END ACT ONE.
* * *
ACT TWO
FADE IN: INT. - CONVENTION CENTER – NIGHT
DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
DAY ONE – 8:47 PM
We hear the roar of noise from delegates on the convention floor. The leader of the California delegation is at a microphone on the floor, making her announcement.
CALIFORNIA CHAIRWOMAN
Mr. Secretary, the great state of California casts 440 votes for Congressman Matt Santos!
NED is on the floor amid the chaos, talking into a phone with his hand over his other ear.
NED (into phone)
California chair says they’ll stick with us through the second ballot.
We cut to JOSH in the Santos war room, who is on the phone with NED. We cut back and forth from the chaotic noise of the convention floor to the frantic chaos of the war room.
JOSH (into phone)
What about Baker?
CONVENTION SECRETARY (on TV)
Ms. Chairwoman – I have 440 votes -
NED (into phone)
They’re nervous, if the convention starts to move to Russell, they don’t wanna be left behind.
CALIFORNIA CHAIRWOMAN (VO)
Yes, Mr. Secretary.
NED (into phone)
What, I didn’t get that.
JOSH (into phone)
Tell Thurman they stick with us, Matt Santos is gonna make it his life’s work to bring the next generation of fixed-wing fighters to Long Beach.
NED (into phone)
You want me to promise him a defense contract?
JOSH (into phone)
I don’t care if you promise him half the Pentagon budget, just get him to stick with us through the third ballot! (hangs up)
RONNA, holding a phone to her ear, watches JOSH from across the room.
JOSH
Still nothing from Hoynes?
RONNA
No, you want me to try him?
JOSH
No.
COLORADO CHAIRWOMAN (VO, on TV)
The state of Colorado casts 63 votes for our native son, the pride of the Western slope, Colorado’s own Vice President Bob Russell!
JOSH (shouting)
Get me Connecticut!
CUT TO: INT. - TOBY’S OFFICE – NIGHT
TOBY walks out to the bullpen to pick up a paper out of the printer. The convention is on TVs everywhere.
CONVENTION SECRETARY (VO, on TV)
I have 63 votes for Vice President Robert Russell -
KATE walks into the bullpen to talk to TOBY.
KATE
Any surprises?
TOBY
Still on the first ballot.
KATE
You hear Russell’s speech?
TOBY
Yeah …
KATE
It was pretty good.
TOBY (leading KATE back into his office)
Will still has a few teeth left in his head.
KATE
I spoke to the AG, he’s sending over a team of agents in the morning.
TOBY
FBI?
KATE
Yeah, we have to interview over a hundred people, you planning on doing it all by your lonesome with a clipboard and a pencil? They’re gonna start with NASA, DOD, some of my people – I put together a list of West Wing staff who have code word or who might have had access to the information. (she hands TOBY a paper) We don’t have to like it, but the President was very clear. They’re gonna need phone records, fax records, email logs, notes, datebooks -
TOBY
DNA swab? Polygraph?
KATE
It’s a felony. Someone’s gonna end up spending ten years in a federal prison. (looking at TV) Russell announce Baker yet?
TOBY
Not yet.
KATE
Russell-Baker - it’s not a bad ticket.
As KATE leaves, we hear the CONVENTION SECRETARY on the TV.
CONVENTION SECRETARY (VO, on TV)
Mr. Chairman, I have 121 votes -
CUT TO: INT. - RUSSELL’S HOTEL SUITE – NIGHT
The scene picks up at exactly the same spot, with DONNA getting a snack from a table and WILL watching the TV from the sofa.
CONVENTION SECRETARY (on TV)
- for Vice President Robert Russell. Is that correct?
MASSACHUSETTS CHAIRMAN (VO)
That is correct.
CONVENTION SECRETARY (VO)
Thank you.
DONNA (sitting)
Massachusetts? (WILL nods) How much longer?
WILL
Maybe 30 minutes.
DONNA
Then what?
WILL
Then they start the second ballot, and my hairline recedes about three inches.
DONNA (referring to the closed door to the bedroom)
What are they doing in there?
WILL
No idea, but I sure as hell hope they do it fast.
CUT TO: INT. - RUSSELL’S HOTEL BEDROOM – NIGHT
RUSSELL and BAKER are sitting in chairs, talking.
RUSSELL
I’m sorry, Eric, uh … I thought we’d worked all of this out.
BAKER
I’ve had a number of variables to weigh, over the last few days.
RUSSELL
Variables?
BAKER
You wouldn’t believe the calls I’ve been getting. Suggestions, advice. Suddenly everyone has an opinion.
RUSSELL
Want to hear my opinion?
BAKER
Of course.
RUSSELL
You and I will make a hell of a team, with my strength in the Midwest and West and yours in the Northeast – we’re going to give Vinick and Sullivan a hell of a race.
BAKER
That’s not what the polls say.
RUSSELL
Republicans always get a bump from their convention. The polling will come back to earth once the folks hear our message. Let’s put on our jackets and go make an announcement that’ll unite the party and start us on the road to victory this fall, hmm?
BAKER (evenly)
That’s a very attractive offer, Mr. Vice President. It’s very attractive. (beat) Why don’t we both sleep on it, see where we are in the morning?
RUSSELL stares at BAKER, realizing he’s being strung along.
CUT TO: INT. - RUSSELL HOTEL SUITE – NIGHT
The bedroom door opens, and BAKER strides out, followed by RUSSELL.
WILL (as BAKER exits)
What happened?
RUSSELL
He wants to sleep on it.
WILL
Sleep on it, we’ll be on the third or fourth ballot by morning -
RUSSELL
Yeah, and I think he’s aiming to be on it. The son of a bitch doesn’t wanna be VP, he’s gonna try and get nominated from the floor.
CUT TO: INT. - CONVENTION CENTER – NIGHT
LEO comes through a door from the convention floor to a hallway, followed by two TV network executives.
EXECUTIVE 1
My network isn’t going to wait.
EXECUTIVE 2
It is 9:50 on the East Coast.
EXECUTIVE 1
Over an hour of just calling names?
LEO
Democracy in action.
EXECUTIVE 2
More like agriculture in action, like watching grass grow!
LEO
Second ballot won’t be.
EXECUTIVE 1
When’s that gonna start?
LEO
As soon as we finish the first ballot!
EXECUTIVE 2
So look, we’re gonna cut to regular programming, we’re gonna come back after the local news, you’ll just be getting going.
LEO
You don’t think you owe it to the American public to show them -
ANNABETH comes up to LEO. She looks stressed.
LEO
These are public airwaves, the public deserves to see -
EXECUTIVE 2
It’s called cable, and they can deserve it there.
ANNABETH
Leo – we’re getting reports from the floor, somebody’s passing out hundreds of Baker placards.
LEO (to EXECUTIVES)
Think you guys might wanna stay on air to hear Russell announce Baker as his Vice President?
ANNABETH
No – they’re ‘Draft Baker’ signs. I think they’re gonna try to put Baker on the second ballot.
LEO (calling out to the EXECUTIVEs as they turn to rush back to the convention floor)
You wanna cut to Law and Order now, Susan, be my guest.
CUT TO: INT. - SANTOS WAR ROOM – NIGHT
The room is in a frenzy of activity, with multiple staffers on phones or working on keyboards, writing delegate totals on whiteboards.
JOSH (into phone)
Get me Pennsylvania.
MATT and HELEN hurry into the room
MATT
What the hell is happening?
JOSH
Baker’s throwing his hat into the ring.
HELEN
He can do that?
JOSH
He just did. (to RONNA) Where’s Brannigan?
RONNA
His line’s busy.
JOSH
Keep trying.
RONNA
Ed Clark on line six.
JOSH
Not now. (shouting) Someone get the Congressman a phone and a list of delegates, please!
HELEN
Pennsylvania swings to Baker we lose, what, 170 delegates?
JOSH
A hundred and seventy-eight. (yelling) Where in the name of all that is holy is Pennsylvania!
RONNA
Brannigan’s line is still busy.
JOSH slams down his phone, grabs his jacket, and starts to run out of the room.
MATT
Where you going?
JOSH
I’m gonna find the Pennsylvania chair and nail him to a Santos sign!
CUT TO: INT. - CONVENTION CENTER FLOOR – NIGHT
BAKER is being interviewed by some reporters. Behind him is a mass of RUSSELL signs, with one DRAFT BAKER sign being waved around in front of them.
BAKER
I’m not trying to be the savior of the Democratic Party. Frankly, I, I don’t think this is about the Democratic Party, I think it’s about the American citizens.
CUT TO: INT. - RUSSELL WAR ROOM – NIGHT
This is also a beehive of activity, with overlapping voices, people on phones – WILL is revising delegate counts on a whiteboard.
WILL
Santos loses Pennsylvania to Baker, we probably lose Massachusetts, Maryland, Rhode Island.
DONNA
New York?
WILL
Yeah, maybe.
DONNA
Santos lose Florida?
WILL
No, not yet. Hispanic delegates are gonna want to stick by Santos for at least another ballot. That puts us down to 1141.
CUT TO: INT. - CONVENTION FLOOR – NIGHT
BAKER is still talking to the press.
BAKER
Believe me, I’m as surprised as everybody here. It’s quite flattering – but frankly, I’ve always been a guy who’s -
CUT TO: INT. - RUSSELL WAR ROOM – NIGHT
RUSSELL is glued to the TV coverage of BAKER.
BAKER (on TV)
- served this party when asked, if it’s -
WILL (to RUSSELL)
Sir?
BAKER (on TV)
- the will of the delegates that I should be the Presidential nominee -
WILL
Mr. Vice President – Baker’s gonna take most of our delegates in the Northeast.
RUSSELL
How many?
WILL
Five hundred, give or take. Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Washington state – the Hoynes people are gonna be running for cover, I need you on the phones now.
CUT TO: INT. - WHITE HOUSE RESIDENCE SITTING ROOM – NIGHT
BARTLET is sitting in the dark, the glow of the television on his face, as he watches the convention.
BAKER (VO, on TV)
All we need is a united force, and I think that’s what I have to offer as President of the United States.
ABBEY (walking in to join BARTLET)
I thought you were coming to bed. The convention’s still going on?
BARTLET
They haven’t finished the second ballot yet.
ABBEY
What are they doing?
BARTLET
Eating their young.
ABBEY
Baker? Eric Baker? When did he get into this?
BARTLET
About two hours ago.
ABBEY
Hmm.
BARTLET
It’s a free-for-all. (reaching for a phone) I think Aaron Burr’s got 20 votes. (as the line connects, into phone) Yeah, find me Leo McGarry, please.
CUT TO: INT. - SANTOS WAR ROOM – NIGHT
More chaos. MATT is on the phone with someone, as is JOSH. Their voices overlap as the buzz of activity goes on in the background.
MATT (into phone)
Well, that’s not gonna happen.
JOSH (into phone)
Mr. Chairman -
MATT (into phone)
No, absolutely not -
JOSH (into phone)
- I understand, but Baker is not gonna do what Matt Santos is gonna do for New Jersey.
MATT (into phone)
I have been to Illinois ten times in the last two months, can Bob Russell say that?
RONNA (shouting to the room)
Baker got Massachusetts!
JOSH (into phone)
You can’t promise that! Ann … Ann, Ann, you are not gonna be left at the altar, you, you, you’re gonna be wearing satin at the Elvis chapel. (beat) Yes! You won’t regret it. Ann, you won’t regret it, no, you, you won’t, I promise. (hangs up) We still have New Jersey.
HELEN
New Mexico’s okay for now.
MATT
Tennessee’s leaning Baker, but Russell’s working them hard, what about New York?
JOSH
It’s going Baker for sure.
MATT (sighs)
I, I can call Tandy.
JOSH
Uh, Tan, Tandy isn’t running it, Ernie Gambelli is.
HELEN
Who’s Gambelli?
MATT
He’s with the teachers’ union.
HELEN
Oh, God.
MATT
Uh, North Carolina?
JOSH
Somebody get me Pete Collins!
CUT TO: INT. - CONVENTION FLOOR – NIGHT
The New York chairman, ERNIE GAMBELLI, is at the microphone on the floor. We see more DRAFT BAKER signs appearing in the background.
GAMBELLI
Mr. Secretary, New York casts 284 votes for Governor Eric Baker.
CUT TO: INT. - RUSSELL WAR ROOM – NIGHT
Everyone is on a phone; WILL, DONNA, and RUSSELL.
WILL (into phone)
All due respect, sir, John Hoynes is no longer in the race. Bob Russell has always been a friend to the mine workers -
RUSSELL (into phone)
Did you look at Eric Baker’s record on -
DONNA (into phone)
- he absolutely supports retaliatory action on foreign dumping -
RUSSELL (into phone, as WILL hangs up his)
You don’t know a damn thing about what he’d do as President -
DONNA (to WILL)
Tennessee?
WILL
Maybe.
RUSSELL (hanging up)
We got Mississippi. Where are we?
WILL
Uh, we lost 536, picked up 285. Santos lost 236, hasn’t picked any up. Baker got our 536, 178 from Santos. Looks like he’s gonna get another six or seven states from Hoynes.
RUSSELL
So we’re still in first.
WILL
Yeah, but not by much.
RUSSELL
Hey, we’re still breathing.
DONNA (putting down a cell phone)
Leo McGarry wants to see us.
CUT TO: INT. - CONVENTION CENTER BACK HALL – NIGHT
LEO is meeting with the candidates and their representatives.
LEO
We’re gonna be deadlocked on the second ballot. It’s 3:00 am on the East Coast. Networks want us to recess, start the third ballot tomorrow evening in prime time. I think they’re right, we’re not getting anywhere tonight.
BAKER
Will we have a chance to address the delegates tomorrow? Some of us haven’t done that yet.
LEO
Yes. So, we’re agreed, then? The President is flying out tomorrow, hoping to address the convention on Wednesday when we have our nominee. And please, gentlemen, we need a nominee, so please, somebody talk to somebody and figure this mess out before the President gets here and is forced to pick sides. One night of this is entertaining. Two nights, we look like idiots.
As LEO walks away, we hear the CONVENTION SECRETARY listing the totals on TV in the background.
CONVENTION SECRETARY (VO, on TV)
Matt Santos has 1363 votes. Governor Eric Baker has 1341 votes. Vice President John Hoynes has 102 votes. As 2162 votes are required to nominate, Mr. Chairman, we do not have a nominee.
The candidates and representatives drift away as the meeting breaks up. HOYNES is left alone, sitting at the table, silently and sadly contemplating his failure. JOSH looks at him.
FADE OUT.
END ACT TWO.
* * *
ACT THREE
FADE IN: INT. - WHITE HOUSE FOYER – DAY
TOBY and KATE are standing in the foyer as a group of FBI agents walk briskly through the door.
TOBY
They always come in twos, like they just got off the ark?
KATE
They need two, so one can serve as a witness for the other.
TOBY
A witness?
KATE
Lying to an FBI agent’s a federal crime, to convict, you gotta have a witness.
KATE shakes hands with one of the agents as they come up to TOBY and KATE.
KATE
Special Agent Hansen, Kate Harper. (nodding to TOBY) Toby Ziegler.
HANSEN
Sir.
KATE
This way, please.
As KATE leads the FBI agents down the hall, the camera moves into the Oval Office, where SECRETARY HUTCHINSON and CJ are meeting with BARTLET.
HUTCHINSON
NASA maintenance has been working around the clock, but they’re still two weeks away from either of their civilian shuttles being ready to launch.
CJ
Commander Harper will be in as soon as she can.
HUTCHINSON
Air Force Space Command can launch from Vandenberg at 2100 hours tomorrow night. They rendezvous with the station, make the repairs, and leave the astronauts there until NASA can get a shuttle up to get them.
CJ
And what do we tell the press?
HUTCHINSON
That they were able to make the repairs themselves.
CJ
And the Russian?
There is a knock at the door and DEBBIE leans inside.
DEBBIE
Uh, Marine One is waiting, sir.
BARTLET
Thank you. (as DEBBIE exits) When do I have to give the go?
HUTCHINSON
If you don’t launch tomorrow - we can’t get there in time.
BARTLET considers this information.
CUT TO: INT. - CONVENTION CENTER HALL – DAY
DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
DAY TWO - 6:35 AM
Security walks through the halls and workers are heard in the background as a man tosses JOHN HOYNES signs into a dumpster. A man is slumped on a desk along the wall, sleeping.
CUT TO: INT. - RUSSELL WAR ROOM – DAY
WILL is standing alone, looking over the delegate counts on the whiteboards. The morning light floods through the window. We hear a news report on the TV as DONNA enters, carrying two cups of coffee.
NEWSCASTER (VO, on TV)
At the Republican National Convention in 1948, Senator Robert Taft’s campaign -
DONNA
Where’d the Vice President go?
WILL (hoarsely)
He went to the hotel to try and sleep.
DONNA
What happened to your voice?
WILL
I think it was screaming at Dave Wilson for about an hour. Maybe it was yelling at Steve Kent. Feel like I just re-recorded Rod Stewart’s back catalogue.
DONNA
Indiana?
WILL (nodding)
Yeah. Michigan is wavering.
WILL grunts as he and DONNA sink into chairs. They watch the TV as DONNA prepares her coffee.
WILL
Told Roth we’d double the state’s Superfund cleanup sites, stump like crazy for down-ticket races, even hinted at a sub-Cabinet appointment. Baker’s picking up momentum too fast, I don’t know if we can make it to the fourth ballot.
DONNA
Maybe we should reapproach Josh about the VP spot. Russell-Santos might be looking pretty good about now.
WILL
Maybe Josh should approach us. Santo-Russell’s looking pretty good to me about now.
CUT TO: INT. - SANTOS WAR ROOM – DAY
We see a closeup of a whiteboard showing the list of delegates for Baker. Phones are ringing in the background. JOSH is sitting in a chair, clutching a telephone close to his chest, staring ahead into the distance. RONNA enters,with coffee and a bag of food.
RONNA
Hey. I thought you were going back to the hotel for a shower. Uh, CNN called – they want to set up a debate with the Congressman, Russell, and Baker for this afternoon. Live, on air.
JOSH (groggily)
Why would we do that?
JOSH puts the telephone down on a desk and sits up in his chair.
JOSH
Hey. (tossing a wad of paper at a sleeping NED) Hey. (NED looks up) We can’t win - without the teachers. Pennsylvania’s gone, Baker’s picking up steam down south. Russell’s got us boxed in out West. We get the teachers, we get New York, most of New England, maybe even Ohio, too.
BRAM
Teachers’ unions hate us.
JOSH
I got to get Gambelli.
NED
You’ll never get Gambelli.
JOSH (looking at BRAM)
Is that a clean shirt? Gimme.
BRAM stands and he and JOSH start unbuttoning their shirts.
JOSH
Start calling every one of our state delegations again.
BRAM
They’re probably still sleeping.
JOSH
Well, wake ‘em up. New Jersey first, Ann Matlock was getting hinky.
BRAM (handing his shirt to JOSH)
And tell her what?
JOSH (putting on BRAM’s shirt)
Tell her they stick with us, this time next year there’ll be a whole lot of people at the Department of Interior humming ‘Thunder Road.’
NED
We’re gonna start offering jobs for delegate votes now?
JOSH
What do you want, a handful of cranky delegates on the Farm Service payroll, or all of us doing primary research on Delaware welfare reform? Get dialing.
CUT TO: INT. - HOTEL ROOM – DAY
JOSH is meeting with GAMBELLI.
GAMBELLI
Teachers for Matt Santos, you kidding me?
JOSH
Ernie -
GAMBELLI
Eleven percent of the delegates are from teachers’ unions.
JOSH
Yeah, look -
GAMBELLI
Teachers’ unions are to the Democratic Party what Bibles and bunting are to the Republicans; essential, non-negotiable.
JOSH
Ernie, we’ve known each other a long time -
GAMBELLI
So what the hell makes you think you can come in here and ask for our help when Matt Santos wants to end teacher tenure?
JOSH
Our school system’s in crisis. We’ve got teachers who aren’t trained in the subjects they teach. We’ve got teachers who are only showing up to pick up a check.
GAMBELLI
Raise salaries, you can recruit better people.
JOSH
So you’re admitting some teachers can be better.
GAMBELLI
I’m admitting their salaries can be better.
JOSH
Santos wants higher salaries, he wants more teacher training.
GAMBELLI
We’re all for that.
JOSH
With nothing in return?
GAMBELLI
You were using us as a political punching bag. Grab a few quick editorials while you were trying to suck in enough oxygen to make it through New Hampshire.
JOSH
There is pressure for change, Ernie, and not just from editorials. We can work together. We can raise pay and raise standards at the same time, and it’ll stop something more drastic, more punitive -
GAMBELLI
Than ending teacher tenure?
JOSH
Than doing it with nothing in return, which’ll be Vinick’s tack when he whips Russell in the fall! Santos can give Vinick a run for his money in California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, Bob Russell can’t, Eric Baker can’t.
GAMBELLI
Well, since we’re talking about something in return, you want a single one of our teacher delegates to support Santos, get him to drop this crazy assault on teacher tenure. And get him to do it today.
CUT TO: INT. - CJ’S OFFICE – DAY
CJ is zipping up a suitcase. TOBY is there.
TOBY
Thought you were on Air Force One with the President.
CJ
Catching a flight this afternoon. You finish his speech?
TOBY
Yeah. Gave up trying to tailor it to a nominee, one size fits all, insert name here. (handing a folder to CJ) If they can find someone who isn’t ‘a bold fighter for America’s families,’ I’ll buy every delegate in the place a whiskey sour.
CJ
You need to start on a couple of POTUS speeches for Friday.
TOBY
Space station?
CJ
NASA can’t get the shuttle up in time for a rescue.
TOBY
What about the Pentagon?
There is a knock at the door and NANCY appears.
NANCY
The FBI is ready for you in the Roosevelt Room.
CJ
I’ll be right in.
TOBY
You gonna take a lawyer?
CJ
I don’t need a lawyer.
TOBY
You should take one, get one from Counsel’s office.
CJ
I’ll be fine.
TOBY (as CJ heads for the door)
You said a couple of statements?
CJ
One if the President decides to save them, one if he doesn’t.
CJ leaves as TOBY watches her go.
CUT TO: INT. - SANTOS WAR ROOM – DAY
BRAM is standing by a fax machine as JOSH enters.
RONNA
You find Gambelli?
JOSH
Yeah, he’s not budging.
NED
Indiana and Michigan are going for Baker, it’s all over CNN.
BRAM is reading whatever came over the fax, and he turns and moves quickly to JOSH.
RONNA
Is it over?
BRAM
Josh. (handing the fax to JOSH) You should take a look at this.
JOSH looks down at the fax.
CUT TO: INT. - SANTOS HOTEL SUITE – DAY
JOSH enters the room, as MATT is talking on the phone.
MATT (into phone)
Ah, no, thanks, Gil. Really. I, I appreciate it. (beat) Bye. (hangs up) Did you tell Ned to offer New Jersey delegates federal jobs?
JOSH
Did you, hear the rumors about Baker’s wife?
MATT
Do we know if these people are even remotely qualified? Do they even have high school diplomas?
JOSH
We’re not violating any laws.
MATT
Avoiding prosecution isn’t the standard that I was shooting for.
JOSH
You think none of the young turks working on our campaign staff are doing it because they want jobs? Think none of your donors are gonna want a meeting on the lifting on some trade embargo that’d make them millions of dollars?
MATT (walking away)
What about Baker’s wife?
JOSH
The rumors, have you heard them?
MATT
The depression? It’s like the gay brother and the illegitimate child, every politician gets these rumors. They come with the orientation kit.
JOSH
Not every politician gets hospital admittance records to go with it.
JOSH hands MATT the fax.
JOSH
Dotty Baker was admitted twice for clinical depression.
MATT
Where’d you get this?
JOSH
Came in over the fax. Look, I don’t think depression’s anything to be ashamed of, but there’s a reason we make Presidents disclose the illegitimate kids, these guys are susceptible to blackmail.
MATT
And you want me to do the blackmailing?
JOSH
You’ve been in 40 primaries, you’ve been vetted by the public and the press, maybe people oughta get a crack at Baker, too.
MATT (with an edge)
His wife isn’t running for anything.
JOSH
She gets to live in the building. Be all kinds of classified information sitting on her end table.
MATT (spinning on JOSH)
Oh, we’re afraid that’s she’s gonna sell ‘em for some Zoloft on the corner of 16th and D?
JOSH
You want this to come out today or two days from now when he’s our nominee?
MATT
I’m not doing it.
JOSH
President Bartlet didn’t reveal his MS during the campaign. Another hidden illness plays right into the Republican -
MATT
I am not doing it!
JOSH, frustrated, turns to leave, then turns back to MATT.
JOSH
I went to see Ernie Gambelli, would you rather flip-flop on teacher tenure, ‘cause we are one nail in the coffin away from dead.
MATT stares at JOSH, then turns and picks up the phone. JOSH turns and exits.
CUT TO: INT. - HOTEL HALLWAY – DAY
WILL and DONNA step out of an elevator. WILL is holding his own copy of the medical records information.
WILL
She’s been on antidepressants for seven years, he never mentioned it when we vetted him for VP.
DONNA
Is he supposed to mention every Advil she took in the statehouse?
WILL
It’s Bartlet’s MS all over again.
DONNA
We can’t leak this, it’s clinging to 18th century stereotypes of mental illness. Why not attack her for having consumption?
WILL (as they reach the door outside RUSSELL’s suite)
It’s not the depression, it’s his failure to disclose it.
DONNA
Will, this isn’t a quick hit on some 15-year-old piece of telecom legislation. It’s a brutal character assault on a man’s wife for an eight-hour story that’ll be over by tomorrow night.
WILL
We’re not trying to be judge and jury, we get it out there, let the delegates decide how important it is.
DONNA
Don’t do this. The Vice President will do it if you tell him to. Please.
WILL (conflicted)
Eight hours keeps us alive through another ballot.
WILL goes into RUSSELL’s suite, leaving DONNA in the hall.
CUT TO: INT. - BAKER’S HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT
BAKER and his wife are sitting on the sofa, watching TV coverage of the convention, stonefaced. The graphic on the screen reads ‘Democrats Deadlocked after three votes.’
ANCHOR (on TV)
So after the third ballot, the Democrats are still deadlocked. How much impact do you think today’s revelations about Dorothy Baker’s mental health had on her husband’s bid to capture the nomination?
REPORTER (on TV)
It must have had some, because six hours ago, it seemed as if we were headed for a Baker coronation. But this wasn’t so much -
BAKER’s wife uneasily gets up and leaves the room. BAKER remains sitting in front of the TV, looking grim.
CUT TO: INT. - CONVENTION FLOOR – NIGHT
We see the REPORTER on the floor, giving her report in front of the camera, as delegates wave signs and flags with patriotic music playing.
REPORTER
- about her mental health, as about his failure to disclose it. Having avoided the rigorous vetting process in the primary elections, voters can’t help but wonder, what else is Baker hiding?
CUT TO: INT. - CONVENTION CENTER BACK HALLWAY – EARLY MORNING
DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
DAY THREE - 7:28 AM
JOSH is sitting on the floor, his back against the wall. The center is now mostly empty and dark, with workmen moving items around. LEO walks up to JOSH.
LEO
Josh. (there is no response; louder) Josh! (JOSH looks up) When’s the last time you slept in a bed? Overnight ratings came in … fifty-two million last night. (getting a folding chair, sitting next to JOSH) Who knew, if we set our hair on fire and jumped up and down people would actually tune in to watch.
There is a pause as LEO settles in his chair, JOSH sitting on the floor despondently.
LEO
You done good, kid.
JOSH
The President?
LEO
Yeah. He’s gotta put a stop to this.
JOSH
Aw, one more primary … we would’ve had it. Peaked a little late, I guess. He’s … not gonna do it just because I say so, Leo. He’s his own man.
LEO
And here I thought I found the last one.
A long shot of the two sitting together in the dim light of early morning, and
FADE OUT.
END ACT THREE.
* * *
ACT FOUR
FADE IN: INT. - CONVENTION CENTER – DAY
It is still morning. Workers are continuing to set up the floor for the day’s events. MATT is sitting in one of the arena seats, contemplating things, as LEO walks up behind him, sitting on a seat armrest.
LEO
It’s incredible, isn’t it? (MATT nods silently) You ever think you’d get this far?
MATT
Honestly? No, I didn’t.
LEO (beat)
You have to quit, Congressman. We have to unite behind a candidate. Four times as many people will be watching tonight as watched Vinick at the Republican convention, we need these last days to put our message before the American people.
MATT
You think either of them can beat Vinick in the fall?
LEO
Who knows. But you step aside for the good of the party, people won’t forget. The President and I won’t let them.
A long pause as MATT looks out over the arena.
MATT
Will I have a chance to address the convention again?
LEO
Of course.
LEO stands and walks slowly up the steps, leaving MATT alone in the nearly empty arena.
CROSSFADE TO: INT. - BARTLET HOTEL SUITE – DAY
We start with a closeup of BARTLET gazing out the window. CJ, LEO, and ABBEY are behind him in the suite.
BARTLET
So is he going to step aside?
LEO
I think so.
ABBEY
For Baker or Russell?
LEO
He’s hard to read.
CJ
A sitting VP should’ve kicked ass in the primaries. Vinick’s gonna mop up the floor with Russell in November.
BARTLET
VPs are famous but unknown. He’ll do better once he’s outside my shadow.
CJ
Speaker forced you to nominate Russell ‘cause he knew Russell couldn’t win a general.
ABBEY
Baker’s a strong candidate. This thing with his wife will blow over.
CJ
Isn’t it time you picked the successor you want, Mr. President? Should you really be leaving this up to someone else?
CROSSFADE TO: INT. - CONVENTION CENTER – NIGHT
MATT is standing backstage, preparing to take the podium for his speech to the delegates, lost in thought. We hear an ANNOUNCER introducing him in the background.
ANNOUNCER (VO)
- a decorated fighter pilot, a Marine, and a proud graduate of America’s Air Force Academy, a man who understands the military -
DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
DAY THREE – 8:35 PM
As the ANNOUNCER continues his introduction, JOSH walks slowly up to MATT.
ANNOUNCER (VO)
- and will keep us strong. As the former mayor of Houston, a man who built bridges across different races and religious faiths -
JOSH
Sure you don’t want me to take a look at the speech?
MATT (smiling)
I’m fine.
JOSH
I’m pretty good at it.
MATT
Josh …
The two smile at each other.
MATT
It’s been a great ride.
JOSH
What do you say we try it again sometime?
MATT
You just pick up the phone. I’ll be there.
ANNOUNCER (VO)
Ladies and gentlemen, from the great state of Texas, Congressman Matthew Santos!
The crowd cheers. JOSH steps back from MATT. As MATT turns and heads for the stage, he pulls HELEN aside for a moment. They look deep into each other’s eyes, with small smiles playing about their faces. MATT walks onstage, and we see a hectic montage of cheering delegates, waving signs, shots of TV screens. We move backstage where JOSH, NED, and RONNA are intently watching televisions. HELEN slowly walks up to join them.
CUT TO: INT. - CONVENTION CENTER STAGE – NIGHT
MATT tries to quiet the crowd, thanking them multiple times. As they start to settle down and return to their seats, MATT begins his address.
MATT
You know, I’d hoped to be standing here tonight … under very different circumstances.
Our view changes from the podium, to JOSH and the others watching on TV, to shots of delegates onscreen listening to MATT, and back to the stage.
MATT
And I have been asked by people that I respect to take this opportunity to support one of the other fine candidates who have made this race with me -
Many delegates in the crowd react with boos and cries of ‘No!’ There’s a shot of BARTLET in his suite, along with ZOEY, ABBEY, LEO, and others, watching the speech on TV.
MATT
- to help decide who our nominee will be. (CUT TO MATT onstage) But I can’t do that.
The crowd cheers again. We see LEO watching in something like surprise.
MATT (on TV)
I can’t do that, because it’s not my place to decide who our nominee should be.
Back to MATT live onstage.
MATT
That decision is yours and yours alone.
The crowd cheers raucously. JOSH and HELEN continue to watch.
MATT
You know, there’s been a great deal made today of Governor Baker’s decision, not to disclose his wife’s minor medical condition.
Now we see WILL, RUSSELL, and BAKER backstage, intently watching the TV screens.
MATT (VO)
Many believe that he should have, but I don’t believe Governor Baker failed to disclose it because he was ashamed or embarrassed.
Now HELEN, JOSH, NED, and RONNA watching.
MATT (VO)
I think he didn’t disclose it (back to MATT onstage) because we’re the hypocrites, not the Bakers. Because we’re all broken – every single one of us – and yet we pretend that we’re not. We all live lives of imperfection, and yet we cling to this, fantasy that there’s a perfect life and that our leaders should embody it -
We focus on a close shot of HELEN and JOSH, glued to the speech.
MATT (VO)
- but if we expect our leaders to live on some higher moral plane than the rest of us, -
Back to the BARTLET’s suite, with MATT appearing on the TV screen.
MATT (on TV)
- well, we’re just asking to be deceived.
The crowd cheers. Back to the Convention Center stage.
MATT
Now, it’s been suggested to me this week that I should try to buy your support with jobs, and the promise of access. It’s been suggested to me, that party unity is more important than your democratic rights as delegates.
The delegates begin to roar. A chant of ‘Santos, Santos’ starts to build. We see HELEN turn away from the TV screens and walk away to a TV screen nearer to the stage.
MATT
That’s right, it’s not – and you have a decision to make. Don’t vote for us because you think we’re perfect.
JOSH joins HELEN at this different TV screen.
MATT
Don’t vote for us because of what we might be able to do for you only. Vote for the person who shares your ideals – your hopes – your dreams.
In the BARTLET suite, BARTLET, ZOEY, and ABBEY are watching the speech with smiles of appreciation.
MATT (on TV)
Vote for the person who most embodies what you believe we need to keep our nation strong and free. And when you have done that, -
Back to the podium.
MATT
- you can go back to Seattle, and Boston, to Miami, to Omaha, to Tulsa and Chicago and Atlanta with your head held high, and say, ‘I am a member of the Democratic Party’!
The crowd of delegates is going wild. Flags and SANTOS signs are waved about madly. The ‘Santos, Santos’ chant grows stronger. HELEN turns around from the TV screen and looks JOSH straight in the face. She gives a satisfied smile and walks away. JOSH can’t help but smile in return.
CUT TO: INT. - BARTLET HOTEL SUITE – NIGHT
We see MATT on TV as he receives the accolades of the crowd. A NEWSCASTER reports on the speech.
NEWSCASTER (VO, on TV)
From Matt Santos, an unexpected defense of a vanquished rival.
BARTLET (to LEO)
See if you can find Josh, huh?
NEWSCASTER (VO, on TV, as LEO nods)
Manna from the heavens for these delegates -
CUT TO: INT. - HOTEL HALLWAY – NIGHT
An elevator opens and JOSH and GAMBELLI step out.
GAMBELLI
This is a waste of time. He’s virtually anti-teacher. Making me sit down with your guy isn’t going to change my mind -
JOSH (reaching the door of a hotel suite)
Who said you were sitting down with my guy?
GAMBELLI notices the Secret Service agent standing by the door, and another across the hall, as JOSH knocks.
JOSH (opening the door)
Mr. President? You remember Ernie Gambelli, from the teachers’ union?
GAMBELLI stands in the doorway in shock as he sees BARTLET awaiting him inside.
BARTLET
Please.
GAMBELLI (entering, shaking hands)
How do you do, sir?
CUT TO: INT. - CONVENTION FLOOR – NIGHT
GAMBELLI is announcing New York’s delegate votes to the CONVENTION SECRETARY.
GAMBELLI
Mr. Secretary, New York casts 284 votes for Congressman Matt Santos!
CUT TO: INT. - CONVENTION CENTER BACK HALLWAY – NIGHT
LEO is tidying up, gathering up papers and notes from the table. TVs in the background carry the convention. We hear some of the coverage as JOSH walks into the room.
SECRETARY (VO, on TV)
Mr. Chairman, I have 284 votes for Congressman Matthew Santos, is that correct?
LEO
Hey, what are you doing here? You oughta be down on the floor, celebrating with your guys.
JOSH
We still gotta line up a VP.
LEO (as JOSH sits)
You ask Baker?
JOSH
Yeah, he begged off. (sighs) Doesn’t wanna put his wife through it.
LEO (still going through folders)
I’m guessing Russell isn’t on the short list.
JOSH
That was a non-starter with the Congressman.
LEO
Want me to help you work up a list?
JOSH
No, we’ve got it narrowed down to the guy we want. I’m just, not sure if he’s gonna accept.
LEO
You want the President to pick up the phone, push your guy along?
JOSH
I called the President. He told me he’d kick the guy’s ass all over the schoolyard if it came to that.
LEO (grinning, chuckling)
So, who is it?
JOSH
You.
JOSH stands up and walks away. LEO is left dumbstruck, staring after him in confusion, as we hear the announcement on TV.
SECRETARY (VO, on TV)
- and Congressman Matthew Santos with 2751 votes!
CUT TO: INT. - TOBY’S OFFICE – NIGHT
TOBY and KATE are watching TV coverage of the convention.
SECRETARY (VO, on TV)
We now have a nominee! (crowd roars with approval)
KATE
You think Santos stands a chance against Vinick in the fall?
TOBY
He’s gonna get killed.
KATE (closing the door)
It wasn’t Kelwick.
TOBY
Who?
KATE
From NASA. He wasn’t the leak. Nobody over there was. Too many of the technical details were wrong.
TOBY
You didn’t have to close the door to tell me that.
KATE
No. The FBI thinks it came from inside the West Wing. They have a theory. (beat) One you’re not going to like.
CUT TO: INT. - CONVENTION CENTER BACKSTAGE – NIGHT
ABBEY is primping BARTLET’s tie and suit as he prepares to speak to the convention.
ABBEY
You all right?
BARTLET
I’m okay today. Really.
They exchange a peck on the lips as we hear the ANNOUNCER with his introduction.
ANNOUNCER (VO)
- unparalleled leadership toward a strong and free America. Friends, fellow Democrats, -
BARTLET walks to the edge of the stage, where LEO stands next to him. They face opposite directions, silently.
ANNOUNCER (VO)
- it is an honor to introduce to you the man at the heart of all this extraordinary achievement for ordinary Americans – our President, our Commander, still the leader of our Democratic Party, President Josiah Bartlet!
The applause grows as BARTLET walks onstage. LEO turns to watch him.
CUT TO: INT. - RUSSELL WAR ROOM – NIGHT
DONNA and WILL sit in chairs, watching the coverage. JOSH starts handing out bottles of beer. He gives one to WILL, one to DONNA, and sits.
BARTLET (on TV)
Thank you. It has been an honor to serve you for the past eight years -
The crowd begins to chant ‘Four more years! Four more years!’ BARTLET laughs.
BARTLET (on TV)
And now it gives me a great pleasure to introduce to you the leaders of our party, and the next President and Vice President of these United States, Matthew Vincente Santos and Leo Thomas McGarry!
The crowd roars again as MATT and LEO step onstage, holding their hands high. Scenes of celebration, jubilation, HELEN and the Santos children onstage with MATT, balloons dropping over the convention crowd.
CUT TO: INT. - VINICK’S OFFICE – NIGHT
The camera pans down to VINICK’s face, as he watches the convention on TV. He stands, takes off his glasses, and turns to his staff.
VINICK
Okay. Let’s go win this thing.
DISSOLVE TO: END TITLES.
FADE TO BLACK.
THE END.
* * *
The West Wing and all its characters are properties of Aaron Sorkin, John Wells Productions, Warner Brothers Television, and NBC. No copyright infringement is intended.
The West Wing Transcript
Episode 6x22 – 2162 Votes
Original Airdate: April 6, 2005
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