Émission TV: The West Wing - 7x9
Previously on The West Wing: NSC just got a call.
There's a China-Russia-Kazakhstan thing.
When are you thinking about having the wedding?
As soon as possible.
Tarimov has strong Russian ties.
He killed China's oil deal and China's pissed.
You know, you can fire as many of us grunts as you want.
But you wanna know why this campaign is floundering, look in the mirror.
What's likely is that China is massing troops on the border of Kazakhstan.
Worst case, two nuclear powers are positioning themselves to engage...
...in an armed conflict over oil.
Dad, you're not really going to sing along.
I thought I had a solo.
Or tell jokes.
None?
After the ceremony.
Short ones.
Preferably not during the toast.
I have to give a toast?
Dad.
Turn to face the bride.
Now you lift the veil.
Give her a kiss.
Walk over here.
And sit.
Kind of far from the action, isn't it?
You're not performing the ceremony.
I wasn't asked to.
Sir, I'm sorry to interrupt.
That's quite all right.
He was about to go into his Spencer Tracy routine.
There's been an escalation in Kazakhstan.
We picked up three Russian military convoys heading for the border.
I'm gonna need to step out.
Well, my apologies, everyone.
I'm afraid I'll have to meet you all at dinner.
Don't slip away, young lady.
We need to practice our dance.
Father.
I told them you were busy.
Yeah.
I hear there's a rehearsal dinner tonight.
Swanky affair.
President of the United States is supposed to show.
He's got 15 minutes.
So now the Russians are invading?
Just got off the phone with State.
The Russians say...
...the Kazakh president requested advisers.
Advisers with AK-47s and riot gear?
Pretty much.
President Tarimov's nervous, with the Chinese at the border...
...and his people ready to storm the palace.
Not nervous enough to reschedule elections.
The Chinese seeing what we're seeing?
Chinese won't enter unprovoked but if the convoys cross the border...
Debbie.
Thirty-eight seconds.
Nice work, commander.
I'm gonna need the Russian ambassador, the Chinese ambassador and my wife.
Probably not in that order.
Yes, Mr.
Ambassador, but if we could focus on...
Yes, Yuri.
Yes, it should be a lovely affair but...
But listen, if those convoys enter Kazakhstan...
No, I'm not sure who's doing the flower arrangements.
Mr.
President, I hate to interrupt.
Secretary Hutchinson is on the other line.
Thank you, C.J.
Yuri, you'll communicate my concerns to President Chigorin?
Yes, we'll speak later.
Thank you.
Flower arrangements?
He's stalling.
Where are the convoys?
Thirty miles from the border.
Pakistan issued a statement: Chinese interference in Central Asia is not tolerated.
You want the Chinese ambassador?
Get him on the phone.
Hey.
Just wanna give you guys a heads-up.
Governor Baker has decided to join us at tomorrow's rally.
We added a half-hour.
What about the wedding?
The congressman should have time to get to the White House.
Have you seen the Zogby poll?
Yes.
Six weeks to go, you're still seven points down, concerned?
Today in Jersey, we got a four-point bump from the debate.
The Economist said a Santos presidency may be the best...
...for race relations since the Civil Rights Act.
I'd say we're gaining ground.
You haven't been within five points of Vinick in a month.
We're more focused on the state polls.
A senior Democrat is saying...
...it's time to shake things up.
He should look at a map, do the electoral math.
This race is tighter than you think.
We wanna go dark in Arizona?
We picked up two points there.
Trailing by seven.
Can we pull the money from anywhere?
Vinick's challenging us.
He has California, we have to sweep Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida.
Put every available dollar in those states.
We've cut all we can out of the places where we're actually competitive.
Okay.
Move the ad money from Arizona into Houston and Miami.
We done with the bloodletting?
We go dark in Washington, Maine, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona.
These 12 are still in play.
I'll try to catch my kids before they go sleep.
Good night, sir.
Good night.
Leo?
You have to narrow down the board eight years ago?
Sure.
Six weeks out, only so much in the war chest.
Gotta manage your resources.
Feels like we're closing a lot of doors here.
Good strategy always does.
Yes, of course, Mr.
Ambassador, but...
We've been over this.
It's three convoys.
They're not invading.
Yes, but as I've said, if...
If the Chinese army enters the country...
Yes, I'll convey your thoughts.
Yes, you too, Yahlin.
Thank you.
How long before the convoys reach Kazakhstan?
Actually, they've stopped, a few miles from the border.
Are they refueling or pitching tents?
Hard to know.
I'm gonna go with tents.
I want a full briefing in the morning.
Yes, sir.
Lf those convoys start moving again...
Yeah.
Good night.
Good night.
Want me to follow up with Berryhill?
No, I got it.
All right, if l...?
Yeah.
No, wait a minute.
The Chinese ambassador's coming.
Okay.
Who is he sitting with?
Hopefully not the Russians.
State eyeballed the seating chart, right?
One of Berryhill's deputies.
Weeks ago.
I should take a look.
Yeah.
Philadelphia fundraising totals and the changes to tomorrow's schedule.
Thanks.
Sign off on those before you leave.
Yeah.
Five states dark.
Lots of guys will have trouble getting Democrats to the polls if we jump ship.
We're not gonna be popular.
New numbers before we go public?
Sure.
We'll want local press from South Jersey and the Philly suburbs?
Thanks, Edie.
Got the photo op with the governor?
Santos, Baker and a cheese steak.
Make it a hoagie.
Advance said get a cheese steak.
Trust me, make it a hoagie.
Press is a little antsy.
Tell them national polls are meaningless.
Staff's antsy too.
You've been behind doors since we got to Philly.
Killer game of Boggle.
Since we got to Philly.
There's a rumor we're pulling out of Arizona.
I need you to kill that rumor.
Because we're moving money to Illinois?
Josh?
Joshua.
We just picked up five points in Illinois.
What?
Illinois tracking poll.
We're down by nine points.
Not anymore.
Let me see.
What's going on?
Down four in Illinois.
Really?
We barely spent any money.
Call you back.
Could be a mistake.
Rerun this in the morning.
Must be the Trib.
The endorsement put us within four?
Four points.
The state's in play.
We need a big media buy.
Huge.
Maybe a swing through Chicago this week.
Twenty-one electoral votes.
Close a door, open a roof.
I'm thinking a 1500 rating points buy?
Maybe 2000?
Where are we gonna get the money?
Nice of you to drop by.
I missed dinner.
Only by an hour and a half.
Don't worry.
Ellie had a wonderful time.
I, on the other hand, was stuck in the corner with Vic's uncle.
The botanist.
You would have liked him.
I'm getting too old for this job.
Really?
It was their relatives, who we don't particularly know...
...and our relatives, who we don't particularly like.
Oh, they understood.
The Faisons were so busy playing host, they barely noticed.
Although we did decide on Uncle Norman as a possible stand-in for you tomorrow.
A stand-in?
Worst-case scenario.
Uncle Norman?
He is a bit of a tippler but he's reliably punctual when there's an open bar.
You'll have time to practice the dance with Ellie before the wedding.
I'll find her tomorrow.
Sure.
Well, we do have the foreign-dignitary's gift reception...
...starting with the Bermudian ambassador at 9.
Okay.
And hair at 10, makeup at 11:30.
We pull money out of New York.
We need full force in New York...
...to shore up Northern Jersey.
And Missouri?
Seeing movement in the independents in St.
Louis.
Iowa?
Yeah, but Chicago's pretty pricey.
Des Moines and Cedar Rapids won't make much dent.
I was looking forward to a bath.
No, conference, five minutes.
Schedule, point buys, couple of calls.
Yeah?
Anything urgent?
Ten state party chairs are worried you'll pull local advertising.
Anything else?
Folks in Illinois seem to be excited.
Yeah?
Who called?
Sloan, Gabus, Arrow, Leiter, both senators and the governor.
What about the guy running the DNC field op in Chicago?
Three times.
Get him on the phone.
See if we can fit him in for breakfast.
You have a breakfast every half-hour between 8 and 1.
The later ones must be lunches.
Yeah?
Tomorrow's photo op?
Yeah.
Baker will be having a cheese steak.
Okay.
Howard is worried about the comparative visual.
They think that a hoagie will look weak?
His exact words were "pansy-ass."
Howard's from Philly, right?
Go with the cheese steak.
Yeah.
But prep him on how to order it.
No Swiss, no Muenster.
He gets it with sauce and Whiz.
Whiz?
Cheez Whiz.
Ask Howard.
And no onions.
He's got a photo op with the president.
I don't want him knocking him over.
Got it.
Thanks, guys.
You're welcome.
I'm getting calls about Illinois.
Tell them we're excited.
Press is wondering who decided not to contest the state.
Tell them I did.
Tell them I also decided not to contest Georgia where we're down by 11.
And not to contest Mississippi where we're down by 15.
You ready?
Yeah.
I gotta go.
I think I can pencil you in, between the pictures and the ceremony.
Yeah.
Besides, rumor has it that you're gonna have a little chat...
...with the groom tomorrow morning.
I am.
Well, that will be lovely, I'm sure.
What?
I did it with Doug.
Yeah.
I don't recall that as being an unqualified success.
Well, now I've had a run at it.
You do know that talking him out of marrying your daughter is not an option.
Yeah.
You really think it's not an option?
New Hampshire, Iowa, Wisconsin.
We pull out of the original five.
We go dark in New Hampshire.
We have the ad buy in Wisconsin and Iowa.
You sure?
Yeah.
Hallelujah.
Want me to call the media?
No, I'm meeting with some congressmen from Wisconsin tomorrow.
Let me break the news to them first.
Okay.
I'm gonna head out.
Wait.
No, this is right.
We got it.
Well, they picked up five points in Illinois.
Sure, it's terrific news but the question we need to be asking is...
...
why wasn't Santos there in the first place?
If you ask me, it's a big tactical error on the part of Josh Lyman.
Need a ride?
No, I gotta finish up a few things.
Suit yourself.
Should have been watching the sampling in Evanston.
Of course this campaign is still salvageable...
...
but he certainly can 't afford to make another Illinois-sized mistake.
Which is why I think some people have begun to question...
...
whether Josh Lyman is the right guy...
...
to take the Santos campaign down the stretch.
They'll be walking down the aisle to Sorge Nel Petto...
...
the aria Goffredo sings to his daughter in Handel's Rinaldo.
The aria was picked for its beauty and its text, which translates roughly to: "A certain delight surges from my breast and promises to calm my heart. "
That's lovely.
I made it up.
Don't tell.
There's nothing better on?
I like to start the weekend with postgame analysis.
Just stay sharp.
Ellie decided to go with the peau de soie Monique Lhuillier...
...
instead of the lace Vera Wang.
Is there something you need?
I need to look at the seating chart.
Sure.
Peau de soie?
Apparently it's soft, yet supple.
Oh, and it drapes beautifully.
Yeah.
Who put the British royals at the table with the German ambassador?
Still smarting over the World Cup match?
That and the devaluation of the pound.
Right.
How about we swap in the Swedish ambassador?
Queen and the Swedish ambassador had a thing.
Thing?
A while back but still.
Sure.
Do you mind if I take this for a while?
That would be great if they could have it at 5.
Hey.
New Hampshire, Iowa, Wisconsin.
Good morning to you too.
You here to sit with Jarin?
And then Trotman and Alexander.
You?
Chicago field rep, Cooper, Steel, Goldin, Walvick.
I'm thinking New Hampshire, Iowa, Wisconsin.
Did you get some sleep?
Cut New Hampshire, pull money out of Iowa and Wisconsin.
You gotta pace yourself.
New Hampshire's a no-brainer.
I'm serious, you should get at least five hours.
Four electoral votes.
Paying a premium because the ad buy's out of Boston.
Soon you're gonna be at two hours a night.
It gets worse if we win.
Leo.
New Hampshire?
Yeah.
It's not worth the ad buy.
Iowa and Wisconsin.
Iowa, sure.
How much we up in Wisconsin?
Three points.
Illinois ad buy will carry into Wisconsin.
Cutbacks in Missouri?
We're only down two.
I don't wanna cede the state.
Leo.
Sounds right.
Gotta go make nice with the fat cats.
Yeah.
Pick some pockets, will you?
Get some sleep.
Yeah.
Josh.
Stan Mitchell.
DNC field op, Chicago.
Stan, thanks for flying out.
I've said we got a shot in Illinois.
Wish you'd called sooner.
Tell me we can get the full field op ready by November 8th.
You're asking for a six-month job in six weeks.
Sure, we can get it up but it's gonna cost you.
In Bermuda, it is traditional to place a cedar sapling atop the wedding cake...
...and then plant it at the home of the bride and groom.
I bring this sapling from Warwick Pond...
...one of the few surviving cedar forests on the island.
May it grow with your love.
Thank you very much.
You are most welcome.
Mr.
Ambassador.
It's beautiful.
Yes.
We'll keep it off the cake.
Yes.
The French ambassador, the honorable Julian Lefort.
It is a very great pleasure...
How many of these do we have?
There were a few additions: The Greek ambassador, the Latvians.
The Romanian foreign minister happens to be in town.
All told, that brings us to 71.
The hairdresser comes at 10.
Maybe we ought to skip Romania.
Or all of Eastern Europe.
The three convoys, still holding at the Kazakhstan border?
Yes, sir.
Their restraint is admirable.
Maybe not.
Our satellites took photos of the Russian military base...
...in Omsk two hours ago.
Looks like a couple of battalions.
Close to a 100,000 men.
They're posturing.
Sure, but 100,000 Russians to the west.
One-sixth of the Chinese army to the east.
We should consider evacuating the marine base outside Ayaguz.
It's critical to our interests in Central Asia.
Both sides will have one less reason to restrain themselves once we pull out.
You're talking about leaving 9000 Marines in a wrestling match...
...between two 800,000-pound gorillas.
How do we get our men out?
Airlift to the Arabian Sea.
Can I get you anything?
No, thank you.
Water?
No.
Coffee?
No.
Valium?
How long would it take after I give the word?
Seventy-two hours, assuming our ships are in position.
Yeah?
Your 9:00 is starting to melt.
Yeah, send him in.
Move a dozen evac transports into the Arabian Sea and put them on ready alert.
Yes, sir.
C.
J...
...let's get the Kazakhstan ambassador in here tomorrow.
See if we can convince him to reschedule elections.
Before their country becomes a rugby field.
Gentlemen, my future son-in-law.
Congratulations.
Thank you, thank you, sir.
Congratulations, son.
Best of luck.
Congratulations.
Hi, thank you.
Take care of her.
Congratulations.
Congratulations, young man.
Thank you.
Congratulations, son.
Tell me you didn't plan that.
You go dark in Wisconsin...
We're talking about trimming the ad buy.
We need more money in the state.
We have a 500-point buy in Green Bay, a 500-point buy in Milwaukee...
Vinick's got 1500 points out of Green Bay, Milwaukee, Madison.
He's outspending you 2-1.
I'll have the congressman make some stops...
Come on, you know it's all about the media buy.
I know Vinick's pressuring you and I'm thrilled you've made headway in Illinois.
But we've got six contested congressional districts in Wisconsin.
A very tough Senate race.
Without national ad support, we could lose all those campaigns.
You need to take that?
I do.
You're up four in Jersey and three in Michigan.
Trim back there.
Thanks for stopping by, congressman.
I appreciate your input.
Hey, how was Philly?
Pretty good, pretty good.
Did you get the photo op?
No, we got it.
Little problem with the cheese steak.
Screw up the order?
Sauce and Whiz, no onions.
That sounds fine.
The Whiz got a little drippy.
How drippy?
He should've ordered the hoagie.
Who was at the photo op?
AP, Reuters, The Times, Le Monde.
It's probably front page of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Any way you'd like me to spin it? "
Acts like a man, eats like a man?"
Yeah, I gotta go.
Josh.
Senator Montgomery.
Great news about Illinois.
Absolutely.
Nice to have it in play.
Sure.
Shame we didn't start there earlier.
We had some other places we needed to be.
Twenty-one electoral votes.
I thought it'd be higher on the list.
We're only up by six in New York.
Any state we're losing by 10 doesn't get a lot of attention.
So long as we start investing now.
There's no question.
Listen, I heard you're pulling money out of Iowa.
We're thinking about a lot of places.
As goes Iowa so goes the Midwest.
I'd cut back in Philadelphia.
See you at the wedding, Josh.
Yes, sir.
You done?
Just about.
Wanna take a look?
Sure.
Canadian prime minister won't mind the corner?
It's for the best.
He's grabby.
Really?
Brings a whole new meaning to "O, Canada."
K.H.
Plus one?
That's me.
President wanted someone from NSC.
Smooth over any international incidents?
Prevent.
Sure.
You're not going?
Wasn't invited.
I was concerned it might have to do...
...with my encounter with the couple...
...but I hear it's a small affair.
Is something...?
Do you own a tux?
Excuse me?
I was just gonna go stag...
...but if you're not busy later...
...and don't have anything to do...
You clean up nice.
Don't start.
I already got it from Helen.
Philadelphia cheese steak.
It's a political rite of passage.
Wait until you see pictures.
It'll only endear you to the Eagles fans in Philly and South Jersey.
I had a little chat with Baker.
How is the governor?
He's concerned about the campaign, wondering why we weren't in Illinois...
...why we won't spend in Pennsylvania.
Monday morning quarterbacking.
It's a favorite in Philadelphia.
Yeah, he's not the only one that's concerned.
I've gotten calls.
Josh?
We're six weeks out and still down seven.
Vultures are gonna swarm.
I just wanna make sure they're not swarming for a reason.
No one else I'd rather have running this campaign.
Congressman, you wanted to screen...
...the new Texas ad buy?
I'll see you down there in 10?
Yeah.
Josh?
Should we cut media buy in Missouri?
The wedding?
Maybe New York.
We should take a hard look at Michigan.
I just called to pull money out of Wisconsin.
We're gonna hold off on that.
Your car's ready.
I'll call after the wedding.
I know you think this is probably old-fashioned...
...but frankly, it's much more humane than it used to be.
Abbey's father made me take a six-hour hike with him...
...through the woods outside Montpelier in the dead of winter.
At least, it felt like six hours.
Of course I was still a grad student then...
...whereas you're almost a tenured professor.
Isn't that right?
Yes.
At least, the dean suggested...
I mean, in the next few years...
Good, good.
Because before you know it, you'll have a house and kids.
Yeah?
Sir, the guests are starting to arrive.
Yeah.
You should be heading back to change.
Don't be late to the cocktail hour you're hosting.
Thank you, Debbie.
Well...
...thanks for dropping by.
Sir, was there something that you wanted to discuss?
No, no.
I just thought...
...you know, when you have a daughter, you just like to know...
You really want to know whether...
Hell.
Just tell me you decided to marry her before you got her pregnant.
Eleven months, two weeks and three days.
Excuse me?
That's when I decided to marry her.
A year ago.
On our third date.
What was the matter with the first two?
I'll see you at the end of the aisle.
Yeah, we're gonna need the new numbers from Michigan too.
Yeah.
Thanks, Otto.
Josh, he's a big blowhard.
C.J., Mr.
Chairman.
Former chairman, Josh.
Wishful thinking, maybe.
Oh, no.
We on the sidelines can see what a great job he's doing.
I appreciate that, sir.
Lf we could just get this one...
...to run for something.
Good to see you.
Keep it up.
You too, sir.
Appreciate it.
Barry Goodwin running the party.
Those were the days.
Yeah.
You guys must be excited.
Illinois.
Yeah, hopefully we can afford it.
Pinching pennies?
Pretty much.
You're up a bit in Washington.
Can you take money out?
We're pulling out.
Things that tight?
Welcome to my world.
Is that Kazakhstan?
Probably.
Wanna trade?
Here.
Take your mind off things.
Dignitary bingo?
I've got four across.
Find the Mexican president and you're home.
You look nice.
Nothing says international crisis...
...like stilettos.
You know what's going on?
I just got paged.
Yeah.
You really look nice.
Starting to think you're hitting on me.
I'm serious.
The makeup, hair.
Who's the guy?
I try to impress.
What makes you think there's a guy?
The necklace, neckline, earrings, back.
Okay, okay.
I have a date.
Really?
I think you'd call it a date.
I kind of invited Will to the wedding.
Dark hair, just got a big promotion.
Will Bailey?
We were talking, and...
You asked Will on a date?
I just invited him.
Will Bailey?
Yeah, I'm gonna...
What do we got, Miles?
Other than the sensation...
...that we've all landed in a British farce.
There's been an incident in Kazakhstan.
The protests at Alma-Ata turned violent and Tarimov sent in police.
Any casualties?
There could be up to 200...
...many Chinese.
Russian convoys?
Have crossed the border.
We expect the Chinese to mobilize any minute.
Minority leader.
Postmaster general.
Is that the Swiss ambassador over there?
Is this a test?
Dignitary bingo.
Ten bucks a sheet.
You in?
Aren't you supposed to be hurrying me someplace?
Photo op with Congressman Santos and then bridal party photo at 4.
I got a half an hour?
Maybe.
That the Swiss ambassador or not?
How much you got riding on this?
Fifty bucks.
It's the Duke of Edinburgh.
Oh, Duke of Edinburgh.
Congressman.
Mr.
President.
Leo, welcome.
They like you in Illinois.
Apparently, I'm growing on them.
Well, after your performance in those debates, I'm not surprised.
Wasn't he something?
You should see me with a cheese steak.
Senator Montgomery wanted a word.
That's my cue.
Find me later.
We'll talk about ways we can be helpful in the home stretch.
Thank you so much, sir.
Good luck.
So things are looking up, bub.
We're making some headway.
You know, if you win this damn thing, you're stuck here another four years.
I like to think of the vice-presidency as more of an emeritus position.
Sure.
How's everything on this end?
Well, Russia and China...
...are doing their little Sharks and Jets routine in Central Asia...
...and Abbey's got an understudy for me.
Seriously?
Yeah, Uncle Norman's on call.
I've been getting some calls about Josh.
Yeah.
Tripplehorne, Nayak, Stackhouse, Montgomery.
Losing six weeks out, people get antsy.
Sure.
It's always like that around this time.
Absolutely.
Who'd they want to replace me?
Okay, so maybe not always.
Okay, enough gossiping, ladies.
Debbie, you look lovely as always.
You've got 20 minutes.
I assume you wanna say hello to the Duke.
That's not the Duke of Edinburgh.
Catch you later.
Hey, I thought the wedding photos were at 4.
We got a little ahead, so I thought you might wanna get in that dance.
Have I mentioned this mother-of-the-bride thing...
...agrees with you?
When Liz got married, you said I didn't look old enough.
You didn't.
I do now?
I didn't say that.
What did you say?
Is there any way out for me?
Probably not.
Mr.
President.
The Chinese troops have started moving into Kazakhstan.
We've got a translator.
We're getting the premier.
It's okay.
We'll do the photos after.
Okay.
Jed?
The service starts at 5.
Yeah.
Fried wonton?
Hey.
Really, they're pretty good.
Yeah?
They're out of champagne, though.
Okay.
First lady just gave me $20...
...asked me to pick up a bottle of Cold Duck.
Josh.
I'm sorry.
Have you seen Leo?
I'm bored.
I'm a woman waiting to be entertained.
He was with the president.
I'm sure...
I saw him heading toward the East Room.
He was with the congressman.
And Barry Goodwin and Senator Montgomery.
It looked pretty intense.
Illinois?
I'm sure it's nothing to worry about.
Leo, I'm all for allegiance but loyalty for loyalty's sake is ridiculous.
George, he's a...
Josh got it wrong in Illinois.
Sure, with the benefit of hindsight...
Twenty-one electoral votes.
I didn't see you calling for a major effort in Illinois.
Barry?
Look, I have never seen an electoral map as inside out as this one.
And as for Illinois, we were 10 points down.
Chicago's one of the most expensive media markets.
Spending money there would have meant sacrificing Iowa, maybe Missouri...
...and slimming our ad buy in Wisconsin.
But...
It's cost us.
Yes, it has.
Polls move money as much as money moves polls.
If you'd been in Illinois, you'd have this sooner...
...possibly seen a boost in fundraising...
...and maybe you wouldn't be pulling out of so many states.
Lyman's done terrific.
But Congressman...
...I'm not sure he can see you through to the finish line.
Who can?
Only one guy I'd want running...
...a campaign this tough.
That's the guy standing next to you.
You should sit down.
It'll wrinkle.
You know, we considered going to Las Vegas.
Sounds pretty good about now, huh?
Come in.
Hi.
Hello.
C.J.
Asked me to tell you...
...they're circulating additional refreshments downstairs.
Know when the president might join us?
Afraid not.
Well, I should...
Get back.
Congratulations.
Why is Will Bailey wearing a tux?
Mr.
President, we cannot pull back.
Lian, this doesn't make any sense.
The Russians supply you with the oil they take out of Kazakhstan.
At a premium, some of which goes to owners of the pipelines.
American companies, I believe.
We're not supporting the Russians.
Yet you're condoning their attempt to annex half of Central Asia.
Lian, I'm not condoning anything.
I am trying to stop two nuclear powers from going to war over oil.
Oil?
Mr.
President, this is not about oil.
It is about the brutal suppression of a democratic movement...
...a movement that includes many ethnic Chinese, our brothers and sisters.
You, of all people, should understand our concern.
Look, you've only got one more hour of campaigning left, anyway.
He's right.
Once you finish the debate, you're pretty much done.
Tell that to my schedulers.
Due respect, you're not exactly a force on the campaign trail.
Josh is gonna have to move his war room...
...to the congressman's plane, anyway.
You guys start campaigning together, you can work there.
Might play better.
We'd cover half the ground.
You'd get a boost from the appearances.
This campaign should be making the best use...
...of its political assets.
We are.
With me on the trail and Josh Lyman running things at headquarters.
Congressman?
Appreciate your thoughts, gentlemen.
All right.
Thank you, congressman.
Thank you, congressman.
We should find Josh, go over the morning meetings.
Leo.
Should Josh be running this campaign?
Hey, stranger.
Abbey.
Nice speech in Des Moines.
You believe this show I'm in?
You getting any sleep?
And eating my vegetables.
How's Ellie?
Still standing.
That's good.
Not really.
The dress wrinkles.
He'll be here any minute.
You think?
Miracles happen.
Lian, I need your men to stop advancing.
If you'll just hold your position...
I'm not sure what that will accomplish.
Let me talk to the Russians...
...try and convince them to push President Tarimov...
...to reschedule elections.
It was the Russians who put Tarimov in power...
...in the first place.
For years, this is how the Russians operated.
Lian.
And given their history...
...it seems clear the only way to stop...
Lian.
...their continued aggression...
Damn it, Lian.
Would you shut up, already?
Is your daughter married?
Excuse me, Mr.
President?
Your daughter.
The one I met when we were in Beijing.
Is she married?
Yes, she was married two years ago last spring.
Then you will understand...
...that my daughter's wedding is this afternoon...
...and that she has been waiting for 46 minutes for me to give her away...
...because I can't put down this damn phone...
...until you tell me that you're not gonna start World War III today!
Now, for the love of God, Lian...
...would you please just give me one half-hour...
...so I can go and walk my little girl down the aisle?
Mr.
President...
...we can continue this discussion in one hour.
And your troops will hold their position until then?
Yes, Mr.
President.
Thank you, Lian.
You've got one hour.
Is the wedding starting?
Not yet.
How's Senator Montgomery?
Full of hot air, as usual.
Who does he want to replace me?
Josh.
Who is it?
No one wants to replace you.
It's Goodwin too, isn't it?
Son of a bitch.
He was just shaking my...
So who do they want?
Is it Peipman?
Blume?
Guy's tone-deaf when it comes to message politics but he'd be good.
Josh.
You could get Simonds or Sharp.
Maybe you should promote Lou.
It's not like any others have run a presidential...
They want you.
It's you, isn't it?
Hell, that's who I'd want.
You would've known.
You...
You would've been in Illinois months ago.
You would've figured it out.
Stop it.
Where would you have gotten the dough?
Where would you get the money?
I wouldn't have.
I wouldn't have been in Illinois.
Polls looked as bad...
...as when we ran against Eisenhower.
I'd make the same decision as you.
And that's exactly what I told Barry Goodwin and George Montgomery.
These are tough calls.
It's impossible to know how they're gonna turn out.
What's important is how you respond when you get it wrong...
...how you react, your next move.
I don't know my next move.
I've been staring at this damn map all day.
I still haven't got a clue.
Iowa's vulnerable.
I don't know with Wisconsin.
We can't take a dime out of Ohio, Florida, Texas.
I don't know where to start.
They're right.
You should take over.
Really, you're all trying to kill me.
The wedding's about to start.
Let me see the map, come on.
Come on, we'll talk about it on the way.
You made it.
Honey, you look...
Dad?
I'm sorry, sweetheart.
It's okay, Dad.
Really.
You wanted a White House wedding.
All of that's being taken into consideration.
Well, I thank you for your support.
Thank you so much.
I'll meet you in there.
How'd it go?
Fine.
You're taking over?
No.
I thought...
Josh will make...
...lots of strategic decisions over the next few weeks.
He's gonna sweat them like life and death.
They'll be important, which is why...
...we'll be in on every one of them.
But they're meaningless...
...compared to the decision the voters have to make...
...just by listening to you and trying to figure out...
...if they can connect with the idea of Matt Santos as president.
And Josh has nothing to do with that.
Goodwin's right.
Josh has taken you as far as he can.
The rest is up to you.
Smile.
And go.
And go.
That's right.
And go.
Smile.
You okay, Dad?
You know, one time during my first term in Congress...
...we went on a Congressional delegation to East Germany and...
You don't remember, couldn't have been more than 5.
At any rate, we got to East Berlin...
...we were waiting with our passports at Checkpoint Charlie...
...when, all of a sudden, you bolted out...
...into the no man's land between the two guard posts...
...and everything stopped.
The MPs just froze and your mother and I were scared to death.
But not you.
You just calmly looked up at one of the soldiers on the wall and you waved.
And the soldier waved back.
And then...
And then all the soldiers were waving at each other.
I remember, Dad.
Take my arm.
Subtitles by SDI Media Group
There's a China-Russia-Kazakhstan thing.
When are you thinking about having the wedding?
As soon as possible.
Tarimov has strong Russian ties.
He killed China's oil deal and China's pissed.
You know, you can fire as many of us grunts as you want.
But you wanna know why this campaign is floundering, look in the mirror.
What's likely is that China is massing troops on the border of Kazakhstan.
Worst case, two nuclear powers are positioning themselves to engage...
...in an armed conflict over oil.
Dad, you're not really going to sing along.
I thought I had a solo.
Or tell jokes.
None?
After the ceremony.
Short ones.
Preferably not during the toast.
I have to give a toast?
Dad.
Turn to face the bride.
Now you lift the veil.
Give her a kiss.
Walk over here.
And sit.
Kind of far from the action, isn't it?
You're not performing the ceremony.
I wasn't asked to.
Sir, I'm sorry to interrupt.
That's quite all right.
He was about to go into his Spencer Tracy routine.
There's been an escalation in Kazakhstan.
We picked up three Russian military convoys heading for the border.
I'm gonna need to step out.
Well, my apologies, everyone.
I'm afraid I'll have to meet you all at dinner.
Don't slip away, young lady.
We need to practice our dance.
Father.
I told them you were busy.
Yeah.
I hear there's a rehearsal dinner tonight.
Swanky affair.
President of the United States is supposed to show.
He's got 15 minutes.
So now the Russians are invading?
Just got off the phone with State.
The Russians say...
...the Kazakh president requested advisers.
Advisers with AK-47s and riot gear?
Pretty much.
President Tarimov's nervous, with the Chinese at the border...
...and his people ready to storm the palace.
Not nervous enough to reschedule elections.
The Chinese seeing what we're seeing?
Chinese won't enter unprovoked but if the convoys cross the border...
Debbie.
Thirty-eight seconds.
Nice work, commander.
I'm gonna need the Russian ambassador, the Chinese ambassador and my wife.
Probably not in that order.
Yes, Mr.
Ambassador, but if we could focus on...
Yes, Yuri.
Yes, it should be a lovely affair but...
But listen, if those convoys enter Kazakhstan...
No, I'm not sure who's doing the flower arrangements.
Mr.
President, I hate to interrupt.
Secretary Hutchinson is on the other line.
Thank you, C.J.
Yuri, you'll communicate my concerns to President Chigorin?
Yes, we'll speak later.
Thank you.
Flower arrangements?
He's stalling.
Where are the convoys?
Thirty miles from the border.
Pakistan issued a statement: Chinese interference in Central Asia is not tolerated.
You want the Chinese ambassador?
Get him on the phone.
Hey.
Just wanna give you guys a heads-up.
Governor Baker has decided to join us at tomorrow's rally.
We added a half-hour.
What about the wedding?
The congressman should have time to get to the White House.
Have you seen the Zogby poll?
Yes.
Six weeks to go, you're still seven points down, concerned?
Today in Jersey, we got a four-point bump from the debate.
The Economist said a Santos presidency may be the best...
...for race relations since the Civil Rights Act.
I'd say we're gaining ground.
You haven't been within five points of Vinick in a month.
We're more focused on the state polls.
A senior Democrat is saying...
...it's time to shake things up.
He should look at a map, do the electoral math.
This race is tighter than you think.
We wanna go dark in Arizona?
We picked up two points there.
Trailing by seven.
Can we pull the money from anywhere?
Vinick's challenging us.
He has California, we have to sweep Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida.
Put every available dollar in those states.
We've cut all we can out of the places where we're actually competitive.
Okay.
Move the ad money from Arizona into Houston and Miami.
We done with the bloodletting?
We go dark in Washington, Maine, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona.
These 12 are still in play.
I'll try to catch my kids before they go sleep.
Good night, sir.
Good night.
Leo?
You have to narrow down the board eight years ago?
Sure.
Six weeks out, only so much in the war chest.
Gotta manage your resources.
Feels like we're closing a lot of doors here.
Good strategy always does.
Yes, of course, Mr.
Ambassador, but...
We've been over this.
It's three convoys.
They're not invading.
Yes, but as I've said, if...
If the Chinese army enters the country...
Yes, I'll convey your thoughts.
Yes, you too, Yahlin.
Thank you.
How long before the convoys reach Kazakhstan?
Actually, they've stopped, a few miles from the border.
Are they refueling or pitching tents?
Hard to know.
I'm gonna go with tents.
I want a full briefing in the morning.
Yes, sir.
Lf those convoys start moving again...
Yeah.
Good night.
Good night.
Want me to follow up with Berryhill?
No, I got it.
All right, if l...?
Yeah.
No, wait a minute.
The Chinese ambassador's coming.
Okay.
Who is he sitting with?
Hopefully not the Russians.
State eyeballed the seating chart, right?
One of Berryhill's deputies.
Weeks ago.
I should take a look.
Yeah.
Philadelphia fundraising totals and the changes to tomorrow's schedule.
Thanks.
Sign off on those before you leave.
Yeah.
Five states dark.
Lots of guys will have trouble getting Democrats to the polls if we jump ship.
We're not gonna be popular.
New numbers before we go public?
Sure.
We'll want local press from South Jersey and the Philly suburbs?
Thanks, Edie.
Got the photo op with the governor?
Santos, Baker and a cheese steak.
Make it a hoagie.
Advance said get a cheese steak.
Trust me, make it a hoagie.
Press is a little antsy.
Tell them national polls are meaningless.
Staff's antsy too.
You've been behind doors since we got to Philly.
Killer game of Boggle.
Since we got to Philly.
There's a rumor we're pulling out of Arizona.
I need you to kill that rumor.
Because we're moving money to Illinois?
Josh?
Joshua.
We just picked up five points in Illinois.
What?
Illinois tracking poll.
We're down by nine points.
Not anymore.
Let me see.
What's going on?
Down four in Illinois.
Really?
We barely spent any money.
Call you back.
Could be a mistake.
Rerun this in the morning.
Must be the Trib.
The endorsement put us within four?
Four points.
The state's in play.
We need a big media buy.
Huge.
Maybe a swing through Chicago this week.
Twenty-one electoral votes.
Close a door, open a roof.
I'm thinking a 1500 rating points buy?
Maybe 2000?
Where are we gonna get the money?
Nice of you to drop by.
I missed dinner.
Only by an hour and a half.
Don't worry.
Ellie had a wonderful time.
I, on the other hand, was stuck in the corner with Vic's uncle.
The botanist.
You would have liked him.
I'm getting too old for this job.
Really?
It was their relatives, who we don't particularly know...
...and our relatives, who we don't particularly like.
Oh, they understood.
The Faisons were so busy playing host, they barely noticed.
Although we did decide on Uncle Norman as a possible stand-in for you tomorrow.
A stand-in?
Worst-case scenario.
Uncle Norman?
He is a bit of a tippler but he's reliably punctual when there's an open bar.
You'll have time to practice the dance with Ellie before the wedding.
I'll find her tomorrow.
Sure.
Well, we do have the foreign-dignitary's gift reception...
...starting with the Bermudian ambassador at 9.
Okay.
And hair at 10, makeup at 11:30.
We pull money out of New York.
We need full force in New York...
...to shore up Northern Jersey.
And Missouri?
Seeing movement in the independents in St.
Louis.
Iowa?
Yeah, but Chicago's pretty pricey.
Des Moines and Cedar Rapids won't make much dent.
I was looking forward to a bath.
No, conference, five minutes.
Schedule, point buys, couple of calls.
Yeah?
Anything urgent?
Ten state party chairs are worried you'll pull local advertising.
Anything else?
Folks in Illinois seem to be excited.
Yeah?
Who called?
Sloan, Gabus, Arrow, Leiter, both senators and the governor.
What about the guy running the DNC field op in Chicago?
Three times.
Get him on the phone.
See if we can fit him in for breakfast.
You have a breakfast every half-hour between 8 and 1.
The later ones must be lunches.
Yeah?
Tomorrow's photo op?
Yeah.
Baker will be having a cheese steak.
Okay.
Howard is worried about the comparative visual.
They think that a hoagie will look weak?
His exact words were "pansy-ass."
Howard's from Philly, right?
Go with the cheese steak.
Yeah.
But prep him on how to order it.
No Swiss, no Muenster.
He gets it with sauce and Whiz.
Whiz?
Cheez Whiz.
Ask Howard.
And no onions.
He's got a photo op with the president.
I don't want him knocking him over.
Got it.
Thanks, guys.
You're welcome.
I'm getting calls about Illinois.
Tell them we're excited.
Press is wondering who decided not to contest the state.
Tell them I did.
Tell them I also decided not to contest Georgia where we're down by 11.
And not to contest Mississippi where we're down by 15.
You ready?
Yeah.
I gotta go.
I think I can pencil you in, between the pictures and the ceremony.
Yeah.
Besides, rumor has it that you're gonna have a little chat...
...with the groom tomorrow morning.
I am.
Well, that will be lovely, I'm sure.
What?
I did it with Doug.
Yeah.
I don't recall that as being an unqualified success.
Well, now I've had a run at it.
You do know that talking him out of marrying your daughter is not an option.
Yeah.
You really think it's not an option?
New Hampshire, Iowa, Wisconsin.
We pull out of the original five.
We go dark in New Hampshire.
We have the ad buy in Wisconsin and Iowa.
You sure?
Yeah.
Hallelujah.
Want me to call the media?
No, I'm meeting with some congressmen from Wisconsin tomorrow.
Let me break the news to them first.
Okay.
I'm gonna head out.
Wait.
No, this is right.
We got it.
Well, they picked up five points in Illinois.
Sure, it's terrific news but the question we need to be asking is...
...
why wasn't Santos there in the first place?
If you ask me, it's a big tactical error on the part of Josh Lyman.
Need a ride?
No, I gotta finish up a few things.
Suit yourself.
Should have been watching the sampling in Evanston.
Of course this campaign is still salvageable...
...
but he certainly can 't afford to make another Illinois-sized mistake.
Which is why I think some people have begun to question...
...
whether Josh Lyman is the right guy...
...
to take the Santos campaign down the stretch.
They'll be walking down the aisle to Sorge Nel Petto...
...
the aria Goffredo sings to his daughter in Handel's Rinaldo.
The aria was picked for its beauty and its text, which translates roughly to: "A certain delight surges from my breast and promises to calm my heart. "
That's lovely.
I made it up.
Don't tell.
There's nothing better on?
I like to start the weekend with postgame analysis.
Just stay sharp.
Ellie decided to go with the peau de soie Monique Lhuillier...
...
instead of the lace Vera Wang.
Is there something you need?
I need to look at the seating chart.
Sure.
Peau de soie?
Apparently it's soft, yet supple.
Oh, and it drapes beautifully.
Yeah.
Who put the British royals at the table with the German ambassador?
Still smarting over the World Cup match?
That and the devaluation of the pound.
Right.
How about we swap in the Swedish ambassador?
Queen and the Swedish ambassador had a thing.
Thing?
A while back but still.
Sure.
Do you mind if I take this for a while?
That would be great if they could have it at 5.
Hey.
New Hampshire, Iowa, Wisconsin.
Good morning to you too.
You here to sit with Jarin?
And then Trotman and Alexander.
You?
Chicago field rep, Cooper, Steel, Goldin, Walvick.
I'm thinking New Hampshire, Iowa, Wisconsin.
Did you get some sleep?
Cut New Hampshire, pull money out of Iowa and Wisconsin.
You gotta pace yourself.
New Hampshire's a no-brainer.
I'm serious, you should get at least five hours.
Four electoral votes.
Paying a premium because the ad buy's out of Boston.
Soon you're gonna be at two hours a night.
It gets worse if we win.
Leo.
New Hampshire?
Yeah.
It's not worth the ad buy.
Iowa and Wisconsin.
Iowa, sure.
How much we up in Wisconsin?
Three points.
Illinois ad buy will carry into Wisconsin.
Cutbacks in Missouri?
We're only down two.
I don't wanna cede the state.
Leo.
Sounds right.
Gotta go make nice with the fat cats.
Yeah.
Pick some pockets, will you?
Get some sleep.
Yeah.
Josh.
Stan Mitchell.
DNC field op, Chicago.
Stan, thanks for flying out.
I've said we got a shot in Illinois.
Wish you'd called sooner.
Tell me we can get the full field op ready by November 8th.
You're asking for a six-month job in six weeks.
Sure, we can get it up but it's gonna cost you.
In Bermuda, it is traditional to place a cedar sapling atop the wedding cake...
...and then plant it at the home of the bride and groom.
I bring this sapling from Warwick Pond...
...one of the few surviving cedar forests on the island.
May it grow with your love.
Thank you very much.
You are most welcome.
Mr.
Ambassador.
It's beautiful.
Yes.
We'll keep it off the cake.
Yes.
The French ambassador, the honorable Julian Lefort.
It is a very great pleasure...
How many of these do we have?
There were a few additions: The Greek ambassador, the Latvians.
The Romanian foreign minister happens to be in town.
All told, that brings us to 71.
The hairdresser comes at 10.
Maybe we ought to skip Romania.
Or all of Eastern Europe.
The three convoys, still holding at the Kazakhstan border?
Yes, sir.
Their restraint is admirable.
Maybe not.
Our satellites took photos of the Russian military base...
...in Omsk two hours ago.
Looks like a couple of battalions.
Close to a 100,000 men.
They're posturing.
Sure, but 100,000 Russians to the west.
One-sixth of the Chinese army to the east.
We should consider evacuating the marine base outside Ayaguz.
It's critical to our interests in Central Asia.
Both sides will have one less reason to restrain themselves once we pull out.
You're talking about leaving 9000 Marines in a wrestling match...
...between two 800,000-pound gorillas.
How do we get our men out?
Airlift to the Arabian Sea.
Can I get you anything?
No, thank you.
Water?
No.
Coffee?
No.
Valium?
How long would it take after I give the word?
Seventy-two hours, assuming our ships are in position.
Yeah?
Your 9:00 is starting to melt.
Yeah, send him in.
Move a dozen evac transports into the Arabian Sea and put them on ready alert.
Yes, sir.
C.
J...
...let's get the Kazakhstan ambassador in here tomorrow.
See if we can convince him to reschedule elections.
Before their country becomes a rugby field.
Gentlemen, my future son-in-law.
Congratulations.
Thank you, thank you, sir.
Congratulations, son.
Best of luck.
Congratulations.
Hi, thank you.
Take care of her.
Congratulations.
Congratulations, young man.
Thank you.
Congratulations, son.
Tell me you didn't plan that.
You go dark in Wisconsin...
We're talking about trimming the ad buy.
We need more money in the state.
We have a 500-point buy in Green Bay, a 500-point buy in Milwaukee...
Vinick's got 1500 points out of Green Bay, Milwaukee, Madison.
He's outspending you 2-1.
I'll have the congressman make some stops...
Come on, you know it's all about the media buy.
I know Vinick's pressuring you and I'm thrilled you've made headway in Illinois.
But we've got six contested congressional districts in Wisconsin.
A very tough Senate race.
Without national ad support, we could lose all those campaigns.
You need to take that?
I do.
You're up four in Jersey and three in Michigan.
Trim back there.
Thanks for stopping by, congressman.
I appreciate your input.
Hey, how was Philly?
Pretty good, pretty good.
Did you get the photo op?
No, we got it.
Little problem with the cheese steak.
Screw up the order?
Sauce and Whiz, no onions.
That sounds fine.
The Whiz got a little drippy.
How drippy?
He should've ordered the hoagie.
Who was at the photo op?
AP, Reuters, The Times, Le Monde.
It's probably front page of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Any way you'd like me to spin it? "
Acts like a man, eats like a man?"
Yeah, I gotta go.
Josh.
Senator Montgomery.
Great news about Illinois.
Absolutely.
Nice to have it in play.
Sure.
Shame we didn't start there earlier.
We had some other places we needed to be.
Twenty-one electoral votes.
I thought it'd be higher on the list.
We're only up by six in New York.
Any state we're losing by 10 doesn't get a lot of attention.
So long as we start investing now.
There's no question.
Listen, I heard you're pulling money out of Iowa.
We're thinking about a lot of places.
As goes Iowa so goes the Midwest.
I'd cut back in Philadelphia.
See you at the wedding, Josh.
Yes, sir.
You done?
Just about.
Wanna take a look?
Sure.
Canadian prime minister won't mind the corner?
It's for the best.
He's grabby.
Really?
Brings a whole new meaning to "O, Canada."
K.H.
Plus one?
That's me.
President wanted someone from NSC.
Smooth over any international incidents?
Prevent.
Sure.
You're not going?
Wasn't invited.
I was concerned it might have to do...
...with my encounter with the couple...
...but I hear it's a small affair.
Is something...?
Do you own a tux?
Excuse me?
I was just gonna go stag...
...but if you're not busy later...
...and don't have anything to do...
You clean up nice.
Don't start.
I already got it from Helen.
Philadelphia cheese steak.
It's a political rite of passage.
Wait until you see pictures.
It'll only endear you to the Eagles fans in Philly and South Jersey.
I had a little chat with Baker.
How is the governor?
He's concerned about the campaign, wondering why we weren't in Illinois...
...why we won't spend in Pennsylvania.
Monday morning quarterbacking.
It's a favorite in Philadelphia.
Yeah, he's not the only one that's concerned.
I've gotten calls.
Josh?
We're six weeks out and still down seven.
Vultures are gonna swarm.
I just wanna make sure they're not swarming for a reason.
No one else I'd rather have running this campaign.
Congressman, you wanted to screen...
...the new Texas ad buy?
I'll see you down there in 10?
Yeah.
Josh?
Should we cut media buy in Missouri?
The wedding?
Maybe New York.
We should take a hard look at Michigan.
I just called to pull money out of Wisconsin.
We're gonna hold off on that.
Your car's ready.
I'll call after the wedding.
I know you think this is probably old-fashioned...
...but frankly, it's much more humane than it used to be.
Abbey's father made me take a six-hour hike with him...
...through the woods outside Montpelier in the dead of winter.
At least, it felt like six hours.
Of course I was still a grad student then...
...whereas you're almost a tenured professor.
Isn't that right?
Yes.
At least, the dean suggested...
I mean, in the next few years...
Good, good.
Because before you know it, you'll have a house and kids.
Yeah?
Sir, the guests are starting to arrive.
Yeah.
You should be heading back to change.
Don't be late to the cocktail hour you're hosting.
Thank you, Debbie.
Well...
...thanks for dropping by.
Sir, was there something that you wanted to discuss?
No, no.
I just thought...
...you know, when you have a daughter, you just like to know...
You really want to know whether...
Hell.
Just tell me you decided to marry her before you got her pregnant.
Eleven months, two weeks and three days.
Excuse me?
That's when I decided to marry her.
A year ago.
On our third date.
What was the matter with the first two?
I'll see you at the end of the aisle.
Yeah, we're gonna need the new numbers from Michigan too.
Yeah.
Thanks, Otto.
Josh, he's a big blowhard.
C.J., Mr.
Chairman.
Former chairman, Josh.
Wishful thinking, maybe.
Oh, no.
We on the sidelines can see what a great job he's doing.
I appreciate that, sir.
Lf we could just get this one...
...to run for something.
Good to see you.
Keep it up.
You too, sir.
Appreciate it.
Barry Goodwin running the party.
Those were the days.
Yeah.
You guys must be excited.
Illinois.
Yeah, hopefully we can afford it.
Pinching pennies?
Pretty much.
You're up a bit in Washington.
Can you take money out?
We're pulling out.
Things that tight?
Welcome to my world.
Is that Kazakhstan?
Probably.
Wanna trade?
Here.
Take your mind off things.
Dignitary bingo?
I've got four across.
Find the Mexican president and you're home.
You look nice.
Nothing says international crisis...
...like stilettos.
You know what's going on?
I just got paged.
Yeah.
You really look nice.
Starting to think you're hitting on me.
I'm serious.
The makeup, hair.
Who's the guy?
I try to impress.
What makes you think there's a guy?
The necklace, neckline, earrings, back.
Okay, okay.
I have a date.
Really?
I think you'd call it a date.
I kind of invited Will to the wedding.
Dark hair, just got a big promotion.
Will Bailey?
We were talking, and...
You asked Will on a date?
I just invited him.
Will Bailey?
Yeah, I'm gonna...
What do we got, Miles?
Other than the sensation...
...that we've all landed in a British farce.
There's been an incident in Kazakhstan.
The protests at Alma-Ata turned violent and Tarimov sent in police.
Any casualties?
There could be up to 200...
...many Chinese.
Russian convoys?
Have crossed the border.
We expect the Chinese to mobilize any minute.
Minority leader.
Postmaster general.
Is that the Swiss ambassador over there?
Is this a test?
Dignitary bingo.
Ten bucks a sheet.
You in?
Aren't you supposed to be hurrying me someplace?
Photo op with Congressman Santos and then bridal party photo at 4.
I got a half an hour?
Maybe.
That the Swiss ambassador or not?
How much you got riding on this?
Fifty bucks.
It's the Duke of Edinburgh.
Oh, Duke of Edinburgh.
Congressman.
Mr.
President.
Leo, welcome.
They like you in Illinois.
Apparently, I'm growing on them.
Well, after your performance in those debates, I'm not surprised.
Wasn't he something?
You should see me with a cheese steak.
Senator Montgomery wanted a word.
That's my cue.
Find me later.
We'll talk about ways we can be helpful in the home stretch.
Thank you so much, sir.
Good luck.
So things are looking up, bub.
We're making some headway.
You know, if you win this damn thing, you're stuck here another four years.
I like to think of the vice-presidency as more of an emeritus position.
Sure.
How's everything on this end?
Well, Russia and China...
...are doing their little Sharks and Jets routine in Central Asia...
...and Abbey's got an understudy for me.
Seriously?
Yeah, Uncle Norman's on call.
I've been getting some calls about Josh.
Yeah.
Tripplehorne, Nayak, Stackhouse, Montgomery.
Losing six weeks out, people get antsy.
Sure.
It's always like that around this time.
Absolutely.
Who'd they want to replace me?
Okay, so maybe not always.
Okay, enough gossiping, ladies.
Debbie, you look lovely as always.
You've got 20 minutes.
I assume you wanna say hello to the Duke.
That's not the Duke of Edinburgh.
Catch you later.
Hey, I thought the wedding photos were at 4.
We got a little ahead, so I thought you might wanna get in that dance.
Have I mentioned this mother-of-the-bride thing...
...agrees with you?
When Liz got married, you said I didn't look old enough.
You didn't.
I do now?
I didn't say that.
What did you say?
Is there any way out for me?
Probably not.
Mr.
President.
The Chinese troops have started moving into Kazakhstan.
We've got a translator.
We're getting the premier.
It's okay.
We'll do the photos after.
Okay.
Jed?
The service starts at 5.
Yeah.
Fried wonton?
Hey.
Really, they're pretty good.
Yeah?
They're out of champagne, though.
Okay.
First lady just gave me $20...
...asked me to pick up a bottle of Cold Duck.
Josh.
I'm sorry.
Have you seen Leo?
I'm bored.
I'm a woman waiting to be entertained.
He was with the president.
I'm sure...
I saw him heading toward the East Room.
He was with the congressman.
And Barry Goodwin and Senator Montgomery.
It looked pretty intense.
Illinois?
I'm sure it's nothing to worry about.
Leo, I'm all for allegiance but loyalty for loyalty's sake is ridiculous.
George, he's a...
Josh got it wrong in Illinois.
Sure, with the benefit of hindsight...
Twenty-one electoral votes.
I didn't see you calling for a major effort in Illinois.
Barry?
Look, I have never seen an electoral map as inside out as this one.
And as for Illinois, we were 10 points down.
Chicago's one of the most expensive media markets.
Spending money there would have meant sacrificing Iowa, maybe Missouri...
...and slimming our ad buy in Wisconsin.
But...
It's cost us.
Yes, it has.
Polls move money as much as money moves polls.
If you'd been in Illinois, you'd have this sooner...
...possibly seen a boost in fundraising...
...and maybe you wouldn't be pulling out of so many states.
Lyman's done terrific.
But Congressman...
...I'm not sure he can see you through to the finish line.
Who can?
Only one guy I'd want running...
...a campaign this tough.
That's the guy standing next to you.
You should sit down.
It'll wrinkle.
You know, we considered going to Las Vegas.
Sounds pretty good about now, huh?
Come in.
Hi.
Hello.
C.J.
Asked me to tell you...
...they're circulating additional refreshments downstairs.
Know when the president might join us?
Afraid not.
Well, I should...
Get back.
Congratulations.
Why is Will Bailey wearing a tux?
Mr.
President, we cannot pull back.
Lian, this doesn't make any sense.
The Russians supply you with the oil they take out of Kazakhstan.
At a premium, some of which goes to owners of the pipelines.
American companies, I believe.
We're not supporting the Russians.
Yet you're condoning their attempt to annex half of Central Asia.
Lian, I'm not condoning anything.
I am trying to stop two nuclear powers from going to war over oil.
Oil?
Mr.
President, this is not about oil.
It is about the brutal suppression of a democratic movement...
...a movement that includes many ethnic Chinese, our brothers and sisters.
You, of all people, should understand our concern.
Look, you've only got one more hour of campaigning left, anyway.
He's right.
Once you finish the debate, you're pretty much done.
Tell that to my schedulers.
Due respect, you're not exactly a force on the campaign trail.
Josh is gonna have to move his war room...
...to the congressman's plane, anyway.
You guys start campaigning together, you can work there.
Might play better.
We'd cover half the ground.
You'd get a boost from the appearances.
This campaign should be making the best use...
...of its political assets.
We are.
With me on the trail and Josh Lyman running things at headquarters.
Congressman?
Appreciate your thoughts, gentlemen.
All right.
Thank you, congressman.
Thank you, congressman.
We should find Josh, go over the morning meetings.
Leo.
Should Josh be running this campaign?
Hey, stranger.
Abbey.
Nice speech in Des Moines.
You believe this show I'm in?
You getting any sleep?
And eating my vegetables.
How's Ellie?
Still standing.
That's good.
Not really.
The dress wrinkles.
He'll be here any minute.
You think?
Miracles happen.
Lian, I need your men to stop advancing.
If you'll just hold your position...
I'm not sure what that will accomplish.
Let me talk to the Russians...
...try and convince them to push President Tarimov...
...to reschedule elections.
It was the Russians who put Tarimov in power...
...in the first place.
For years, this is how the Russians operated.
Lian.
And given their history...
...it seems clear the only way to stop...
Lian.
...their continued aggression...
Damn it, Lian.
Would you shut up, already?
Is your daughter married?
Excuse me, Mr.
President?
Your daughter.
The one I met when we were in Beijing.
Is she married?
Yes, she was married two years ago last spring.
Then you will understand...
...that my daughter's wedding is this afternoon...
...and that she has been waiting for 46 minutes for me to give her away...
...because I can't put down this damn phone...
...until you tell me that you're not gonna start World War III today!
Now, for the love of God, Lian...
...would you please just give me one half-hour...
...so I can go and walk my little girl down the aisle?
Mr.
President...
...we can continue this discussion in one hour.
And your troops will hold their position until then?
Yes, Mr.
President.
Thank you, Lian.
You've got one hour.
Is the wedding starting?
Not yet.
How's Senator Montgomery?
Full of hot air, as usual.
Who does he want to replace me?
Josh.
Who is it?
No one wants to replace you.
It's Goodwin too, isn't it?
Son of a bitch.
He was just shaking my...
So who do they want?
Is it Peipman?
Blume?
Guy's tone-deaf when it comes to message politics but he'd be good.
Josh.
You could get Simonds or Sharp.
Maybe you should promote Lou.
It's not like any others have run a presidential...
They want you.
It's you, isn't it?
Hell, that's who I'd want.
You would've known.
You...
You would've been in Illinois months ago.
You would've figured it out.
Stop it.
Where would you have gotten the dough?
Where would you get the money?
I wouldn't have.
I wouldn't have been in Illinois.
Polls looked as bad...
...as when we ran against Eisenhower.
I'd make the same decision as you.
And that's exactly what I told Barry Goodwin and George Montgomery.
These are tough calls.
It's impossible to know how they're gonna turn out.
What's important is how you respond when you get it wrong...
...how you react, your next move.
I don't know my next move.
I've been staring at this damn map all day.
I still haven't got a clue.
Iowa's vulnerable.
I don't know with Wisconsin.
We can't take a dime out of Ohio, Florida, Texas.
I don't know where to start.
They're right.
You should take over.
Really, you're all trying to kill me.
The wedding's about to start.
Let me see the map, come on.
Come on, we'll talk about it on the way.
You made it.
Honey, you look...
Dad?
I'm sorry, sweetheart.
It's okay, Dad.
Really.
You wanted a White House wedding.
All of that's being taken into consideration.
Well, I thank you for your support.
Thank you so much.
I'll meet you in there.
How'd it go?
Fine.
You're taking over?
No.
I thought...
Josh will make...
...lots of strategic decisions over the next few weeks.
He's gonna sweat them like life and death.
They'll be important, which is why...
...we'll be in on every one of them.
But they're meaningless...
...compared to the decision the voters have to make...
...just by listening to you and trying to figure out...
...if they can connect with the idea of Matt Santos as president.
And Josh has nothing to do with that.
Goodwin's right.
Josh has taken you as far as he can.
The rest is up to you.
Smile.
And go.
And go.
That's right.
And go.
Smile.
You okay, Dad?
You know, one time during my first term in Congress...
...we went on a Congressional delegation to East Germany and...
You don't remember, couldn't have been more than 5.
At any rate, we got to East Berlin...
...we were waiting with our passports at Checkpoint Charlie...
...when, all of a sudden, you bolted out...
...into the no man's land between the two guard posts...
...and everything stopped.
The MPs just froze and your mother and I were scared to death.
But not you.
You just calmly looked up at one of the soldiers on the wall and you waved.
And the soldier waved back.
And then...
And then all the soldiers were waving at each other.
I remember, Dad.
Take my arm.
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