:08:09
Good morning, Global Defense Council.
:08:12
You wanted to see me?
:08:14
- I just got off the phone with A.J.
- The President read the letter?
:08:17
He is pissed as hell.
That letter was a stupid move.
:08:20
- We should stand by every word of it.
- This isn't the guy...
:08:23
...who needed our help four years ago.
He's incredibly popular.
:08:26
He'll win re-election.
He could give a shit what we stand by!
:08:30
If he passes the most important piece
of environmental legislation in history...
:08:34
...despite our negative endorsement,
our political weight in the future...
:08:38
...will rank somewhere below
the Save the Spotted Owl Society.
:08:45
I'm bringing in some help.
:08:46
We don't need another expert to confirm
what everyone already knows.
:08:50
Not an environmental expert.
:08:51
A professional political strategist.
:08:54
We are playing hardball
and we need a heavy bat.
:08:58
Who?
:08:59
Sydney Ellen Wade.
:09:01
She doesn't know the first thing
about the environmental lobby.
:09:05
She's a closer, Susan.
She gets the job done.
:09:08
What if I lose this?
:09:10
Then move this up here.
:09:12
Sasser from the Times called. Wanted
to know what a "Great Society" was.
:09:15
What'd you tell him?
:09:17
I can't speak for the President,
but for my money, Bermuda.
:09:20
Perfect.
:09:21
Your cousin Judith got the flu and
won't be able to join you Thursday night.
:09:25
I'm sorry to hear that.
Remind me to call her later.
:09:27
Yes, sir.
:09:28
- You're gonna go stag?
- Not a problem.
:09:30
We've never gone wrong parading you
around as the lonely widower.
:09:38
I can't believe I said that.
:09:41
That was an incredibly thoughtless remark.
:09:43
I wouldn't dream of insulting you
or your wife's memory.
:09:46
It's okay. Forget it. What time is it?
:09:49
It's 3:30, sir.
:09:51
I'm gonna go up and say hi to Lucy.
:09:53
The Attorney General's at 4:00
and the trade rep at 4:30.
:09:56
And you promised NPR five minutes.
:09:58
- Mr.President--
- Robin...