[Toby and Sam enter Leo's office from the main door.]
SAM
Mr. President, Leo.
TOBY
Excuse me, Leo, Mr. President.
JED
What do you need?
TOBY
You have a meeting tomorrow.
JED
Yes, I'd imagine I have a couple meetings tomorrow.
TOBY
You have one with a special group tomorrow. For fifty bucks, can
anyone besides Sam tell me the name of the group?
JED
I give.
LEO
So do I.
TOBY
Sam.
SAM
The name of their group is Women's Human Rights Defenders, WHRD, or
Defenders.
LEO
Where are you getting at?
TOBY
Afghanistan.
JED
What about it?
SAM
We were thinking, what with the current events in Afghanistan, that
it would be a wise course of action if we were to rewrite the speech
you are to give to the women's group. Instead of speaking about
problems within our own nation, we were thinking you could discuss
the situation of the women in Afghanistan.
LEO
To what degree?
SAM
We think the speech should relate to what the Afghanistanian women
are going through, the President's feelings on this subject, and
perhaps make a clear and public statement, that would outline future
White House policies towards Afghanistan.
JED
Toby?
TOBY
Sir, Sam and I have spent some time on this, after speaking with CJ,
as well as some of the women involved with the program that you are
to speak with tomorrow, I really do think we should do this. The
fact that I sat down with Sam and discussed this should be proof
enough.
JED
This wouldn't be a problem to change it so late in the day?
TOBY
I don't think the time factor is a problem, we've rewritten speeches
in a matter of two hours or less. Plus, there are a plethora of
things in which we would be able to fit into this speech. Not to
mention that it is the type of topic, that once you start writing,
it's hard to stop. That said, I really don't anticipate a problem
coming up with a new speech. It's my job to do this kind of stuff
you know.
LEO
What did CJ have to say on this?
SAM
CJ likes the idea. She thinks the press would like the idea, and so
she gave us a thumbs up from a PR standpoint.
TOBY
May I remind everyone, that in the latest poll, we included questions
concerning Afghanistan. The results said that the public, in large,
is fairly concerned about the women in Afghanistan, and said they
would like the government to do something about it.
JED
Okay. If you can write me a new speech by tomorrow, I'll read it to
the women.
SAM
Thank you, sir.
TOBY
Thank you for your time, sir.
[Sam and Toby exit Leo's office.]
LEO
Why didn't we think about this sooner?
JED
I don't know.
[Margaret peeks her head into Leo's office.]
MARGARET
Leo, I have some papers here that need your signature.
JED
I'm gonna go, so you can sign your papers, cause I know how you love
signing stuff.
LEO
Yeah, probably as much as you, Mr. President.
JED
See ya later.
LEO
Good bye, Mr. President.
[Jed leaves Leo's office through the front door, and walks to Nancy's desk.]
JED
Nancy, did Roni get here yet?
NANCY
Yes, sir.
JED
She's in there already?
NANCY
Yes, sir.
JED
Okay, thanks.
[Lots of commotion is heard from the Oval Office, Jed and the secret
service run in. Mary is standing silently in a corner, Keith
standing over Roni, who is leaning against Jed's desk, holding her
left eye.]
JED
What the hell happened in here?
RONI
Nothing. Don't worry, I can handle it.
JED
My God, did he hit you?
KEITH
What if I did? She's my daughter.
JED
No, she's not. She is my daughter.
RONI
Really, I can handle it, could you please just step out and give me
another minute with them, dad?
JED
Are you sure that's what you want, kiddo?
RONI
Yes, I'm sure.
JED
Okay, everyone, out. Roni, I'll be right outside.