All language subtitles for The Day Reagan Was Shot

(Applause)

CHIEF JUSTICE BURGER:
Governor,

are you
prepared to take

the Constitutional
Oath?

RONALD REAGAN:
I am.

Place your left hand
on the Bible

and raise your right hand
and repeat after me:

I, Ronald Reagan,
do solemnly swear...

I, Ronald Reagan,
do solemnly swear...

That I will faithfully
execute the office

of President of the United States...

That I will faithfully execute the office

of President of the United States...

And will, to the best of my ability...

And will, to the best of my ability...

Preserve, protect, and defend...

Preserve, protect, and defend...

The Constitution of the United States...

The Constitution of the United States...

So help you God.

So help me God.

NARRATOR: January 20, 1981...

Ronald Reagan is sworn in

as the 40th President of the United States.

February, 1981.

Living up to his reputation
as a cold warrior,

the new President shows little interest

in continuing the policy of detente.

He cites the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan

and Moscow's sponsorship
of communist rebels

in Central America
as deterrents to any talks

with Soviet leader Brezhnev.

Instead, Reagan calls for
a dramatic and costly build-up

of U.S. Military power.

March, 1981.

Soviet leader Brezhnev
begins to amass Russian troops

along the Polish border
in preparation for an invasion

to suppress the labour movement,
Solidarity.

Many now fear a showdown

between the superpowers.

JAMES BAKER: If intervention occurs,

we anticipate it happening

within the next
24 hours.

ALEXANDER HAIG:
The Soviets

intend to invade.

Let's call it
what it is, Jim.

Well, if it's a matter
of semantics...

When the President
faces the press

and they want to know
how we're going to react,

it has to be stated
unequivocally

as an invasion.

In order to heighten
or decrease tensions, Al?

You are trying

to qualify an aggressive
military action.

I've had experience with
these things, gentlemen.

I know what they're like.

CarefuI, guys.

Last time Poland was invaded,
a world war erupted.

HAIG: Moscow's been warned,
Mr President.

We have to know
how to respond.

I'm all ears.

WEINBERGER: Dobrynin
is anxious for us

to lift the grain embargo.

We've already agreed
in principle, but we could...

Have you been talking
to Dobrynin?

I met him at a party, Al.

What does our
CIA Director say?

Well...

Russian bear
is a tricky beast.

PlayfuI like a cub,
but deceptively ursine.

Therefore, it's imperative
that we proceed

with aggressive caution...

less like a bear
than an eagle,

but with an eagle's eye
towards retreat...

if called for...
under the circumstances.

I didn't catch that.

Did anyone catch that?

He's unintelligible, sir.

Eh?

Can't hear, either.

HAIG:
Can't hear, can't talk...

(Chuckles)

The perfect CIA Director.

REAGAN:
The Soviets consider Poland

within their sphere
of influence...

And they'll go to war
to keep it that way.

What they're
wondering is,

will we go to war
to stop them?

Well...

I say let's keep them
wondering.

(Sniffing)

Any new employees
on this list?

No.

They all have to have
badges.

Without badges,
they don't work the room.

OK.

Yeah, it's OK.

AGENT, OVER RADIO:
Got it.

(lndistinct radio chatter)

(Sniffing)

Dear Jodie...

There's a definite possibility
that I will be killed

in my attempt to get Reagan.

It is for this very reason

that I'm writing you
this letter now.

As you well know,

I love you very much.

The past 7 months

I have left you dozens
of poems, letters, and...

messages... in the faint hope

that you might develop
an interest in me.

Jodie, I am asking you to
please look into your heart

and at least give me
the chance

with this historical deed

to gain your respect...

and love.

I love you forever.

John Hinckley.

Everyone here
except Rawhide?

Dusty to Daylight,
the package is ready.

Nearing 1400.
Let's pull out.

AGENT, OVER RADIO:
Copy that.

They're still meeting.

HAIG:
Mr President...

I have prepared
a foreign policy white paper

taking into account
the new budgetary constraints.

Well, that's, uh...
a lot of white paper.

2,000 pages, sir.

I've tried to meet
Mr Stockman's

$2.6 billion worth
of proposed cuts

without cutting any aid

to our friends
in Central America.

I have also
included a chapter

on why El Salvador

is a guerrilla war
that we can win.

Aah. Have you got
anything shorter?

Yes, I have a 20-page outline
that we've been working from.

Let me tell you something,
fellas...

Most of you are new here...

Heck, I'm new here.

We're just getting to know
each other's work habits.

For instance,

my predecessor's
habits included

keeping track of who used
the tennis court out there.

(All chuckling)

But me, I'm
a big-picture guy.

You're my detail men.

I don't need details.
Just give me the essence of it.

Can you summarize this
in one or two pages?

One or two?

One.

REAGAN: We've got to avoid
these moves and countermoves.

Think long-term.

They can't keep up
with us.

The Soviet Union's
a house of cards.

HAIG:
Mr President...

Could we speak a moment

about this
crisis control issue?

Sure, Al...

Al, really,
we've got to go.

Are you going to stand by
your appointment

of the Vice President?

This directly affects
my position

as Secretary of State,

and I really need
a clarification, sir.

It's been very difficult

getting an appointment
to see you.

Was it?
Why is that?

I think that
the State Department

is best able to deal
with crisis situations.

Well, Vice President Bush
is going to handle it.

I think that's a departure
from precedent, sir.

I believe,
with all due respect,

that the Vice President's
staff is too small

to handle
the complex tasks...

Al, this has nothing
to do with you.

I have complete confidence
in your ability.

But George Bush
is a very able man.

I promised him he'd be
an active Vice President.

Now, the man has got to
have something to do.

(Chuckles)

You're my foreign
policy guy.

Mr Deaver,
the card?

Oh, right.

The key card, sir, with
the authorization code.

Mm. Mm.

You need to select
a number group

for today, sir.

Oh, right.

How's that?
Very good.

You keep the card,
sir, as usual.

Without it,

the launch codes
can't be activated.

We've got to go, sir.

Jodie...

this letter is being written

an hour before I leave
for the Hilton Hotel.

I would abandon this idea
of getting Reagan in a second

if I could only win your heart

and live out
the rest of my life with you,

whether it be
in total obscurity or whatever.

I will admit to you

that the reason I'm going ahead
with this attempt now

is because I just cannot wait
any longer to impress you.

I've got to do something now

to make you understand,
in no uncertain terms,

that I am doing all this
for your sake.

By sacrificing my freedom,
and possibly my life,

I hope to change your mind
about me.

Didn't go well?

The magazines
arrived.

"Taking command."

Bullshit!

I can't get a meeting
with the President.

I can't get him on the phone.

Only time I ever see him is with
that goddamn Troika present.

These guys were with him
in California...

(Angry growl)

I'm being undermined
by wienies.

Second-rate hambones.

(Sighs)

I want you to redraft
that resignation letter.

You can't resign

on the eve of
a Soviet invasion.

Pat says I've become more
irritable and short-tempered

since the triple bypass.

What do you think?

Well, before the surgery,

you weren't exactly
a pussycat, either.

(Laughs)

You keep me in line, Buddy.

You keep me on
the straight and narrow.

I will.

(lndistinct radio chatter)

AGENT, ON RADIO:
Do we have an I.D.

On that green jacket?

Drawbridge, this is Stagecoach.

We are about to turn
onto T street. Over.

Got that, Stagecoach. Over.

How we doing in the sky?

COUNTER-SNIPER:
"One clear.

SNIPER 2:
2 clear.

Rawhide's coming.

Mr President!

(People talking at once)

How are you?

(Heart pounding)

(Voices distorted)

(Faint click)

MAN: You're doing
a great job.

Break it up.

I voted for you, sir.

Back off.

Nice to meet you.

What are you going
to do about Poland?

Good luck
in there.

MAN: Mr President, what about
the Polish situation?

Yes!

REAGAN:
You lay out the baby's diaper

like a baseball diamond.

You put the baby's bottom
on the pitcher's mound.

You hook up first and third

and then you slide home
underneath.

(Soft laughter)

And if it starts to rain,
the game ain't called.

You just start
all over again.

(Laughter)

That dumb joke
works every time.

So, uh, I'm going to try

to communicate
a little bit today.

I hope you'll forgive me
if I point with some pride

to the fact that
I'm the first President

of the United States...

to hold a lifetime
membership

in an AFL-CIO union.

Sir, no one's allowed
inside without a pass.

I'm sorry.

Excuse me.

(Door creaks)

You're not supposed
to be in here, kid.

This floor's off-limits.

I am not a kid.

The Polish workers
stand as sentinels

on behalf of
universal human principles

and they remind us
that on this good earth,

the people

will always prevail.

He's almost done
with his speech.

Is Stagecoach
turned around?

AGENT, ON RADIO:
Roger that.

Now, I know
that we can't

make things
right overnight.

So I'm asking you,
as I ask all Americans

during these
months of decision,

please, follow me
on this new path.

You and your forebears
built this nation...

Stagecoach is ready.

Please help
us rebuild it,

and together we'll make
America great again.

Stagecoach
is ready, sir.

Thank you very,
very much.

Thank you.

Mr President.

Not now, Jim.

The moment's
got to be right.

Exits are important.

OK.

Rawhide's coming out.

(Reporters shouting questions)

(Heart pounding)

(Gunshots)

Don't shoot him!

(Screaming and yelling)

Get down!

Get down!

Take off, take off!

Don't move!

Ooh...

Son of a bitch,
you broke my ribs.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

(Tyres screeching)

You haven't
been hit, have you?

(Grunts)

(Coughing)

Jesus, what the hell?

The way you
shoved me down...

felt like a hammer
hit me in the ribs.

It's blood.
It's bubbly.

Halfback, halfback...

Rawhide is spitting blood.

He cracked a rib
when I threw him in the car.

He may have a punctured lung.

EMERY:
We're nearing Crown.

I'll call ahead to get them
ready check him out.

We should go
to the hospital.

We're almost home.

I can't breathe.

We're going to
George Washington.

Change course fast.

We're going to G.W.

Yes, sir.

(Tyres screeching)

(Horn honking)

Somebody get
a stretcher!

No.

No.

Back up a little bit.

Here we go.

Right through here.

Don't move!

Back off!

Move, back off, get back!

U.S. Secret Service.

This way.

Everyone stay back.
Stay back.

Everybody stay calm.

(Clears throat)

I'm fine.

Is that who
I think it is?

Take him into
the code room!

What's that, sir?

Did you get him?

The shooter?
Yeah, yeah, we got him.

Find out what his beef is.

(Coughing)

NURSE: 5-A

5-A, this way!

This way.

I can't breathe.

This way.

(Gasping for air)

Get him in here,
get him in here.

Up here.

OK, all right.

Get his coat.

OK. Lie him down.

(Choking)

I can't breathe.

OK, get some oxygen on him,

and get a call out

to Ben Allard, fast!

OK, what's the deal?
Did he have a heart attack?

He's in acute distress.

How's the
blood pressure?

Damn, if it ain't
Ronald McDonald.

Get him out.

Let me see
your Uzi, man.

That's right,
wheel the nigger out.

There's some violent
streets out there...

What y'all motherfuckers
gonna do about that?

Kirkus, FBI. I need
to know who's in here.

Treasury's in control.

You guys haven't
done enough today?

Fuck off.

I can't hear.

There's too many people
in here.

Can we have some quiet?

I can't get
any systolic pressure.

OK, give me some blood.

CBC, chem-7,
portable chest, stat.

Ben!

Any idea what's up?

I heard there were people
with guns down here.

P. A:
Dr Allard to emergency, stat.

Rawhide's fine.
He just hurt his ribs.

EMERY: Reagan.
R-e-a-g-a-n.

First name Ronald.

Address?

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Hey.

Who are these guys?

Let them through.

Drs Allard
and Gregorio.

Go ahead. Insured?

Yes.

If you have
any further questions,

you can direct them
to Mr Deaver.

GREGORIO:
Doesn't anybody call ahead

when it's the President?

Mr Reagan,
where do you hurt?

I can't breathe.

What happened?

There was a shooting.

The President wasn't hit,

but I had to throw him
in the limousine,

and I think he cracked a rib.

He started to cough up blood.

He wanted me to bring him
to the White House,

but I figured it was better
to bring him here.

He'd be dead by now
if you hadn't.

I knew he was hurt bad,

but he wouldn't let
anybody help him.

I've never seen
anything like it.

STEIN:
Turn on the television.

An unidentified
would-be assassin

has taken shots
at President Reagan

as he left the
Washington Hilton Hotel

just minutes ago.

The White House says

the President
has not been hit.

I repeat,
he has not been hit.

3 shots, possibly
more, were fired.

3 persons were wounded.
Among them...

Get Baker on the phone.

He's on his way
to the hospital.

Where's the Vice President?

I'm trying
to find that out.

What do we know
about the assailant?

I don't know.

Well, get on with it.

(Sighs)

...when the shots
were fired.

Again, we repeat...

shots were fired
at the President.

However,
he has escaped injury.

I'm not getting
any pulse.

Acute coronary thrombosis?

There are way too many
people in here, folks.

Clear the room.

FBI investigation...

Whoa, whoa!
Knock it off!

Blood pressure
double zero.

No pulse.
He's going into shock.

All right,
roll him over.

You see anything?

Nothing, nothing.

Other side.

Bring him back.

Wait, wait, wait.

All right,
I found a bullet hole.

He's been shot.

Went in under his arm.

I don't see an exit wound.

The x-rays, Doctor.

There it is.

Is that a fragment
or the whole thing?

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

Give us a report, Doctor.

He's got
a collapsed lung.

We got a hem thorax.
We gotta get a chest tube.

We need a chest tube
in here!

Pulse strengthening at 78.

Anybody know the calibre
of the bullets?

Yeah, I'll check. Hold on.

I need to know the calibre.

We can't give that out.

The doctors
have to know.

It's part of
the investigation.

This is the President!

We got to know now!

Right now!
Come on.

It's a.38.

That's bullshit.
I was there.

It was a.22
short barrel.

"A.38's a lot bigger
than this slug.

Unless it broke up inside him,

in which case
we got much bigger problems.

Chest tube ready?

Xylocaine?

All set.

Who are you, sir?

I'm Mike Deaver,

White House Deputy
Chief of Staff.

And I need to know
the truth.

There's a bullet
right next to

or possibly in
the President's heart.

We stand a good chance
of losing him

if we don't
stop the bleeding.

Now, do I have your
authorization

to do whatever
is necessary?

Measures could be drastic
to save his life.

Uh, yes, yeah,
do what you have to.

My God, he's going to die.

Where's Ronnie?

He was hit, Nancy.

But you said
he was OK.

The doctors
just confirmed it.

He has a bullet
in his chest.

Where is he?

I have to see him.

Is that Jim Brady?

Oh, my God.

Look at him.

Look what they've
done to him.

I'm sorry.

(Sobbing)

They're working
on him.

I want to see him.

No, not yet, Nancy.
Please.

The doctors
are in there.

Mike, they don't know
how it is with us.

He has to know I'm here.

I'll make sure
he does.

And as soon as they
have him cleaned up

and stabilized,
you can see him.

Jim, we have to
soft-pedal this.

The children need
to hear it from me.

I know, I know.

And tell Don Regan

this is the first President
shot since Kennedy,

and it's on his watch.

Mrs Reagan?

We've got a room
you can wait in.

It's this way.

I understand that there
were some agents hurt also.

Yes, ma'am.

Agent McCarthy
took a bullet,

and a police officer
as well.

Would you let me know
how they're doing?

And make sure their
families can see them.

Yes, ma'am.

This way,
Mrs Reagan.

Mike...

the press is breathing
down our neck.

We've got to get
a statement out.

Well, there's nobody
at the White House.

George Bush left
for Texas this morning.

Tell 'em we're running
things from here.

I'll call Al Haig
and have him inform the Cabinet.

Is Speakes over there?

Yeah. Yeah, sure.

Larry can handle press.

Dave Gergen's
over there, too.

Well, fine, but everything
is through me.

I'm nearest
to the President.

You go out and handle
the press out there.

And, uh, keep it brief
but positive.

Absolutely.

The President
was wounded slightly

during the attack, but he's all right.

The President is doing just fine.

REPORTER: Earlier we were told

that he had emerged unscathed and unhurt.

Now we hear that
he's been struck.

What is the real
story here?

They both are, Sam.

Now, come on.

It's what we thought
at the time.

You're just gonna
have to wait

until further
reports come up.

The President
is doing fine.

It's Baker from the hospital.

You don't know if he's
conscious? What's going on?

I can only say so much. I'm sorry.

REPORTER: Is the President
in surgery now?

The President is stable.

I don't know
at this point...

Jim...

Al, it's serious.

The bullet is next
to the aorta,

and the doctors
are concerned

he may bleed to death.

HAIG: I'm watching
Nofziger on television.

We've got to be carefuI
about these reports.

We need an accurate
information base.

There are worldwide
repercussions here.

I understand.

This is how
conspiracy theories

take hold.

I don't want
another Dallas.

Has the Vice President
been informed?

Yeah, Peter Teeley
got a hold of him.

He was about to fly
to Austin from Fort Worth.

HAIG: Is he coming back?

No.

Why not?

Because when they spoke,
the reports were

the President was OK,

so Bush decided to proceed

with his schedule.

He's probably airborne
by now.

We've got to get him back
here as soon as possible.

In the meantime,

somebody's got to handle
Crisis Control.

Jim...

You worked real hard

to have this taken out
of my hands

and turned over
to the Vice President.

Now you can't get him
back to Washington.

I'll handle this.

Can you hold on
a second, General?

He wants to know

who's going to run
Crisis Control.

Can't we run it from here?

It has to be

a senior Cabinet Officer.

It has to be
from the White House.

Our information's limited here.

You want that lunatic
running this thing?

HAIG: Jim!

I'm senior Cabinet Officer.

I'll handle this.

Very well.

Give me the phone.

I'll get over
to the White House.

I'll set up a command centre
in the Situation Room.

I'll coordinate the Cabinet.

You be my point man
at the hospital.

I don't want have to
talk to anybody else.

When you get set up there,
you let me know.

Mr President, there's a bullet
right next to your heart.

We're going to open
your chest,

get that bullet out,
and fix you up.

Sounds good to me.

Let's get on with it.

Does Nancy know about us?

Honey, what did they do?

What did they do?

Honey, I forgot to duck.

I brought you jelly beans,
darling.

I need to speak
with you.

CarefuI, Mrs Reagan.

Are your people
going up?

We have to be at his side
at all times.

Your husband has lost
an incredible amount of blood.

There's a bullet
in his chest.

We have to stop
the bleeding.

Now, surgery could be anywhere
between 2 and 5 hours

depending on complications.

Now, I must tell you,

it's very serious.

He may die.

Do your best, Doctor.

Save him.

Please, Doctor.

You know, Ben,
I was thinking

maybe we should get
Keller up here.

What?

I shouldn't be
in there.

I'm a liberal.

I never even voted
for the man.

What are you
talking about?

It's just another
operation, Joe.

You can't think of him
as the President.

Oh, sure, I mean,

the fact that
the entire world

is waiting with
bated breath.

Do you know your history?

History? You think
this is a good time?

Listen to me.

Garfield and McKinley
were shot by assassins,

but they were killed
by their Doctors.

Shock, panic,
V.I.P. Medicine...

Call it what you want.

Both presidents
should have survived.

OK. OK,
Mr History buff

here's the first
tough decision:

We got a 70-year-old
patient in there

that we need
to put to sleep,

and he's eaten lunch
in the last 2 hours.

What do we do?

What we'd do
with any other patient.

Sellick manoeuvre.
Calculated risk.

All right.

Thanks.

OK.

(Heavy sigh)

Dear Lord, please guide me
and help me through this.

Find it within your power
and your mercy

to help me heal this man.

Let's go.
Let's go.

I need a scalpel.

Mr Reagan?

Dr Knopf here is
our anaesthesiologist.

He'll give you a shot
to put you to sleep,

and then we'll begin.

I hope you guys
are Republicans.

Mr President,
today we're all Republicans.

(Groaning)

Ed. Jim.

Who's minding the store?

(Tyres squealing)

We're in!
Close the gate!

They call this
the Monroe door.

As in Marilyn,
not the doctrine.

This way, sir.

Like this place, Buddy?

Used to be a bowling alley.

We have secure
ground-to-air?

Yes, sir.

Need to get in contact
with Air Force Two.

The NSA operator
will connect you.

Oh, uh, Mr Secretary,

There are Cabinet
members upstairs.

Send them down.

Scalpel.

HAIG:
All right, gentlemen...

I don't have
to emphasize to you

the depth of the crisis
that we face here today.

The President's condition
is critical.

We have to conduct ourselves
in a manner and capacity

that will make him proud.

We also have to convince
the nation and the world

that the government
is running smoothly.

Want to take some notes,
David?

Now, I want to go
around the table

and ascertain the facts.

We have to... prepare
a statement for the press.

We have to cable
our ambassadors abroad.

And we have to make
a full report to the Congress.

Where's Weinberger?

(Chuckles)

You want to get
the Defence Secretary in here,

for Christ's sake,

and call the Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs...

We gotta get a full report
on the Polish situation.

Mr Treasury Secretary...

Yes, Al.

What do we know about
the assailant, if anything?

His name is
John W. Hinckley.

Dropped out of Texas
Tech this past fall.

He was arrested at
the Nashville airport

for carrying 3 guns
in his carry-on bag

plus 30 rounds
of ammunition.

Now, the President
was campaigning

in Nashville
that day,

and we've confirmed
that Hinckley was at that rally.

This incident was reported
to the FBI, but not...

I repeat, not...

conveyed to the Secret Service
by the Bureau.

It's standard procedure
to pass that on, Don.

Have you confirmed that?

Bill Webster
told me that,

just before I left
to come here.

I suppose that the Director
of the FBI should know.

My agents scoped in
on Hinckley right away,

but had no probable cause.

Now, if he had been on file,
as he should have been,

we would've arrested
him on sight.

Now I've got the First Lady
screaming for my head.

OK, so what do I got here?

A grade-A psycho.

He apparently did this
to impress, uh...

the actress from, uh...
from the movie Taxi Driver.

Another interesting titbit...

He's a member
of the American Nazi Party.

Only the Nazis
expelled him

because they considered him
to be too dangerous.

What are you
doing?

Can't get through
to anybody.

I had the hospital
on the line,

but then it's gone.

Sir, we have Air Force Two
for you on the beige phone.

"Mr Vice President,
this is Secretary Haig.

BUSH: Hello?

HAIG: Hello.

Hello.

Are you there,
Mr Secretary?

L... I can't hear you.

We must have
a bad connection.

Hello? Is anybody there?

What was that?

I can't understand you, Al!

Hello?
Hello?

Can you hear me?

George...

I was informed
of the shooting.

Thank God the President
wasn't injured.

Is anybody there?

Hello? Hello?

Jesus.

George, this is Al...

You want to get some phones
in here that work?

The connection was fine
a moment ago, sir.

What are you saying,

I don't know how
to use a phone?

This is
the Operations Centre

of the entire government.

We need to be able
to communicate

with the outside world.
Now get some

goddamn phones
in here!

I don't care
what colour they are!

Yes, sir.

Good of you
to join us, Cap.

Any teletypes
on Air Force Two?

Yes.

Buddy, draft a telex
to the Vice President.

Tell him to get back here
as soon as possible.

My driver disappeared,
so Bobby Inman drove me.

We ran into some traffic.

You been briefed?

Yes, I've, uh...
approved a statement

to be cabled to
our foreign posts,

and I've raised
the alert status

of our forces.

You did what?

I raised the alert status
of our forces.

Did you know about this,
General?

No. This is the first
I've heard of it.

It's proper under
the circumstances.

Wait a second.

Let's go back.

Have the Soviets
invaded Poland?

No.

Any moves across the border?
Anything unusual?

No, Mr Secretary,
They haven't.

So what is it that you've done,
Cap, and why?

First of all...

Who appointed you to be
in charge of these proceedings?

I mean...

Why are you
running the show?

The Chiefs of Staff concur

that as senior
Cabinet Officer,

I'm in charge
of Crisis Control

in the VP's absence.

They're at the hospital
if you'd like it confirmed.

Very well.

You handle Crisis Control.

I'll handle Defence.

I can't do anything
until I know

whether you've raised
the Defcon.

I've done nothing of the kind.

Procedure is important
here, gentlemen.

See if we can find
a policy book

regarding
the 25th Amendment...

all right, Cap...

This is real important.

Where would I find
something like that?

Somebody's got to have one...
make some calls.

Would you please tell us
exactly what you've done?

I spoke to S.A.C. And Norad.

And you said...

That in light
of the Soviet situation,

We should, so they
don't get any ideas,

heighten our readiness.

Great. You've
raised the Defcon.

You do know what
a Defcon is?

I mean, I know
you're new at this job.

I know what Defcon is, Al.

Defcon 5... our forces

in normal peacetime
conditions.

Defcon 4.

Air force crews alerted

to take off
in 10 or 15 minutes.

Defcon 3...

Ouch! I'm trying
to work here.

Who the hell are you?

He's the phone
repairman, sir.

Alejandro. Who are you?

You got a security clearance
to be in here?

Is this guy cleared?

You can't work
in the building

without a clearance, sir.

Double-check that.

We're in crisis mode here.

You just shut up
and do your job,

and then get the hell out.

Draft of the telex
to the VP.

All right, David,

When you prepare
the statement for the press,

make sure you tell them that
he's returning to Washington.

Don't tell them where
he's coming from

or when he's expected.

CASEY:
Beware the wolf...

out there howling.

Wolf packs off our shore.

Watch the shore.

The shore.

I think he's saying
we need to monitor

Soviet moves off our coast.

General, um...

Get to a phone that works

and find out
what the Soviets are up to.

You see, Cap,
when the Russians realize

that we've
ratcheted up the Defcon,

they're going to do
the same,

and then we're going to be in
a situation beyond our control.

STEIN: Right.

When Kennedy was shot,
the Soviets thought

we'd accuse them of complicity
due to Oswald's Soviet...

OK, OK.

That's enough.

The Soviets are prone
to lose their cool

in situations like this.

Their leaders

may conclude that we think
they're responsible

for the attack
on the President.

The consequences
of what you've done

Mr Secretary,
could be incalculable.

I did not intend to raise
our Defcon status,

and I don't believe
that I have.

You don't know
what you've done,

and until you figure it out,
we have to assume the worst.

I can't get through
to the Situation Room.

Me, neither.

I got Larry Speakes
on the other line.

He's in the White House
press room.

Is the President
in surgery?

We have word
the President's...

Listen to me, please.
Listen to me.

We're going to have
a press conference,

probably
at the White House.

We'll let you know.

We'll shuttle you
back and forth, OK?

Relax. Take it easy,
take it easy.

(Reporters shouting)

(Saw whirring)

You all right?

Sure.

Take it easy.

The Secret Service guys
want an update.

Tell them we're busy.

(Clattering)

OK, give me
a hand here.

Let's get him
out of here.

CarefuI, Ben.

I'm worried
about an embolism.

Yeah. I understand.

We don't know where
this thing is, Joe.

We're going to
need more x-rays.

Right away, Doctor.

What's an embolism?

Are you guys in there

to protect the President
or to spy on us?

Just trying
to do our job.

You know,
this may come

as a surprise to you,
but so are we.

And you should
be helping us

instead of interrupting
with stupid questions

and moment-by-moment
updates.

This isn't a fucking
baseball game in there.

That's the President.

Look, the bullet
is lodged

between his lung,

which has collapsed,
and his heart.

It's difficult
to get to.

If while
searching for it,

I nudge it accidentally,

it could embolize.

That is, be sucked
right into the heart

causing instant
heart failure.

Or, it could be pumped

right on through
the heart

and into the brain,
causing instant death.

So you want
my guys out of there?

Yes.

Look, you've got the entire
floor sectioned off, right?

Just put a couple of
guys outside each door

and maybe we'll get
through this thing.

Satellite photos
for General Yates.

Proceed.

YATES: And these icons indicate
their present position

off our coast,

out of the box.

All of them
are nuclear?

I'm afraid so.

What does that mean,
"out of the box"?

Well, I'm sure our
Secretary of Defence knows.

Why don't you
tell them, Cap?

I don't have to
take that from you.

Take what?

I'm just asking
a simple question.

You take everything
so personally.

To answer the question,
"out of the box"

means the Soviets
are placing

their nuclear submarines
in attack formation.

Jesus. Why?

Also, we've got
extraordinary activity

out of their sub bases
at Polyarni,

with at least 20 subs

heading at high speed
into the Atlantic.

Great. Red ones.

It's not unprecedented

for Soviet subs
to be "out of the box."

Well, not in concert

with the release
of that many subs

from their home bases.

I mean, let's
face it, gentlemen...

what's happening here

is in direct response
to our increased Defcon.

It could be an exercise.

It happens.

HAIG: Whenever you call
for an alert?

(Chuckling)

How often is that, anyway?

Answer one thing, General.

Can they strike first?

Yes, sir.

How do we stop them?

By striking first.

This isn't your call, Al.

According to the National
Security Act of 1947,

National Command Authority
devolves upon me.

And if we had
working phones here,

I'd call Ed Meese
and confirm it.

Any issue involving Defence

is handled by me
and by me alone.

Al, isn't there a precedent
for this situation?

Well, not really.

I mean,
how often do we have

an escalating crisis

that's instigated
by a Defence Secretary

who's inadvertently
put us on a war footing

with the most powerfuI
nation on earth,

and who then
has the gall to demand

that we let him
handle everything?

Is that Larry Speakes?

REGAN:
That's upstairs...

in the White House
press room.

Turn it up.

SPEAKES:
We'll be down here hourly

to update the situation
while Lyn is at the hospital.

All I can say at this time

is that the President

has a gunshot wound
to the left side of his chest.

He's reported
in stable condition.

Larry, is the President
in surgery?

L... I can't really say.

Neil Reagan,
the President's brother,

was called
by the First Lady

and has been told
that the President

is in emergency
surgery right now.

Is your information
going to be

that far behind
what we're getting

from other sources?

That's the extent

of what I can say
at this time.

We'll do our best
to keep up.

Has the U.S. Military
been placed

on any higher
alert readiness?

Not that I'm aware of.

What is he saying?

This is bad.

Who authorized this?

SPEAKES: I don't have
that information

at this time.

We're getting
rumours out of

the Soviet
embassy...

Would the
Vice President

assume emergency
powers?

Not that I'm aware of.

I don't think anyone knows
where he is right now.

If the President
goes under anaesthesia,

would Bush become Acting
President at that moment?

Or under what
circumstances does he?

I cannot answer
that question at this time.

Now, that's a hell
of an answer!

...determines whether
the Vice President

should, in fact,
become the Acting President?

I don't know the details.

We got to get him off.

Anybody else want
to open their yap,

clear it through me.

That's all the information
I have right now.

We will keep you updated.

You're not authorized
to make reports or statements

on first strikes
or anything

without first
going through me.

General Haig said...

He's not
a General anymore.

He's Secretary of State.

I'm your boss, not him!

STEIN:
What are you going to do?

Somebody's got to calm
these people down.

Everything is falling apart.

Al's not going to address
the press, is he?

He's the last guy
we want up there.

SPEAKES: Mr Brady
has a serious head wound.

That is all the information
I have right now.

We will keep you updated.

Get him off.

Give me a pen.

We are attempting to get you

the most accurate
information we can

as fast as we can,
but these things happen

when don't have time
to research the facts.

Is there any truth

to speculation
that the gunman

may not have been
working alone?

The Secret Service
is investigating.

Who'll be determining
the status of the President?

That's all I have to say
right now. Thank you.

Larry!

Larry!
Larry!

(Reporters clamouring)

They ask you

who's running this government

at a time of national crisis
and you say, "I don't know"?

They ask you who's
defending this country

at a time of national crisis
and you say, "I don't know"?

What kind of a moron are you?

I'm Deputy Press Secretary.

Who authorized you?

Jim Baker did.

This comes through
the Situation Room.

This comes through me.

Tell Baker. He's running
things from the hospital.

We have to make a statement.

Let's get David Gergen
up here.

Fuck that! I'll do it.

Al...

REPORTER:
There he is.

Mr Secretary!

(Reporters clamouring)

(Heartbeat thumping)

I want to touch
on a few matters...

(Clears throat)

...directly associated
with today's tragedy.

Um...

Um...

First, as you know...

we are in close touch
with the Vice President

who is returning to Washington.

Um...

Sounds like he's
having a heart attack.

We have
in the Situation Room

all of the officials
of the Cabinet

who should be here
and ready at this time.

We have cabled
our friends abroad.

(Clearing throat)

The... President's condition
is stable,

and he is now in surgery,

and there are absolutely

no alert measures
that are necessary at this time

that are being contemplated.

Why is he saying that?

Now, if you have
any questions,

I'd be happy to take them.

(All clamouring)

Crisis management...
is that going to go

into effect
when Bush arrives?

Crisis management is in effect.

Who's making
the decisions

for the
government right now?

Who's making
the decisions?

Constitutionally,
gentlemen,

it's the President,
the Vice President,

the Secretary of State,
in that order.

If the President decides

to transfer the helm,

he will do so.

He has not done that.

As of now,
I am in control...

I am in control here...

here... here...

at the White House...
at White House...

at the White House...

at the White House.

What the hell
is he saying?

What's the reaction...
what is the reaction

of the Soviets on this?
Any reaction?

We don't anticipate
any reaction.

You'll remain in charge
here for how long?

I intend to remain here
until the situation clarifies,

however long it takes.

You may have misspoken
earlier on when you stated

that you were
third in line.

I don't think the Secretary
of State is third in line.

Read your constitution, pal.

I have to go.

Mr Haig!
Mr Haig!

(Reporters clamouring)

Oh...

Not bad for a lower
Merion grad.

No stopping me now, Buddy.

We're witnessing
a coup, gentlemen.

He's gone mad.

(Telephone rings)

Ed Meese, for you.

I know, Ed.

Yes, we've got a problem.

(TV playing softly)

You said, "absolutely
no alert measures

at this time."

Why'd you say that?

That's in direct
contradiction

to what I told you.

Just fixing
your screw-up, Caspar.

Oh, use a little tact, Al.

I hang pictures on those.

I sent out a message
of calm just now.

You lied.

You lied!

You stood up there
and told the world

we're not on alert
when we are.

The Russians
know that.

God knows how
they'll react.

You've put us in harm's way.

You know, I love the fact

that you've twisted
this whole thing around.

Another thing, Al, you
misstated the succession.

Now, I trust it was
an honest mistake.

I misstated nothing.

What are you talking about?

I'm afraid you did.

You guys just can't
handle the fact

that I've got the press
eating out of my hands.

Now, we've got
to set aside

these petty differences.

We can't have
dissension right now.

Don's right, Al.
Succession devolves

to the Speaker of the House
after the VP.

Secretary of State's
way down the totem pole.

Here's a copy
of the Constitution

as well as
the 25th Amendment

which deals with
the transfer of authority

whenever the President
is disabled.

I know the Constitution
by heart.

I'm third in line.

That's the way it was

when we were in school,
Al.

It was amended
in '67.

Since you know it
by heart, Mr Secretary,

perhaps you could just
state it aloud

while the rest of us
follow along, hmm?

MAN ON TV: Well, there's just
no question about it.

Secretary of State Haig
was just plain wrong.

Now, I have the Constitution
here, and it clearly states

that if there is neither
a President nor a Vice President

to discharge the duties
and the powers

of the office
of the President,

then the Speaker
of the House of Representatives

shall act as the President.

Now, after that, comes

the President pro tempore
of the Senate

and only...
and only after that

comes the Secretary
of State.

It's very clear.

Now, Secretary Haig seemed
confused, out of sorts up there.

Now, this is cause
for concern, too.

The Reagan White House
has raised questions

in the people's minds as to

just who is
in control here.

According to Mr Haig,

he is in control
at the White House.

Well, there you have it.

We've clarified
Mr Haig's position

at the White House for him.

Uh, he may be going
back to school

and reviewing
his Constitution.

Turn it off.

Turn that off!

We need the TV
on, Al.

There are too many
people in here.

Who are you people, anyway?

You got a security
clearance?

Get these people
the fuck out of here!

Do I have to do
everything by myself?

I'm sorry, Buddy.

I'm sorry.

I'm feeling
like shit.

Call the office.

Tell Muriel to send
my medication.

The Deputy Press Secretary's
statements gave the impression

that the government was
in a state of paralysis.

With the Chief Executive
inactive,

certain steps are necessary.

And in the absence

of the Vice President,

the orb of authority
must be wielded by someone.

The alternative, gentlemen,
is anarchy.

It's a matter
of balancing the risks.

He's lost
a lot of blood,

and he's continuing
to lose blood.

If we keep fishing
around for that thing,

he's going to lose
more blood,

and we may not be able
to stop the flow.

You're saying if you leave the
bullet in there, he'll be fine.

He's a long way
from fine.

But right now,
gentlemen,

it's the safest
way to go.

OK.

Great.
Thank you.

Did you guys notice
any fragments in there?

No, just
a.22 slug.

That's what you
confirmed, right?

It's a.22.

Yeah, but it's a devastator.

What are you
talking about?

It's designed

to explode on impact.

So if it hasn't
exploded yet,

it could at any time.

You've got to be
kidding me.

So you simply forgot
to tell us this?

We're searching
for a bullet

that might burst
on contact?

We just found out.

Well, that settles it...
we got to get it out.

Yeah, great.

Well, you guys just send
the flak jackets

when you're ready.

We're, uh, reaching

crisis point here,
Buddy,

and we need
your assistance.

We've got to get
Al out of here.

Out of here?

What do you mean?

The press
is scrutinizing

this "I'm in control"
statement he made.

If that's all they talk about,
we'll be fortunate.

It's not working, Buddy.

The man needs
a cold shower.

I understand.

So, Buddy...

Look, I served under Al
in the first battalion.

Once near the Cambodian border,
my patrol was cut off.

We were surrounded,
taking heavy enemy fire.

We... we know that he's a hero,
Buddy, absolutely.

Just let me finish.

Back at base, Al, against
the advice of his superiors,

boarded a chopper
and crash-landed it

in the centre
of all the fighting.

He led us in
hand-to-hand action

that cut through
enemy lines.

Those men love Al Haig

'cause he never took
them for granted.

He never wanted to lose
a single soldier.

Now, you can make fun
of his mistakes,

and you can backstab him
all you want,

but I won't be party to it.

I love that man.

I owe him my life.

REGAN: Yes?

Yes, thank you.

They've reported calls
to the White House switchboard

saying that there's going
to be another attempt

on the President's life.

How many psychos have
we got out there?

Too damn many.

We notified the hospital?

My people have
been informed.

The FBI is
tracing the calls.

Stay on it.

You can count on it, Al.

There's going to be nobody
get into that hospital.

Hey.

Think this could work?

Are you serious?

Let the tubing track me
to the bullet.

Why not?

Nice and easy.

I think I've got something.

Scalpel.

There it is.

Forceps.

Slowly, Ben.

I got it.

Thank God.

Damn it.

What?

Damn it, we've got a bleeder
in the pleural cavity.

NURSE: Suction.
BP's dropping.

They've got the bullet out?

Yeah.

Can I see
him now?

Not yet, Nancy.
He's still in surgery.

They have to finish
their work.

We have just in
to the studio.

I'm afraid
some very sad news

from George Washington Hospital.

James Brady,
the very popular

Press Secretary
to the President, has died.

No, no, Nancy...

He's... he's all right.

Oh, my God. My God.

Where is...

What happened,
Mrs Reagan?

Oh, haven't they told you?

I'm so sorry.

Jim is dead.

They've just
announced it.

(Screaming)

Doctor.

(Whispering)

Hmm?

I'll be right back.

Let me say it like this.

No one has told
Mr Brady or myself.

Now, may I get back

to work?

We'd like to amend a report
from a few moments ago.

James Brady is alive.

Repeat,
James Brady is alive.

In serious condition
and presently in surgery,

but he is alive.

Our earlier report
that he had died

obviously a mistake.

Our apologies, our sincere
apologies to his family.

I guess the President's men
at the White House...

(Beeping)

Aren't the only ones
in error today.

James Baker
for you, sir.

Jim.

Yeah, yeah, good news.

Yeah, it is good news.

Uh... AI, you know, we are
very concerned about

this press conference
you gave.

What about it?

Well, there's
a lot of misinformation

going around.

Cap Weinberger's informed us
of the Soviet situation.

We have got
a ticking time bomb here.

It's the Secretary
of Defence

who placed us
in a Defcon 3 alert.

I'm just doing
damage control.

There are some people
in that room

who are concerned
about your handling of this.

Really? Well, if you'll
just give me their names...

That's not the point.

You know, we have to spread out
the authority here,

delegate a little.

Ed and I, we want

to handle the press, you know,

and run interference here
from the hospital.

The Situation Room
is the crisis centre.

You guys want to come down here
and be heard, that's fine.

I welcome you.

We will inform the media

that all decisions will be made
from here from now on

so that myself and Ed and Mike
can handle things calmly.

Can't have emotional tantrums
in the Op Centre.

The last time I checked,
Jim...

and on this point
I know I'm right...

neither yourself
as Chief of Staff

nor Ed Meese
as Chief Counsellor

have any constitutional
authority.

Nor do you have
any responsibility

for foreign affairs.

I refuse to abrogate
my authority

because I misspoke

in a press conference.

What do we do?

It's a power move,
plain and simple.

Listen, Al...

They, uh, they got
the bullet out of the old man,

and we think,

we hope, we pray

that he's going to be
all right.

I wouldn't want to have
to tell him that

you haven't been helpfuI here.

You guys have refused
to support me since day one.

And as for what
the President would want,

I believe I've acted
completely in accordance

with his policy
just as he would have acted.

Now, it is regrettable

that I misstated
the succession...

(Telephone rings)

But that is nothing compared
to the mistakes

that are going on
around here now.

Mistakes that,
if we're lucky,

the press won't ever
find out about.

General, we got
a red alert at Norad.

Say again.

Norad, sir.
All sensors read red.

Get the Soviet Ambassador
on the line.

Ed, we have a red alert.

This is what I mean, Al.

I can't talk to you now.
I got a situation here.

Keep us on the line,
damn it!

I'll put you on hold.

Uh, let me see
the satellite reads

and let's see if we can
get this confirmed

with our allies.

Yeah, I'm doing that.

It could be computer glitch,
a simulator.

Cap, you threaten
to raise na��vet�

to an art form.

It's possible.

Strategically, gentlemen.

When you consider everything

that the Soviets
have been up to lately...

a launch like this
makes perfect sense.

All right, I need some
hard information here.

I need to know whether
these missiles are

submarine-launched
or land-based.

We're working
on that, too.

If it's from their subs,

we'll be toast
in 5 minutes.

Get me Admiral Thomas.

He has to give me the positions
of all of the subs

near the Soviet Union.

Before or after
I get Dobrynin?

Have you got Dobrynin?

I'm on hold.

He's away
from his desk.

How far away? 5 feet?
10 feet?

Is he taking a crap?

Where's the briefcase?

I didn't bring one
today.

The brief...

The football.

The button!

Where is it?!

Oh, uh...

That would be at the hospital

near the President.

Ed, are you there?

What the hell's going on?

Norad's reading a launch
coming our way.

A launch? Now?

We're trying to get
more details,

but we have to know
who's got the briefcase.

Is he there with you?

Where's the Bag Man?

Bag Man?

The officer with
the briefcase.

The football.

He's around here
somewhere. Why?

Find him immediately.

We're working
on it, Al.

Now, don't do
anything hasty.

Jesus!

Is he back at
his desk yet?

No.

Do we have a hotline
to the Kremlin?

Uh, well, we've been having
a problem with that, sir,

and we've been trying to...

But you're working
on it.

Yep, just
a moment.

Tip O'Neill,
Speaker of the House.

Not now!

He sounds angry.

Tip.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

You're third in line,
I know.

It was a slip of the tongue.

Yeah. Yeah, I know.

The press is freaking out.

It's their
favourite pastime.

Look, I can't
talk right now.

I'm in the middle
of something

a little more important.

Thank you.

Dobrynin will call right back.

He was having dinner
across the street

at a Persian place.

She had to run
across to get him.

The Caspian.

I go there all the time.

They have
great chicken kabobs...

Ed!

Where's the Bag Man?!

MAN, ON RADIO:
All clear.

No one's seen Bag Man.

He's supposed to be
within 50 feet of the President

at all times.

He's not down here.
No one's seen him.

We've got to find him.

OK. I'll check around.

(Whistling)

I found Mr Football.

We've located Bag Man.

(Whistling)

Who's got time
to read this shit?

Here. "SIOP."

Single Integrated Operating
Plan for nuclear strike.

E.M.D.B. L... Electromagnetic
Database Launching System

or Button.

M.A. O... Major Attack Option.

Is Norad
still on the line?

Is this Norad?

This is Meese.

What is happening
in there?

Al, what are you going
to do? We need more intel.

Then get it!

Don't yell
at me, Al.

I'm doing
the best I can.

I know.

What's happening?

Put me on speaker.

Al, hit the button.

The speaker button.

Ed Meese wants to talk to us.

Hello, Ed.

The Vice President
is on approach

to Andrews Air Force base.

From there he's going

to helicopter
to the White House.

Don't do anything
until he gets there.

Please, don't do

anything hasty.

The number group.
I need the card.

That stays with the President.

In his wallet.

Didn't you guys get it?

Nothing works without it.

Holy shit!

Hey, the President's clothes,

His wallet, where are they?

Get out of here.
We're operating.

We need his wallet, sir.

What'd you do with it?

We didn't do
anything with it.

Now, get the hell out!

His clothes were removed
in the code room.

Emergency.

We had to get him
ready for surgery.

They were tossed in a pile.

Soaked in blood.

I know.

The FBI guys took it.

We need the wallet, Kirkus.

Presidential property.

You guys didn't seem
too worried

about it earlier today.

We need the key card.

There's a national emergency.

National emergency,
my ass.

Give me the wallet!
Hey!

Hand it over, now, now!

Hey! Back up! Back up!

What's going on here?
Put those guns down!

All we need is somebody
getting killed around here.

Now, what's this all about?

The President's nuclear
authorization card, sir.

They won't give it to us.

The SOS needs it
immediately.

Do you have it?

Yes, sir.

Well, then hand it over.

It's going to have
to go through

the proper chain
of command, sir.

When the Attorney General
gives the order,

then you can have it.

I will not give that order.

Without that card,

we can't respond
to any threat.

The chain of command

has been completely
disregarded.

The National
Command Authority

has been violated.

There's been no invocation
of the 25th Amendment,

which is required

when the President's
been disabled.

Constitutionally,

there's been
a complete meltdown.

The system has failed.

I will not continue
the insanity.

I've ordered my agents to
proceed here ASAP.

But no key card will be
turned over

until the Vice President
arrives.

T-minus 15 minutes.

If this launch is total,
Mr Attorney General,

we'll have exactly 3 minutes
to respond.

3 minutes.

This is a matter
of national security

and foreign policy,
neither of which falls

under the purview
of your authority.

I accept that responsibility.

Tell it to the dead
when the bombs start dropping.

What have we
learned from Norad?

Satellite intelligence,
what are they reading?

BUSH: I'm not going
in that chopper.

Mr Vice President,

I have specific orders
from General Yates.

Only the President flies
onto the White House lawn.

We have a crisis here!

Not while Rawhide's fighting
for his life. No way!

Sir, we don't have
a police escort,

and traffic's a bitch
right now.

Well, we better get going.

Go!

Go!

It's the Soviet Ambassador.

Mr Ambassador.

Mr Secretary.

The Soviet Socialist
People's Republic

convey deep condolences
toward the American people

and your President in the hope
that he will fully recover

from the dastardly deed.

Yes, thank you,
Mr Ambassador.

That, by the way,
we had nothing to do with.

Mr Ambassador...

Call me Anatoly.

Yes, Anatoly.

And may I call you Al?

There have been
some unusual moves

across your borders today

by your military forces.

Dick, put him
on speakerphone.

Put him on speaker, Al.

Have your people been having
phone trouble, Al?

No. Why?

Just wondering.

(Recording)
If you'd like to make a call,

please hang up and try again.

Christ, he's put Dobrynin
on speaker and cut us off.

Yeah.

(Tyres screeching)

There are a number of items
that we need to discuss.

This doesn't make
any sense.

Get me the Pentagon.

What doesn't make
any sense?

If they were going
for a first strike,

it'd be from their
submarines off our coast.

Why launch land-based
missiles

that allow us time
to retaliate?

And why is Norad
reading a launch

and our satellite intel
sees nothing?

Hello. Who's this?

General Cobbs.

General, this is
Secretary Weinberger.

I need you to check
something for me.

...take advantage
of the present crisis.

Why would we
think that?

When Kennedy was shot,

your government
was in such chaos,

we could have launched
multiple strikes,

but we did not
because we are peace-loving.

Haig, ask him
about the missiles.

Another thing we've noticed
regards your ICBMs, sir.

ICBMs?

You're not testing a new
missile today, are you?

You are the ones expanding
your nuclear arsenal

with weapons like
MX first-strike missiles

so cynically called
"peacekeeper."

And your Trident D-5 and...

Answer the question, please.

Are you asking if we have
launched an ICBM?

That's exactly
what I'm asking.

(Chuckles)

Ha ha ha ha ha!

You are joking, yes?!

We are not joking.

Mr Vice President,

I've been ordered by
the Attorney General

to turn this
over to you, sir.

Where's the football?

In the Sit
room, Sir.

I take it you know
all that's going on?

The Russians,
and...

Yeah, I've been briefed.

Haig's press
conference...

I know all about it.

No, it's only been

a little over 5 minutes.
Thanks.

Al, cut it off.

There was a scheduled
simulation today.

Norad should have known.

I just cancelled it.

A simulated
incoming missile attack?

Are you positive?

Yes.

Mr Ambassador?

We are not conducting
any ICBM test today...

Thank God
you made it, George.

I am very concerned
this shooting

has made you all
very paranoid.

We're OK?

Yes, damn it.

The only thing he denied

was them not having a test.

He didn't deny
a missile launch.

Shh!

Uh, I have to get off
now, Mr Ambassador.

Wait, Al. As for our

activities in Poland,
they are in concert

with Polish national forces.

Thank you, Mr Ambassador.

What did he mean by that?

REGAN: Something's on
the television, guys.

You better be right
about this one, Cap.

BUSH: Right about what?
What's going on here?

You don't
want to know, George.

This is a special report.

New York's toast.

They're broadcasting
from New York.

ANCHORMAN:
Just into our New York studios,

word from the west coast

of a very surprising
development.

L.A. Got it?

Why hit L.A. First?

There is no launch,
General.

The Hollywood community
this evening

has decided
at the last minute

to cancel tonight's
Academy Awards ceremony

out of respect
to President Reagan.

Jack Valenti, President

of the Motion Picture
Association of America,

just announced it.

Who gives a shit
about the Academy Awards?!

So he's all right?

Well, his temperature is
higher than we'd like...

But he's all right?

We have to keep
an eye on it.

If it remains high,

he might have an infection.

Now, if that occurs,

I might have to perform
a bronchoscopy,

which is a serious
and involved procedure

which would require him
to be under heavy sedation.

MEESE:
When can we see him?

ALLARD: We're willing to allow
Mrs Reagan to see him.

But we don't think
it's a good idea

for too many people
to go in there.

He's weak, gentlemen...
his condition

remains critical.

Yeah, can we
clean up now?

Good work.
Thanks very much.

Uh, one other thing,
Doctor...

The media's been, uh,

clamouring
for information.

There are lots of
rumours floating around.

We'd like to end it all
right now,

issue a progress report,
that kind of thing.

Um, would either of you

be available to
make a statement?

Oh, sure, yeah.
That's no problem.

We just need
a simple statement.

How well he's doing,

how it could have been
a lot more serious,

when he'll be
back to work...

you know,
that kind of thing.

You a doctor, Mr Deaver?

Of course not.

Then why are you
telling us

the condition
of the patient?

Now, look,
the country needs

to have its fears
put to rest.

A simple statement
is all.

GREGORIO: Let me tell
you guys something.

If this
Secret Service agent

hadn't brought him
here right away,

the President would be
dead right now,

and there's no question
about it.

And he's not
out of the woods yet.

So you won't make
a statement?

Oh, these guys...

I won't lie,
and neither will Dr Allard.

(Respirator pumping)

(Monitor beeping)

Who is that?

Hey!

Hey...

Who are you?

Shh.

He's dead!

Can you hear me?

Reagan's dead!

Reagan's dead!

He's dead!

It's not
true, Nancy.

He's in recovery,
he's stabilized.

The doctors
are on top of it.

Yeah, I've been told

you'll be able to see
him real soon, ma'am.

How soon?

REPORTER:
Is it true?

You're not going
to report this, are you?

Is it true?

Certainly not.

They removed the bullet.

He's doing fine.

The First Lady
will go up and see him.

When do we see him?

Not yet, OK?

Then we go
with the story.

What story?
There is no story.

We need... I think
the country needs...

some kind of proof that
the President is still alive.

Let me just go up there
with a minicam crew...

we'll put all
these rumours to rest.

You already screwed up
once, real bad.

Just ask
Sarah Brady.

Now, how bad do you think
it's going to look

if you misreport
the death of a President,

much less my husband?

Shut up!
With all...

Mike...

The Bushes arrived
at the White House.

We got Russian moves
into Poland.

YATES: Now, we've also
noted an increase

in coded radio transmissions

and military transport flights
into Soviet occupied

airfields inside Poland.

So they're in.

Yes, sir,
they're in.

This is what Dobrynin
was getting at.

He thought we were calling
about their troop moves,

not some phantom
nuclear strike.

BAKER, OVER SPEAKERPHONE:
The President's condition

will necessitate another
involved medical procedure

requiring heavy sedation.

If this is, indeed, the invasion
we've been expecting,

we've got to make
some hard decisions.

Uh...
this is no invasion.

What would you call it, Cap?

Dropping in for
a neighbourly cup of coffee?

BAKER: Could we try
sticking to the point?

They've still got
200,000 troops, tanks,

and armoured
personnel carriers

sitting along the border
with no indication of movement.

There's no other
hostilities either.

It's a preparatory phase.

And no matter what you call it,
an invasion's begun.

Fact is, the Russians
already have,

and have had
for some time

thousands of
military advisers

working closely with
Jaruzelski's national troops.

You're talking
to a soldier, OK?

Jim, Jim...

Get Bush over here
so we can deal with him

one on one.

Keep Haig out of it.

Yeah. George?
George, you there?

Uh, yeah, I'm here, Jim.

Well, I think it might be better
to come to the hospital.

I mean, we got
the succession to deal with

and how we're going to
handle the press.

Any issue of succession

should be dealt with
with all of

the Cabinet members
present.

Al's right, Jim.

We're all here.

Might as well
discuss it now.

He's not coming.

The fact is,
Mr Vice President,

you're going to have to talk
to the media yourself.

Not tonight,
tomorrow morning.

The media's going to want
to know who's in charge.

And we can't give out any more
incorrect statements.

Exactly.

And if I say the President
is running things,

they're going to want proof.

Two networks have already asked
for a video crew to go up.

This is the exactly what
the 25th Amendment is all about.

The President transfers
power until he recovers.

The Vice President
becomes the Acting President.

Invoking the amendment
is dangerous.

Dangerous?

It's Constitutional.

It'll raise doubts and fears

about the true nature of
the President's condition.

Our allies will become
worried about the future,

and our enemies,

especially given
what happened here today,

may become
more adventurous.

The media
will twist it around.

When the President recovers,

I'll be accused
of usurping the government.

I don't like it.

That amendment is
a legalized coup d'etat.

If enacted, the powers

of the Office could be
forever diminished.

Now...

I say that we just sit tight
for a couple of days

until the President's able
to make a statement.

MEESE: What's the itinerary
for tomorrow?

Uh, here.

Well, the Dairy Bill's
up for signing,

and the Prime Minister of
the Netherlands is in town.

I mean, based on what
the doctors

have just told me,
the President's going to be

under anaesthesia
and painkillers for days.

I have the answer.

It's simple, really.

Who's that?

I'm the Security
agent, sir.

I'm in charge
of the room.

I think I have
a solution to our problem.

Edith Wilson.

What are you
talking about?

Well, you see,
Mrs Reagan,

she was Woodrow Wilson's
First Lady,

and when he had a stroke,

she got his signature
on things...

kind of filled in
for him.

Ronnie's
had a stroke?

No, no.
God, no, Nancy.

He's doing much better.

And you're going
to get to see him.

But we just need you
to help us out here

because we...

Why are you giving me
a history lesson?

If you'd let me
see my husband,

I'll do anything
you want.

May I speak
to you privately?

Sure.

How about
we step outside?

All right, George.

I know I'm

No Constitutional
authority,

but everything that's
being said in there

is in direct violation
of the 25th Amendment.

Now, hold on...

Let me finish.

That amendment was
designed specifically

for situations like this.

You should be making all
the executive decisions.

I realize what you're saying,

but the Vice President has
a certain stand-in authority.

Then what is the point
of the 25th Amendment?

We are talking
about official

executive power.

The amendment should
be invoked now.

I understand all that.

But like I said,
there are other considerations.

You're goddamn
right there are.

The Troika's going
to resist

any transfer of power

because as long
as the President

is incapable,

they are running
this government.

And that's
what they want.

And guess what, Al.

They're the ones
that brought it up.

Goddamn it, George!
They are staff!

They have no Constitutional
authority!

I got to get back
in there.

You know...
I have been accused

of making a power play.

They're the ones
who are making it,

and you know I'm right.

Oh, I'm here, Ronnie.

I'm here for you.

The doctors say
you're going to make it.

(Groans)

God.

I've been praying so.

Nancy...

What?

What, Mike?

Remember what
we talked about.

Darling...

I'm sorry to trouble
you with this,

but the country
has to know

that you're doing well,

and so, can you sign...

here, I'm putting a pen...

here's a pen. Hold that.

This is the Dairy Bill.

You have to sign it.

The Dairy Bill?

Here.

Farm support, sir.

It's due to be signed today.

We want to show
that you're up to it.

You think you can...

Here, I'll hold...
I'll hold right from here.

Thank you.

Nancy...

What?

Try again.

That's enough.
He's too weak.

Just try it once more.

He's too...
that's enough.

Enough.

Darling, it's OK.

Nurse, could you...

They're going to move him
up to recovery soon.

We need to get
some lights up there.

I want to get
a picture.

Ohh...

Mike, I want this
photograph cropped,

do you understand?

My husband is President
of the United States.

I will not have him
looking like an invalid.

He's not going to look
like an invalid, Nancy.

Sweetheart? Ronnie?

You've got to just smile.

All right,
there you go.

Big smile, honey.

Look there,
look there.

Smile, honey.

Wait till I'm out.
Smile. That's it.

Thank you, Ronnie.
Smile, smile.

Smile...

Wait, wait, please.
Not while I'm in it.

Smile. Iook there.
Look here, Ronnie.

Would you wait
till I'm out of it?

Yes, ma'am.

OK, now... OK,
smile, smile, darling.

Smile, smile.

Honey, here I am.

Here I am. Smile.

Hello, darling.

Stop. Stop it.
That's it.

Mike, this is not
going to work.

We're going to take
a lot of pictures.

What about the machines
and the crap...

All the tubes...

It'll be fine.

Mike, I can't...
It's just...

Nancy, why do you think
I'm doing this?

I don't like this
any more than you do,

but we don't
have a choice.

I know that.

If the press gets wind
of all the fuck-ups

that went on
around here today,

they'll be all over us.

You're right.

They didn't
vote for the man.

You're right.
You're right. Sorry.

Then help me
protect him, please.

I'm so sorry, darling.

I'm so sorry.

Could you just try
to smile one more time?

That's it, smile.

Thank you, sweetheart,
thank you.

That's perfect.

But it's enough.

Now, can you please
leave my husband alone?

(Sighs)

Mr Meese,
if you were...

distressed...

why so?

(Chuckles)

I want to make it clear

that none of us were distressed
with Al Haig in any way.

There wasn't one second
when there was a lack

of anybody in charge.

Al thought it was important

that we reassure our allies

and other people that there
was a continuity of government.

I personally had
discussions with Haig

in which we agreed
that he would be

our point of contact

in the Situation Room
of the White House.

Which he quite
properly should be

as senior
Cabinet Officer.

Now, what about these rumours

that he's now
persona non grata?

Well, it's Washington, Ted.

What do you expect?

Al Haig is
Secretary of State...

until Ronald Reagan
decides different.

Mr Vice President,

I will be in my office
if you need me.

We're going
to the hospital.

You're welcome
to come with us

if you like.

No, that's all right.

I'll visit the President
when he's better.

In the morning,

I think it would be
a good idea

if we had
a Cabinet meeting.

Let the world know

we're going about
our business.

I'll be there.

Before you leave, Al,

there's some things
we need to clarify.

The press is going
to ask questions.

Yes, well,
that's their job, Cap.

Uh, yeah, I guess
they're going to ask me

to explain my... my crime...

my... gaffe...

my poor choice of words.

What are you
going to say?

We need to know.

Yeah.

Yeah, well, I guess
you're worried

that I'll attribute
my mistakes

to the mistakes

of another responsible
party in this room

who unnecessarily
placed us

in a war condition.

Or that I'll reveal that
we couldn't communicate

from the Op Centre.

Or that we couldn't
find the man

with the football,

and that we lost
the nuclear code card.

Ha ha ha ha ha.

Or that we are presently
engaged in a deception

regarding
the President's health

in order to cover up
who is

or who is not running
the country.

You're not going to...
say all that, are you, Al?

No.

No.

Like the good soldier
that I am,

I'll be happy to...
fall on my sword.

Good night,
gentlemen.

REPORTER: Who's been making
executive decisions?

President Reagan
has maintained

formal Presidential
power throughout.

You've seen the copy
of the Dairy Bill

he signed this morning.

Handwriting's pretty
shaky on that, Larry.

I didn't know you were
a handwriting expert, Leslie.

I want to make it clear

that there was
not one second

when there was a lack
of anybody being in charge.

The government
did not skip a beat.

Mr Bush, what is your
status right now, technically?

I'm the Vice President.

Are you standing in
for the President?

No, I'm not.

The President
is the President, Sam.

So when do we get
to see the President?

There you are.

Pass those around,
would you?

As you can see
from the photo, folks,

all is clearly well.

REPORTER: So if a decision
of national security

needed to be made
at this moment, he could do it?

BUSH: The President is
completely with it,

completely capable

of taking actions.

NARRATOR:
2 weeks after the shooting,

President Reagan
was discharged

from
George Washington Hospital.

Although it was reported
that he was completely healthy

and returning
to a full schedule,

the President continued
to experience

pain and discomfort

and was not fully recovered

until mid-summer of 1981...

nearly 4 months
after the attack.

John Hinckley was found
not guilty

in the shooting
of President Reagan

by reason of insanity

and has been confined
to a mental hospital.

The stranger who entered

George Washington
University Hospital

was a failed medical student
hoping to be reinstated

by saving
the President's life.

Deemed harmless
by the Secret Service,

he was later released.

James Brady never fully
recovered from the shooting.

He has become a leading
advocate for gun control.

The following year,
after persistent questions

pertaining to his handling
of the crisis,

Alexander Haig
formally resigned

as Secretary of State.

He has never returned
to public service.