Original subtitles

[indistinct singing]

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chatter]

♪ Land where my fathers died ♪

♪ Land of the pilgrim's pride ♪

♪ From every mountain side ♪

♪ Let freedom ring ♪

[indistinct chatter]

♪ This old man ♪

♪ He plays two ♪

♪ He plays knick knack on my shin ♪

♪ With a knick knack paddy-whack give the dog a bone ♪

♪ This old man came rolling home ♪

♪ This old man he played seven ♪

♪ He played knick-knack on my heaven ♪

♪ With a knick knack paddy-whack ♪

♪ Give the dog a bone ♪

♪ This old man came rolling home ♪

[indistinct singing]

[music continues]

[music continues]

Joe: Black men and women between 20 and 24

are trying to find jobs to support

themselves and their families.

What are we here for, gentlemen?

Ten million people are not able to put bread on their tables.

Are we here for them?

Now I know that this bill is not a cure all.

According to the estimates made by

the Congressional Budget Office,

between 56,000 and 70,000 jobs

will be created for every billion dollars spent.

So, at best, this bill will create only a million jobs.

Joe: Only a million.

But the question has been raised, can we afford

to subsidize that many jobs?

Well, let me ask my distinguished

colleague from Arizona.

How many children can this nation afford to let go hungry?

If we're not here for these children,

for these families...

what are we here for, gentlemen?

[music continues]

Mr. President, I yield the floor.

Do you realize I got the Works Bill passed?

Do you know how many people have tried? And I got it passed.

I think you must be a genius. Really, darling.

- I think that must be it. - Ha-ha-ha!

I got clout.

My little subcommittee has power.

Hey.

- Hmm? - Hey. What... I...

- I don't have any covers. - Oh!

No kidding?

What are you doing?

It's called "getting your attention."

- Oh, really? - Mm-hm.

You can't get enough of me, right?

- Well... - Power makes women crazy.

Well, it's certainly making you crazy.

Do you realize that I got a bill passed today

and it's going to put a million people to work?

- Hmm. - You know how I did it?

- I said one word. - Hm.

Shazam?

No. Subcommittee.

Oh, my God! Don't say that word.

- Why? - Well, it drives me... wild.

Stop it. Stop it!

Oh... Stop!

Alright, I'm giving you five seconds

to do something wonderful to my body,

and after that, I start playing rough. Okay?

- Five, four, three... - Okay, come here.

Two...

[moaning]

How's that? Is that better?

Yeah, of course.

Do you know that there are dozens of men

lying in their beds right now

just wishing they were me?

Just wishing they had their names

on that Public Works Bill.

- That's it. - What?

- That's it. That's it. - What? Ha-ha-ha!

- Uh-uh, uh-uh! - Come on!

Nobody pushes Joe Tynan out of bed.

Oh, yeah?

- How do you do that? - I jog.

I have very strong legs.

You wanna try again?

Mm-mm.

Oh! Wow, am I sleepy.

No. No, I won't.

- Oh, yes. - No. I'm a virgin.

- Not for long. - He-he-he!

Ellie: Tiger.

You look too good, you're gonna lose votes.

[exhales] Proxmire can do 50 of these.

Have you seen this?

Edward Anderson, yeah.

The President assured me that he was gonna nominate him

to fill Perkins' place on the Supreme Court.

But he wasn't gonna announce it until next week.

I wonder why this leaked.

Well, I don't know.

Can I see you in your private office?

Yeah, sure, senator. Come on.

Good morning, senator.

Now what's going on here?

Who's trying to block Anderson?

You think somebody's trying to block him?

Look, 20 years ago,

Anderson said some things during a campaign

that wouldn't sound so good today.

But the man's a moderate. You don't have to worry about him.

Senator, I really don't know the man.

Now, look, I don't care if you vote against him.

Just don't make a problem for me.

Like what?

Like leadin' the opposition.

I shouldn't have any trouble with this

unless some flaming liberal like you makes a fuss.

Senator, I'll give Anderson

my most careful consideration.

You can count on that.

Mm-hmm.

You keep any bourbon down here?

Sure.

You know, Joe...

some folks back home are saying

that I'm beginning to get too old.

That my stroke has left me feeble.

Now, that's a lot of bull, but...

they got somebody very attractive

runnin' against me next time.

And, uh, I'd rather not

take this man on if I can avoid it.

I'm wondering if you can guess who he is.

Edward Anderson.

If he's on the Supreme Court,

he's out of the runnin' for life.

And he happens to be eminently qualified.

I understand, sir.

- Joe: Can I count on you? - Sure.

Hey, you vote against him if you like, but...

just don't start a crusade, alright?

Fine, senator.

Are you with me?

I won't oppose you, senator.

Fine.

Piss on them, with their self-satisfied

talk about old age.

They think they ain't gonna get old?

Hah! They just have to wait a while, that's all.

Don't take any talent to get old.

[speaking in foreign language]

Answer me that, mon vieux.

I don't, uh, I don't speak French, senator.

Now, you just, you vote against him,

but just don't make a fuss.

[speaking in foreign language]

I won't oppose you on this, senator.

Senator?

Mm?

And you told him you wouldn't come out

against Anderson, you told him that?

Maybe he won't remember.

His guy just had me on the phone

nailing it down.

Goddammit.

Get that file on aging, please?

I wish you'd make him ask you twice,

at least he'd owe us something.

Angela, I have the status of the bills on aging

in the House for you.

Okay. I'll write it up for you.

Thank you.

Look, how bad can Anderson be?

Arthur Briggs of the NAACP called

and told me Anderson is a racist.

A racist?

The man has come out publicly

in favor of segregated schools.

Jesus Christ!

Angela: Senator Henry Goodfellow,

the director of the National Civil Rights Coalition

is on three, he says it's urgent.

Can you take it now?

- His name is Henry? - Yeah.

Henry, how are you?

Uh-huh.

No, I have, uh, I have not come out

in favor of Anderson, that's just a rumor.

Well, Joe Tynan is not gonna back a racist.

Uh, yeah.

Henry... how's Florence?

Good, give her my best, will you?

Okay. Bye-bye.

Francis, if I fought Birney on this,

I'd be going in against the most powerful man

in the Senate, and the President.

I'd get my brains knocked out.

Now it seems to me, if you were to establish

yourself as the big kid on the block,

Birney's the one to beat.

He's also a friend.

Yeah, well... [inhales]

Of course, senator, this is a decision

that, uh, no one can make for you.

Well, let's see what Arthur Briggs has to say.

Senator, Anderson may be a moderate to Senator Birney

but he's certainly no moderate to us.

Well, I'm still not convinced the man is all that bad.

I mean, people do rise to the office.

Senator, I would like to read you something.

"In my heart, I have never accepted integration

and I never will."

How would you feel about the man who said that?

Not so good.

Mrs. Traynor is a very fine labor lawyer.

She's also our local Counsel in Louisiana.

She knows Anderson's background.

Now whoever leads this fight against Anderson

is gonna get a lot of attention.

Someone's gonna get a lot of ink outta this.

But, senator, if you choose not to take him on,

then we're gonna release this statement

to the press ourselves.

At which point, as the fiery liberal from New York,

I'll have to go in against him anyway, hmm?

Well, that will, um, be up to you, senator.

Very nice, Arthur.

I would need more than this. I can't quote him out of context.

There's film on him sayin' this.

And there has to be a consistent pattern showing him to be unfit.

You'll have it, senator.

Alright, you get me that, and I'm with you.

Senator, thank you. We'll be in touch.

I'll call you at the end of the week, senator.

Nice to meet you, Mrs. Traynor.

Arthur.

Well, looks like we're in for a fight.

- This man's not a racist. - He is to them.

And also, it's a hell of an opportunity.

Yeah, well, I don't think I should betray a friend

just for the sake of an opportunity, do you?

Politics and, uh, politicians, um,

it's not a popular subject with the public,

particularly on, uh, talk shows, senator.

Everyone wants entertainment, forget about

their problems and...

And we, and... and for so long, we...

public hasn't trusted their public officials,

but of all the people in politics,

uh, the public loves you.

We see it in your mail.

When you... when you've been on in the past.

Well, thank you. That's a... That's a... high praise.

- You talk to some of the best. - I know.

[studio audience applauding]

I'm curious, somebody, somebody told me

that your son just ran for President.

- Of his class, yes. Yeah. - Oh, of his class.

Joe on TV: It was really very interesting, a great wave

of anxiety went through our house.

Because we really wanted him to win, you know.

Merv on TV: Oh, yeah. Joe on TV: And, uh...

we took a speech of mine and we tailored it for him...

uh, to give, you know, in the class...

and he really was wonderful with that speech.

He gave that speech about as well as it could be given.

- How'd he do? - He lost.

- Oh, shit! - Merv: It was one of your old...

I'm sorry, Paul. Did I embarrass you?

Joe on TV: But, uh, he lost gracefully,

and that's one of the best things to learn

in politics, is how to lose with a smile.

And, uh, he, uh, smiled right up until

the time he broke down. [chuckles]

Merv: I want to get a little personal

'cause you're very private about

your home life.

You live in Westchester.

[knock on door]

[indistinct chatter on TV]

What is it?

How's everything going with you?

Lousy.

Why? What's the matter?

- You wanna know? - Yeah.

- Really? - Janet, what's the problem?

Life sucks.

I see.

What do you mean, "Life sucks?"

It sucks.

Yeah, well, in what way exactly does it suck?

Every way.

You know, you're not being very explicit.

Well, I'm not very happy, okay?

Look, whatever you're going through, mom and I

have probably gone through it too.

Use us.

- Maybe I'll talk to mom. - I'll get her.

No! I mean, someday.

[chuckles]

Look, well, you don't have to tell us

anything personal, you know?

But when you're ready...

a little hint, okay?

Okay.

I'll see you later.

[chuckling]

No.

[door closes]

[indistinct chatter]

Oh. Karen Traynor, Congresswoman Cenza.

- Hello. - Oscar Harris.

- How do you do? - You know Francis.

Okay, Joe. We'll be in touch.

- Good to see you again. - Goodbye, Joe.

- Oscar. - Bye. Bye.

- Uh, Francis? - Yeah.

Find out if Halloren is gonna be against us on this.

I don't wanna get it from behind, you know?

Right.

I'm sorry if I was interrupting you.

No, no, you're right on time.

Can I get you a cup of coffee?

Uh. No. Thanks.

- Too cold out here for you? - He-he-he.

No, I love the cold.

So...

How's it goin'?

Well, I'm not crazy about admitting this,

but I'm having trouble

getting that film on Anderson.

Well, if it's not there, it's not there.

Oh, it's there.

Somebody's holding it back. A black woman.

I can't believe it.

- Can you get to her? - It's Carla Willis.

You know her.

Yeah, she's going for a seat in Congress.

Yeah.

Somebody on her staff got a hold

of a kinescope of Anderson making that.

"In my heart" speech,

and she won't use it, she won't give it up.

I think she's made a deal.

How would you feel about talking to her?

- Joe: Well, I don't know. - Oh, I think you should.

Senator, I think you are the most exciting

political figure in this country today.

And... when I think about the splash

you could make if you had this film,

I get weak in the knees.

And, of course, it's the right thing to do.

I'm gonna be speaking in Houston on, uh, Friday, right?

That's right.

I go over to New Orleans on Saturday,

and we'll talk to her, how's that?

Senator, this is gonna make a big difference.

Mrs. Traynor, that film is ours.

[indistinct chatter]

Janet: You and your stupid friends, you just

stay out of my stuff, okay?

Paul: I'm not even in your room! Janet: You are!

You're always in my room! Paul: Bullshit!

Janet: Will you stop swearing, you little shit?

What the hell is going on up there?

Oh, he probably read one of her

love letters, they'll work it out.

[indistinct quarreling]

[thudding]

Jesus Christ!

Ellie: Joe, they can work this thing out without a parent.

They don't need a parent, they need a referee.

Hey, come on, will you? Cut it out!

Joe, come here. Sit down.

[sighs]

- What are you doing? - Oh.

I'm trying to figure out my reactions

to one of my patients.

Everyday I make the same notes over and over.

Nothing new.

It's like following you in a campaign.

Listening to you make that same speech day after day.

Damn.

Didn't I read in "Time" magazine

you have a great sense of humor?

Mm, that's why I'm not laughing.

Ah! That's good.

That's good.

I may not like politics, but I love you.

- Excuse me. - Alright.

Yeah, but you know... I'm a politician.

I mean, I am politics.

You, you're a good, decent man who's in politics.

If you ever are politics...

- What? - Oh!

Would you still love me?

Oh, I'll have to get back to you on that one.

[chuckles]

If she touches my racket once more time,

I'm gonna break her camera, you got that?

- Right. - Just so you know that.

Oh, God.

When will we all grow up? Any of us.

[engine droning]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

- Do you mind if I drive? - No, not at all.

Joe: How long you been flying? Karen: Long time.

[engine starts]

I think two weeks is a long time, don't you?

[music continues]

I was right about Carla Willis.

- She made a deal. - How do you know?

I asked the Louisiana Democratic Chairman.

And he told you?

He's my daddy! [chuckles]

Full of surprises, aren't you?

So you've been in politics all your life?

When I was a little bitty girl,

I used to go campaigning with my daddy

on every single one of those roads down there.

Joe: Wasn't that kinda hard on you?

Karen: It was that or never see him.

[engine revving]

Karen: This is flying, isn't it? Joe: Yeah, this is great.

[engine rumbling]

Carla: Senator, I can't buy a Congressional campaign

on what I make from soy beans.

I need the support of the Democratic organization.

The man is headed for the Supreme Court.

He'll affect this country for as long as he lives.

Times have changed. He's not that bad.

Well, how bad does he have to be, Carla?

I was in Catahoula parish when my daddy

came down here and supported you for legislature.

I remember what you said that night

about the people you grew up with.

Do you remember that?

How bad does he have to be?

You ask your daddy

if I can get the Democratic nomination

if I help you destroy Anderson.

Look, Miss Willis, I didn't want to go after Anderson either.

I have a lot to lose if I fail on this.

But you have a lot to gain if you win.

And I won't forget you when I win.

And I will win.

He's gonna win.

I want the voters of this county to know

that regardless of what I've said in the past

or that I might say in the future

in my heart,

I have never accepted integration

and I never will.

[chuckles]

[crowd cheering on tape]

[telephone ringing]

I guess I better get that.

Ellie: Right. I don't answer it anymore.

One of Joe's constituents called once

and offered to blow up our house.

Sheila: Well...

There's a lot of pressure in a political family.

Ellie: Joe's a public figure. I'm trying to do other things.

Hello?

Yeah, Francis?

You've, uh, become

a psychologist lately, haven't you?

I've just been accepted as a fellow

at the Karen Horney Institute.

I have my own case load.

- Oh. - It's very exciting.

How'd you get interested in that?

- Were you in therapy? - I was, yes.

You know, a lot of political people

are kind of reluctant to talk about their therapy.

Mm, I certainly don't think

treatment's anything to be ashamed of.

It's my profession.

Has it been difficult being a political wife?

Well, uh, it was in the beginning, yes.

During Joe's first campaign,

they had me out stumping for him.

We were running ourselves ragged,

I had a miscarriage.

Joe couldn't take me to the hospital.

One of his aides checked me in.

I... it was a nightmare for both of us.

Yeah, well, now, just get them on, alright?

Tell them that's part of the deal. Yeah.

Alright. Goodbye.

Is that when you went into therapy?

Well, I thought I needed

a few sessions with somebody

to get my head straight.

Uh, five years later, I was beginning to think

that my treatment would go on till just after my death.

I guess I'm not too thrilled with politics.

- Mm. - I'm sorry. What did I miss?

Ah. Ah, you've heard it all before.

I guess you can tell for yourself

Ellie is a very special woman.

- Okay, come on. What is it? - Look, it's your life.

I'm not gonna tell you not to talk about it.

I think that's a good idea.

You know what it costs to talk like that to reporters.

To say I've been in therapy? 50 votes.

I didn't say you were in therapy.

That would mean 1000 votes.

Analysis is, uh, 5000 votes.

Lithium is 20,000 votes.

Electroshock treatments go for 50,000 each.

I know what things cost.

Look, these people ask anything they can.

You don't have to dig into your bowels

every time they come up with some stupid

question about the furniture.

She wasn't asking about the furniture.

She was asking about me.

It's taken me seven years, but I think

I know how to tell the difference.

How could you let her get you

to run down politics like that?

I didn't want to do the interview!

I told you that!

Ellie, how much do I ask you to do?

You live a life entirely apart from politics.

Ellie: No, I don't!

I can't escape it for a minute.

I can't call a plumber without being Mrs. Joe Tynan.

"Oh, yes, Mrs. Tynan.

I worked on the senator's toilet a couple of years ago."

I'm living in a fish bowl!

Don't you think it's a late to think of that?

When was I supposed to think of it?

When you decided to run for the Senate without asking me?

When I hear your decision to run for reelection

in an interview on television?

I discussed that with you.

You said you were thinking about it.

Well, what did you expect me to do?

I mean, it was there, wasn't it?

You mean, you're never gonna give anything any thought

as long as it's there?

What about today, Ellie?

I was asked questions about my life. I answered.

Yeah, well, next time for God's sake, handle it!

Help a little.

Next time you handle it.

And next week when they come to take our pictures

for that interview, stand with your arms

around your administrative assistant.

This is sensational.

How'd you get all this stuff?

A lot of diggin'.

Terrific.

Thank you.

[chuckles]

I'll tell you what I would like.

I would love to work with you

when you make your move.

I think we would knock 'em right on their fannies.

You really like to win, don't you?

Oh, when I want somethin',

I go get it.

Just like you.

I have some more notes in my briefcase.

[sighs]

I have a...

1970 decision on segregation,

makes him look really bad.

What are you smilin' at?

Um...

I'm not sure.

Well, what do you think you're smilin' at?

[sighs]

Um, well, I... I think that, uh...

something may be happening here that we didn't expect.

What do you think?

I was hoping we were gonna have the brains not to mention it.

Oh, we don't have to do anything about it.

I... I just don't think there's any harm

in being honest, you know.

Mm.

I don't think you have any idea how many times

I've thought of you since, since New Orleans.

Yeah, I do.

[chuckles]

[chuckles] You know, I... I have a husband.

I'm not suggesting anything.

However, I do notice that I...

I want this Anderson thing to go on forever.

I think I'm infatuated with you.

You remind me of John F. Kennedy.

[laughs] Oh, boy!

[chuckles] I have never heard that one before.

You do.

If you looked just behind his eyes, you could see

his intelligence, his wit...

compassion, just like you.

Did you make a pass at Kennedy?

Is this a pass?

- I think this is a pass. - Oh, yeah.

[telephone buzzes]

Yeah?

Joe: Uh, Mary Anne, I'll have to call him back later.

Oh, alright. Okay, um...

Yeah, put him through down here.

It's my son. He says it's an emergency.

Paul?

Wha... Wait, what... What rabbit?

Oh, yeah. What... what... What's the matter?

But why won't she let you keep it in your room?

Well, Paul, it's gonna smell up the whole house.

What? No, wait. I can't talk to her right now. Wha...

Okay. No, alright, alright. Put, put her on, put her on.

Hiya, El.

Yeah. Look, maybe you can keep it in the basement.

Maybe you won't smell it there.

[laughs]

Look, maybe it's not the rabbit. Maybe it's him.

[laughs]

Uh, El, I'll be home for the weekend.

Okay.

Me too.

I'll see you in a couple of days. Bye-bye.

Joe, I think I better go.

No. Wait a minute. Look, wait, just wait a second. Please.

You weren't faking with her.

So... I don't think I want you faking with me.

What would you think about living in Washington?

You mean, move there?

I think I need you down there.

No, I wanted to move to Washington

when you first got elected and you said to stay here

so that we could have the weekends to ourselves.

Yeah, well, now we don't have weekends anymore.

- I have to lecture. - You have to lecture.

Well, do you think we can live on what I make as a senator?

Ellie: And what about my work?

Well, isn't there a psychoanalytic institute

in Washington?

Well, I guess there is, but the one

that's accepted me is in New York.

And the man I work with, the man

who's brought me along to the point

where I am now is also in New York.

I don't just work in a building, Joe.

There are people there who mean something to me.

Joe.

Really?

[birds chirping]

Joe: Think about Washington, will you?

Okay.

[instrumental music]

Karen: You got your raincoat?

Barry: It's in my bag.

You gonna have some coffee?

I haven't got time, honey.

[instrumental music]

[telephone ringing]

- Barry: Isn't that your line? - Yeah.

[telephone ringing]

Yeah, it's probably the office.

I'll call 'em back later.

Can I drive you to the airport?

I have a driver downstairs. Thanks.

Where will you be goin'?

Barry: New York, Rome and Tunis.

Didn't my girl send your girl the itinerary?

She probably couldn't believe

it was our only means of communication.

[chuckling]

When you get to Italy, you call me?

Sure.

[instrumental music]

- Barry: Goodbye. - Bye.

[telephone ringing]

[music continues]

[telephone ringing]

[telephone ringing]

- Hello? - Joe on phone: Karen, it's Joe.

Oh, hi.

Joe: You're kinda hard to reach, you know.

- Yeah. - Listen.

Uh, on the Anderson thing...

Yeah.

Joe: I need to work with you some more on that.

Could you come up here to Washington?

I can't, Joe.

Look, the hearings are in three weeks.

I need you to help me work out

a line of questioning.

Nobody else can do that?

Well, you did most of the research.

[sighs] I don't see how I can.

When would you want me to be there?

Joe on phone: How about tomorrow?

Oh, no, I... I have a problem.

I'm trying to settle a strike down here.

I thought that's what this call was.

Okay, Wednesday. I really need you.

I, uh, I... You know, I need your expertise.

[sighs] Well...

Joe: Look, you're not gonna quit when we're so close

to winning, are you?

[chuckling]

Alright. Alright, Wednesday, Joe.

- But listen. - Joe: Yeah?

This is just work, right?

Karen, the hearings are in three weeks. I need help.

Yeah, well, I mean, if you sit on the couch and I don't,

that's not gonna make you smile, right?

Why would that make me smile?

[sighs]

I'll see you Wednesday, Joe.

[instrumental music]

Francis: I'm not sure it's worth the extra expense, senator.

No, I, uh, I think she'll work out fine.

Whatever it may be, for that matter.

Whenever they want. Actual images...

I think Karen Traynor is terrific.

But, uh, I don't know

if we can get that much more mileage out of her.

No, I... I want to work with her some more

on this, Francis, uh...

I've already asked her.

Oh, fine.

I'm sure she's very knowledgeable.

Yeah, yeah, I think she can make a difference.

Yeah.

I'll get her a room at the Fairfax

and you can work with her there.

- Fine. - I'll...

I'll take care of that myself.

Fine.

[knock on the door]

Karen Hi.

Ooh.

[Karen chuckles]

Listen, I spent a lot of time on the plane

workin' on notes for this meetin'.

Good.

Good, we'll... We'll, uh, go over it together.

Yeah, good.

- This place have a bedroom? - I don't know. I just got here.

Oh, God, you kiss good.

Yeah.

Karen: Can you... I can't get my arm out.

- What? - My arm. I can get my arm out.

[both moaning]

Listen, I'm gonna...

Joe: I'm gonna sound like an idiot talking about this now.

But, uh, I want to be honest with you.

Karen: I know. You're married. I know.

Karen: So am I.

It's okay.

[Joe moaning]

Karen: You're very demonstrative.

Joe: You never made love to a democrat?

[Joe moaning]

[both laughing]

Mm, this affair's gonna put

20 pounds on me.

How come you just don't smoke afterwards

like normal people?

I'm very oral.

So I noticed.

[chuckles]

Mm.

What's his name?

- My husband? - Yeah.

Barry.

Barry? Sounds very upper.

[chuckles] No. He works his way upper.

- You'd probably like him. - Uh-huh.

[Joe clears throat]

What's he doing while you're here?

He's in, uh... Tunis.

- He travels a lot. - That I like.

[laughing]

I... is your wife as smart as they say in all the magazines?

I'm sorry, I wish I could tell you

she had the brains of a chorus girl.

Unfortunately, just the body of one.

Oh, that's cute. That's really cute.

[screaming]

Jesus! I think you froze it.

Oh, are you alright?

- Come on, get over here. - Ah!

[laughs]

[Joe groans]

Ooh!

Gee, it's true. Things do contract in the cold.

[laughs]

You southerners are all nuts.

Oh.

- Oh, I talked to my daddy. - Yeah?

I got some terrific stuff you can use against Anderson.

- Yeah? - Mm-hm.

- Yeah, like what? - Uh.

Campaign contributions.

Two corporations made secret...

contributions.

That's great, I don't even have to use it, I can just...

tell 'em that I got it.

Yeah.

Yeah, that's good. Oh, my God!

Oh, you are gonna be so fantastic in this hearing.

Do you know how far you're gonna go with this?

When you get there...

clip me a rose from the rose garden

and send it to me, okay?

[giggles]

[instrumental music]

Ah, I'll tell you one thing, she has the biggest tits

I ever saw, Joe.

If I ever fell into a pot of honey, this was it.

I said, "Look here, young lady, I'm a US Senator."

"What if somebody comes in here and finds me

in a public toilet in flagrante poontang

while I'm flyin' over my home state?"

Then, Christ! She threw a fit. Mmm!

It was wonderful.

Oh, she acted so needy. I just had to give in.

You know what I mean?

And afterwards...

Afterwards, ahem, she gave me this card that says,

"I'm a member of the Mile High Club

for doin' it over 5000 feet aloft!"

Hugh, you are the genuine article.

Oh, it was a religious experience up there.

Son, I felt close to God.

Listen, today I had a visit

from a couple of guys representin" the labor unions.

They tell me that they have you on this Anderson thing.

They have me?

I said, "Listen,

it's high time the south was represented

on the Supreme Court."

Now, this means a lot to Senator Birney

and it means a lot to me, too

and I'm sure that Senator Tynan

will talk this thing over before comin' out against us.

Well, Hugh, uh...

I'm sure Senator Birney will get what he wants.

He usually does.

[Hugh chuckles]

Mm, hey, what do you say

we go partners on those two over there?

Hugh: I'll give you 50 bucks if that blonde ain't a screamer.

Jesus, Hugh, are you crazy? That's somebody's wife.

Oh, that ain't nobody's wife anymore than I am.

That's Hutchin's wife, the freshman from Minnesota.

Jesus! H!

Goddamn hippies don't even marry women

that look like wives.

Hugh: Hi, how are you?

[indistinct chatter]

[indistinct chatter]

- Hey, Joe. - Althena!

Come and sit next to me for a minute.

You know, I really don't think you ought to be seen

talkin' to that horse's ass.

- Which one? - My husband.

- Mm-hm. - Look at him.

Look at him talking

to that shit Cardoza.

You know, he's got the same taste

in his business associates that he does in his women.

Thanks, man.

Why don't you come over to my house sometime

and we'll have an affair?

Al, when was the last time you and Hugh

took a vacation together?

Took a vacation together?

[chuckles] I not only don't sleep with him,

I won't even drink out of the same cup with him.

- You wanna do me a favor? - What?

Get me another glass of this bourbon.

Are you sure?

Yeah, why don't you just go screw yourself?

Oh, oh...

Would you get me another real big glass of bourbon, please?

- Yes, ma'am. - Althena: Thank you.

Man 1: No, I'm not.

[indistinct chatter]

Uh, Al, can I, uh... Can I get you something to eat?

And spoil all this good bourbon? Don't be silly.

Go on. Go on.

Mingle, Joe.

[instrumental music]

Oh, my God!

Would you look at that one?

Man 2: That should do it, right?

Althena: Now, who in the hell do you suppose brought her?

Woman 1: I don't think anyone brought her.

Althena: Oh, I see.

She's free-lancin'.

Well, I think that lady might stand

to make herself $50 real easy tonight.

That is if she can get up the stairs 10 or 12 times.

Joe, you know Congressman Tiller?

- How are you, senator? - How are you?

Good to see you. Senator Joe Tynan, Karen Traynor.

Uh, yes, we've met. How are you?

I'm fine. How have you been, senator?

Fine.

- Uh, you know, uh, Mary Cenza. - Hello.

I am starving. They got any food here?

In the other room, they have, uh,

chicken salad in the shape of Louisiana.

[laughing]

You wanna stay?

There's a good restaurant at your hotel.

That sounds convenient.

Well, why don't we see

what they have inside first?

- Excuse us. - Nice to see you again.

[grunts]

- Let's give her room! - Ooh!

Hey, look out! Give her room.

Get this thing out of her way!

Watch it! Watch it! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!

Hugh: Watch out, honey.

Goin' out! Hold it! Hold it!

Jesus! H!

[glass shattering]

[instrumental music]

What an asshole!

Joe: How could you go there with him?

I thought you weren't gonna get involved.

How could you go anywhere with him?

The man is a renowned jerk.

[chuckles]

Well, he was perfectly adequate for what I needed him for,

which was to pass the evenin' with.

Joe: How do you know him?

He's my congressman.

You're in bigger trouble than I thought.

So are you.

Francis: Senator Kittner always lands on his feet.

John: I don't know sometimes. Francis: Huh.

John: He's drivin' me nuts. He's a wild man.

Instead of talking about legislation, he talks about sex.

I'm trying to go over his defense bill

and he wants to bet me $15

that the waitress isn't wearing panties.

[Francis laughs]

Francis, Senator Tynan isn't gonna go out

in front against Anderson, is he?

No, he's just voting against him, John.

I'm sure that's as far as it'll go.

- Francis? - Hm?

How big a problem do I have?

Is your boss gonna make a big thing out of this?

Nothing that your guy can't handle, I'm sure, John.

Oh, shit.

Senator?

John: We've got a problem.

We've lost Senator Tynan on the Anderson thing.

Uh, John, I'm kinda busy now. I'm readin" here.

I don't mean we've just lost his vote,

I mean he's gonna lead the opposition.

- You know what I mean? - Hugh: Yeah.

Hugh: Well, John, uh...

I'm readin' here from my pad.

Senator, we could have are...

Maybe we could discuss this later.

Yes.

I'm readin' right now.

At the moment.

Right.

Well, I'll just... Right.

Hugh: Would you ask Tynan to come down for some gumbo...

in my private office?

What?

My private office in the basement?

Right, right. I'll... I'll get right on it.

And, son, close the door when you go out.

I got a red pepper in here that grows

only on the shores of hell.

- Oh, oh, yeah. - Alright, men. Let's go.

Not for me. I might need my stomach later.

How about it, Joe? You only live once.

- Hugh, I can't. - Come on. Huh?

I just swallowed the roof of my mouth.

Man 3: Come on, Joe. Have some good southern cookin'.

Jesus, H! In Baton Rouge, this is baby food.

Joe: Hugh, you are so full of shit, I can't believe it.

You haven't had one spoonful of this.

Son, I'm gonna match you bite for bite.

- Birney: Go ahead, Hugh. - Oh, yeah.

Divide that in half.

In half? There's almost four pounds in here.

[indistinct chatter]

Joe: Yes, I know, for a country boy like you,

this is just an appetizer.

Hugh: You're never gonna see...

Oh, now my plate, yeah.

And you're never gonna see the bottom of this dish, kid.

[instrumental music]

Wayne: Hey, I'm gonna give the winner a buck

for every second under two minutes, go!

Whoopee!

Come on!

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chatter]

Man 4: Come on, Joe.

[music continues]

[indistinct chatter]

[coughing]

[burps]

Wayne: Whoopee!

Man 4: Come on, Joe!

[music continues]

Man 4: Get him! Get him!

[instrumental music]

I think I'm gonna be sick.

This is a goddamn Shriner's Convention.

Wayne: Can I get somethin' for you, senator?

Yeah, what about a noise maker and a funny hat?

Hugh: Oh!

[blows nose]

That never happened to me before. I think I have the flu.

[laughing] Birney: Must be that.

It is not my opinion that this gentleman's

gonna change his mind just because you two

have thrown-up together.

Are you gonna fight us on Edward Anderson or not?

Senator, you know how much I respect you...

Yes or no?

- I'll answer you but... - Ecoutez, mon ami.

[speaking in foreign language]

- Senator, now hold it. - Oui ou non?

[speaking in foreign language]

Hey!

Cut it out!

You understand what I'm saying?

Yeah, I do.

Hugh: Well, I sure as hell don't.

He just don't wanna be pressured, that's all.

Hugh: Well, who does?

The thing is,

I think that we can find a way

to see each other's point of view.

Don't you think we can?

Sure, why not?

Joe: How about a beer, senator?

[instrumental music]

Oh! Oh, uh, you're my favorite senator.

- Oh, how are you? - You're just wonderful.

Uh, would you mind giving me your autograph for my daughter?

She just thinks you're wonderful.

And you're wonderful, too.

I've read you're a psychologist.

My son's interested in that.

- Okay. Thank you. Goodbye. - Bye.

Joe: Nice.

Yes, may I help you, senator?

Uh, yes. Uh, uh, do you...

Oh, hi.

Uh, where's the pro shop?

Man 5: Yes, out the front door and to the left, senator.

Oh, it's out the front, it's to the left here.

Just out of curiosity, why are we going to the pro shop?

Because the guy who just waved at me in there

is Senator Aikers from Minnesota.

So now we're gonna play golf?

Not me. I don't know how to hold a club.

[knock on window]

No, I've gotta... Gotta go, uh...

Hello. Hi. Jesus!

Hi, senator, can I help you?

Uh, yes, we'd like to rent some clubs and a golf cart,

and balls and things.

Sure, you wanna come over here? [Karen chuckles]

- You gonna hold your tongue? - [Karen chuckles]

[Karen laughs]

Joe: Try to look like a golfer.

[Karen laughing]

People don't act like that on the golf course.

Karen: Where are we going?

I'm looking for privacy.

There. Over there...

Oh! That's incredible.

[Karen laughing]

Karen: Oh, no! Ah!

- Ah! - Oh!

[Joe sighs]

[Karen laughing]

Will you stop laughing?

[Karen laughing]

[Karen laughing] I can't.

[laughing] Oh, my God...

[laughing] Oh, my God...

What do we have to eat?

[Karen laughing]

[dramatic music]

Um, uh, Al... Take that... Uh, remove that.

Okay.

[engine rumbling]

[honking]

[honking]

[engine revving]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[bike engine revving]

[car honking]

Ellie: Hi, you need a lift?

Oh, hi.

- Ellie: Where you going? - Just seeing some friends.

Ellie: Mm-hm.

Janet, I don't wanna get your defenses up,

but what the hell are you doing hitchhiking?

Don't worry, I'm careful.

You're not allowed to hitch-hike.

Why not? That's really dumb.

I'm not gonna get murdered.

Listen, pal, you're not gonna go around

doing any damn thing you please.

You're getting your wings clipped.

What does that mean?

We're going to start living a normal life.

- That's what it means? - How?

What are you talking about?

I'm talking about the whole family

living in the same house.

Where?

I'm thinking of moving to Washington.

No! No way!

I'm not going!

Look, it's not gonna be easy on any of us.

Mom, no!

I don't wanna go. I can't!

You can't make me leave my friends.

Please.

Janet...

it's not good for us like this.

Dad misses us a lot.

Then let him be the one to move.

He can't. His work is there.

Well, I'm not going! I'm not going!

Janet! Close that door!

That door now!

Come on home with me, okay?

We'll have a cup of tea and we'll talk.

About what? [Sniffles]

About nothing.

Well, let's just calm down.

- What's for desert? - Fruit compote.

Oh, terrific!

I haven't had that in a long time.

- Don't give me any! - Why not?

- It's got prunes in it. - Come on!

When was the last time you tried it?

When I was too little to fight back.

- Don't even let me smell it. - Come on, try it.

- It's good for you. - Where's your curiosity?

Yeah, dad's right. It's an adventure.

Eating prunes is an adventure?

Uh, not really.

- We lie. - Here.

No, I don't want this, dad. It's got sugar in it.

Where are you going? Hey, where are you goin'?

Sit down. We... Come on, let's have a little conversation.

- What do you wanna talk about? - Whatever comes up. Sit down.

I haven't been home in three weeks.

How was that paper you did on Roosevelt? How'd it turn out?

I told you. I got an A on it.

Oh, yeah, right. I forgot, I'm sorry.

Uh, can I read it?

Well, they're keeping it for the student fair.

Are you coming to that?

- When is that? - I told you, May 11th.

Oh, no. I can't, babe. I gotta be in Washington.

- Joe: I'm sorry. - Oh, that's okay.

I think you made a really good choice with, uh, Roosevelt.

You know, he's, um...

He's a really fascinating man.

- He had, he had amassed his... - Can I go?

You always talk about things that don't interest me.

So we'll include you.

How's your bike? Did you get the chain fixed?

Janet: In that case, can I go? I'm sick of his bike.

I got a good idea. Why don't you shut up?

Hey, Paul!

- Dad, the game is almost on. - Go ahead.

I'll talk to you later.

I really love a close knit family like this.

I think you were rushing 'em a little.

You have to talk about what interests them.

I was trying to talk about what interests them.

You were doing all the talking.

[laughs]

[cars honking]

[elevator dings]

Senator, senator...

Sorry, can't right now.

Angela: It's the Pardew Amendment on coal mining.

Safety measures and health standards.

He's giving up some ground, but what he's got left

is still strong. It's all stuff you've come out in favor of.

Joe: Okay. Fine. Hi, how are you? Good to see you.

- How's it look? - Well, headcount not so good.

Joe: Okay, write me up something on this.

We'll use it in the newsletter, okay?

Man 6: Mr. Treadwell. Treadwell: No.

- Mr. Travis. - Travis: No.

- Man 6: Mr. Tynan. - Aye.

- How's it goin', Ed? - They're killing it.

Ed, it's an excellent amendment.

Man 6: Mr. Arthur Lewis?

- Lewis: No. - Well...

- It'll save a few lives. - Man 6: Mr. Ervin?

If you don't get it passed this session, you will next time.

- I won't be here next session. - Man 6: Mr. McCarro?

I've had enough.

Pardew: After a while you start to forget what you're here for.

Man 6: Mr. Valentine?

Pardew: And then getting clout and keeping it is all there is.

You start lying to your constituents,

your colleagues,

to everybody...

and you forget what you thought you cared most about in life.

[indistinct chatter]

Man 6: Mr. Farrell?

Farrell: No.

Man on TV: Among the courtesy calls

Mr. Anderson made today,

was one to the office of Senator Joe Tynan.

I got it. [laughing]

Joe: Why didn't somebody tell me to get my cowlick down?

Well, I think you look sincere this way.

How do you feel about his statements...

- Look at that. - Yeah...

I had a very frank and a very

uh, useful talk with Mr. Anderson

and, uh, I find him to be a very straightforward man.

Will you support his nomination, senator?

Uh, no. I'm afraid I can't.

Are you going to lead the opposition

against Mr. Anderson, senator?

Well, if I can be of any help to my colleagues, I'll be, uh,

I'll be happy to confer with them on this.

Well, there it is.

I wonder if Birney's heard this yet.

Can't expect to lose votes at home.

- The man's a realist, isn't he? - Obviously, uh...

Joe on TV: If the president likes Mr. Anderson,

uh, he should be considered very carefully.

We're not gonna be capricious about this.

It's... Supreme Court...

Senator Birney's office just called.

He wants to see you right away.

- That was quick. - Good luck.

- I'll be back in half an hour. - Give him hell, senator.

Who he plays in that position is not going to be a repre...

You see the Boy Scouts in 45 minutes.

Right.

Man on TV: Do you feel the opposition has enough

information to go against the president?

Joe: Senator, I'm not looking to dethrone you.

I've always thought we were friends.

So have I.

What will you do if the senate starts lining up

against you on this?

I was countin' on you to stop 'em.

Isn't that asking a lot?

Of a friend?

Joe, they're after me.

I stand convicted of bein' an old man.

I'm telling you straight out, Joe. I need your help.

I'll owe you.

Why does this have to be over Anderson?

Anderson could destroy me.

I didn't draw the lines for this battle.

I didn't either.

I hope you remember that.

Joe, I can't let you do this to me.

Not with the whole senate watching.

Senator, this would hurt me very badly at home.

Argh!

You can live with this.

I know you can because I've lived with worse.

Now, you just want to get some mileage out of this.

Save the country from a disastrous appointment.

- Make yourself a hero. - No, I don't, senator.

The hell you don't.

Now...

if I were you, I wouldn't have the presidential seal

embroidered on my shorts just yet.

You do this...

and no bill of yours will ever get out of my committee.

It'll take time,

but I got a lot of friends around here...

and your little old subcommittee

ain't gonna have much of a budget.

You're gonna look about as glamorous as a toad

with a tire track down its back.

How does that sound to you?

Thanks for the bourbon, senator.

- Is this a direct quote? - Yeah.

But stay away from voter registration.

He's got himself covered there. Stick to schooling.

- Hmm. - Here. Laycock vs Louisiana.

Just read him that. Ask him if he said it.

"Nothing can compel a community to open its doors

to any group which it fears for its very survival."

"This is the principle of self-defense

which precedes all others."

Did you say that, Mr. Anderson?

Well, you're quotin' me out of context, senator.

I am not, sir.

Let me ask the clerk to hand you a copy of your opinion

in, uh, Laycock versus the State of Louisiana,

and you can read any sentence you like, Mr. Anderson.

Uh, Mr. Anderson...

Here's the quote that you wanted.

Mr. Anderson, isn't it true that your decision in this case

was overturned by a higher court

in a matter of hours?

Yes, senator, and hours after that,

I directed the State of Louisiana to comply.

Joe: In just hours?

What about the fact that it's been 20 years

since the Supreme Court ordered your schools integrated

with all deliberate speed?

Well, you can't change old ways overnight.

We have to learn to crawl before we can walk.

Twenty years, Mr. Anderson.

We got people on the moon and you can't walk yet?

[all laughing]

We will have quiet in this room.

Now, there'll be no more outbursts

or we will clear the room.

Hugh: Inasmuch as Senator Birney has returned,

we will return the gavel to the chairman of this committee.

[indistinct whispering]

Birney: Mr. Anderson...

when you were attorney general

of the State of Louisiana,

you worked to tone down

a desegregation plan, didn't you?

Anderson: Yes, sir, I did.

Would you tell us why, Mr. Anderson?

Because the schools would've closed, senator.

Forced integration isn't workin' in Boston today

and it wasn't workin' in the south 15 years ago.

I found a compromise

that allowed the children of both races

to continue to go to school.

Mr. Chairman, I'd like to point out

that I still have five minutes due me

under the rules, uh, for questioning the nominee.

Certainly, Senator Tynan. Go right ahead.

Joe: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Anderson, I felt from the beginning

that you are a decent man.

I'm not impugning your basic motives.

But do you feel that in your public life,

you've devoted yourself to carrying out

the spirit of the law?

To the best of my ability, senator.

When you said, "If the Supreme Court

wants to take crime off the streets

and put it in the schools, let them,

but we don't have to send our children there,"

was that to the best of your ability?

Was it to the best of your ability to raise funds

for segregated private schools in your state?

When you said, "In my heart,

I have never accepted integration and I never will,"

was that to the best of your ability?

Now, that is untrue!

Would you like to see the film I have of you saying that?

[indistinct chatter]

What about the law of the land, Mr. Anderson?

What about simple human justice?

[all applauding]

Birney: Order!

Mr. Chairman, I have no further questions.

Birney: Order!

Can I have order here?

I want order!

Order we will have here.

These proceedings

will be conducted with dignity.

I remind our guests

that this is a senate hearing.

[speaking in foreign language]

[camera shutter clicks]

[speaking in foreign language]

[speaking in foreign language]

[speaking in foreign language]

Hugh: Mr. Chairman...

[speaking in foreign language]

[speaking in foreign language]

Mr. Chairman...

[speaking in foreign language]

[speaking in foreign language]

Mr. Chairman, if I may...

[speaking in foreign language]

Hamer: Mr. Chairman...

[speaking in foreign language]

Hamer: Mr. Chairman...

[speaking in foreign language]

[speaking in foreign language]

[Hamer speaking in foreign language]

[indistinct chatter]

Woman on TV: In a victory for Senator Joe Tynan,

the president withdrew the nomination of Edward Anderson

to the Supreme Court today.

And has instead submitted the name

of Richard Emerson.

Confirmation is expected within days.

It was grease city on the New York side

of the Tappan Zee Bridge this evening

after a tractor trailer truck carrying 14 tons of liquid hog

and animal fat overturned.

After the accident...

[indistinct chatter on TV]

[indistinct chatter]

Woman 2: Could be your launching pad

into a presidential orbit?

Well, I'm glad the governor has confidence in me

but, um, I think that's premature.

Isn't it true that Professor Woodruff from Harvard

has come down to Washington to advice you

on foreign policy matters?

Yes, that's... that's right.

Senator, if... if you have no ambitions

for higher office, why the sudden need

for a foreign policy advisor?

Well, uh, Richard, I think that, uh,

this is the greatest deliberative body

in the world, uh, because it doesn't simply

concerns itself with parochial interests.

Uh, we're not only concerned with our states,

we're concerned with, uh, with world events,

with national events, and I think every senator

has that responsibility.

- Senator! Senator! - Joe: Yeah!

Senator, someone has said that you've engaged

a speech coach of some kind?

Is that true?

You think I need a speech coach, Frank?

[all laughing]

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you.

Thank you, senator.

[indistinct chatter]

Man 7: Way to go! Joe: Thank you.

[all clamoring]

[door shuts]

First of all, let's kill the speech coach.

[all laughing]

Alright, let's, uh, set up some interviews

with, uh, the editorial boards of, um, a few good newspapers,

okay? Y... you know, whatever.

Then, uh, let's start hitting the people we got cards on.

- A money letter? - No. Uh, not yet.

Joe: Let's, slant a letter to their special interest.

Uh, "Dear Clyde, I've been giving a lot of thought

lately to the state of our nation."

"Uh, especially, uh, um..."

Whatever, uh, air pollution,

uh, racism, whatever we have him coded for.

"Uh, I need your ideas,

your intuition, your passion."

Then we'll hit them for money.

[instrumental music]

Bert: Senator Joe Tynan speaks on our national energy crisis.

Five second leader.

Why should an 85-year-old woman freeze to death

in her own apartment in Pennsylvania?

Alex: See, don't open your eyes wide like that.

It's honest and it's sincere, but it's not fatherly.

You've gotta show a quiet strength.

Don't be afraid to be a little bit more butch.

Alex: See, your head is tilted, boss.

You've gotta keep it straight.

Don't angle it like that.

Karen: Now, that... That's butch!

[both laughing]

Bring it around to foreign entanglements,

that sort of thing. Why should such important decisions...

Man 8: Senator Joe Tynan, democrat of New York

is in our state...

[indistinct chatter]

Mary: Senator, the president's calling on line two.

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chatter]

Woman 3: Senator, there's a call for you in control room.

Your wife.

- Ellie? - Ellie: Joe, hi.

We've got a problem here. It's Janet.

She woke up with a fever of a 104.

- Did you call Sam? - Mm-hm.

He just left.

He... thinks she has viral hepatitis.

Well, what makes him so sure it's hepatitis?

Uh, well, her skin is yellow.

It seems she's had herself tattooed.

What?

That... that's what I said.

Joe on phone: What do you mean "tattooed?”

I never saw any tattoos on her.

Uh, well, it's on her behind.

- Put her on the phone. - I can't. She's sleeping.

I want to talk to her. Put her on the phone.

I... Joe, she's sleeping.

What's she got it on her behind for?

Who's gonna see it there?

Well, I was wondering the same thing.

Jeez. I mean, where...

What... what is it? Does it say something?

It's a flower. A tulip.

Jesus. A tulip.

On her behind.

One second.

Hi, what?

I just wanted to see how you're doing.

Can I... Can I talk to you for a minute?

Can I call you back in a few minutes?

Yeah. Okay. Bye-bye.

- Your fever's down. - Yeah?

I'm bored to death lying here.

Well, if you wanna get well, you have to rest.

Hmm, no kidding?

Can I ask you a question?

Why did you get a tattoo?

Janet: No. You can't ask me.

- Oh! Oh. - What's that?

I got you some daisies from the garden.

- Oh, yeah? - I wasn't very smart.

I, uh, I have... haven't got anything to put them in.

Oh, put 'em in the water glass.

Thanks.

They're nice.

Joe: You know...

I think we ought to know more about what's going on

in each other's lives.

Janet: Yeah? Like what?

Well, you're seeing a boy and I don't really know him.

Janet: Oh, you don't know him at all.

Yeah, well, I'd like to meet him sometime.

Janet: Why?

Because you're my daughter.

[chuckles] Look, will you just leave me alone?

No, I'm not gonna leave you alone. Goddammit, I love you.

Don't you think I'm old enough to make my own friends?

Joe: Yeah, of course you are. I just wanna meet them.

Why?

So I can know what you're going through.

Janet: What for?

Because I love you, goddammit!

I'm sorry I raised my voice.

And every time you tell me you love me,

you say, "Goddammit."

I... I don't understand

what went through your head.

I mean, you must have known

that a tattoo doesn't come off.

I don't want it to come off!

How are you going to explain that later in the future?

I don't have to explain my goddamn ass to anybody!

- Alright, calm down. - Janet: It's my ass, isn't it?

No, goddammit, as long as your ass is in this house,

your mother and I have to watch out for it!

Look, will you leave me alone? Will you just leave me alone?

I'm not leaving until I get an... an... an...

some kind of response from you.

Yeah? Okay!

[glass shattering]

- That's not what I had in mind. - Get out!

- Go on! - Alright, okay. Come on.

Calm down.

[door opens]

[sobbing]

[instrumental music]

Janet.

Janet: What?

Don't you know that I love you?

That I just wanna be closer to you?

[Janet sobbing]

Don't you understand that?

Janet: No.

Why?

Well, you're not here that much, are you?

Janet...

open the door.

Janet: No.

Just for a second, please,

and then I'll go.

Please.

Janet: No.

How did I lose her?

Ellie: You didn't. She adores you.

She says I'm never here.

Why don't you take her away next weekend?

Up to the barn, alone.

Talk with her,

picnic.

Have some fun.

Joe: I have a fundraiser at the Hilton next weekend.

Tell 'em you're sick.

- What are you doing? - Tell 'em.

Francis?

No, no, no. Everything's fine.

Listen, that,

that, uh, fundraiser at the Hilton next week,

I wanna cancel that.

Why not?

Well, so what?

Look, Francis, who do I represent?

The White House or the people of New York?

Well, tell him I can't.

Why?

Why? What are they offering?

Yeah. Is that... Is that definite?

I'll call you later.

What are they offering you?

Well, there's a lot of bullshit going back and forth.

But what it boils down to is if, uh...

I do a selling job on the...

New York Committee, then I...

I can give the nominating speech at the convention.

- What about Janet? - Ah, come on, Ellie!

Talkin' about the nominating speech!

Jesus!

What do you want me to do?

Nothing, Joe. I want you to do whatever it is you want.

I guess what makes my husband special

is how much he cares.

Not just about the people who can afford

a $100 a plate,

but about people who cannot afford to eat.

I'm very proud of being Mrs. Joe Tynan.

Thank you for honoring us tonight.

[audience applauding]

[instrumental music]

You were just great.

[audience applauding]

Senator, I just wanted to pay my respects.

Dick Harman, I'm chairman of the Louisiana State Committee.

Yes. How are you? How are you?

That was a delightful speech, Mrs. Tynan.

I just wanted to thank you for everything

you've done to help us.

Not at all.

I think you know my daughter.

- Oh, yes, hello. - Don't get up.

- Uh... - Rolf, how are you?

Ellie, this is Karen Traynor.

She gave us, uh, enormous help with the, uh,

the Anderson hearings.

It was, uh, wonderful. It was really very helpful.

It was a wonderful job you did, really.

Uh, she's, uh, miss, uh...

Mrs. Traynor is a, uh, lawyer, and...

Is it Mrs. Traynor or miss? Uh...

- Mrs. - Mrs., right.

And, uh, and she gave us

uh, a... all this great stuff

on Anderson that just, uh...

May I have your attention, please?

Daddy, I think we'd better go.

- Glad to see you, senator. - Nice to meet you.

Man 9: Ladies and gentlemen.

- Keep punchin'. - Okay.

I now have an honor

that comes too seldom in politics.

A chance to introduce a man

who deserves all the good words

that you can find for him.

A man who has...

Six years ago, this guy tried to have me

thrown out of the senate.

Man 9: He is a man who believes

in putting the people first.

And now, ladies and gentlemen...

Senator Joe Tynan.

[audience applauding]

[instrumental music]

[all cheering]

[music continues]

[indistinct chatter]

[men laughing]

He'll just be another minute.

He started leaving 25 minutes ago.

It's great though, isn't it?

Holding his coat?

No, how things are moving.

He can go all the way now.

All the way where?

Well, we're giving him a more national image.

We've got a new, uh, a new press aide.

We've got an advisor on international affairs.

We're really moving.

- Is that so? - Yeah.

Listen, we have to have a little talk.

You see, we're starting to play for really high stakes now

and, uh, we have to watch what kind of face

we present to the media.

I got hold of that McCall's interview you gave.

I was really floored.

I mean, she had you in analysis.

Tsk! Ooh!

What's wrong with that, Francis?

Well, analysis is usually a code word.

It means you have a drinking problem or, or worse.

But that was, that was our fault really.

From now on, you won't give an interview

without someone from our office

sitting right there with you.

Well, we can't just throw you to the wolves like that.

Would you excuse me, please?

Don't worry. I fixed it.

All the article says now

is that you have an interest in psychology.

It's ambiguous. It could mean anything.

Look, I know you're not crazy about this.

Don't you think we should discuss it?

Francis, there's only one thing I have to say to you

and I'm afraid it's not ambiguous enough.

Uh...

Wait a minute.

[engine rumbling]

Joe: What the hell is the idea of leaving me

thirty miles from home without a car?

You son of a bitch!

Jesus Christ! You broke it!

Get out!

- Cut it out! - Out!

Stupid woman!

And I'm gonna take this crap

out of my bedroom!

Ellie!

Stop it! Christ! Stop it!

- Wait. - What's the matter?

Go back inside! Go to sleep!

- Ooh! - Will you stop it? Jesus!

And when were you planning to tell me

you were running for president?

- At the inaugural ball? - Stop it, stop.

You tell her, and you won't tell me?

What? When, when? What are you...

What are you talking about?

The lawyer you're screwing, you son of a bitch!

You want to wreck this house?

Don't tell me you care about

this house or anything in it.

[crickets chirping]

Ellie: I hated you tonight.

To think you would let

that woman into our life.

It feels like someone has broken into my house

and gone through all my private things.

A stranger knows everything about me.

My habits, my weaknesses,

even what I was like in bed.

How much does she mean to you?

I don't really know.

But I know what you mean to me.

Really?

Joe: Ellie, everything I care about in my life

we've made together.

Do you think that anything could ever mean

as much to me as you?

Not until tonight.

Look, I know how much I've hurt you.

But it doesn't have to happen again. It won't.

Ellie, what can I say? What can I do?

Nothing, Joe, I don't expect anything of you.

I'm sorry, I don't.

Look, I know you don't really have any reason to, but...

Please give me another chance.

All I ever wanted was for you to love me. That's all.

Ellie, I do.

Joe: I do love you.

[sobbing]

[indistinct chatter]

[phone ringing]

Senator...

Room 402 at the Raleigh.

[typewriter keys clacking]

[phone ringing]

Hello?

- Joe: Hi, it's me. - Hi.

[chuckling]

Guess who can stay the whole weekend?

Oh, God, I wish I could. I have to get home.

I... My daughter's come down with hepatitis.

Karen?

Look, I think you ought to be with your wife.

You don't have to make up stories.

I'm not, she has hepatitis.

She had hepatitis four weeks ago. How long does that last?

Well, she's not... She's not really over it.

I... I... I'm not making up stories.

I've seen this before.

You're falling in love with your wife.

Look, I need to talk to you.

Joe: I'll be right over there.

No. Maybe you better not.

No, I... I have to talk to you, I'll... I'll...

I'll be right there.

Joe: Karen?

Joe, I'm sorry.

I got to go.

Yes?

Oh, hi.

- This 402? - Yeah, sure it is.

Hey, I just saw you yesterday on "The Mike Douglas Show."

It's nice to see you again.

[airplane droning]

Man on PA: Mr. Hasse, Mr. John Hasse,

please come to the public information counter

of United Airlines, there's a phone call.

I heard you got 'em to hold my plane.

You left without saying goodbye.

Well, I thought I would be the first to leave...

while there was still time.

I have to go home.

- I have to. - I know.

I've been ditching them in little ways and I...

I can't. It's... it's too...

I, uh, I had a whole speech prepared for this

but I can't say it in an airport.

That's okay. I've heard it... before.

Goodbye.

[airplane droning]

[upbeat music]

[indistinct chatter]

[laughing]

Hi, Hal.

Just cut it, make... make sure it's changed.

Ellie.

Paulie.

Listen, make sure

the teleprompter guy gets that changed.

There's less than five minutes, okay?

- Sure, right away, sir. - Where's Janet?

She couldn't come. It's kinda complicated.

Hugh: My fellow Americans...

we have a new vision

in this great land of ours.

A new spirit, a new hope

and shining confidence

that justice and decency

will guide us in our public hours.

Francis, will you take, uh, take Paul to his seat, will you?

Sure, senator.

I just want to talk to mom

for a minute, okay?

Oh, senator, here's our schedule for today, uh...

After you speak, uh, you're meeting

with the National Chairman and his staff

and then, uh, we have interviews

with "The Washington Post" and "The New York Times."

Fine.

I'll see you. I'll sit by the podium.

Listen, uh, folks, I need this room for a minute.

- Okay? Can I have the room? - Okay, I'll see you later.

- Good luck. - Yep.

- Good luck. - Thanks.

- Knock 'em out. - Okay.

- Where's Janet? - I couldn't get her to come.

I'm sorry.

I've really done a great job with her, haven't I?

She'll be alright.

- Will you be alright? - Yes, fine.

Come on, what's the matter?

Let's talk about it later, okay?

No, tell me now.

Not right before you go out there. Later.

No. Not later. Now!

Go ahead, say it.

[indistinct speech over mic]

Joe, I love you

but I can't take it anymore.

Ellie, don't do this.

[crowd applauding]

You have to give me another chance.

I...

I can...

I can slow down, I can make time

for the things that I care about.

You think so?

Two months ago, you were in tears

because you thought you'd lost Janet.

You were gonna take her away with you.

Did you?

Ellie: Then what is it you really care about?

What?

Ellie, I love you.

Please stay.

We're not married anymore. Why should I stay with you?

Because you put 19 years into this marriage.

You have a responsibility to it. And so do I.

And I'm going to be there.

Until Francis calls with another offer?

No, I can take the same energy

that I put into my work, and I can put it into our life.

But will you?

Joe: Ellie, I love you.

Please stay.

You're on, senator.

Ellie.

Do well out there.

Ellie.

I'll take you to your seat, Mrs. Tynan.

[indistinct chatter]

You'll be terrific.

Hugh: As a constant reminder of his great future...

[indistinct chatter]

[indistinct speech over mic]

[indistinct chatter]

There is a man

who has come to symbolize that hope

for justice and decency in government...

[indistinct chatter]

Hugh: Hope for humanity

to the cold grey halls of the law.

Hugh: It is my great privilege to present to you.

Senator Joe Tynan.

[crowd cheering]

[cheering continues]

[crowd chanting] We want Joe! We want Joe!

We want Joe! We want Joe!

[cheering continues]

[crowd chanting] We want Joe! We want Joe!

We want Joe! We want Joe!

We want Joe! We want Joe!

We want Joe! We want Joe!

We want Joe! We want Joe!

We want Joe! We want Joe!

We want Joe! We want Joe!

[crowd chanting] We want Joe! We want Joe!

We want Joe! We want Joe!

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]