These Women
BARTLET
Look at this, will you?
JOSH
At what sir?
BARTLET
I don’t know why, but nothing makes me feel quite so good as the sight of colleagues, enjoying each other outside work.
JOSH
So, what were you guys talking about?
BARTLET
We were talking about these women.
JOSH
Yeah?
LEO
We can’t get over these women.
BARTLET
Look at C.J.
BARTLET [cont.]
She’s like a fifties movie star, so capable, so loving and energetic.
LEO
Look at Mandy over there.
LEO [cont.]
Going punch for punch with Toby in a world that tells women to sit down and shut up. Mandy’s already won her battle with the President. The game’s over, but she’s not done. She wants Toby.
BARTLET
Mrs. Landingham.
BARTLET [cont.]
Did you guys know she lost two sons in Vietnam? What would make her want to serve her country is beyond me, but in 14 years, she’s not missed a day’s work, not one.
There’s Cathy, Donna, and Margaret.
JOSH
Mr. President, there’s something that’s been bothering me for most of the day, and while I know that this is an inappropriate time…
LEO
No, what’s on your mind, Josh?
JOSH
I serve at the pleasure of the President, and it’s a great privilege that I will never forget.
[takes out the card from his wallet, a card that has bothered him for the whole day. He shows it to Leo and the President.]
I can’t keep this. I think it’s a white flag of surrender. I want to be a comfort to my friends in tragedy. And I want to be able to celebrate with them in triumph. And for all the times in between, I just want to be able to look them in the eye. Leo, it’s not for me. I want to be with my friends, my family, and these women.
