Autodidact_33
Senior Member
Run for Office
an original screenplay by Matthew Bissonnette
an John Windsor
EXT. Washington D.C. dawn
Scenes from the capitol city of Washington D.C. early one morning in fall. The sun rising behind the Washington Monument as its reflection is cast in the reflecting pool. A few people walking past the Lincoln Memorial. A air view of the Jefferson monument. An old man standing in the front yard of his home and raising an American flag on a flag pole, he salutes it and it flaps about in the wind. Then there is the view of the White House, the large building surrounded by a stone fence and iron gates. It is at the end of the street and now the sky is gray and overcast.
EXT. sidewalk of D.C. later
Later in the morning. Somewhere in the city is a sidewalk, and park to one side of it. People of the city, most dressed in expensive clothing, walk down the side walk; all have flag pins on their chest. Then there is an image of the pug faced dog, Baxter, scampering along the sidewalk; he looks up as he runs. Then we see President Tom Manning, jogging down the sidewalk past pedestrians who and stop and look at him as Baxter runs along beside him. Tom is a man in his mid sixties who has a bit of a gut and gray hair with a cap on and a jogging suit. Both the cap and suit have the presidential seal on them. As Tom jogs past an adult male in ordinary clothing, the man speaks.
Man on sidewalk
Good day Mr. President.
Tom speaks as he jogs away.
Tom manning
Please, call me Tom.
The man watches as Tom jogs away. Then a cat walks across the sidewalk and Baxter runs at it and chases the cat off frame as Tom laughs.
TOM MANNING
Hope he gets that cat.
He continues to jog.
INT. coffee shop later
A coffee shop somewhere in the city. Patrons sit at tables and drink coffee, one man in a suit is writing on a lap top computer. A young man, Eddie, stands behind the counter; he has messy dark hair and wears a green apron and white paper cap. Eddie watches as Tom opens the door and lets Baxter in then they both walk up to the counter. Tom grins.
TOM MANNING
Morning Eddie.
Eddie seems worried about something. Tom notices.
TOM MANNING
Something wrong Eddie?
Eddie waits a moment then replies.
Eddie
The first lady called the manager Mr. President.
Tom looks away and mutters.
TOM MANNING
Shit.
Tom then looks back to Eddie.
TOM MANNING
What did she say?
EDDIE
That if you come back from your morning jog with anything other then a small coffee then she would destroy him.
Tom then leans on the counter and whispers.
TOM MANNING
Just give me one bagel, she'll never now.
Eddie shakes his head.
EDDIE
The manager is scared of her.
Tom stands up and nods.
TOM MANNING
Tell him that he is not the only one pal.
A female employee nervously approaches and places a small cup of coffee on the counter and walks away. Tom picks it up and looks at it.
TOM MANNING
Four sugars?
Eddie seems a little afraid.
EDDIE
She said one spoon of artificial sweetener.
Tom frowns and looks at the cup of coffee.
TOM MANNING
She wants me to lose weight apparently.
He turns then realizes that a heavy set man in a t-shirt and jeans is standing in front of him. The man is holding a flag pin and seems angry.
Man in t-shirt
I stabbed myself with one of your damn flag pins.
Then man throws the flag pin at Tom and it hits him on the chest and falls to the floor and looks at it.
TOM MANNING
Please, you heard about those flag pins, I haven't had my tetanus shot yet.
The man angrily walks away.
MAN IN T-SHIRT
I wished I voted for the other guy.
Tom speaks as the man storms out the door.
TOM MANNING
I have another three years to change your mind come next election.
Tom waits a moment then takes a sip from his coffee and seems revolted. He looks down at Baxter and looks up at him as he wags his tail.
TOM MANNING
The old ball and chain just really started my day off spectacularly.
Tom then walks towards the door as Baxter follows.
EXT. white house later later
Later in the overcast morning. A small group of protesters are gathered near the front gates, as several men of the secret service, all in black suits and sunglasses, stand about the lawn in front of the White House.
INT. White house moments later
Different scenes from the white house. Members of the secret service and members of the administration walking through the large hallways, with marble floors and white walls with the paintings of presidents on them. The Oval Office, a large room with blue carpeting and a desk behind is large windows through which you can see the city; beside the door is a flag pole with an American flag.
INT. water cooler moments later
At the end of a hallway is a water cooler, with a blue bottle of water on its top and a picture of F.D.R. behind it. Administration Secretary of Defense Dan Powers stands beside the water cooler and drinks from a paper cup of water. He is a large man in his sixties in a dark suit, has graying dark hair and a prominent chin. He seems to think as he drinks water. Then Tom walks up behind him as Baxter follows and Tom gets a paper cup and talks as he fills it with water.
TOM MANNING
So what is my Secretary of Defense doing here by the water cooler again.
Dan takes a sip of water then nods.
Dan Powers
Stuff Mr. President.
Tom grins.
TOM MANNING
What kind of stuff Dan?
Dan drinks water again and speaks.
DAN POWERS
Important stuff.
Tom drinks from his paper cup.
TOM MANNING
And just how important is this stuff?
Dan nods.
DAN POWERS
Stuff that to important for the President to know.
Tom laughs.
TOM MANNING
Oh, I thought you where going to spend the day waiting out the clock by the water cooler until you get to go home and watches the Patriots game tonight.
DAN POWERS
Care to bet on the game?
Tom looks at him.
TOM MANNING
The president is above making illegal bets on a football game.
Tom drinks some water.
TOM MANNING
Besides I only watch when the Packers play.
DAN POWERS
I remember you saying you played a little college football.
Tom nods and seems to frown.
TOM MANNING
Quarterback actually, till I blew out my knee.
DAN POWERS
Wish I got to spend my formative years playing football, in Nam all I got thrown at me was hand grenades.
Tom looks at Dan.
TOM MANNING
Dan, I told you about talking about Nam and Charlie.
Dan looks down the hallway. Then a man, a Vietcong soldier dressed in a uniform and black bandanna, leans out from behind a corner and looks at Dan. Dan stairs mutely at him for a moment till the Vietcong vanishes behind the corner. Dan seems afraid.
DAN POWERS
Like I said, in Nam, Charlie was everywhere.
Dan still seems transfixed on the corner. Tom drinks some water then looks at him.
TOM MANNING
Instead of risking you having another flashback of the shit Dan, did you see the newest Kill Difficult film? I missed it last Friday.
Dan snaps out of it and looks at Tom.
DAN POWERS
This might ruin it for you, but the Terrorists lose.
They both look at each other and laugh.
TOM MANNING
You are such an asshole Dan.
Tom then walks away.
TOM MANNING
Come on Dan, you can pretend to work in my office.
Dan then follows. Tom speaks as they walk away.
TOM MANNING
Don't feel to bad Dan, at least you got to only spend seven years in the shit; I got married to it.
They both laugh as they walk away as the dog follows.
EXT. white house hallway moments later
A hallway of the white house, two men talk in front of a painting of Hoover. One is Vice President Paul Freeman, a elderly man in his eighties who is portly and has silver hair and wears and dark suit. He talks as Secret Service agent Flynn listens and seems motionless.
Paul Freeman
As I was saying, I was never so inspired as when I heard President Eisenhower make his inaugural address. That morning I think I had a grape fruit for breakfast and cereal, or wait, it might have been toast.
Then Tom and Dan, both still holding paper cups, walk past the two men and stop; then dog follows them. Tom leans towards Dan and whispers.
TOM MANNING
Agent Flynn will hate me in a few minutes.
Tom looks at Paul.
TOM MANNING
Maybe the Vice President should tell Flynn about when you heard Churchill give his speech about the Iron Curtains. And Paul, Flynn wants exacts details.
Paul seems to think for a moment then rambles on.
PAUL FREEMAN
I think I had toast and a boiled egg for breakfast that morning. I took the bus to the library of congress, it cost five cents.
It looks like Tom and Dan are both trying not to laugh.
DAN POWERS
Paul, how much ribbon candy could five cents get you back then?
Paul seems to think think.
PAUL FREEMAN
Four pieces of I remember correctly.
TOM MANNING
Five cents could not get you a single tic tac these days.
DAN POWERS
Let alone a tootsie pop.
Tom looks at Flynn.
TOM MANNING
Flynn, I want you to report back to me on everything the Vice President says and I want exact details.
Tom and Dan walks away. Paul looks at Tom.
PAUL FREEMAN
Mr. President.
Tom and Dan look back. Paul makes a thumbs up gesture. Tom grins.
TOM MANNING
Thanks Paul, the thumbs up always lets me know everything will be OK.
Then Tom and Dan walk away as the dog follows. Paul returns to rambling.
PAUL FREEMAN
The morning of the moon landing, I think I had muffin and some bacon.
INT. WHITE HOUSE hallway MOMENTS LATER
Tom and Dan walk down a hallway as the dog follows; remembers of the staff walk past as they both talk.
DAN POWERS
The Vice President seems to be getting a little old.
TOM MANNING
He is not old, and he can remember what he had for breakfast the morning the pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock.
DAN POWERS
Why did you ask him to be your running mate?
TOM MANNING
He has worked for every administration since 1956 and knows the name of the heads of state of every country on Earth. It gets a little awkward when you forget the name of a world leader; you can only say buddy and pal so many times.
DAN POWERS
Maybe he should retire.
TOM MANNING
None of us are spring chickens anymore Dan.
DAN POWERS
To true.
They walk on as Baxter follows.
EXT. WHITE HOUSE HALLWAY MOMENTS LATER
Two men talk in front of a portrait of Reagan. One is C.I.A. director Kevin Patterson, a slim man in his forties with copper hair and wearing a blue suit. The other man is a North Korean spy who is Asian and is in a black suit; the spy holds a briefcase.
North Korean spy
We have your money, where is the information?
Kevin reaches into his suit and pulls out a large brown envelope.
Kevin Patterson
This comes all the way from N.A.S.A.
They exchange the envelope and the briefcase then the spy walks away and towards Dan, Tom and Baxter who are approaching. The spy walks away and Tom and Dan stop beside Kevin and look at him.
TOM MANNING
My head of Intelligence seems to meet with that North Korean spy a lot?
Kevin clutches the briefcase.
KEVIN PATTERSON
You'll blow my cover Tom.
TOM MANNING
Tom, your first day on the job when you agreed with me on my plan to screw with North Korea by slipping them disinformation; I thought you would do business somewhere other then the white house.
Kevin looks at Tom.
KEVIN PATTERSON
But he really wanted to see the Lincoln bedroom.
DAN POWERS
If they didn't get suspicious when they learned this administration was investing into psychic super soldiers; I don't think they are going to catch on.
Tom laughs.
TOM MANNING
They spent over two billion dollars trying to narrow the psychic super soldier gap.
KEVIN PATTERSON
What was in the envelope this time?
TOM MANNING
America is going to land a man on Mars within four years with ionic space propulsion. North Korea now is going to try ad beat us in the space race with a propulsion which is bullshit. It will be twenty billion dollars before they figure that out.
Kevin walks away with the briefcase as Tom and Dan watch.
TOM MANNING
I'm not sure if it is ethical for you to keep the money Kevin.
Kevin replies loudly as he walks away.
KEVIN PATTERSON
I need an extension to my house Tom.
Tom and Dan walk away in the opposite direction. Tom speaks then laughs.
TOM MANNING
I'm going to be in such I world of shit when Kim Jung figures out that I've been fucking with him.
DAN POWERS
Stay the course Mr. President.
INT. oval office moments later
The office is still for a moment then the door opens and Tom, Dan and Baxter enter the room. Baxter scampers to a small bed and curls up on it. Tom sits behind the desk and Dan leans against the wall. There is silence when Dan looks at Tom.
DAN POWERS
Secret Service figured who was bugging your office?
Tom looks at Dan.
TOM MANNING
Dan, you are my top man around here so it is about time you learn some classified information.
DAN POWERS
I'm all ears.
Tom laughs.
TOM MANNING
It was my wife.
DAN POWERS
Are you sure?
TOM MANNING
As soon as I started my administration, my guys kept finding bugs in my office. As they kept appearing everyday they figured it was someone on the inside. So I told her I was going to have to look into it.
Dan powers
What did she say?
Tom laughs deeply.
TOM MANNING
That she was sure it was going to stop but the husband of who ever left those bugs might not want to look to deeply into it if he knew what was good for him. They never found a bug again.
They both laugh.
DAN POWERS
That is messed up Tom.
TOM MANNING
She has been destroying my political rivals ever since I got into politics.
DAN POWERS
Are you serious?
Tom laughs again.
TOM MANNING
Remember in the election when President Rockwell was five points ahead in the polls cause he was playing the man card?
DAN POWERS
Then all those pictures popped up on the internet of Rockwell, taken from really embarrassing angles.
pictures
A series of pictures of former President Rockwell, an older imposing man with gray hair and in a black suit. In one picture he is kissing an Arabian prince who wears white robes on the cheek; but from the angle the picture is taken it looks like they are kissing on the lips. Another picture of Rockwell behind a head of state, but from the camera angle it looks like Rockwell is placing his hand on his ass.
INT. OVAL OFFICE MOMENTS LATER
Tom laughs.
TOM MANNING
She does things like that all the time. Never underestimate the homophobia of the American voter.
They both laughs deeply.
DAN POWERS
Then Rockwell did that photo op. You know the one where he is dressed up like a cowboy.
PICTURES
A picture of Rockwell. He is dressed like a cowboy and sits on a horse, he holds a Winchester rifle.
INT. OVAL OFFICE MOMENTS LATER
Tom leans back in his chair. He grins.
TOM MANNING
Rockwell kind of has a grudge since I cost him his second term.
flashback
A stage at the end of a long street which a crowd of Americans are gathered on. It is a clear day and on the stage is former President Rockwell and Tom shaking hands and waving at the crowd. Rockwell leans over and whispers to Tom.
Rockwell
I know you took those pictures you little fuck.
Rockwell looks at him and smiles.
ROCKWELL
Now you are in for a world of shit, and I'm going to get you for this you hippy, pacifist, liberal bitch.
They continue to wave at the crowd and smile.
TOM MANNING
I'm more of a beatnik then a hippy Mr. President.
ROCKWELL
Me and every other conservative in this town are going to love carving up your administration. You fucked with the wrong guy.
Rockwell then grins and slaps Tom on the shoulder.
ROCKWELL
You better grow eyes on the back of your head.
Standing nearby is Rockwell's wife Samantha, an older woman in a pant suit and red hair done up in a bun. She is waving at the crowd.
Samantha Rockwell
You husband is in for hell now.
The voice of First Lady Ashley Manning speak of frame, she sounds angry.
Ashley Manning
He has no idea.
INT. OVAL OFFICE MOMENTS LATER
Tom and Dan are both laughing deeply then try to stop.
TOM MANNING
OK, OK, we have to actually do some work.
Dan looks away.
DAN POWERS
Good luck in this administration.
INT. OVAL OFFICE later
Tom leans back in his chair and has his feet up on the desk and is twittling his thumbs. Dan still leans against the wall and has his hands in his pockets.
TOM MANNING
We are supposed to be doing something Dan, could you tell me what?
DAN POWERS
We have another three years to figure out how to do our jobs.
Then the intercom on Tom's desk buzzes. Tom leans forward and hits a button on it.
TOM MANNING
What is it Vanessa?
The voice of his secretary Vanessa comes out of the intercom.
Vanessa
The general is on his to your office.
TOM MANNING
Thanks, show him in.
Tom leans back.
TOM MANNING
Guess the hawk who know runs the Pentagon has some more advice.
DAN POWERS
I think I hear the Imperial March playing right now.
Tom laughs but tries to stop.
TOM MANNING
Dan, you better not crack me up while I'm talking to this guy.
Then the door opens and General Butler walks in. Butler is a man in his fifties with balding hair and is somewhat overweight; he wears a military uniform with a lot of medals. Tom watches as Butler sits in a chair in front of the desk and grins.
general butler
I know what to do about this North Korea situation.
TOM MANNING
Kevin is taking care of it.
GENERAL BUTLER
We'll deal with this rogue, unstable regime with a full out military assault and hit them hard.
TOM MANNING
I'm not sure that will improve relations.
GENERAL BUTLER
It gets better Mr. President, North Korea is just the appetizer. Now lets get to the main course.
INT. OVAL OFFICE LATER
Dan and Tom both look blankly at Butler.
GENERAL BUTLER
So what do you think of that?
Tom seems to think then nods.
TOM MANNING
Well, if we want dessert after the main course we'll have to invade Canada because that will be the only slice of chocolate cake left at the buffet.
DAN POWERS
Could also piss of every customer in the restaurant.
TOM MANNING
I'll take it under advisement. Now I have some pressing business with Dan.
Butler gets up and silently leaves. Dan and Tom look at each other and Dan speaks in a deep voice.
DAN POWERS
If you only knew the power of the dark side.
Tom laughs deeply.
TOM MANNING
That is why I like you Dan, we've seen all the same movies.
DAN POWERS
I'm not a hawk myself, more of an eagle flying majestically through the sky.
TOM MANNING
People like to compare themselves to predatory birds in this town.
They both laugh.
INT. OVAL OFFICE LATER
Tom is leaning back in his chair and Dan leans against the wall and both seem bored. It is silent for a moment when Dan looks at Tom.
DAN POWERS
Now that I get access to classified information, can I ask you something?
TOM MANNING
Sure Dan.
DAN POWERS
How did you end up with the First Lady? You are the leader of the free world yet everyone in this place knows that you are scared shitless of her.
Tom laughs.
TOM MANNING
She is a scary woman Tom.
DAN POWERS
So how did you two end up together?
TOM MANNING
Long story Dan.
DAN POWERS
What else do we have to do, work?
TOM MANNING
Dan, get ready for the most epic love story you ever heard.
Dan looks away.
DAN POWERS
You know how much I like love stories.
TOM MANNING
Don't worry Dan, there is football in it.
Then the scene dissolves as a flashback begins.
Tom's flashback
A college football stadium one night in 1970's America. A crowd of thousands of spectators cheer as they watch the game. Now we see Tom, a young man, running down the field in a silver football uniform holding a football. He is running in slow motion and looks over his shoulder at something behind him.
tom's narration
I got to college on a football scholarship, my first year I was going to get us to the finals. But being a quarterback, well sometimes you feel like you are being chased by a pack of bears.
Now we see several large, burly football players running at the camera in slow motion. They seemed enraged, their teeth clenched, and make a odd roaring noise in slow motion. Now we see Tom running in regular time away from the opposing players and towards the end zone.
Another game one night. Tom is again running away from the opposing teams tacklers towards the end zone in slow motion.
TOM'S NARRATION
I was with a few women, but none ever really got anywhere near my heart.
Tom then looks towards the bleachers. The crowd passes by as the scene moves to the left. Then we see a woman, Ashely, sitting amongst the crowd. She is a petite woman in a sweater and skirt, has short curly dark hair and glasses; unlike the rest of the crowd she seems unhappy and somewhat angry. Then the seen freezes on Tom and he seems like he is motionless.
TOM'S NARRATION
Then I saw her in the crowd. I saw her a few times in school but all my buddies said she was a heartless bitch. It was weird, a perfect moment when time slows down.
Tom looks at her frozen. Then we see Ashely in the crowd as a shooting star flies across the sky.
TOM'S NARRATION
But having that perfect moment during a football games when you have a bunch of guys trying to get you, well, not the best time.
Tom looks over his shoulder and sees the burly football player charging him. Then in regular time they tackle him to the ground and most of the opposing team jump on top of him.
TOM'S NARRATION
I just blew the big game, so my own team decided to get me to.
Then Tom's team jumps on the pile and Tom vanishes beneath the pile of men.
Now Tom lays on the football field as the crowd looks on. Football players stand around him as the team's medic kneels beside Tom.
TOM'S NARRATION
Doc said I blew my knee out pretty bad, and the people are fickle Dan.
Now we see Tom limping away as the entire crowd throws popcorn and drinks at him.
Now we see Tom, who has blond hair and wears expensive clothing, limping down a hallway of the school among his fellow students. In slow motion she see Ashley walking towards him with her school books clutched to her chest.
TOM'S NARRATION
I had to talk to her, I figured she couldn't be that bad.
Tom stops and looks at her walk past.
Young tom
Could you help me?
Ashley seems angered as she walks away but speaks.
young Ashley
Drop dead.
Tom watches her walk away.
TOM'S NARRATION
I knew I liked her right then Dan.
Again on another day Tom walks down a hallway of his school among students and sees Ashley walk towards him. He stops and smiles at her.
YOUNG TOM
Did not get your name.
She seems angry as she walks away.
YOUNG ASHLEY
Piss off.
He watches her walk away.
TOM'S NARRATION
The more this woman hate me, the more I liked her.
Now it is one night during a frat party at a fraternity house. Students stands about and drink beer around the house, and there is marijuana smoking in the air. Now we see Tom, held upside down by his legs by two other guys and drink from a keg of beer; they guys are chanting chug. Then we see Ashley standing in a corner, arms folded across her chest and look at the upside down Tom.
TOM'S NARRATION
I thought maybe one day I would win her over.
Now we see Tom drunkenly stagger towards Ashley and stands beside her. He slurs his words as he talks.
YOUNG TOM
Have not seen you at a frat party before, what is your name?
YOUNG ASHLEY
Ashley Fairchild, and I don't come to frat parties because everyone there is a drunken loser.
Everyone at the party stops doing what they where doing and looks at Ashely, including the student being held upside down by the legs. Tom drunkenly talks to them.
YOUNG TOM
Prove her wrong guys.
Everyone goes back to the party. Tom and Ashley are looking at each other, he seems tipsy.
YOUNG ASHLEY
I came her to speak with you. You like me don't you?
YOUNG TOM
You seem like a very tender person to me.
YOUNG ASHLEY
What are your plans after school?
YOUNG TOM
Only class I'm getting could grades in is Political Science, my Dad was a senator and I had to listen to him go on and on about politics. Since my football career is over, figured I'll go into politics. Besides, I got some dip shit twin brother I'm competing with.
YOUNG ASHLEY
Then I guess we can be together.
Tom smiles but she is frowning.
YOUNG TOM
You like me?
She raises her voice.
YOUNG ASHLEY
No, I just don't hate you us much as everyone else.
Tom looks away and seems really drunk.
YOUNG TOM
Good enough.
YOUNG ASHLEY
We are leaving this party, and tomorrow we will look for a place together. And we will get you a political career.
YOUNG TOM
This is moving kind of fast Ashley.
Ashley they kicks Tom in the shin and he recoils in pain.
YOUNG ASHLEY
I'm calling the shots from now on, I'm going to crawl up your ass and be on you every waking moment.
Tom looks at her.
YOUNG TOM
With the two of us, who in the world can stop us?
Ashley then grabs Tom's collar and drags him away.
YOUNG ASHLEY
If anyone gets in our way, they will wish they never have been born. And now we are together, if you really get me angry I kill you and leave your corpse in a salt mine after I skin you.
YOUNG TOM
Sounds great.
Then the scene is of the students at the party. The scene dissolves.
INT. OVAL OFFICE LATER
Tom and Dan are both silent after the story ends.
DAN POWERS
Wow, if more loves stories in movies where like that then the marriage rate would plummet.
TOM MANNING
She stole my heart Dan. I'm stuck with that woman. Though the most romantic terms I've ever heard her use regard our relationship was an unpleasant situation of mutual convenience.
DAN POWERS
Ouch, that must hurt.
TOM MANNING
Why you should consider a sexless marriage Dan, when you are married to a woman who hates affection of any kind then sex is like Christmas, it comes once a year. Of course since my approval ratings are in the forties Santa won't be coming down the chimney for a few decades.
DAN POWERS
God, I felt less worse then that friend I had in Nam who got blown in two and now is just a head in a jar.
TOM MANNING
You don't get to rotate back stateside when you are married.
They both laugh deeply.
INT. OVAL OFFICE LATER
Dan now sits in a chair in front of the desk as Tom sits behind it; they both are looking at the clock on the wall. Then Dan looks at Baxter asleep in his little bed.
DAN POWERS
Your dog reminds me of a general I knew in Nam.
Tom looks at the dog.
TOM MANNING
Want to here the moving story of how this administration came to have the ugliest dog in the White House's history?
DAN POWERS
Is it less girlie then your last story?
They both laugh as a flashback begins.
flashback
Tom, who is in casual clothing, sits in the back of a limousine looking out a window beside him. The person in the seat beside him cannot be scene.
TOM MANNING
Since the American voters just put me in the Oval Office, figured about time I do the most important thing in any President's administration. Pick a first dog.
Ashley speaks off frame.
ASHLEY MANNING
Now you can finally shut up about getting a dog.
Tom looks at her.
TOM MANNING
Thanks for letting me pick the dog honey.
ASHLEY MANNING
Why did we come to the pound, and not a pet shop.
Tom looks out the window and sees the pound, a gloomy stone building behind which is a dark foreboding sky.
TOM MANNING
This place is full of puppies, it must be the happiest place on Earth. Besides, these dogs need a home.
ASHLEY MANNING
Just pick the dog you moron.
Inside the dog pound is a room with large cages along the wall, adult dogs are in the cages and all seem sad and some whimper. At the end of the room is a black door. Then we see Tom walking past the cages with a female employee of the pound, a woman in dark clothes Catlin. He looks at the dogs as he walks past.
TOM MANNING
These dogs seem kind of bummed out.
Catlin
All these dogs need a good home Mr. President.
They stop when a male employee of the pound walks past, he holds a leash at the end of which is Baxter. They are walking towards the black door. When Tom sees the dog he begins to laugh.
TOM MANNING
That dog is so ugly he is adorable.
CATLIN
We found that old pug eating out of the trash behind the pound five days ago.
TOM MANNING
Where are they taking him?
CATLIN
To the little room where we put the dogs down.
Tom looks at Catlin.
TOM MANNING
Put down.
Tom seems to think for a moment then seems horrified. He then runs towards the male employee and grabs the leash from him. He starts to walk away with Baxter, the dog looks at the ground and whimpers. Tom is trying not to look at the dogs who look at him as he walks past them.
TOM MANNING
Please don't look at me, I can't save you.
Now Tom stands in front of the doors to the pound and holds the leash Baxter is tied to. Baxter looks away. Tom kneels down.
TOM MANNING
Always wanted a dog, but my dad and wife never would let me have one. So you are the first dog now little guy.
Then Tom removes the leash.
TOM MANNING
But no leash, I'm on one and I know they are not fun.
Baxter looks up at him and begins to wag his tale. Then they both walk towards awaiting limousine.
Ashley is still of frame. Tom gets into the limo and sits and Baxter jumps up onto his lap.
ASHLEY MANNING
Did you purposely try to get the most grotesque dog?
Tom looks at the dog and smiles.
TOM MANNING
This dog is the quintessential ugly American.
Baxter looks to Ashley.
ASHLEY MANNING
Don't look at me you ugly piece of crap.
Baxter whimpers and begins to shake.
ASHLEY MANNING
Your dog hates me.
TOM MANNING
I'm sure he will warm up to you. I think I'll call him Baxter.
INT. OVAL OFFICE MOMENTS LATER
Tom and Dan look at the sleeping dog which is drooling.
DAN POWERS
I feel about as good as that dog looks sometimes.
TOM MANNING
The public loves that dog. We ain't getting any prettier with age and you know this country is no beauty pageant. But no matter how ugly you are, you still look better then Baxter.
Then both continue to look at the dog.
INT. OVAL OFFICE LATER
Tom and Dan still sit and look at the clock.
DAN POWERS
How long before we can call it day?
TOM MANNING
We have to stay at work at least a few more hours.
Dan looks at Tom.
DAN POWERS
Since we are shooting the shit, want to hear something a little more intense then your football, bitch wife and dog story?
Tom leans back in his chair.
TOM MANNING
We about to go into the shit.
FLASHBACK
Vietnam during a bright sunny day in the seventies. Dan, who is young, is dressed in a infantry army uniform and helmet; though he has two ammo belts strapped around him he is not armed. It is a field with tall wavering grass.
Dan's narration
After seven years, I finally was finished my last day before I rotated back stateside.
There are green army helicopters flying through sky. Dan is walking towards a landed helicopter at the end of the field but its rotors are spinning. A man in a army uniform kneels in the hatch of the helicopter and is waving Dan towards him.
DAN'S NARRATION
I did not see a chopper, I saw home. Back to Howdy Doody, Perry Mason and Elvis.
Dan looks over his shoulder at the wavering grass behind him.
DAN'S NARRATION
But Charlie was everywhere.
Then two Vietcong soldiers heads pop up from the grass and look at Dan and vanish in the grass again. Dan walks quicker when the soldier in the helicopter yells.
Soldier in helicopter
Run Dan, Charlie is on your ass!
Dan looks over his shoulder and sees five Vietcong running towards him, all armed with AK-47's and rocket launchers; and scream. In slow motion Dan runs towards the helicopter as the Vietcong chase him. The soldiers continues to wave at him. Dan runs as the Vietcong gain on him.
DAN'S NARRATION
I had been in the shit for seven years, but I really didn't get scared until I was being chased by Charlie and running towards my ticket home.
Then in slow motion, Dan dives towards the helicopter as the Vietcong chase him.
INT. OVAL OFFICE moments later
Tom looks at Dan.
TOM MANNING
Did Charlie get you or did you make it back to John Wayne, the Beatles and Sonny and Cher?
DAN POWERS
They got me, I'm buried somewhere in Vietnam right now.
TOM MANNING
Sure you can talk about Nam, I know you have some issues.
Dan looks behind the President at the window, then suddenly one of the Vietcong soldier's heads pop up and he looks at Dan for a moment then lowers his head and vanishes.
DAN POWERS
I've gotten over it.
They both return to looking at the clock.
INT. OVAL OFFICE LATER
Tom and Dan still look at the clock.
DAN POWERS
Have not seen much of the first lady today.
TOM MANNING
She is probably in a dark room right now watching several channels of twenty four hour news trying to determine if there is anything for her to be concerned about. If something comes up that needs her attention, she'll let me know.
Then the intercom on Tom's desk buzzes and he hits the button on it.
TOM MANNING
What is it Vanessa?
VANESSA
Your economic adviser is almost at your office.
Tom looks at Dan.
TOM MANNING
Let's find out how Robert is going to help me fix the economy now.
DAN POWERS
Hope this goes better then the flag pin debacle.
The door opens and economic adviser Robert Blaine walks in. He is a elderly man with slicked back dark hair, a blue suit and glasses. He sits in the chair beside Dan.
TOM MANNING
So what do you have for me this time Rob?
Robert Blaine
I know how we can fix the economy this time.
TOM MANNING
I hope this is better then when you said we would stimulate the economy by investing in freedom.
ROBERT BLAINE
The fundamentals of the Freedom plan where sound.
Tom frowns.
TOM MANNING
We spent fifty billion dollars on flag pins Rob. Aside from that small company outside Atlanta be bought the pins from, it did not do to much for the economy.
DAN POWERS
You should have invested in higher quality flag pins Rob, the Supreme Court is still adjudicating on if the government has to pay compensation for all the people that got blood poisoning from the pins you used.
ROBERT BLAINE
We are going to invest in the most valuable resource this country has.
TOM MANNING
We are going to invest in movies or popular culture.
ROBERT BLAINE
No, we will invest in the youth of America. Within a few months, every high school in this country will have a swimming pool.
TOM MANNING
And what kind of return can this administration expect from this investment?
ROBERT BLAINE
I assure you that the dividends will be beyond measure.
Tom spins around in his chair and looks out the window.
TOM MANNING
I'll take it under advisement Rob.
Robert gets up and silently leaves the room. Tom spins around and looks at Dan.
DAN POWERS
Should we do this, should we invest in the youth of America?
Tom and Dan look at each other for a moment then break out in laughter.
TOM MANNING
We might want to. This will probably be the administration where the national credit card gets declined.
Then they both laugh deeply.
INT. OVAL OFFICE LATER
Dan looks at the clock when Tom opens a drawer on his desk and pulls out a copy of Time's magazine. Tom starts flipping through the pages. Dan looks at him.
DAN POWERS
Yesterday's issues of Times?
TOM MANNING
It is required for every head of state to read Times magazine. Or look at the pictures and read the headlines.
Tom comes to a picture of Russian President Ivan Patrova, he is a older man with dark hair and seems to be intimidating and has an eye patch. A headline beside it reads, "US Russia Stand Off over the Moldova." Tom frowns.
TOM MANNING
Guess I'll get a call from Ivan at any moment.
DAN POWERS
Why is the president of Russia going to call?
TOM MANNING
I'm about to get some blow back on the Moldova situation and getting them to join N.A.T.O.
Then a red phone on Tom's desk rings. Tom and Dan look at it.
DAN POWERS
Speak of the devil.
Tom picks up the phone, leans back in his chair and puts his feet up on the desk and speaks into the phone as he flips through the magazine.
TOM MANNING
What can America do for you Ivan?
INT. Ivan's office night
A large office with dark colors and pictures of former Russian presidents on the wall. Ivan, who seems angered and wears a black suit, sits at his desk and scowls and he speaks into the phone with a thick Russian accent.
Ivan patrova
Though I detest calling you, I need you to know there are going to be serious repercussions for this stunt you pulled in the Moldova.
INT. OVAL OFFICE MOMENTS LATER
Tom continues to flip through the magazine.
TOM MANNING
Sorry Ivan, now that Moldova's leader Belamuska joined N.A.T.O., well he gets to join the rest of the leaders of our alliance at our next monthly Box Social and talk about how we will one day get Russia back for the Communism thing.
INT. IVAN'S OFFICE NIGHT
Ivan stands and raises his voice as he speaks into the phone.
IVAN PATROVA
I'm not in the mood to be amused.
INT. OVAL OFFICE MOMENTS LATER
Tom looks through the magazine.
TOM MANNING
Your right, I should act with the dignity and candor a man of my position should display.
Tom comes to a picture of leader Belamuska, a older man with sparse hair and in a suit taken at a rally, but in the picture his mouth is open in a circular fashion. Tom stops himself from laughing but shows the picture to Dan who breaks out in laughter. Tom then continues to flip through the Times.
TOM MANNING
Ivan, this is on topic. But did you see the picture of Belamuska in the Times, and I know you have. The one where it looks like he wants to say you no pay him twenty dollars and you get no sucky sucky.
Tom covers the receiver of the phone and he and Tom laugh deeply.
TOM MANNING
Fuck you Dan for telling me the sucky sucky story.
Tom then listens to the phone.
INT. IVAN'S OFFICE NIGHT
Ivan seems very angry and hatefully looks at the phone then speaks into it.
IVAN PATROVA
I don't like having to deal with the clown that America elected to the White House.
INT. OVAL OFFICE MOMENTS LATER
Tom sighs.
TOM MANNING
Your right. Though I was a happy clown once, then I got married.
INT. IVAN'S OFFICE NIGHT
Ivan's eye twitches.
IVAN PATROVA
You risk making the relationship between our nations more tenuous then it has been for decades.
INT. OVAL OFFICE MOMENTS LATER
Tom continues to flip through the magazine.
TOM MANNING
Listen, the Moldova government made the call Ivan, I really did not have much say. But I hope we still can be friends, how about a few rounds golf this weekend.
INT. IVAN'S OFFICE NIGHT
Ivan sits in his chair and lowly speaks into the phone.
IVAN PATROVA
Tonight I'm going to announce to my people that I am going to send several divisions of the Russian army to our border with Moldova.
INT. OVAL OFFICE MOMENTS LATER
Tom shrugs.
TOM MANNING
Ivan, for a guy you used to wack people for the K.G.B. I thought you would be a little nicer.
INT. IVAN'S OFFICE NIGHT
Ivan frowns and grits his teeth.
IVAN PATROVA
You are on very dangerous ground.
INT. OVAL OFFICE MOMENTS LATER
Tom looks away.
TOM MANNING
Listen, it is a hectic day at the office so I have to cut our pleasant conversation short. But thanks, when my wife finds out she is going to be screaming at me until this is resolved. And you might want to join N.A.T.O.Ivan, Belamuska will love you long time.
INT. IVAN'S OFFICE NIGHT
Ivan then slams the phone down on the receiver and curses in Russian.
INT. OVAL OFFICE MOMENTS LATER
Tom hangs up the phone and looks at Dan.
DAN POWERS
Sure it was a good idea fucking with him?
TOM MANNING
One, most American's think Cold War is not over and they like that I have publicly fucked with Ivan. Besides, I told him nothing he already did not know and he told me about his little counter move.
DAN POWERS
Maybe you should be worried.
TOM MANNING
Come on, nothing is more fun then a little sabre rattling. I'll do something after he makes his announcement.
Tom flips through the magazine.
TOM MANNING
When the first lady finds out, well, my life is going to be a living hell.
DAN POWERS
What are you going to do?
TOM MANNING
Clear decisive action Dan. Tomorrow, there won't be any chicken Kiev in the Congress's cafeteria, but there will be a lot of Freedom Chicken. And better get use to Freedom Caviar because Russian caviar in this country is going to be hard to find.
DAN POWERS
I hate when Monday's get of to a bad start.
TOM MANNING
Why?
DAN POWERS
It means that it is going to be a shitty week.
Tom looks at him.
TOM MANNING
If Belamuska ever finds out what I just said to Ivan, I am so fucking dead.
Then they both laugh.
INT. OVAL OFFICE LATER
Later in the day. Dan is looking at the clock while Tom flips through the magazine. Then Dan gets up and yawns.
DAN POWERS
Well I'm bushed, figured I'll go home to the wife that will actual still touch it.
TOM MANNING
Get some sleep, tomorrow is going to be hectic at the office.
Dan speaks as he walks towards the door.
DAN POWERS
Maybe we can actually earn the hard earned tax dollars that pay our salaries.
Tom laughs.
TOM MANNING
Good luck with this administration.
DAN POWERS
We set the bar low so every other presidential administration looks good by comparison.
Dan then leaves the room. Tom looks at Baxter who is in his bed and looking at him.
TOM MANNING
Well, time to get to the favorite part of my day.
Tom gets up and walks towards the door as Baxter follows.
INT. white house living room dusk
A large living room expensively furnished. A leather recliner is in front of a flat screen television which is off, there is a remote on recliner's arm. A metallic dinner tray is in front of the chair. The room is still when Baxter scampers in and sits beside the chair. Tom enters holding a TV dinner, sits in the recliner and puts the T.V. dinner on the tray. He then uses the remote to turn on the television and the sound of commercials fill the room. Tom looks at Baxter.
TOM MANNING
I know a TV dinner is lot very presidential, but it has the word man on its label. Makes me feel secure in my manhood.
Tom then leans over, under the recliner is a bag of chips which he picks up and puts on the tray. He looks at Baxter.
TOM MANNING
You did not see this Baxter.
Tom then picks up a fork and begins to eat his TV dinner as a spot of the eleven o'clock plays and a female anchor speaks.
News anchor
Russian president Patrova is increasing military presence on Moldova's border and protests American involvement. We will have more on this at eleven.
TOM MANNING
Well the first lady is probably on the way here.
Then another commercial plays, a woman in conservative clothing looks at the camera and speaks.
Woman on commercial
Have you been a victim of sexual harassment by the President?
Tom then freezes and looks at the television and his mouth is open as he holds the fork near his mouth.
WOMAN ON COMMERCIAL
You are not alone. You are like Gina White.
Then a young woman with brown hair and dressed like a waitress, Gina White, looks at camera and speaks.
Gina white
The President came into Denny's and when he ordered the Moon Over My Hammy, he groped me.
Then from somewhere in the white house, Ashley's voice screams out.
ASHLEY MANNING
Tom!
Tom, still frozen, looks at the closed door to the room as foot steps approach from the other side. Baxter whimpers then hides under the recliner. Tom starts to shake. Then the door opens and Ashley Manning stands at the doorway. She is in her early sixties, has a white streak in her curly brunette hair and wears and expensive dark suit with a skirt and has on high heals. Tom still shakes as she scowls at him. The she marches towards him then is standing above him as he looks up at her. She then picks up the bag of chips and bursts it open and the chips fall to the floor. He still looks at her. She then uses her hand to flip the dinner tray over, and he shakes as he looks at the fork near his mouth. She then grabs the fork away him and throws it to the floor. He then composes himself and grins.
TOM MANNING
I take it you want to talk about what was just on television.
ASHLEY MANNING
I did not just spend over thirty years helping your stupid ass get this job just so you could act like a jackass with Patrova.
TOM MANNING
Honey, I'm sure you'll tell me what to do.
ASHLEY MANNING
So you groped some Denny's waitress?
TOM MANNING
Just another groundless scandal dear. The president would only grope a waitress at one of your higher class establishments.
She leans forwards and is right in his face.
ASHLEY MANNING
I'll be up your ass until this is over. And if I ever find out you ruined or ambitions by being unfaithful to me, then I'll cut your balls off.
She then storms out of the room. Once Tom is alone, Baxter comes out of hiding and begins to eat the chips on the floor. Tom still looks at the door.
TOM MANNING
I'm going to have to sleep beside that woman tonight.
Tom looks at the television.
TOM MANNING
Though the cutting off my balls threat is not as persuasive. I don't get to use them much.
INT. presidential bedroom night
A large, expensively furnished bed room which is darkened. A large bed with a canopy over it lays beside the window. Baxter is asleep on the foot of the bed. Tom, wearing blue pajamas with a presidential seal on them, lays in the bed looking at the ceiling. Though the other side of the bed is not revealed. He turns his head and looks beside him, Ashley lays in the bed, in a dark silk nightgown, and angrily looks at him in silence. Tom rolls over onto his side and seems worried.
TOM MANNING
See you tomorrow dear.
ASHLEY MANNING
We'll be seeing a lot of each other till this is over. If you screw this up, you better sleep with one eye open.
TOM MANNING
Thanks for the advice.
She just angrily looks at him as he looks away and still seems worried. Then there is an image of the nearly full moon outside the window.
tom's dream
Tom sits behind his desk in the oval office and is alone accept for Baxter who sleeps in his bed, he is in a gray suit. Tom seems bored then starts to look at the desk begins to open drawers.
TOM MANNING
I think I left that Three Mile Bar somewhere.
Tom then finds a secret compartment in the desk opens it. Inside is a large, very old book which Tom picks up. on its cover is The Doom of America. Tom opens the book and reads it aloud.
TOM MANNING
In this book is of a prophecy revealed to the first President of the administration that would doom America.
Then Tom flips through the book and there are painted images and really ominous orchestra music begins to play. First is the image of Dan, being chased by five Vietcong. Next is a picture of Mars, but a North Korean flag is on it. Finally there is an image Tom dressed like uncle Sam and Baxter, but they are both hanging from strings that Ashley holds; in the image she is covered in shadows and her eyes glow red and she has horns. Tom looks up from the book.
TOM MANNING
Wait, I'm beginning to remember something.
Now we see the young Tom running down the field as he is chased by the opposing team's players in slow motion. But when he looks to Ashley in the bleachers, she is covered in shadows and her eyes glow red; then a bolt of lightening appears behind her. When Tom looks over his shoulder at the football players chasing him, they burly football players have glowing red eyes and are foaming at the mouth.
Tom is in the oval office again and he throws the book away and shakes his head.
TOM MANNING
That is impossible.
Then he realizes that Ashley stands before his desk, in a dark suit with skirt and frowns at him. Tom jumps back and seems scared.
TOM MANNING
Sorry honey, did not see you there.
ASHLEY MANNING
Now that you know, it is about time you met my father.
Then the rooms shakes as there is a violent earthquake and the lights go out. Baxter then guts up and approaches Ashley and growls. Then her eyes glow red and she hisses and the dog freezes like a statue and tips over. Tom watches as a shadow rises out of the floor, then it is revealed to be the devil; a towering figure with large wings, crimson skin and gigantic black horns. Tom looks at him.
TOM MANNING
Let me just say that I have only the best intentions towards your daughter.
The devil speaks with a deep, booming voice.
the devil
Silence!
Tom shrugs.
TOM MANNING
Well, I should try and be professional when I talk with a head of state. I would like to improve relations between America and hell.
THE DEVIL
Now that you have served you purpose, we have no more need for you.
Ashley then runs at the desk and her hand plunges into his chest and she rips out his heart. He then falls to the ground and dies.
Tom wakes up suddenly, in his bed and screams. He looks around and seems worried.
TOM MANNING
Just a dream, my father in law is not the devil.
Tom lays down but when he looks to his side, he sees Ashley laying in the bed; but she has horns and looks at him with glowing eyes.
INT. PRESIDENTIAL BEDROOM NIGHT
Tom wakes up and sits up in bed and is breathing heavily. He looks around then lays down, but when he looks beside himself he sees Ashley, awake and looking angrily at him. He rolls onto his side and looks away from her.
TOM MANNING
Honey, would it be bad for our political ambitions if I saw I therapist.
He then looks at the window for a few moments and closes his eyes.
an original screenplay by Matthew Bissonnette
an John Windsor
EXT. Washington D.C. dawn
Scenes from the capitol city of Washington D.C. early one morning in fall. The sun rising behind the Washington Monument as its reflection is cast in the reflecting pool. A few people walking past the Lincoln Memorial. A air view of the Jefferson monument. An old man standing in the front yard of his home and raising an American flag on a flag pole, he salutes it and it flaps about in the wind. Then there is the view of the White House, the large building surrounded by a stone fence and iron gates. It is at the end of the street and now the sky is gray and overcast.
EXT. sidewalk of D.C. later
Later in the morning. Somewhere in the city is a sidewalk, and park to one side of it. People of the city, most dressed in expensive clothing, walk down the side walk; all have flag pins on their chest. Then there is an image of the pug faced dog, Baxter, scampering along the sidewalk; he looks up as he runs. Then we see President Tom Manning, jogging down the sidewalk past pedestrians who and stop and look at him as Baxter runs along beside him. Tom is a man in his mid sixties who has a bit of a gut and gray hair with a cap on and a jogging suit. Both the cap and suit have the presidential seal on them. As Tom jogs past an adult male in ordinary clothing, the man speaks.
Man on sidewalk
Good day Mr. President.
Tom speaks as he jogs away.
Tom manning
Please, call me Tom.
The man watches as Tom jogs away. Then a cat walks across the sidewalk and Baxter runs at it and chases the cat off frame as Tom laughs.
TOM MANNING
Hope he gets that cat.
He continues to jog.
INT. coffee shop later
A coffee shop somewhere in the city. Patrons sit at tables and drink coffee, one man in a suit is writing on a lap top computer. A young man, Eddie, stands behind the counter; he has messy dark hair and wears a green apron and white paper cap. Eddie watches as Tom opens the door and lets Baxter in then they both walk up to the counter. Tom grins.
TOM MANNING
Morning Eddie.
Eddie seems worried about something. Tom notices.
TOM MANNING
Something wrong Eddie?
Eddie waits a moment then replies.
Eddie
The first lady called the manager Mr. President.
Tom looks away and mutters.
TOM MANNING
Shit.
Tom then looks back to Eddie.
TOM MANNING
What did she say?
EDDIE
That if you come back from your morning jog with anything other then a small coffee then she would destroy him.
Tom then leans on the counter and whispers.
TOM MANNING
Just give me one bagel, she'll never now.
Eddie shakes his head.
EDDIE
The manager is scared of her.
Tom stands up and nods.
TOM MANNING
Tell him that he is not the only one pal.
A female employee nervously approaches and places a small cup of coffee on the counter and walks away. Tom picks it up and looks at it.
TOM MANNING
Four sugars?
Eddie seems a little afraid.
EDDIE
She said one spoon of artificial sweetener.
Tom frowns and looks at the cup of coffee.
TOM MANNING
She wants me to lose weight apparently.
He turns then realizes that a heavy set man in a t-shirt and jeans is standing in front of him. The man is holding a flag pin and seems angry.
Man in t-shirt
I stabbed myself with one of your damn flag pins.
Then man throws the flag pin at Tom and it hits him on the chest and falls to the floor and looks at it.
TOM MANNING
Please, you heard about those flag pins, I haven't had my tetanus shot yet.
The man angrily walks away.
MAN IN T-SHIRT
I wished I voted for the other guy.
Tom speaks as the man storms out the door.
TOM MANNING
I have another three years to change your mind come next election.
Tom waits a moment then takes a sip from his coffee and seems revolted. He looks down at Baxter and looks up at him as he wags his tail.
TOM MANNING
The old ball and chain just really started my day off spectacularly.
Tom then walks towards the door as Baxter follows.
EXT. white house later later
Later in the overcast morning. A small group of protesters are gathered near the front gates, as several men of the secret service, all in black suits and sunglasses, stand about the lawn in front of the White House.
INT. White house moments later
Different scenes from the white house. Members of the secret service and members of the administration walking through the large hallways, with marble floors and white walls with the paintings of presidents on them. The Oval Office, a large room with blue carpeting and a desk behind is large windows through which you can see the city; beside the door is a flag pole with an American flag.
INT. water cooler moments later
At the end of a hallway is a water cooler, with a blue bottle of water on its top and a picture of F.D.R. behind it. Administration Secretary of Defense Dan Powers stands beside the water cooler and drinks from a paper cup of water. He is a large man in his sixties in a dark suit, has graying dark hair and a prominent chin. He seems to think as he drinks water. Then Tom walks up behind him as Baxter follows and Tom gets a paper cup and talks as he fills it with water.
TOM MANNING
So what is my Secretary of Defense doing here by the water cooler again.
Dan takes a sip of water then nods.
Dan Powers
Stuff Mr. President.
Tom grins.
TOM MANNING
What kind of stuff Dan?
Dan drinks water again and speaks.
DAN POWERS
Important stuff.
Tom drinks from his paper cup.
TOM MANNING
And just how important is this stuff?
Dan nods.
DAN POWERS
Stuff that to important for the President to know.
Tom laughs.
TOM MANNING
Oh, I thought you where going to spend the day waiting out the clock by the water cooler until you get to go home and watches the Patriots game tonight.
DAN POWERS
Care to bet on the game?
Tom looks at him.
TOM MANNING
The president is above making illegal bets on a football game.
Tom drinks some water.
TOM MANNING
Besides I only watch when the Packers play.
DAN POWERS
I remember you saying you played a little college football.
Tom nods and seems to frown.
TOM MANNING
Quarterback actually, till I blew out my knee.
DAN POWERS
Wish I got to spend my formative years playing football, in Nam all I got thrown at me was hand grenades.
Tom looks at Dan.
TOM MANNING
Dan, I told you about talking about Nam and Charlie.
Dan looks down the hallway. Then a man, a Vietcong soldier dressed in a uniform and black bandanna, leans out from behind a corner and looks at Dan. Dan stairs mutely at him for a moment till the Vietcong vanishes behind the corner. Dan seems afraid.
DAN POWERS
Like I said, in Nam, Charlie was everywhere.
Dan still seems transfixed on the corner. Tom drinks some water then looks at him.
TOM MANNING
Instead of risking you having another flashback of the shit Dan, did you see the newest Kill Difficult film? I missed it last Friday.
Dan snaps out of it and looks at Tom.
DAN POWERS
This might ruin it for you, but the Terrorists lose.
They both look at each other and laugh.
TOM MANNING
You are such an asshole Dan.
Tom then walks away.
TOM MANNING
Come on Dan, you can pretend to work in my office.
Dan then follows. Tom speaks as they walk away.
TOM MANNING
Don't feel to bad Dan, at least you got to only spend seven years in the shit; I got married to it.
They both laugh as they walk away as the dog follows.
EXT. white house hallway moments later
A hallway of the white house, two men talk in front of a painting of Hoover. One is Vice President Paul Freeman, a elderly man in his eighties who is portly and has silver hair and wears and dark suit. He talks as Secret Service agent Flynn listens and seems motionless.
Paul Freeman
As I was saying, I was never so inspired as when I heard President Eisenhower make his inaugural address. That morning I think I had a grape fruit for breakfast and cereal, or wait, it might have been toast.
Then Tom and Dan, both still holding paper cups, walk past the two men and stop; then dog follows them. Tom leans towards Dan and whispers.
TOM MANNING
Agent Flynn will hate me in a few minutes.
Tom looks at Paul.
TOM MANNING
Maybe the Vice President should tell Flynn about when you heard Churchill give his speech about the Iron Curtains. And Paul, Flynn wants exacts details.
Paul seems to think for a moment then rambles on.
PAUL FREEMAN
I think I had toast and a boiled egg for breakfast that morning. I took the bus to the library of congress, it cost five cents.
It looks like Tom and Dan are both trying not to laugh.
DAN POWERS
Paul, how much ribbon candy could five cents get you back then?
Paul seems to think think.
PAUL FREEMAN
Four pieces of I remember correctly.
TOM MANNING
Five cents could not get you a single tic tac these days.
DAN POWERS
Let alone a tootsie pop.
Tom looks at Flynn.
TOM MANNING
Flynn, I want you to report back to me on everything the Vice President says and I want exact details.
Tom and Dan walks away. Paul looks at Tom.
PAUL FREEMAN
Mr. President.
Tom and Dan look back. Paul makes a thumbs up gesture. Tom grins.
TOM MANNING
Thanks Paul, the thumbs up always lets me know everything will be OK.
Then Tom and Dan walk away as the dog follows. Paul returns to rambling.
PAUL FREEMAN
The morning of the moon landing, I think I had muffin and some bacon.
INT. WHITE HOUSE hallway MOMENTS LATER
Tom and Dan walk down a hallway as the dog follows; remembers of the staff walk past as they both talk.
DAN POWERS
The Vice President seems to be getting a little old.
TOM MANNING
He is not old, and he can remember what he had for breakfast the morning the pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock.
DAN POWERS
Why did you ask him to be your running mate?
TOM MANNING
He has worked for every administration since 1956 and knows the name of the heads of state of every country on Earth. It gets a little awkward when you forget the name of a world leader; you can only say buddy and pal so many times.
DAN POWERS
Maybe he should retire.
TOM MANNING
None of us are spring chickens anymore Dan.
DAN POWERS
To true.
They walk on as Baxter follows.
EXT. WHITE HOUSE HALLWAY MOMENTS LATER
Two men talk in front of a portrait of Reagan. One is C.I.A. director Kevin Patterson, a slim man in his forties with copper hair and wearing a blue suit. The other man is a North Korean spy who is Asian and is in a black suit; the spy holds a briefcase.
North Korean spy
We have your money, where is the information?
Kevin reaches into his suit and pulls out a large brown envelope.
Kevin Patterson
This comes all the way from N.A.S.A.
They exchange the envelope and the briefcase then the spy walks away and towards Dan, Tom and Baxter who are approaching. The spy walks away and Tom and Dan stop beside Kevin and look at him.
TOM MANNING
My head of Intelligence seems to meet with that North Korean spy a lot?
Kevin clutches the briefcase.
KEVIN PATTERSON
You'll blow my cover Tom.
TOM MANNING
Tom, your first day on the job when you agreed with me on my plan to screw with North Korea by slipping them disinformation; I thought you would do business somewhere other then the white house.
Kevin looks at Tom.
KEVIN PATTERSON
But he really wanted to see the Lincoln bedroom.
DAN POWERS
If they didn't get suspicious when they learned this administration was investing into psychic super soldiers; I don't think they are going to catch on.
Tom laughs.
TOM MANNING
They spent over two billion dollars trying to narrow the psychic super soldier gap.
KEVIN PATTERSON
What was in the envelope this time?
TOM MANNING
America is going to land a man on Mars within four years with ionic space propulsion. North Korea now is going to try ad beat us in the space race with a propulsion which is bullshit. It will be twenty billion dollars before they figure that out.
Kevin walks away with the briefcase as Tom and Dan watch.
TOM MANNING
I'm not sure if it is ethical for you to keep the money Kevin.
Kevin replies loudly as he walks away.
KEVIN PATTERSON
I need an extension to my house Tom.
Tom and Dan walk away in the opposite direction. Tom speaks then laughs.
TOM MANNING
I'm going to be in such I world of shit when Kim Jung figures out that I've been fucking with him.
DAN POWERS
Stay the course Mr. President.
INT. oval office moments later
The office is still for a moment then the door opens and Tom, Dan and Baxter enter the room. Baxter scampers to a small bed and curls up on it. Tom sits behind the desk and Dan leans against the wall. There is silence when Dan looks at Tom.
DAN POWERS
Secret Service figured who was bugging your office?
Tom looks at Dan.
TOM MANNING
Dan, you are my top man around here so it is about time you learn some classified information.
DAN POWERS
I'm all ears.
Tom laughs.
TOM MANNING
It was my wife.
DAN POWERS
Are you sure?
TOM MANNING
As soon as I started my administration, my guys kept finding bugs in my office. As they kept appearing everyday they figured it was someone on the inside. So I told her I was going to have to look into it.
Dan powers
What did she say?
Tom laughs deeply.
TOM MANNING
That she was sure it was going to stop but the husband of who ever left those bugs might not want to look to deeply into it if he knew what was good for him. They never found a bug again.
They both laugh.
DAN POWERS
That is messed up Tom.
TOM MANNING
She has been destroying my political rivals ever since I got into politics.
DAN POWERS
Are you serious?
Tom laughs again.
TOM MANNING
Remember in the election when President Rockwell was five points ahead in the polls cause he was playing the man card?
DAN POWERS
Then all those pictures popped up on the internet of Rockwell, taken from really embarrassing angles.
pictures
A series of pictures of former President Rockwell, an older imposing man with gray hair and in a black suit. In one picture he is kissing an Arabian prince who wears white robes on the cheek; but from the angle the picture is taken it looks like they are kissing on the lips. Another picture of Rockwell behind a head of state, but from the camera angle it looks like Rockwell is placing his hand on his ass.
INT. OVAL OFFICE MOMENTS LATER
Tom laughs.
TOM MANNING
She does things like that all the time. Never underestimate the homophobia of the American voter.
They both laughs deeply.
DAN POWERS
Then Rockwell did that photo op. You know the one where he is dressed up like a cowboy.
PICTURES
A picture of Rockwell. He is dressed like a cowboy and sits on a horse, he holds a Winchester rifle.
INT. OVAL OFFICE MOMENTS LATER
Tom leans back in his chair. He grins.
TOM MANNING
Rockwell kind of has a grudge since I cost him his second term.
flashback
A stage at the end of a long street which a crowd of Americans are gathered on. It is a clear day and on the stage is former President Rockwell and Tom shaking hands and waving at the crowd. Rockwell leans over and whispers to Tom.
Rockwell
I know you took those pictures you little fuck.
Rockwell looks at him and smiles.
ROCKWELL
Now you are in for a world of shit, and I'm going to get you for this you hippy, pacifist, liberal bitch.
They continue to wave at the crowd and smile.
TOM MANNING
I'm more of a beatnik then a hippy Mr. President.
ROCKWELL
Me and every other conservative in this town are going to love carving up your administration. You fucked with the wrong guy.
Rockwell then grins and slaps Tom on the shoulder.
ROCKWELL
You better grow eyes on the back of your head.
Standing nearby is Rockwell's wife Samantha, an older woman in a pant suit and red hair done up in a bun. She is waving at the crowd.
Samantha Rockwell
You husband is in for hell now.
The voice of First Lady Ashley Manning speak of frame, she sounds angry.
Ashley Manning
He has no idea.
INT. OVAL OFFICE MOMENTS LATER
Tom and Dan are both laughing deeply then try to stop.
TOM MANNING
OK, OK, we have to actually do some work.
Dan looks away.
DAN POWERS
Good luck in this administration.
INT. OVAL OFFICE later
Tom leans back in his chair and has his feet up on the desk and is twittling his thumbs. Dan still leans against the wall and has his hands in his pockets.
TOM MANNING
We are supposed to be doing something Dan, could you tell me what?
DAN POWERS
We have another three years to figure out how to do our jobs.
Then the intercom on Tom's desk buzzes. Tom leans forward and hits a button on it.
TOM MANNING
What is it Vanessa?
The voice of his secretary Vanessa comes out of the intercom.
Vanessa
The general is on his to your office.
TOM MANNING
Thanks, show him in.
Tom leans back.
TOM MANNING
Guess the hawk who know runs the Pentagon has some more advice.
DAN POWERS
I think I hear the Imperial March playing right now.
Tom laughs but tries to stop.
TOM MANNING
Dan, you better not crack me up while I'm talking to this guy.
Then the door opens and General Butler walks in. Butler is a man in his fifties with balding hair and is somewhat overweight; he wears a military uniform with a lot of medals. Tom watches as Butler sits in a chair in front of the desk and grins.
general butler
I know what to do about this North Korea situation.
TOM MANNING
Kevin is taking care of it.
GENERAL BUTLER
We'll deal with this rogue, unstable regime with a full out military assault and hit them hard.
TOM MANNING
I'm not sure that will improve relations.
GENERAL BUTLER
It gets better Mr. President, North Korea is just the appetizer. Now lets get to the main course.
INT. OVAL OFFICE LATER
Dan and Tom both look blankly at Butler.
GENERAL BUTLER
So what do you think of that?
Tom seems to think then nods.
TOM MANNING
Well, if we want dessert after the main course we'll have to invade Canada because that will be the only slice of chocolate cake left at the buffet.
DAN POWERS
Could also piss of every customer in the restaurant.
TOM MANNING
I'll take it under advisement. Now I have some pressing business with Dan.
Butler gets up and silently leaves. Dan and Tom look at each other and Dan speaks in a deep voice.
DAN POWERS
If you only knew the power of the dark side.
Tom laughs deeply.
TOM MANNING
That is why I like you Dan, we've seen all the same movies.
DAN POWERS
I'm not a hawk myself, more of an eagle flying majestically through the sky.
TOM MANNING
People like to compare themselves to predatory birds in this town.
They both laugh.
INT. OVAL OFFICE LATER
Tom is leaning back in his chair and Dan leans against the wall and both seem bored. It is silent for a moment when Dan looks at Tom.
DAN POWERS
Now that I get access to classified information, can I ask you something?
TOM MANNING
Sure Dan.
DAN POWERS
How did you end up with the First Lady? You are the leader of the free world yet everyone in this place knows that you are scared shitless of her.
Tom laughs.
TOM MANNING
She is a scary woman Tom.
DAN POWERS
So how did you two end up together?
TOM MANNING
Long story Dan.
DAN POWERS
What else do we have to do, work?
TOM MANNING
Dan, get ready for the most epic love story you ever heard.
Dan looks away.
DAN POWERS
You know how much I like love stories.
TOM MANNING
Don't worry Dan, there is football in it.
Then the scene dissolves as a flashback begins.
Tom's flashback
A college football stadium one night in 1970's America. A crowd of thousands of spectators cheer as they watch the game. Now we see Tom, a young man, running down the field in a silver football uniform holding a football. He is running in slow motion and looks over his shoulder at something behind him.
tom's narration
I got to college on a football scholarship, my first year I was going to get us to the finals. But being a quarterback, well sometimes you feel like you are being chased by a pack of bears.
Now we see several large, burly football players running at the camera in slow motion. They seemed enraged, their teeth clenched, and make a odd roaring noise in slow motion. Now we see Tom running in regular time away from the opposing players and towards the end zone.
Another game one night. Tom is again running away from the opposing teams tacklers towards the end zone in slow motion.
TOM'S NARRATION
I was with a few women, but none ever really got anywhere near my heart.
Tom then looks towards the bleachers. The crowd passes by as the scene moves to the left. Then we see a woman, Ashely, sitting amongst the crowd. She is a petite woman in a sweater and skirt, has short curly dark hair and glasses; unlike the rest of the crowd she seems unhappy and somewhat angry. Then the seen freezes on Tom and he seems like he is motionless.
TOM'S NARRATION
Then I saw her in the crowd. I saw her a few times in school but all my buddies said she was a heartless bitch. It was weird, a perfect moment when time slows down.
Tom looks at her frozen. Then we see Ashely in the crowd as a shooting star flies across the sky.
TOM'S NARRATION
But having that perfect moment during a football games when you have a bunch of guys trying to get you, well, not the best time.
Tom looks over his shoulder and sees the burly football player charging him. Then in regular time they tackle him to the ground and most of the opposing team jump on top of him.
TOM'S NARRATION
I just blew the big game, so my own team decided to get me to.
Then Tom's team jumps on the pile and Tom vanishes beneath the pile of men.
Now Tom lays on the football field as the crowd looks on. Football players stand around him as the team's medic kneels beside Tom.
TOM'S NARRATION
Doc said I blew my knee out pretty bad, and the people are fickle Dan.
Now we see Tom limping away as the entire crowd throws popcorn and drinks at him.
Now we see Tom, who has blond hair and wears expensive clothing, limping down a hallway of the school among his fellow students. In slow motion she see Ashley walking towards him with her school books clutched to her chest.
TOM'S NARRATION
I had to talk to her, I figured she couldn't be that bad.
Tom stops and looks at her walk past.
Young tom
Could you help me?
Ashley seems angered as she walks away but speaks.
young Ashley
Drop dead.
Tom watches her walk away.
TOM'S NARRATION
I knew I liked her right then Dan.
Again on another day Tom walks down a hallway of his school among students and sees Ashley walk towards him. He stops and smiles at her.
YOUNG TOM
Did not get your name.
She seems angry as she walks away.
YOUNG ASHLEY
Piss off.
He watches her walk away.
TOM'S NARRATION
The more this woman hate me, the more I liked her.
Now it is one night during a frat party at a fraternity house. Students stands about and drink beer around the house, and there is marijuana smoking in the air. Now we see Tom, held upside down by his legs by two other guys and drink from a keg of beer; they guys are chanting chug. Then we see Ashley standing in a corner, arms folded across her chest and look at the upside down Tom.
TOM'S NARRATION
I thought maybe one day I would win her over.
Now we see Tom drunkenly stagger towards Ashley and stands beside her. He slurs his words as he talks.
YOUNG TOM
Have not seen you at a frat party before, what is your name?
YOUNG ASHLEY
Ashley Fairchild, and I don't come to frat parties because everyone there is a drunken loser.
Everyone at the party stops doing what they where doing and looks at Ashely, including the student being held upside down by the legs. Tom drunkenly talks to them.
YOUNG TOM
Prove her wrong guys.
Everyone goes back to the party. Tom and Ashley are looking at each other, he seems tipsy.
YOUNG ASHLEY
I came her to speak with you. You like me don't you?
YOUNG TOM
You seem like a very tender person to me.
YOUNG ASHLEY
What are your plans after school?
YOUNG TOM
Only class I'm getting could grades in is Political Science, my Dad was a senator and I had to listen to him go on and on about politics. Since my football career is over, figured I'll go into politics. Besides, I got some dip shit twin brother I'm competing with.
YOUNG ASHLEY
Then I guess we can be together.
Tom smiles but she is frowning.
YOUNG TOM
You like me?
She raises her voice.
YOUNG ASHLEY
No, I just don't hate you us much as everyone else.
Tom looks away and seems really drunk.
YOUNG TOM
Good enough.
YOUNG ASHLEY
We are leaving this party, and tomorrow we will look for a place together. And we will get you a political career.
YOUNG TOM
This is moving kind of fast Ashley.
Ashley they kicks Tom in the shin and he recoils in pain.
YOUNG ASHLEY
I'm calling the shots from now on, I'm going to crawl up your ass and be on you every waking moment.
Tom looks at her.
YOUNG TOM
With the two of us, who in the world can stop us?
Ashley then grabs Tom's collar and drags him away.
YOUNG ASHLEY
If anyone gets in our way, they will wish they never have been born. And now we are together, if you really get me angry I kill you and leave your corpse in a salt mine after I skin you.
YOUNG TOM
Sounds great.
Then the scene is of the students at the party. The scene dissolves.
INT. OVAL OFFICE LATER
Tom and Dan are both silent after the story ends.
DAN POWERS
Wow, if more loves stories in movies where like that then the marriage rate would plummet.
TOM MANNING
She stole my heart Dan. I'm stuck with that woman. Though the most romantic terms I've ever heard her use regard our relationship was an unpleasant situation of mutual convenience.
DAN POWERS
Ouch, that must hurt.
TOM MANNING
Why you should consider a sexless marriage Dan, when you are married to a woman who hates affection of any kind then sex is like Christmas, it comes once a year. Of course since my approval ratings are in the forties Santa won't be coming down the chimney for a few decades.
DAN POWERS
God, I felt less worse then that friend I had in Nam who got blown in two and now is just a head in a jar.
TOM MANNING
You don't get to rotate back stateside when you are married.
They both laugh deeply.
INT. OVAL OFFICE LATER
Dan now sits in a chair in front of the desk as Tom sits behind it; they both are looking at the clock on the wall. Then Dan looks at Baxter asleep in his little bed.
DAN POWERS
Your dog reminds me of a general I knew in Nam.
Tom looks at the dog.
TOM MANNING
Want to here the moving story of how this administration came to have the ugliest dog in the White House's history?
DAN POWERS
Is it less girlie then your last story?
They both laugh as a flashback begins.
flashback
Tom, who is in casual clothing, sits in the back of a limousine looking out a window beside him. The person in the seat beside him cannot be scene.
TOM MANNING
Since the American voters just put me in the Oval Office, figured about time I do the most important thing in any President's administration. Pick a first dog.
Ashley speaks off frame.
ASHLEY MANNING
Now you can finally shut up about getting a dog.
Tom looks at her.
TOM MANNING
Thanks for letting me pick the dog honey.
ASHLEY MANNING
Why did we come to the pound, and not a pet shop.
Tom looks out the window and sees the pound, a gloomy stone building behind which is a dark foreboding sky.
TOM MANNING
This place is full of puppies, it must be the happiest place on Earth. Besides, these dogs need a home.
ASHLEY MANNING
Just pick the dog you moron.
Inside the dog pound is a room with large cages along the wall, adult dogs are in the cages and all seem sad and some whimper. At the end of the room is a black door. Then we see Tom walking past the cages with a female employee of the pound, a woman in dark clothes Catlin. He looks at the dogs as he walks past.
TOM MANNING
These dogs seem kind of bummed out.
Catlin
All these dogs need a good home Mr. President.
They stop when a male employee of the pound walks past, he holds a leash at the end of which is Baxter. They are walking towards the black door. When Tom sees the dog he begins to laugh.
TOM MANNING
That dog is so ugly he is adorable.
CATLIN
We found that old pug eating out of the trash behind the pound five days ago.
TOM MANNING
Where are they taking him?
CATLIN
To the little room where we put the dogs down.
Tom looks at Catlin.
TOM MANNING
Put down.
Tom seems to think for a moment then seems horrified. He then runs towards the male employee and grabs the leash from him. He starts to walk away with Baxter, the dog looks at the ground and whimpers. Tom is trying not to look at the dogs who look at him as he walks past them.
TOM MANNING
Please don't look at me, I can't save you.
Now Tom stands in front of the doors to the pound and holds the leash Baxter is tied to. Baxter looks away. Tom kneels down.
TOM MANNING
Always wanted a dog, but my dad and wife never would let me have one. So you are the first dog now little guy.
Then Tom removes the leash.
TOM MANNING
But no leash, I'm on one and I know they are not fun.
Baxter looks up at him and begins to wag his tale. Then they both walk towards awaiting limousine.
Ashley is still of frame. Tom gets into the limo and sits and Baxter jumps up onto his lap.
ASHLEY MANNING
Did you purposely try to get the most grotesque dog?
Tom looks at the dog and smiles.
TOM MANNING
This dog is the quintessential ugly American.
Baxter looks to Ashley.
ASHLEY MANNING
Don't look at me you ugly piece of crap.
Baxter whimpers and begins to shake.
ASHLEY MANNING
Your dog hates me.
TOM MANNING
I'm sure he will warm up to you. I think I'll call him Baxter.
INT. OVAL OFFICE MOMENTS LATER
Tom and Dan look at the sleeping dog which is drooling.
DAN POWERS
I feel about as good as that dog looks sometimes.
TOM MANNING
The public loves that dog. We ain't getting any prettier with age and you know this country is no beauty pageant. But no matter how ugly you are, you still look better then Baxter.
Then both continue to look at the dog.
INT. OVAL OFFICE LATER
Tom and Dan still sit and look at the clock.
DAN POWERS
How long before we can call it day?
TOM MANNING
We have to stay at work at least a few more hours.
Dan looks at Tom.
DAN POWERS
Since we are shooting the shit, want to hear something a little more intense then your football, bitch wife and dog story?
Tom leans back in his chair.
TOM MANNING
We about to go into the shit.
FLASHBACK
Vietnam during a bright sunny day in the seventies. Dan, who is young, is dressed in a infantry army uniform and helmet; though he has two ammo belts strapped around him he is not armed. It is a field with tall wavering grass.
Dan's narration
After seven years, I finally was finished my last day before I rotated back stateside.
There are green army helicopters flying through sky. Dan is walking towards a landed helicopter at the end of the field but its rotors are spinning. A man in a army uniform kneels in the hatch of the helicopter and is waving Dan towards him.
DAN'S NARRATION
I did not see a chopper, I saw home. Back to Howdy Doody, Perry Mason and Elvis.
Dan looks over his shoulder at the wavering grass behind him.
DAN'S NARRATION
But Charlie was everywhere.
Then two Vietcong soldiers heads pop up from the grass and look at Dan and vanish in the grass again. Dan walks quicker when the soldier in the helicopter yells.
Soldier in helicopter
Run Dan, Charlie is on your ass!
Dan looks over his shoulder and sees five Vietcong running towards him, all armed with AK-47's and rocket launchers; and scream. In slow motion Dan runs towards the helicopter as the Vietcong chase him. The soldiers continues to wave at him. Dan runs as the Vietcong gain on him.
DAN'S NARRATION
I had been in the shit for seven years, but I really didn't get scared until I was being chased by Charlie and running towards my ticket home.
Then in slow motion, Dan dives towards the helicopter as the Vietcong chase him.
INT. OVAL OFFICE moments later
Tom looks at Dan.
TOM MANNING
Did Charlie get you or did you make it back to John Wayne, the Beatles and Sonny and Cher?
DAN POWERS
They got me, I'm buried somewhere in Vietnam right now.
TOM MANNING
Sure you can talk about Nam, I know you have some issues.
Dan looks behind the President at the window, then suddenly one of the Vietcong soldier's heads pop up and he looks at Dan for a moment then lowers his head and vanishes.
DAN POWERS
I've gotten over it.
They both return to looking at the clock.
INT. OVAL OFFICE LATER
Tom and Dan still look at the clock.
DAN POWERS
Have not seen much of the first lady today.
TOM MANNING
She is probably in a dark room right now watching several channels of twenty four hour news trying to determine if there is anything for her to be concerned about. If something comes up that needs her attention, she'll let me know.
Then the intercom on Tom's desk buzzes and he hits the button on it.
TOM MANNING
What is it Vanessa?
VANESSA
Your economic adviser is almost at your office.
Tom looks at Dan.
TOM MANNING
Let's find out how Robert is going to help me fix the economy now.
DAN POWERS
Hope this goes better then the flag pin debacle.
The door opens and economic adviser Robert Blaine walks in. He is a elderly man with slicked back dark hair, a blue suit and glasses. He sits in the chair beside Dan.
TOM MANNING
So what do you have for me this time Rob?
Robert Blaine
I know how we can fix the economy this time.
TOM MANNING
I hope this is better then when you said we would stimulate the economy by investing in freedom.
ROBERT BLAINE
The fundamentals of the Freedom plan where sound.
Tom frowns.
TOM MANNING
We spent fifty billion dollars on flag pins Rob. Aside from that small company outside Atlanta be bought the pins from, it did not do to much for the economy.
DAN POWERS
You should have invested in higher quality flag pins Rob, the Supreme Court is still adjudicating on if the government has to pay compensation for all the people that got blood poisoning from the pins you used.
ROBERT BLAINE
We are going to invest in the most valuable resource this country has.
TOM MANNING
We are going to invest in movies or popular culture.
ROBERT BLAINE
No, we will invest in the youth of America. Within a few months, every high school in this country will have a swimming pool.
TOM MANNING
And what kind of return can this administration expect from this investment?
ROBERT BLAINE
I assure you that the dividends will be beyond measure.
Tom spins around in his chair and looks out the window.
TOM MANNING
I'll take it under advisement Rob.
Robert gets up and silently leaves the room. Tom spins around and looks at Dan.
DAN POWERS
Should we do this, should we invest in the youth of America?
Tom and Dan look at each other for a moment then break out in laughter.
TOM MANNING
We might want to. This will probably be the administration where the national credit card gets declined.
Then they both laugh deeply.
INT. OVAL OFFICE LATER
Dan looks at the clock when Tom opens a drawer on his desk and pulls out a copy of Time's magazine. Tom starts flipping through the pages. Dan looks at him.
DAN POWERS
Yesterday's issues of Times?
TOM MANNING
It is required for every head of state to read Times magazine. Or look at the pictures and read the headlines.
Tom comes to a picture of Russian President Ivan Patrova, he is a older man with dark hair and seems to be intimidating and has an eye patch. A headline beside it reads, "US Russia Stand Off over the Moldova." Tom frowns.
TOM MANNING
Guess I'll get a call from Ivan at any moment.
DAN POWERS
Why is the president of Russia going to call?
TOM MANNING
I'm about to get some blow back on the Moldova situation and getting them to join N.A.T.O.
Then a red phone on Tom's desk rings. Tom and Dan look at it.
DAN POWERS
Speak of the devil.
Tom picks up the phone, leans back in his chair and puts his feet up on the desk and speaks into the phone as he flips through the magazine.
TOM MANNING
What can America do for you Ivan?
INT. Ivan's office night
A large office with dark colors and pictures of former Russian presidents on the wall. Ivan, who seems angered and wears a black suit, sits at his desk and scowls and he speaks into the phone with a thick Russian accent.
Ivan patrova
Though I detest calling you, I need you to know there are going to be serious repercussions for this stunt you pulled in the Moldova.
INT. OVAL OFFICE MOMENTS LATER
Tom continues to flip through the magazine.
TOM MANNING
Sorry Ivan, now that Moldova's leader Belamuska joined N.A.T.O., well he gets to join the rest of the leaders of our alliance at our next monthly Box Social and talk about how we will one day get Russia back for the Communism thing.
INT. IVAN'S OFFICE NIGHT
Ivan stands and raises his voice as he speaks into the phone.
IVAN PATROVA
I'm not in the mood to be amused.
INT. OVAL OFFICE MOMENTS LATER
Tom looks through the magazine.
TOM MANNING
Your right, I should act with the dignity and candor a man of my position should display.
Tom comes to a picture of leader Belamuska, a older man with sparse hair and in a suit taken at a rally, but in the picture his mouth is open in a circular fashion. Tom stops himself from laughing but shows the picture to Dan who breaks out in laughter. Tom then continues to flip through the Times.
TOM MANNING
Ivan, this is on topic. But did you see the picture of Belamuska in the Times, and I know you have. The one where it looks like he wants to say you no pay him twenty dollars and you get no sucky sucky.
Tom covers the receiver of the phone and he and Tom laugh deeply.
TOM MANNING
Fuck you Dan for telling me the sucky sucky story.
Tom then listens to the phone.
INT. IVAN'S OFFICE NIGHT
Ivan seems very angry and hatefully looks at the phone then speaks into it.
IVAN PATROVA
I don't like having to deal with the clown that America elected to the White House.
INT. OVAL OFFICE MOMENTS LATER
Tom sighs.
TOM MANNING
Your right. Though I was a happy clown once, then I got married.
INT. IVAN'S OFFICE NIGHT
Ivan's eye twitches.
IVAN PATROVA
You risk making the relationship between our nations more tenuous then it has been for decades.
INT. OVAL OFFICE MOMENTS LATER
Tom continues to flip through the magazine.
TOM MANNING
Listen, the Moldova government made the call Ivan, I really did not have much say. But I hope we still can be friends, how about a few rounds golf this weekend.
INT. IVAN'S OFFICE NIGHT
Ivan sits in his chair and lowly speaks into the phone.
IVAN PATROVA
Tonight I'm going to announce to my people that I am going to send several divisions of the Russian army to our border with Moldova.
INT. OVAL OFFICE MOMENTS LATER
Tom shrugs.
TOM MANNING
Ivan, for a guy you used to wack people for the K.G.B. I thought you would be a little nicer.
INT. IVAN'S OFFICE NIGHT
Ivan frowns and grits his teeth.
IVAN PATROVA
You are on very dangerous ground.
INT. OVAL OFFICE MOMENTS LATER
Tom looks away.
TOM MANNING
Listen, it is a hectic day at the office so I have to cut our pleasant conversation short. But thanks, when my wife finds out she is going to be screaming at me until this is resolved. And you might want to join N.A.T.O.Ivan, Belamuska will love you long time.
INT. IVAN'S OFFICE NIGHT
Ivan then slams the phone down on the receiver and curses in Russian.
INT. OVAL OFFICE MOMENTS LATER
Tom hangs up the phone and looks at Dan.
DAN POWERS
Sure it was a good idea fucking with him?
TOM MANNING
One, most American's think Cold War is not over and they like that I have publicly fucked with Ivan. Besides, I told him nothing he already did not know and he told me about his little counter move.
DAN POWERS
Maybe you should be worried.
TOM MANNING
Come on, nothing is more fun then a little sabre rattling. I'll do something after he makes his announcement.
Tom flips through the magazine.
TOM MANNING
When the first lady finds out, well, my life is going to be a living hell.
DAN POWERS
What are you going to do?
TOM MANNING
Clear decisive action Dan. Tomorrow, there won't be any chicken Kiev in the Congress's cafeteria, but there will be a lot of Freedom Chicken. And better get use to Freedom Caviar because Russian caviar in this country is going to be hard to find.
DAN POWERS
I hate when Monday's get of to a bad start.
TOM MANNING
Why?
DAN POWERS
It means that it is going to be a shitty week.
Tom looks at him.
TOM MANNING
If Belamuska ever finds out what I just said to Ivan, I am so fucking dead.
Then they both laugh.
INT. OVAL OFFICE LATER
Later in the day. Dan is looking at the clock while Tom flips through the magazine. Then Dan gets up and yawns.
DAN POWERS
Well I'm bushed, figured I'll go home to the wife that will actual still touch it.
TOM MANNING
Get some sleep, tomorrow is going to be hectic at the office.
Dan speaks as he walks towards the door.
DAN POWERS
Maybe we can actually earn the hard earned tax dollars that pay our salaries.
Tom laughs.
TOM MANNING
Good luck with this administration.
DAN POWERS
We set the bar low so every other presidential administration looks good by comparison.
Dan then leaves the room. Tom looks at Baxter who is in his bed and looking at him.
TOM MANNING
Well, time to get to the favorite part of my day.
Tom gets up and walks towards the door as Baxter follows.
INT. white house living room dusk
A large living room expensively furnished. A leather recliner is in front of a flat screen television which is off, there is a remote on recliner's arm. A metallic dinner tray is in front of the chair. The room is still when Baxter scampers in and sits beside the chair. Tom enters holding a TV dinner, sits in the recliner and puts the T.V. dinner on the tray. He then uses the remote to turn on the television and the sound of commercials fill the room. Tom looks at Baxter.
TOM MANNING
I know a TV dinner is lot very presidential, but it has the word man on its label. Makes me feel secure in my manhood.
Tom then leans over, under the recliner is a bag of chips which he picks up and puts on the tray. He looks at Baxter.
TOM MANNING
You did not see this Baxter.
Tom then picks up a fork and begins to eat his TV dinner as a spot of the eleven o'clock plays and a female anchor speaks.
News anchor
Russian president Patrova is increasing military presence on Moldova's border and protests American involvement. We will have more on this at eleven.
TOM MANNING
Well the first lady is probably on the way here.
Then another commercial plays, a woman in conservative clothing looks at the camera and speaks.
Woman on commercial
Have you been a victim of sexual harassment by the President?
Tom then freezes and looks at the television and his mouth is open as he holds the fork near his mouth.
WOMAN ON COMMERCIAL
You are not alone. You are like Gina White.
Then a young woman with brown hair and dressed like a waitress, Gina White, looks at camera and speaks.
Gina white
The President came into Denny's and when he ordered the Moon Over My Hammy, he groped me.
Then from somewhere in the white house, Ashley's voice screams out.
ASHLEY MANNING
Tom!
Tom, still frozen, looks at the closed door to the room as foot steps approach from the other side. Baxter whimpers then hides under the recliner. Tom starts to shake. Then the door opens and Ashley Manning stands at the doorway. She is in her early sixties, has a white streak in her curly brunette hair and wears and expensive dark suit with a skirt and has on high heals. Tom still shakes as she scowls at him. The she marches towards him then is standing above him as he looks up at her. She then picks up the bag of chips and bursts it open and the chips fall to the floor. He still looks at her. She then uses her hand to flip the dinner tray over, and he shakes as he looks at the fork near his mouth. She then grabs the fork away him and throws it to the floor. He then composes himself and grins.
TOM MANNING
I take it you want to talk about what was just on television.
ASHLEY MANNING
I did not just spend over thirty years helping your stupid ass get this job just so you could act like a jackass with Patrova.
TOM MANNING
Honey, I'm sure you'll tell me what to do.
ASHLEY MANNING
So you groped some Denny's waitress?
TOM MANNING
Just another groundless scandal dear. The president would only grope a waitress at one of your higher class establishments.
She leans forwards and is right in his face.
ASHLEY MANNING
I'll be up your ass until this is over. And if I ever find out you ruined or ambitions by being unfaithful to me, then I'll cut your balls off.
She then storms out of the room. Once Tom is alone, Baxter comes out of hiding and begins to eat the chips on the floor. Tom still looks at the door.
TOM MANNING
I'm going to have to sleep beside that woman tonight.
Tom looks at the television.
TOM MANNING
Though the cutting off my balls threat is not as persuasive. I don't get to use them much.
INT. presidential bedroom night
A large, expensively furnished bed room which is darkened. A large bed with a canopy over it lays beside the window. Baxter is asleep on the foot of the bed. Tom, wearing blue pajamas with a presidential seal on them, lays in the bed looking at the ceiling. Though the other side of the bed is not revealed. He turns his head and looks beside him, Ashley lays in the bed, in a dark silk nightgown, and angrily looks at him in silence. Tom rolls over onto his side and seems worried.
TOM MANNING
See you tomorrow dear.
ASHLEY MANNING
We'll be seeing a lot of each other till this is over. If you screw this up, you better sleep with one eye open.
TOM MANNING
Thanks for the advice.
She just angrily looks at him as he looks away and still seems worried. Then there is an image of the nearly full moon outside the window.
tom's dream
Tom sits behind his desk in the oval office and is alone accept for Baxter who sleeps in his bed, he is in a gray suit. Tom seems bored then starts to look at the desk begins to open drawers.
TOM MANNING
I think I left that Three Mile Bar somewhere.
Tom then finds a secret compartment in the desk opens it. Inside is a large, very old book which Tom picks up. on its cover is The Doom of America. Tom opens the book and reads it aloud.
TOM MANNING
In this book is of a prophecy revealed to the first President of the administration that would doom America.
Then Tom flips through the book and there are painted images and really ominous orchestra music begins to play. First is the image of Dan, being chased by five Vietcong. Next is a picture of Mars, but a North Korean flag is on it. Finally there is an image Tom dressed like uncle Sam and Baxter, but they are both hanging from strings that Ashley holds; in the image she is covered in shadows and her eyes glow red and she has horns. Tom looks up from the book.
TOM MANNING
Wait, I'm beginning to remember something.
Now we see the young Tom running down the field as he is chased by the opposing team's players in slow motion. But when he looks to Ashley in the bleachers, she is covered in shadows and her eyes glow red; then a bolt of lightening appears behind her. When Tom looks over his shoulder at the football players chasing him, they burly football players have glowing red eyes and are foaming at the mouth.
Tom is in the oval office again and he throws the book away and shakes his head.
TOM MANNING
That is impossible.
Then he realizes that Ashley stands before his desk, in a dark suit with skirt and frowns at him. Tom jumps back and seems scared.
TOM MANNING
Sorry honey, did not see you there.
ASHLEY MANNING
Now that you know, it is about time you met my father.
Then the rooms shakes as there is a violent earthquake and the lights go out. Baxter then guts up and approaches Ashley and growls. Then her eyes glow red and she hisses and the dog freezes like a statue and tips over. Tom watches as a shadow rises out of the floor, then it is revealed to be the devil; a towering figure with large wings, crimson skin and gigantic black horns. Tom looks at him.
TOM MANNING
Let me just say that I have only the best intentions towards your daughter.
The devil speaks with a deep, booming voice.
the devil
Silence!
Tom shrugs.
TOM MANNING
Well, I should try and be professional when I talk with a head of state. I would like to improve relations between America and hell.
THE DEVIL
Now that you have served you purpose, we have no more need for you.
Ashley then runs at the desk and her hand plunges into his chest and she rips out his heart. He then falls to the ground and dies.
Tom wakes up suddenly, in his bed and screams. He looks around and seems worried.
TOM MANNING
Just a dream, my father in law is not the devil.
Tom lays down but when he looks to his side, he sees Ashley laying in the bed; but she has horns and looks at him with glowing eyes.
INT. PRESIDENTIAL BEDROOM NIGHT
Tom wakes up and sits up in bed and is breathing heavily. He looks around then lays down, but when he looks beside himself he sees Ashley, awake and looking angrily at him. He rolls onto his side and looks away from her.
TOM MANNING
Honey, would it be bad for our political ambitions if I saw I therapist.
He then looks at the window for a few moments and closes his eyes.