Prologue: 270 to Win
A Promise To Lead - a Robert Ritchie Presidency (West Wing TL)
Prologue
270 to Win
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Meet the Press on NBC. I am your host Tim Russert. Joining us this evening is Colin Hackney, a reporter for the Washington Post. Colin, we’re glad to have you on tonight.”Prologue
270 to Win
“Glad to be here, Tim. It’s an honor.”
“So, Colin, let me first ask you this: How old are you?”
“Twenty-seven. I’ll turn twenty-eight next month.”
“And how long have you worked at the Washington Post?”
“Almost three years.”
“And what do you write for in the Post?”
“Mainly domestic policy issues, typically in the Carolinas.”
“So, what brings you here today?”
“Well, Tim, needless to say I have some information that is going to change how people view the president and the Bartlet White House.”
“Really? How so?”
“Ever since admitting to having Multiple Sclerosis on national television late last year, President Bartlet has been fighting an uphill battle with public opinion. While the president has done a lot of good for this country these past four years, he also deceived us with a cloud of lies. After the MS Scandal broke out, we hoped and believed the president had straightened out his act and that the White House would be transparent and truthful from here on out. I’m sad to say, Tim, but that has been chopped up as another lie from the current Administration.”
“What do you mean, Colin?”
“I have reason to believe, with sources and a paper trail to back this up, including a key witness whose name will remain unsaid, that the ranking members of the Bartlet Administration ordered and executed an assassination on Qumari Defense Minister Abdul ibn Shareef earlier this year which was then played off as mechanical failure near Bermuda. This occurred mere hours after Minister Shareef visited the United States on a diplomatic mission and met with the president.”
“Are you saying that an act of assassination, which I will remind our viewers is forbidden both by domestic and international law, was carried out by someone in the White House? All under President Bartlet’s nose?”
“You got it all wrong, Tim. Josiah Bartlet not only knew about the assassination... he ordered the damn thing.”
-excerpt from Meet the Press, October 17th, 2002
“CJ!”
“CJ!”
“CJ!”
“Steve.”
“CJ, has the President confirmed whether or not he ordered the assassination of Abdul Shareef?”
“The President is currently meeting with the Joint Chiefs and the National Security Council to observe the aggressive troop movements the Qumari Royal Army are making near Kalifa Air Base. The president has not commented on the Shareef issue as he is currently focusing on this tangible threat. Mark.”
“Is the Qumari military reacting based on the assumption that Shareef was killed by American forces?”
“Based on reports from the Pentagon, that appears to be the case. They will hold a briefing discussing the troop movements in more detail this evening at 6:00pm. Katie.”
“CJ, what do you think happened? Do you think the president ordered the assassination?”
“I- excuse me.”
[Assistant Carol Fitzpatrick whispers in the Press Secretary’s ear]
“Ladies and gentlemen, the president will be hosting a live interview with the press in three days at 8:00am in the Rose Garden. That is all, thank you.”
“CJ!”
“CJ!”
“CJ!”
-excerpt from the White House Press Secretary Afternoon Briefing, October 18th, 2002
“Colin Hackney Fired! Shareef Story stolen from Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Danny Concannon!”
-Headline of Washington Post, October 19th, 2002
“White House memo ‘leaked!’ The McNally Memo, named after National Security Advisor Nancy McNally (PhD) who authored the memo, details reasons why Abdul ibn Shareef may have been a target. According to U.S. intelligence it seemed Shareef was a member of Bahji leadership, mastermind between the failed terrorist attack on the Golden Gate Bridge, and….”
-Article from the New York Times, October 19th, 2002
“I disagree with President Bartlet on just about every damn issue, however if he did in fact order the assassination of Abdul Shareef then we need to applaud such bold and firm foreign policy. The United States should never negotiate nor tolerate terrorists.”
-Speaker of the House Glen Walken, Representative of the Missouri 6th District, October 19th, 2002
“If the McNally Memo is accurate then this Moslem terrorist mastermind Shareef did need to to be eliminated, but for an American President to do so in such a cloak-and-dagger fashion is an insult both to the office and this country. We are the freest and most enduring republic on this Earth. Why should we have to hide in the shadows while we carry out God’s work?
If the American people elect me president, the United States will be strong against terrorism and decisive in its suppression of such evil groups. My foremost duty will be the protection of our borders from terrorists, both foreign and domestic.
We can do this, ladies and gentlemen, we can win back the White House and remove the stain of liberal elitism that has led our country in the wrong direction these past four years. We need you to vote! So go out and vote this November!
Together, we can save America!”
“Save America!”
“Save America!”
“Save America!”
-Presidential-candidate Robert Ritchie at a campaign rally in his home state of Florida, October 20th, 2002
“He looks tired,” Josh Lyman, White House Deputy Chief of Staff, muttered.
“Of course he’s tired. The week he's having, tired is about the best we’re gonna get.” Leo McGarry’s voice grated quietly. The Chief of Staff and his Deputy were both exhausted, as was everyone in the West Wing. The news of Shareef’s assassination breaking out to the public, though incomplete and not to the full-proof quality Danny Concannon would have published it as, the timing of it could not have been worse.
Hackney’s releasing the key details he stole from Danny could have been contained and spun the right way, but with three weeks left before the election it was a body blow. The President’s approval rating had dropped from 64% to 53% in less than a week. Liberal Democrats, especially women, were the biggest drop. Ritchie’s ratings had gone up but still trailed President Bartlet.
Josh rubbed at the ever prevalent bags under his eyes. This press conference they had prepped for the past three days, meticulously and in-depth as was humanly possible. The president had to win back the trust of the American people. After this conference they had two days of debate prep. It was a big week, a hell of a week even…
“Something’s wrong,” Sam Seaborn said. Josh glanced quickly at the Deputy Communications Director then at the stage. At first Josh only saw Josiah ‘Jed’ Bartlet standing confidently behind a podium bearing the Seal of the Office of the President of the United States of America, the Noble Prize-winning economist grinning his personable smile. He had been answering a host of questions with typical wit and confidence, which would go a long way to assuring voters.
But then Josh saw the rest.
The president was more red in the face, sweating profusely, and seemed to sway unsteadily. The president was trying to answer a question yet seemed lethargic.
“That’s, uh, that’s a valid point-“ he slurred heavily. The president reached for the glass of water next to him, but knocked it over. Josiah Bartlet stared at the spreading pool of water, blinking slowly, and then collapsed onto the podium. Josh and the rest of the staff ran forward, as did Secret Service agents. Screaming was heard, panic-riddled voices filling the air, all while the cameras kept rolling and photographer cameras flashing as they recorded the moment to show the country and the world the fragility of the President of the United States.
“President Bartlet collapses! MS episode suspected!”
-Washington Post, October 22nd, 2002
“I can confirm that the incident from last night was in fact an MS episode.”
-Press Secretary CJ Cregg at the White House Morning Briefing, October 22nd, 2002
“DOW drops 700 points the day after President Bartlet’s collapse. Americans are feeling worried and insecure."
-The Economist, October 22nd, 2002
"I want to know who is in control, God damnit! Is Hoynes the Acting President. Was the 25th invoked, Leo?"
"The president isn't able to sign the appropriate paperwork right now to relinquish his place as Commander-Chief. He's in a medically-induced sleep to combat the fever."
"Good God... are you... Are you telling me this is sort of like Rosslyn all over again?"
"It's exactly like Rosslyn, Toby. We screwed up."
"The president isn't able to sign the appropriate paperwork right now to relinquish his place as Commander-Chief. He's in a medically-induced sleep to combat the fever."
"Good God... are you... Are you telling me this is sort of like Rosslyn all over again?"
"It's exactly like Rosslyn, Toby. We screwed up."
-conversation overheard between White House Chief of Staff Leo McGarry and White House Director of Communications Toby Ziegler
“Presidential Debate Canceled amidst Multiple Sclerosis Attack!”
-Chicago Times, October 22nd, 2002
“Presidential-candidate Robert Ritchie sends ‘well wishes’ to bedridden President Bartlet. A source from the White House has confirmed that the First Lady was informed but no word yet on her response.”
-Excerpt from Capitol Beat, October 22nd, 2002
“A source close to the West Wing has confirmed that the president has been asleep for over sixteen hours since his collapse. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want Sleepy Bartlet to be my Commander-in-Chief when a crisis emerges. He’s likely to nap through it!”
-Tucker Carlson, October 22nd, 2002
“Explosion in Paul's Valley, Oklahoma! Local High School targeted by Muslim jihadists. Over 30 dead, 100 wounded. A town shaken to its core."
-The Oklahoman. October 24th, 2002
“Thousands take to the street to protest the hesitant and flat-footed government response against last week's bombing. Bombers still at large."
-Channel 4 News, October 31st, 2002
"Is America under attack? Is America unsafe under Bartlet's watch? The short answer is... yes."
-Fox News, November 1st, 2002
"I am happy to announce President Bartlet has fully recovered since the MS episode eleven days ago. His fever broke last night and he is in remission. His physician, Admiral Hackett, will give you all the necessary details in just a moment-"
-excerpt from the Press Secretary CJ Cregg's White House Morning Briefing, November 2nd, 2002
"The President made his first public appearance since the disastrous press conference on October 21st, and gave a short but stirring speech to the assembled crowd who gave a standing ovation, many seemingly relieved to see the President in such good health and spirits but a senior Bartlet Administration official has mentioned that the mood in the West Wing is hesitant, unsure and even worried about what kind of result Tuesday will hold."
-CNN November 2nd, 2002
"The polls are open. Now its up to the voters, the common man and woman. God help us all..."
-unknown White House staffer, November 5th, 2002
"As expected, President Bartlet has secured New England with few worries. The Republicans, while gaining some seats for the House and Senate, knew New England was a foregone conclusion. They focused their efforts in the South and Midwest and as we can see here tonight, that strategy is working."
-MSNBC, November 5th, 2002
"The entirety of the South and most of the Midwest have gone Republican, despite heavy Democrat turnout in nearly every state. Though sporting some Democrat victories in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Nebraska, it doesn't seem that there is anything that can stop this Red Tide."
-Fox News, November 5th, 2002
"Republican 'Red Tide' has seemingly faltered against the Rocky Mountain States."
-NBC, November 5th, 2002
"Entirety of West Coast remains Blue. Nevada votes Democratic as well while Idaho remains a very pro-Ritchie state. There... there seems to be an issue in Colorado. Recounting is being called by both sides as there appears to be computer error or clerical error, it isn't clear yet. But I can confirm a recount is taking place in Colorado. The race right now has President Bartlet at 268 Electoral Votes and Governor Ritchie at 262 Electoral Votes. Ladies and Gentlemen, no matter who wins this will be a historic election. Only one other presidential election in American history has come so close, that of Rutherford B. Hayes winning over Samuel Tilden in 1876."
-CBS, November 5th, 2002
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Colorado's recount has finished and has been called for... Governor Robert Ritchie. Winning by less than three thousand votes, the state's eight Electoral votes will go to Ritchie."
-NBC, November 5th, 2002
"President Bartlet has called to concede and congratulate Governor Ritchie. The Governor will, in just a few moments, deliver his acceptance speech. Robert Ritchie is now officially the President-elect of the United States of America."
-CNN, November 5th, 2002
Electoral College:
Robert Ritchie (R) - 270 Electoral Votes
Josiah Bartlet (D) - 268 Electoral Votes
Popular Vote:
Robert Ritchie (R) - 48% of the vote (46,913,232)
Josiah Bartlet (D) - 51% of the vote (49,845,309)
Other - 1% of the vote (977,359)
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