2:04:01
Because we speak
for the average American.
2:04:04
You know why
they're turning on me?
2:04:06
Is because they're not
serious about power, thas why.
2:04:10
They're playing with power.
They're forgetting the national interest.
2:04:14
In the old days people knew
how to hold power, how to set limits.
2:04:18
They wouldn't have torn this country
apart over a third-rate burglary.
2:04:22
For Chriss sake, now all
they care about are their egos...
2:04:25
...looking good
at cocktail parties.
2:04:27
Beating out other papers
and chasing girls.
2:04:30
Wondering whether someone
said something nice about them.
2:04:32
All short-term,
frivolous bullshit.
2:04:34
Ben Bradlee worrying about
Teddy Kennedy liking him.
2:04:38
Get Mr. Dean in here,
Will you?
2:04:40
Mr. President, I fear we are
drifting toward oblivion here.
2:04:43
We are playing
a totally reactive game.
2:04:45
We have to get ahead
of the ball.
2:04:48
Now, we all know
that you are clean. Right?
2:04:52
Then les take off
the gloves.
2:04:55
Les do a housecleaning.
Housecleaning?
2:05:06
No, it could be ugly,
Henry, really ugly.
2:05:09
It must be done, sir.
Your government is paralyzed.
2:05:12
All kinds of shit could come out.
The Ellsberg thing.
2:05:14
You knew about that, didn't you, Henry?
Well, I heard something.
2:05:17
It sounded idiotic.
"Idiotic." Yeah, I suppose it was.
2:05:20
I thought it was your idea
to expose Ellsberg as a sex fiend.
2:05:23
I guess somebody just
took you too literally.
2:05:25
I never suggested a bunch of imbeciles
break into a psychiatriss office.
2:05:29
It doesn't matter. The point is you
might lose your media darling halo...
2:05:34
...if the media start sniffing
around our dirty laundry.
2:05:36
Sir, I never had anything to do with
That and I resent the implication...
2:05:39
Resent it all you want, Henry,
but you're in with the rest of us.
2:05:43
Cambodia.
Ellsberg.
2:05:46
The wiretaps you put in.
2:05:49
The president wants you to know you
can't just click your heels...
2:05:51
...and head back
to Harvard Yard.
2:05:53
Is your ass too, Henry, and is in
the wind twisting with everyone else's.