MONDO EXTRAS

The meeting breaks up. Shepherd bids goodnight to Mrs. Chapil and Janie. As A.J. and Shepherd (man, I want to type "Jed and Leo" so bad) walk back to the residence, A.J. tells POTUS that Leo Solomon brought in a "hired gun" for the GDC. POTUS says, "It's about time." A.J. explains that she's a lawyer from Virginia named Sydney Ellen Wade, and that he knows her pretty well: "She's had a lot of success getting congressmen elected." Shepherd jokes, "Maybe we should try to steal her." A.J. chuckles. "Ten percent, A.J. Don't let them leave the room 'til they're clear about that." A.J.'s on it. He says, "You know, if you've got a free second, maybe you could stop in and say hello. It might smooth the way." POTUS tells him to mention it to Janie, adding, "Then let's clear this off the table and get focused on the crime bill. I don't want to just win this one. I want to win it by a couple of touchdowns." A.J. assures him that they will. POTUS pauses and says, "Robin said something to me today, and I know she wouldn't have said it if...I mean, she wasn't saying it to me, I realize..." He hesitates. "Forget it. I'll see you in the morning." A.J. says, "Goodnight, Mr. President." POTUS says, "A.J., when we're out of the office and alone, you can call me Andy." A.J. begs his pardon. Shepherd says, "You were the best man at my wedding, for crying out loud. Call me Andy!" A.J. nods, "Whatever you say, Mr. President." They part.

It's the next morning, and two women in winter coats and high heels are walking briskly up to the guardhouse. It's Susan, from the GDC, and Sydney Ellen Wade, played by Annette Bening. She cheerfully says to the guard, "Hi, I'm Sydney Ellen Wade." Susan says, with mild annoyance, "He just needs your driver's license." Sydney continues, telling him, "I'm from Virginia." Susan: "He doesn't care." Sydney says that she's here for a meeting with Mr. MacInerney. Susan: "He doesn't need to know that." All of which may be true, but there's no need to be pissy about it, is there? The guard buzzes them in. Sydney, to the guard: "Forgive me! This is my first time at the White House. I'm trying to savor the Capra-esque quality." Susan: "He doesn't know what Capra-esque means." Wow. I bet he knows what beeotch means. The guard replies, way more pleasantly than Susan deserves, "Yeah, I do. Frank Capra, great American director. It's a Wonderful Life, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington..." He hands them their passes and says, "Sydney Ellen Wade of Virginia. Knock 'em dead." Sydney thanks him.