The American President (1995) - The President's Speech

[ronpartain]

Ironic how in this speech he talks about protecting the bill of rights then goes right after it with wanting guns.

[almcdermid]

@ronpartain You did notice he said, "I'm going to convince Americans I'm right." he did not say take them. And he was very specific. Assault weapons and hand guns.

[ronpartain]

@almcdermid at 4:36 he states, "I'm gonna get the guns." So what if he says assault weapons and handguns, just what do you think the 2nd Amendment is all about? Hunting? Do you believe the founders put the 2nd Amendment in the constitution to preserve the right to hunt? NO! ...the founders understood the necessity of the public to be armed so they could defend themselves from each other and from a tyrannical government. You cannot do that with shotguns or long guns.

[Willysmb44]

I too love this speech, but Sorkin has this message though many of his scripts, that all the amendments of the constitution are as good as gold... EXCEPT the second one, of course. I love the man's writing but totally disagree with his politics...

[CENTURl0N24]

Disarm the law a biding citizens and the only people left with guns are criminals. If everyone had a gun criminals would think twice before robbing someone. Love the speech but disagree with the message

[staggabob]

@CENTURl0N24 No they wouldn't, they'd just be quicker to shoot first. Did you even look at the gun crime statistics of countries outside the US where guns are illegal before you posted that? Sure you can point to individual cases and say "if people had guns they could have stopped this" but if guns are widely available many, many more people get killed by them.

[paultschofield12]

Its tru why do americans have a gun culture like that.....its dangerous

[OMNICOPE]

ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES!!

[adanremnant]

Its so weird to see President Bartlett not at the podium.

[psychoticlibertarian]

I agree with everything about this speech EXCEPT how he believes the existence of hand guns is some how a threat to national security. That's the thing about the ACLU, they don't believe "the people's right to keep and bear arms" means the right of the people. You obviously don't agree with it Mr Shepherd, but defend it anyhow.

[RoryReloaded]

Albanese...

[rminister1971]

@RoryReloaded Bob Rumsen/Tony Abbott.

[zj208365]

It's funny; I'm against gun control, against burning US flags, and I think the ACLU operstepped its bounds, and think this film demonized Republicans. And yet, I watch this clip everyday. Sorkin you magnificent bastard

[Triviaguy99]

@buttnut105

You're a fucking giant bag of douche

[z3158755]

ABC News brought me here

[clayster03]

Shepherd for President!

[woopeea]

Andrew Shepherd 2012

[observer9670]

And of course Aaron Sorkin decided to cast Martin Sheen as The West Wing's President afte being impressed with his performance as the Chief of Staff in this movie. Ironically the only reason Sheen accepted a secondary role in The American President was to act again with his golfing buddy Michael Douglas.

[observer9670]

Aaron Sorkin used his success in writing this movie into launching and becoming the executive producer of The West Wing for four seasons. The actress portraying "Robin", Anna Devere Smith was cast as the National Security Adviser in TWW. The actress who played Annette Benning's sister in the movie played one of Jed Bartlet's daughters. Even Joshua Malina, TWW's Will Bailey, had a small part in TAP.

[encabulator]

This compares perfectly with Jeff Bridges' President's speech at the end of The Contender

[Burtick2483]

If Michael Douglas ran for president, he'd get my vote.

[Burtick2483]

Michael J. Fox got his second chance on TV in Spin City, because of this movie.

[rminister1971]

Aaron Sorkin brilliance, beautifully delivered by Michael Douglas.

[travsinjon]

good speech

[fonsa9o]

I really love Michael Douglas as an actor, but I have to say: in this scene is all Aaron Sorkin. Brilliant and moving speech.

[364SaDSaM]

"You cannot adress cirme prevention without getting rid of assault weapons and handguns. I consider them a threat to national security and I will go door to door if I have to but I'm gonna convince Americans that I'm right and I'm gonna get the guns!" FUCK YEEEAH!

[Buttnut105]

@364SaDSaM Somebody's a hardcore liberal.

[364SaDSaM]

@Buttnut105 Actually, I was just moved because of his tone of saying "I'm gonna get the guns!". I'm not interested in politics, therefore I don't like to say I'm this or that.

[Buttnut105]

@364SaDSaM It's a good scene but why applaud that one statement?

[364SaDSaM]

@Buttnut105 Haven't I said it already? :) Because of the enthusiasm in his voice.

[Buttnut105]

@364SaDSaM Would you write "FUCK YEAH" about something Hitler would say in a nazi movie because of his enthusiasm? 

[364SaDSaM]

@Buttnut105 Nope, I wouldn't because his enthusiasm wouldn't be the same with this one. What I mean; I'm aware that he's saying a good thing in this scene, even if I don't label myself with anything. So his enthusiasm can be moving in a good way. Hope you understand me know.

[Buttnut105]

@364SaDSaM Whatever this is just a movie. I think the idea of getting rid of people's guns is absolutely ridiculous and not only will it never happen, it wouldn't work if it did.

[364SaDSaM]

@Buttnut105 Yes this is just a movie and yet you've taken the topic this far. And; you cannot know if it would work or not, unless you've tried it already which I'm pretty sure you haven't. Sure you might not stop a person determined to kill by taking his/her gun but you can always try to lessen the easiness of it.

[Buttnut105]

@364SaDSaM I've taken it this far because I can't get over that you actually believe it. It won't work because the guns used in crimes are almost always either unregistered or stolen. You cannot put criminals in the same category as law-abiding citizens anyways. However, punishing 99% of "assault"weapon/handgun owners for criminals murdering and stealing is justified because it's not as easy for them?

[1981macman]

@Buttnut105: Granted bad people will always find a way to have guns. But to say it won't work? Gun laws in my country halved gun deaths...and the number wasn't that high to begin with. So I believe it...why don't you?

[Buttnut105]

@1981macman Every year in Chicago, where I live, you have to register your guns and have the form notarized; if you miss the deadline, the unregistered guns are ordered destroyed. If you live closer to Indiana and want to shoot in a club further North, you can't because you can't transport guns in city limits so no highway or tollway usage. Does this even put a dent in the stratospherically high murder and other crime rates? Not even in the slightest.

[1981macman]

@Buttnut105: Some research tells me that Illinois and Indiana have among the lowest gun related crime in the US. Australia, Denmark, UK, China and others have approx. 1 gun homicide per 100,000 people, the US has 5. Some states such as Texas have 100+ gun crimes per 100,000. I don’t live there so I can’t speak from local knowledge, but the statistics seem to be against you. Either way I know we don’t envy these problems. If it’s not the gun laws, then why the ridiculously high crime rate?

[364SaDSaM]

@Buttnut105 Have I said something about punishing the law-abiding citizens or anything? I'm not saying put in jail every person you find who owns a gun, you can find out if the gun's been used or was just there for protection anyways. But you can at least try to minimize the number of such a murder machine. BUT, however, nobody's going to try that as you said, I agree on that, because it brings power as well as it brings death.

[Buttnut105]

@364SaDSaM Taking people's "assault" weapons and handguns would be punishing them for the crimes others have committed and that makes no sense. You want to know how to decrease the crime rate? Utilizing the conceal carry right would and has done the trick all over the country.

[364SaDSaM]

@Buttnut105 You see taking people's rights to have guns from them as a punishment, I get it, but personally I don't even like the idea of guns being so, you know, out there, It's like if you have it, you are going to end up hurting someone you actually don't intend to hurt. Anyways, we're not going to agree on this subject anytime soon, that's obvious, so how about we stop?

[Buttnut105]

@364SaDSaM I think you need to revaluate your view on guns. They're not as dangerous as you believe and can be great fun and are a growing sport. But yeah, you're right, we're not gonna agree, not unless you read some of the statistics and use a little logic rather than just assume they're "murder machines" as you put them. But, I'll leave it at this; read my reply to 1981macman for starters.

[364SaDSaM]

@Buttnut105 Well thanks for the information, really, but I still dislike them and I'm not going to change my mind just because they "can be fun and are a growing sport". They are not just that as you know. Oh and by the way, thanks for insulting me by implying that I cannot even use a little logic. Really.

[Buttnut105]

@364SaDSaM Throwing the baby out with the bathwater pretty much sums up your view on guns. A few wise men once established a few, unalienable rights and, no matter how you spin it, you want to infringe on one of them. Rather than suggest or support other, more viable solutions to stopping crime as everyone should and many are, to you we should get rid of them all. And, I am sorry for insulting you but you know what, you're insulting every gun owner with every comment.

[364SaDSaM]

@Buttnut105 Yes because I see all of them as murderers, right? You really don't get why I don't like guns, do you? It's not because every person who has a gun is capable of murder in character, but because a gun makes it easier if one is determined to do so. Also, you talk as if I said something like "guns are the only reasons of crime", but I didn't. Anyway, talk to me when I'm the president and can actually get rid of them all, otherwise this conversation is really unnecessary.

[Buttnut105]

@364SaDSaM No, I said that because you deem their possessions to be potentially dangerous and that's cause to "get rid of them all". You can equivocate or rationalize however you please but condemning millions of people because a gun makes murdering "easier". Well the good news is you don't have the power to take any action on the matter so, we're all safe. Just one last question, when someone gets killed by a drunk driver to you support prohibition and/or the banning of automobiles?

[364SaDSaM]

@Buttnut105 You're right, because they all are potentially dangerous, I should use my super powers and get rid of "only the ones which will cause problems in the future". Sorry, my bad. And yeap, you're safe until someone messes up the "fun" guns provide. Also, I'd support prohibition of that drunk driver ever driving again but of course you only gave the automobile example, how sarcastic and nice of you. If we are finally done, thanks for keeping my English fresh during the holiday. I mean it.

[gulmiguel]

This scene is one of my most favorite scenes in American cinema.  I long for a President who has the balls to do stuff like this one. President Obama, please take note!!

[ars542du]

Writing, Direction and Acting were all absolutely brilliant!!

[xmobster5]

Best Speech ever!

[ScarletGhost4356]

I'm a writer, and to be honest, I'm completely jealous of the writing from this movie. It was incredible.

[2011blueman]

This movie and the West Wing are BY FAR the best political movie and show ever made. This speech is EPIC along side the greed speech in the movie Wall Street.

[Laidoutbug]

Point of order here! Obama is a leftie and lefties hate guns! Duh!!! Stupid liberals

[2011blueman]

@Laidoutbug - I'm a "leftie" liberal ACLU member and have no problem with people owning guns. I personally don't want a gun in my house or on my person, but I support open carry and the 2nd amendment. Even though I choose not to exercise my right to own a gun, I support others that do.

[verticalsmurf]

@2011blueman - I'm curious about your comment and I'd like an honest non-confrontational response. I'm not American, I'm on the other side of the planet, but I can't understand why Americans are so clingy to the idea of a right to for everyone to own guns when over 50,000 people were killed by them in your country last year, while the idea of providing free medical care to all isn't as high a priority, even though the cost of medical care would drop significantly if gun ownership is controlled?

[verticalsmurf]

@2011blueman Question part 2 - I get that the army, police, farmers, hunters, sports shooters, security guards and rangers need guns, but why would anyone else need a gun? Guns allow killing from a distance, if those college shooters had to attack with knives instead of guns, there would have been more chances for the victims to fight back or for bystanders to interevene Then there are drive-bys, which are becoming a problem here. Again, I'm just asking a question to understand.

[joserea2012]

The whole time I was asking myself "Where is CJ Cregg?"

[UncleMikeNJ]

@joserea2012 She was wearing a Nancy McNally mask.

[47f0]

I've got a buddy who's somewhere to the right of Darth Vader politically. He's an ex-Marine who volunteered for three tours of Viet Nam. He hates flag-burning hippies. But you know what he says? He could never, ever defend a country where you couldn't burn the flag, and he would go to combat again and risk his life to defend the rights flag-burning hippies, and so-called socialists, and tree-huggers. You know - Americans.

[ZoiAnonymia]

"Door to Door to get the guns" sounds like Obama, then he would hand them out to Mexican drug cartels

[CDaleDave]

@ZoiAnonymia Except that the program started under Bush. Check your history.

[TheFrogger15]

@ZoiAnonymia President Obama has never given a speech that even sounded like the one that Michael Douglas gave in this scene on gun control...Even after Gabby Giffirds was shot in Arizona earlier this year....So like i say to everyone else who hates the President....You can hate him all you want..But you just can't go around & make-up shit about him.

[Wartsall]

I read the comments with interest, and note that most miss the important part of the speech, the part from 2.34 - 3.26.

It includes and exposes the psychological slight of hand that politicians use in elections.

But keep banging on about Liberal vs Republican ideals by all means, it's good/funny reading.

[warewolfenizer]

@Wartsall I agree with you

[skatze100]

I just learned a close friend of mine died from his injuries in Afghanistan today. This was a favorite moment from one of his favorite movies.

[caitybelle]

People. It's A MOOOOOOOVIE. Seriously wishing cancer on an actor and bitching about liberal politics - over entertaining fiction. Go back to Fox.

[caitybelle]

@RichardElden are you kidding? WTF. 

[caitybelle]

@RichardElden Wow. Asshole.

[gopconservative78]

Democrats are required to jerk off to this speech

[GreatDarkSpot]

I get that this speech is a liberals' wet dream, but the fact is that America is a center-right nation and any politician giving a speech like this would be committing electoral suicide unless he was in some dark blue state. Liberals just don't get it nor can they sell it.

[47f0]

@GreatDarkSpot - You sure about that? Because here's how Americans are polling lately. A majority in favor of medical marijuana. In favor of taxing wealthy individuals and corporations more. In favor of gay marriage. In favor of collective bargaining. Funny how you tone-deaf conservatives only hear a few of your fringe buddies shouting in support of your failed policies, and imagine that represents all Americans. Talk about a wet dream. Sheesh.

[bosoxkiddo2244]

I'd vote for Andrew Shepherd

[xyPERSON]

@bosoxkiddo2244 So would I!

[zero951212]

When does he start having a temper and starts taking people weapon? Just like Falling Down? (lol jk)

[clinree]

I am not for the overthrowing of the government and I do not think that if they took our guns they would suddenly change and become oppressive, but I think that if they, in good faith, take the guns of the people, one day, we may not have a benevolent leader who will not take advantage of the situation.

[clinree]

"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the PEOPLE to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." (U.S. Const. amend II, emphasis added). I am well aware of what it says TheKnightIrish. But what I am even more aware of is the reason why it is in the United States Constitution, to allow the people of the United States of America to protect themselves and their state (both state and nation) from "All enemies, both foreign and DOMESTIC."

[47f0]

@clinree - Please. At the time this was written, the average farmer was on an equipment parity with an average British soldier. And the intent was to never have a standing military, something Jefferson had to flip-flop on. But hey, if you think your Cambodian knock-off Kalashnikov is somehow a match for a Predator drone with Hellfire missiles, enjoy. Your toys are irrelevant to today's military. But if they make you believe you have a bigger penis, by all means - let your kids shoot each other.

[kaneite91]

@Clinree, he isn't stating that he is going to go door to door and take away peoples guns, rather he is simply saying that he is dedicated enough to go door to door trying to convince people that he is right, he is just making a point. There is nothing in the Bill of Rights that says he is not allowed to try and convince people that assault weapons and handguns is the problem. That my friend is freedom of speech at its finest. Btw, I own guns so i am not supporting his argument, just clarifying.

[TheKnightIrish]

Its not. Try reading it. The words the gun nuts like to ignore are "regulated" and "militia". People don't think too hard sometimes when they let other people tell them what their own constitution does or doesn't say.

[clinree]

The one problem with this, is that he contradicts himself. He says that the ACLU is dedicated to upholding the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution. Then he says he is going to go door to door to get the assault weapons and handguns. Maybe I'm just stupid, but I thought the right to keep and bear arms was guaranteed by the 2nd amendment to the constitution, which is a part of the bill of rights. I love this movie, but people don't think too hard sometimes when they write speeches

[zulu2908]

wat a Regal way to shut up a dipwad!:)



[acousticazn311]

At last, the Speech with better quality. Thanks!