The West Wing (TV Series)

Talking Points (2004)

Martin Sheen: President Josiah Bartlet

Quotes 

• Josh Lyman : We made a promise.

  President Josiah 'Jed' Bartlet : There was a man named Canute, one of the great Viking kings of the 11th Century. Wanted his people to be aware of his limitations, so he led them down to the sea and he commanded that the tide roll out. It didn't. Who gave us the notion that Presidents can move the economy like a play-toy? That we can do more than talk it up or smooth over the rough spots? It's a lie. What we really owe that union is the truth.

  Josh Lyman : We run around saying free trade creates high-paying jobs.

  President Josiah 'Jed' Bartlet : And it will. But I've been trying to tell you it's not that simple.

  Leo McGarry : I'll set up a call with Bill Parsons.

  President Josiah 'Jed' Bartlet : [to Josh]  It'd be nice to roll back that tide, wouldn't it?

  Josh Lyman : Yes, Mr. President, it sure would.

• President Josiah 'Jed' Bartlet : Anybody got any crayons so I can color in my Ph. D.?

• President Josiah 'Jed' Bartlet : There was a man named Canute, one of the great Viking kings of the 11th Century. Wanted his people to be aware of his limitations, so he led them down to the sea and he commanded that the tide roll out. It didn't. Who gave us the notion that Presidents can move the economy like a play-toy? That we can do more than talk it up or smooth over the rough spots? It's a lie. What we really owe that union is the truth.