"My name is Andrew Shepherd and I am the President." Michael Douglas is amazing. He's right in my opinion. He's honest and has a lot of character. He's got my vote!
Everyone seems to elide over the center part of the statement. He says, "I will go door to door if I have to, but I'm going to *convince Americans I'm right* and I'm gonna get the guns." He's not going to take them from you by force, he's going to persuade you that gun reform is a good thing.
It's truly amazing how this speech calls radical, right-wing thinking to the carpet, and puts into perspective how crazy and nonsensical the radical right wing, especially the tea slackers, truly is. Bravo to Aron Sorkin.
and evidently the best part of the film. I will never get tired of seeing the entire film just because this scene. the rest of the film is fine too but this scene... man. this scene is truly wonderful.
Kudos to the person who wrote this speech, how absolutely true, in every word he said. I must say, i really enjoyed this so much, being an INDIAN, that i bought this DVD in Australia. Some time from now, i would become a US citizen, [in HIS time]. I really took time to understand that America is "Advanced Citizenship". Today when i look back at India and America, i understand the true meaning of those two words. America is tough life, as compared to India, but much better, efficient then all.
Yes but guns can also be used as a tool to protect people. Let me ask you this if you were going to rob a gas station which gas station would you rather have. One where nobody has a gun? Or one where everyone has a gun? The people who rob from stores obviously are not afraid to break the law so I doubt they'll care if they own a gun or not if there going to kill someone or rob a store. Making something illegal never gets rid of it.
@Bergenfluff As an American, I totally agree. The problems arise with the whole "Slippery Slope" arguement. Essentially, pro-gun organizations like the NRA argue that any regulations would lead to increasingly tighter regulations until guns become so hard to get that it will be like repealing the second amendment. I personally think that's bullsh*t, but that's American politics for you.
"We have serious problems to solve and we need serious people to solve them. And whatever your particular problem is I promise you, Glenn Beck is not the least bit interested in solving them. He is interested in two things and two things only - making you afraid of it and telling you who's to blame for it". I saw this movie the other night and thought you could just put Glenn Beck's name right in there and it would be a perfect quote for these times. Thank god he will be off the air soon.
Rumour has it James Madison was once told he had to wear long sleeves to the office so he wrote a line in the draft of the constitution proposing the right to bare arms. Unfortunately it was mis-interpreted and now the US has vast numbers of hand guns in circulation.
Best part of the movie. Regardless of politics, it is nice to see a president who can speak, inspire, and seem like a leader, even if it is only a movie. Too bad it is only a movie.
Mandatory doesn't suit my fancy if I'm speaking for other people, but I'd be more than fine with that form of militia for myself. In fact I'd love it, It fits so perfectly with non-interventionism, and I must admit, I do envy the swiss for their system.
If you think that the guns are the problem no hunger is the problem water is a problem housing is the problem energy is the problem no one's going to be playing with guns when they can go outside and fly a kite hey mr. President go fly a kite and don't put the key on the bottom because Benjamin Franklin learned his lesson
@@Karma-qt4ji really see you mean that the guy that says that greed-is-good wasn't another character in this movie who pretended to be the president do they all pretend to be the president or is it a spirit.
Do you understand the humerus inference that I just laid down. The principles are you really the same you cannot hold up the Constitution and come after the guns what's my point of laying down that video. Do you understand it was a metaphor in a humorous manner cuz I get what you're saying
This was Sorkin doing liberal wish fulfillment. I've always felt that this was Sorkin putting the words into the mouth of President Sheperd what every liberal had begged Dukakis to say in '88. Because THAT was the year when Atwater and his ilk began the attack on liberalism (by attacking the ACLU, etc.) and the liberals (well, Dukakis...) DIDN'T FIGHT BACK. Every liberal listening to this speech got to hear the speech they had wished Dukakis or any liberal since should have made.
All the times we had to hear "My name is Bob Rumson, and I'm running for President.", that guy was such an embarrassment to us republicans, that I loved the ending where President Sheperd rammed those words down his throat!
NOW that how a President should be ! Stand up for what is right !! Having steel in his spine ! Take the fight to them ! To those who put fear and big business ahead of serving the american people !
There is a time to stop and think in America, look back at things, and not always be in the face paced lane. In India, its all about achievement and grades, jobs and success, i don't say, that its not this way in America, but at least not like in India. My Fiancee is American, and indeed i see from her eyes, how tough life is in America, but in spite of every thing she faces, she still loves America. I now know why. May Christ care for the faithful, the hard working and loving, ALWAYS. AMEN
@jehaney He mentions taking away assault weapons and handguns. I don't necessarily agree it's that simple, but that stance can make the argument that it doesn't revoke the right to bear arms.
I don't remember it being individuals who owned guns in the constitution, instead I remember it being a well regulated militia. And technically weapons bans is constitutional, we have the right to bear arms but what arms we are allowed to bear are up for debate
Its not a BAN on guns, its about distribution and regulation. If you take a look two or three scenes prior to this moment, when Sydney is looking for that sweater. She talks facetiously and sarcastically about 'a mandatory three-day waiting period before a five-year-old can buy an Uzi'. she's in tears over the fact that the environment is taking a backseat to what she feels is 'crime prevention legislation that has no hope of preventing crime'.
@jehaney I've always found that clause to be as controversial and open to interpretation by future generations as the rest of the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. The second amendment does say that the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed, but it also clearly states this is for the purpose of a "well-regulated" militia. Gangs in the streets with handguns abridging other's rights to live their lives in freedom and safety does not seem to be a well regulated militia. Thoughts?
Much like the Conservatives and Tea Party groups. "Bob's problem isn't that he doesn't get it. Bob's problem is that he can't sell it! We have serious problems to solve, and we need serious people to solve them. And whatever your particular problem is, I promise you, Bob Rumson is not the least bit interested in solving it. He is interested in two things and two things only: making you afraid of it and telling you who's to blame for it." Fits them to a T.
@EPRVa62 Now is that constitutional? Or why don't we have private charities who do things better do it? Overall once you have the subside for abortion in one area it spreads to others. And every dollar we spend in that area could of been spent in the private sector better.
2/2 And its pretty clear that he invisioned something like what the Swiss have, a real militia. Not the pervetion of his words you have in the US today. If you tell me you want america to adopt the Swiss system, then I'm with you all the way. That means everyone has to serve in the army, get weapons training, everyone needs to take part in government training once each year and there is no army, if war breaks out, YOU are the army. Now THAT system I can support.
this is what most rational people think the founders meant when they said "a well regulated militia" was the national guard or reserve forces....not "every asshole gets a gun"....I think the founders knew assholes better than that :P
I wish the real President could find a backbone, and give a speech like this. We need someone in the White House who is not afraid of right-wing, extremist pscyhos.
The second amendment: "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." This amendment was ratified in 1791, when the U.S. had only a modest army/navy. Now, we have local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, along with a superior military...all established to protect both citizens and the country as a whole. Perfect?...no. But, better than everyone running around with a gun.
Politics aside, and everything else, you have to admit, Bob Rumson spent months working to break down the President's repuatation, and then Andrew Shepard comes in and with one speech DESTROYS everything that Rumson worked for. Haha. That is why I love this speech.
The Founders never wanted a total separation of church and state. They envisioned a land where people of all faiths could express themselves openly in both public and private, without government control. There's nothing in the Constitution which prohibits any religion having influence in the government, but they can't make it mandatory.
You are wrong. They even did not take the oath/affirmation of office with a reference to God. This and numerous other references and instances show that keeping religion out of politics was their ideal.
Aaron Sorkin,the best political series or movies writer ever,he should write the follow up on The West Wing focussing on Rob Lowe's character Sam Seaborn running for president
@EPRVa62 You said they receive healthcare so obviously it must be free. Now the simple truth is you get what you pay for and doctors wont work for free.
To those of you who are trying to defend the 2nd amendment, it may interest you to know that it only applies to events whereby a foreign power invades your home state. Yes, owning a gun is a civil liberty. As such the gov can not take it away from you. However, they can limit your liberties with restrictions. The 1st amendment has restrictions just like the 2nd. Gun registration does not take away the 2nd amendment, but simply places a needed restriction on it.
He was talking about getting rid of assault weapons which are not about protecting yourself they are about hurting other people. I'm not saying that nobody shouldn't be allowed to own guns and neither was he (have you actually seen this movie?). It's just that some people shouldn't be allowed to own guns because they wouldn't use them for protection they would use them for assault. The Crime Bill that they were talking about was supposed to prevent drug crime which would be a lot easier to do
@ChelsyShiloh "In order to improve test grades, the right to 1 hour of study time, shall not be infringed." If I'm 80 years old, and not in school, then why do I need an hour of study time? If there are no well regulated Militias, why does the gun right apply? I mean the amendment starts off with Well regulated Milita. It says so. right there in the beginning.
@jksonny You're right. Why do you think the movie ended where it did? You can't play that plotline through to the end, AND have a happy, believable ending.
@RichfromNH Absolutely. But apart from hunting for food, which doesn't require an Uzi anyway, all those things are sentimental reasons. I know it feels like a special thing that's a legacy in many cultures, including the one we live in, but that doesn't stand alone as justification. I think it's a much stronger sentimental argument to note all the people who needlessly die from mass-killing weapons being freely available. Which is more painful, the loss of a gun or the loss of a child?
@surgedark I'm not speaking of the Congress. I'm speaking of the psychotic, violence-loving rightwing. Amazing there are so many militant, rightwingers, but yet there was such a large shortfall in military recruiting during war time. Amazing. Truly amazing.
The reason "it changed everything" was he had written the State of the Union Speech which the President was to give that night. The President had completely changed tactics so the MJF character had about three hours to completely rewrite the speech.
If you think that tiny little room contains all the people in the WH listening to a Press Secretary talk, you are quite mistaken. I assure you it was being broadcast to every room in the WH. How do you think all the other major players showed up to listen within 45 seconds? There may be parts of the movie and the speech in particular that aren't true to life, but this isn't one of them.
No, but even you can agree to that the 2nd am. is probably THE area in the constitution were society and technology has changed the most since its writing. It was written practically during a revolution, it was written in a time when the people actually were a large part of the army(militia), as in Switzerland today, it was a time were both animals, indians and slaves could pose a threat. It was a time when you could fire max 1-3 rounds per MINUTE. We should have a large public debate at least
@RichfromNH Absolutely. We definitely agree that the founders weren't always right. Just because it's in he constitution doesn't mean it's correct - of course we agree with that. So it comes down to what laws we think will best prevent murders and gun-related crime. Based on the statistics on gun deaths in other countries with a variety of cultures who have gun control laws - I'm left believing we'd probably be safer with some stronger controls.
This was early Sorkin. And it set the stage for The West Wing. More importantly, it gave us a glimpse of a literary genius, preachy ideals and politics notwithstanding.
@RichfromNH You're forgetting the rest of the amendment, which states that a well regulated militia being necessary. The words Well Regulated are kind of important there. Giving guns to everyone absent military service, especially in a day where militias no longer ARE necessary, is the opposite of well regulated. But regardless, it was a different time with a markedly different society and what guns were capable of. The issue deserves to be debated on its own merits, not an arcane amendment.
Just wanted to add a line TJ wrote, just to give you some perspective: "Experience demands that man is the only animal which devours his own kind, for I can apply no milder term to the general prey of the rich on the poor." -Thomas Jefferson Say that today and you are immideatly labled as a socialist by conservatives. The very people that claim to love the founding fathers. And thats the irony, they worship the myth, but would hate the real person. TJ was a liberal.
Would I rather have a country where I am protected by the gun in my bedroom or the federal government? I think the government. That is the fundamental ideological divide between those who still advocate gun rights and those who do not. Most gun owners are law abiding citizens, and it is sad that some people are so intent on murder that we have to try to limit their access to what should be self-defense weapons. There is no easy answer to that question, but we DO need to talk about it.
I find it funny how the same people that want to take away guns want open borders... No border controls and a disarmed population. What could POSSIBLY GO WRONG?
Yes, if war directly included all voters, at least all male voters, I think there would be far less wars going on. But remember that the Swiss does not have access to weapons like in the US. The laws are extremely strict, and everyone learns to respect weapons as weapons instead of toys. If you would like that system, thats great! But I have to say I doubt the average gun person in the US would like that:) Just the number of guns that go missing each year is shocking to me.
I'm a card carrying member of the NRA. This is an organization that defends the 2nd amendments of the Bill of Rights. My question is why aren't you a member Andrew Shepherd? Or do you only like the other 9 amendments? Also, how do you plan on "getting the guns"? If they refuse to hand them over, wouldn't the government have to violate a lot of peoples 4th and 5th amendment rights to "get the guns"?
They failed to show the goofiest part of that scene. Mindless reporters stampeding to telephones to orgasm over the speech. And MJ Fox's character collapsing onto the floor in paroxyms of joy, screaming at the top of his lungs, 'This speech changes everything!' It's typical Hollywood. They think that giving a speech solves everything, when in reality it accomplishes nothing.
Me three. This country is heading downhill quickly. I just watched this movie this morning, and I literally stood up and cheered. This speech is entirely true, and I wish our presidents over the last few years would figure this out. Bush killed the economy, and though I voted for him, Obama really needs to work harder to fix things. I say we need a president like Andrew Shepherd, and I hope we get one someday.
I'm Japanese.
In my university,my teacher showed this movie to students.
I could learn many things.
It's a very good movie.
I love it!!!! : )
"My name is Andrew Shepherd and I am the President." Michael Douglas is amazing. He's right in my opinion. He's honest and has a lot of character. He's got my vote!
MICHAEL DOUGLAS👑❤
WHAT A GREAT ACTOR❤
GREAT MOVIE👏👏👏
Wonder actor
When I saw Martin Sheen walk in at 1:07 I was so confused. I almost read his expression as saying, "Who is this guy at my podium?"
Everyone seems to elide over the center part of the statement. He says, "I will go door to door if I have to, but I'm going to *convince Americans I'm right* and I'm gonna get the guns." He's not going to take them from you by force, he's going to persuade you that gun reform is a good thing.
One of my favourite movies.
Watched this in my speech & communications class a week ago...love it.
~"AND I AM THE PRESIDENT!"- absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this movie!!
It's truly amazing how this speech calls radical, right-wing thinking to the carpet, and puts into perspective how crazy and nonsensical the radical right wing, especially the tea slackers, truly is. Bravo to Aron Sorkin.
and evidently the best part of the film. I will never get tired of seeing the entire film just because this scene. the rest of the film is fine too but this scene... man. this scene is truly wonderful.
In 2019 ALL American Politicians should continually watch this.
he should run for president I think he would make a good one!
One of the greatest speeches in the history of cinema.
What a FANTASY compared to USA 2019!
TT1221 my name is Donald Trump and I'm gonna grab them by the pussy.
President Obama needs to be listening to this...movie or not, it's the truth.
Kudos to the person who wrote this speech, how absolutely true, in every word he said. I must say, i really enjoyed this so much, being an INDIAN, that i bought this DVD in Australia. Some time from now, i would become a US citizen, [in HIS time]. I really took time to understand that America is "Advanced Citizenship". Today when i look back at India and America, i understand the true meaning of those two words. America is tough life, as compared to India, but much better, efficient then all.
Yes but guns can also be used as a tool to protect people. Let me ask you this if you were going to rob a gas station which gas station would you rather have. One where nobody has a gun? Or one where everyone has a gun? The people who rob from stores obviously are not afraid to break the law so I doubt they'll care if they own a gun or not if there going to kill someone or rob a store. Making something illegal never gets rid of it.
Ah yes, the days when the US still had hope instead of agenda. Seems like ages ago nowadays.
@Bergenfluff As an American, I totally agree. The problems arise with the whole "Slippery Slope" arguement. Essentially, pro-gun organizations like the NRA argue that any regulations would lead to increasingly tighter regulations until guns become so hard to get that it will be like repealing the second amendment.
I personally think that's bullsh*t, but that's American politics for you.
This is one speech that ALL Americans need to hear regardless of political views.
"We have serious problems to solve and we need serious people to solve them. And whatever your particular problem is I promise you, Glenn Beck is not the least bit interested in solving them. He is interested in two things and two things only - making you afraid of it and telling you who's to blame for it". I saw this movie the other night and thought you could just put Glenn Beck's name right in there and it would be a perfect quote for these times. Thank god he will be off the air soon.
Rumour has it James Madison was once told he had to wear long sleeves to the office so he wrote a line in the draft of the constitution proposing the right to bare arms. Unfortunately it was mis-interpreted and now the US has vast numbers of hand guns in circulation.
Best part of the movie. Regardless of politics, it is nice to see a president who can speak, inspire, and seem like a leader, even if it is only a movie. Too bad it is only a movie.
This Speech Can Be Apply To All Government And Election.
Mandatory doesn't suit my fancy if I'm speaking for other people, but I'd be more than fine with that form of militia for myself. In fact I'd love it, It fits so perfectly with non-interventionism, and I must admit, I do envy the swiss for their system.
If you think that the guns are the problem no hunger is the problem water is a problem housing is the problem energy is the problem no one's going to be playing with guns when they can go outside and fly a kite hey mr. President go fly a kite and don't put the key on the bottom because Benjamin Franklin learned his lesson
You realise this was a movie, right?
@@Karma-qt4ji really see you mean that the guy that says that greed-is-good wasn't another character in this movie who pretended to be the president do they all pretend to be the president or is it a spirit.
Do you understand the humerus inference that I just laid down. The principles are you really the same you cannot hold up the Constitution and come after the guns what's my point of laying down that video. Do you understand it was a metaphor in a humorous manner cuz I get what you're saying
@@deefazhion Jesus buddy. Punctuation is your friend. I have absolutely no idea what your word salad even meant.
I would LOVE to have President Obama make this speach, because if he did there is no way in heaven or earch he would get reelected.
this gives me chills every time i watch it! i love this movie!
This was Sorkin doing liberal wish fulfillment. I've always felt that this was Sorkin putting the words into the mouth of President Sheperd what every liberal had begged Dukakis to say in '88. Because THAT was the year when Atwater and his ilk began the attack on liberalism (by attacking the ACLU, etc.) and the liberals (well, Dukakis...) DIDN'T FIGHT BACK. Every liberal listening to this speech got to hear the speech they had wished Dukakis or any liberal since should have made.
All the times we had to hear "My name is Bob Rumson, and I'm running for President.", that guy was such an embarrassment to us republicans, that I loved the ending where President Sheperd rammed those words down his throat!
NOW that how a President should be ! Stand up for what is right !! Having steel in his spine ! Take the fight to them ! To those who put fear and big business ahead of serving the american people !
One of the greatest speeches in film history!!
There is a time to stop and think in America, look back at things, and not always be in the face paced lane. In India, its all about achievement and grades, jobs and success, i don't say, that its not this way in America, but at least not like in India. My Fiancee is American, and indeed i see from her eyes, how tough life is in America, but in spite of every thing she faces, she still loves America. I now know why. May Christ care for the faithful, the hard working and loving, ALWAYS. AMEN
@jehaney He mentions taking away assault weapons and handguns. I don't necessarily agree it's that simple, but that stance can make the argument that it doesn't revoke the right to bear arms.
I don't remember it being individuals who owned guns in the constitution, instead I remember it being a well regulated militia.
And technically weapons bans is constitutional, we have the right to bear arms but what arms we are allowed to bear are up for debate
@jehaney I find that interesting to. I loved this speech as well.
The beginning of this speech rings true now. Reach out America. Reach out. The end does too. Heal thy self.
President Obama needs to see this. Love it and our president!
The best speech that Michael Douglas as given playing a (fictional American President) since playing Gordon Gekko in the film "WALL STREET"
Its not a BAN on guns, its about distribution and regulation. If you take a look two or three scenes prior to this moment, when Sydney is looking for that sweater. She talks facetiously and sarcastically about 'a mandatory three-day waiting period before a five-year-old can buy an Uzi'. she's in tears over the fact that the environment is taking a backseat to what she feels is 'crime prevention legislation that has no hope of preventing crime'.
loved this movie and this speech!
@jehaney I've always found that clause to be as controversial and open to interpretation by future generations as the rest of the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. The second amendment does say that the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed, but it also clearly states this is for the purpose of a "well-regulated" militia. Gangs in the streets with handguns abridging other's rights to live their lives in freedom and safety does not seem to be a well regulated militia. Thoughts?
Fantastic speech. There's only 1 more president movie speech that can top this.. (Independence Day and Bill Pullman)
Much like the Conservatives and Tea Party groups.
"Bob's problem isn't that he doesn't get it. Bob's problem is that he can't sell it!
We have serious problems to solve, and we need serious people to solve them. And whatever your particular problem is, I promise you, Bob Rumson is not the least bit interested in solving it. He is interested in two things and two things only: making you afraid of it and telling you who's to blame for it."
Fits them to a T.
@EPRVa62 Now is that constitutional? Or why don't we have private charities who do things better do it? Overall once you have the subside for abortion in one area it spreads to others. And every dollar we spend in that area could of been spent in the private sector better.
2/2
And its pretty clear that he invisioned something like what the Swiss have, a real militia. Not the pervetion of his words you have in the US today. If you tell me you want america to adopt the Swiss system, then I'm with you all the way.
That means everyone has to serve in the army, get weapons training, everyone needs to take part in government training once each year and there is no army, if war breaks out, YOU are the army. Now THAT system I can support.
this is what most rational people think the founders meant when they said "a well regulated militia" was the national guard or reserve forces....not "every asshole gets a gun"....I think the founders knew assholes better than that :P
@trwent Also, he was just standing behind the door. So he can hear the conversation inside, especially if it's being miked.
i love this part *____*
One of my favourite films
The part in the film that talks about free speech;
Send that to those who want to muzzle it.
He came real close to it in his presser today.
❤ this part
I wish the real President could find a backbone, and give a speech like this. We need someone in the White House who is not afraid of right-wing, extremist pscyhos.
The second amendment: "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." This amendment was ratified in 1791, when the U.S. had only a modest army/navy. Now, we have local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, along with a superior military...all established to protect both citizens and the country as a whole. Perfect?...no. But, better than everyone running around with a gun.
Politics aside, and everything else, you have to admit, Bob Rumson spent months working to break down the President's repuatation, and then Andrew Shepard comes in and with one speech DESTROYS everything that Rumson worked for. Haha. That is why I love this speech.
The Founders never wanted a total separation of church and state. They envisioned a land where people of all faiths could express themselves openly in both public and private, without government control. There's nothing in the Constitution which prohibits any religion having influence in the government, but they can't make it mandatory.
Lol
You are wrong. They even did not take the oath/affirmation of office with a reference to God. This and numerous other references and instances show that keeping religion out of politics was their ideal.
Aaron Sorkin,the best political series or movies writer ever,he should write the follow up on The West Wing focussing on Rob Lowe's character Sam Seaborn running for president
@EPRVa62 You said they receive healthcare so obviously it must be free. Now the simple truth is you get what you pay for and doctors wont work for free.
To those of you who are trying to defend the 2nd amendment, it may interest you to know that it only applies to events whereby a foreign power invades your home state.
Yes, owning a gun is a civil liberty. As such the gov can not take it away from you. However, they can limit your liberties with restrictions. The 1st amendment has restrictions just like the 2nd. Gun registration does not take away the 2nd amendment, but simply places a needed restriction on it.
He was talking about getting rid of assault weapons which are not about protecting yourself they are about hurting other people. I'm not saying that nobody shouldn't be allowed to own guns and neither was he (have you actually seen this movie?). It's just that some people shouldn't be allowed to own guns because they wouldn't use them for protection they would use them for assault. The Crime Bill that they were talking about was supposed to prevent drug crime which would be a lot easier to do
@ChelsyShiloh "In order to improve test grades, the right to 1 hour of study time, shall not be infringed." If I'm 80 years old, and not in school, then why do I need an hour of study time? If there are no well regulated Militias, why does the gun right apply? I mean the amendment starts off with Well regulated Milita. It says so. right there in the beginning.
@jksonny You're right. Why do you think the movie ended where it did? You can't play that plotline through to the end, AND have a happy, believable ending.
Can't wait to hear a President say something like this...
@RichfromNH Absolutely. But apart from hunting for food, which doesn't require an Uzi anyway, all those things are sentimental reasons. I know it feels like a special thing that's a legacy in many cultures, including the one we live in, but that doesn't stand alone as justification. I think it's a much stronger sentimental argument to note all the people who needlessly die from mass-killing weapons being freely available. Which is more painful, the loss of a gun or the loss of a child?
I LOVE Michael Douglas...love him, love him, love him! He could be MY president anytime!!!!
@surgedark I'm not speaking of the Congress. I'm speaking of the psychotic, violence-loving rightwing. Amazing there are so many militant, rightwingers, but yet there was such a large shortfall in military recruiting during war time. Amazing. Truly amazing.
I don't think i'll ever see anything like this in politics, only in these works of fiction can we reach our full potential for greatness.
Mr. President respectfully in regards to the Constitution go fly a kite.
One of his best movies
The reason "it changed everything" was he had written the State of the Union Speech which the President was to give that night. The President had completely changed tactics so the MJF character had about three hours to completely rewrite the speech.
pish posh. I will support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic.
I love this speech, especially from 1:21 to 2:05.
My name is Andrew Shepherd and I AM the president.
If you think that tiny little room contains all the people in the WH listening to a Press Secretary talk, you are quite mistaken. I assure you it was being broadcast to every room in the WH. How do you think all the other major players showed up to listen within 45 seconds?
There may be parts of the movie and the speech in particular that aren't true to life, but this isn't one of them.
@Charlesperalo I would argue that yes, providing health care to the American people is Constitutional.
No, but even you can agree to that the 2nd am. is probably THE area in the constitution were society and technology has changed the most since its writing.
It was written practically during a revolution, it was written in a time when the people actually were a large part of the army(militia), as in Switzerland today, it was a time were both animals, indians and slaves could pose a threat. It was a time when you could fire max 1-3 rounds per MINUTE.
We should have a large public debate at least
@RichfromNH Absolutely. We definitely agree that the founders weren't always right. Just because it's in he constitution doesn't mean it's correct - of course we agree with that. So it comes down to what laws we think will best prevent murders and gun-related crime. Based on the statistics on gun deaths in other countries with a variety of cultures who have gun control laws - I'm left believing we'd probably be safer with some stronger controls.
This was early Sorkin. And it set the stage for The West Wing. More importantly, it gave us a glimpse of a literary genius, preachy ideals and politics notwithstanding.
and a little bit of the future
Love this movie, and this speech is my favorite scene!
Restore the Republic of North America
The character of Rumson was also a terribly manipulative caricature of conservative thought. I'm surprised Dreyfuss agreed to play it.
Maybe Mr Trump should listen and learn how to be an American President? 🙄 🇺🇸
No problem, dude. You seem to have great taste in movies!
Goose bump every time at 2:18
@RichfromNH You're forgetting the rest of the amendment, which states that a well regulated militia being necessary. The words Well Regulated are kind of important there. Giving guns to everyone absent military service, especially in a day where militias no longer ARE necessary, is the opposite of well regulated.
But regardless, it was a different time with a markedly different society and what guns were capable of. The issue deserves to be debated on its own merits, not an arcane amendment.
Ok Americans made this movie, wrote the script and everything and yet still vote for trump???
Seriously!
Just wanted to add a line TJ wrote, just to give you some perspective:
"Experience demands that man is the only animal which devours his own kind, for I can apply no milder term to the general prey of the rich on the poor." -Thomas Jefferson
Say that today and you are immideatly labled as a socialist by conservatives. The very people that claim to love the founding fathers.
And thats the irony, they worship the myth, but would hate the real person. TJ was a liberal.
Would I rather have a country where I am protected by the gun in my bedroom or the federal government? I think the government. That is the fundamental ideological divide between those who still advocate gun rights and those who do not. Most gun owners are law abiding citizens, and it is sad that some people are so intent on murder that we have to try to limit their access to what should be self-defense weapons. There is no easy answer to that question, but we DO need to talk about it.
Several more people have now watched it since Sandy Hook. I'm one of them. And I agree with this scene 100%.
I find it funny how the same people that want to take away guns want open borders...
No border controls and a disarmed population.
What could POSSIBLY GO WRONG?
"and i'm gonna get the guns" - Great Line....hang in there Representative Giffords!
love this movie! love this speech!
@Varianna12 I don't know. If you can accurately shoot a pistol it would be pretty effective for defense.
Yes, if war directly included all voters, at least all male voters, I think there would be far less wars going on.
But remember that the Swiss does not have access to weapons like in the US. The laws are extremely strict, and everyone learns to respect weapons as weapons instead of toys.
If you would like that system, thats great! But I have to say I doubt the average gun person in the US would like that:)
Just the number of guns that go missing each year is shocking to me.
I'm a card carrying member of the NRA. This is an organization that defends the 2nd amendments of the Bill of Rights. My question is why aren't you a member Andrew Shepherd? Or do you only like the other 9 amendments? Also, how do you plan on "getting the guns"? If they refuse to hand them over, wouldn't the government have to violate a lot of peoples 4th and 5th amendment rights to "get the guns"?
This scene and its words will be remembered when America goes down.
Love, LOVE, L.O.V.E., this movie. My favorite ever! Get well Michael Douglas
They failed to show the goofiest part of that scene. Mindless reporters stampeding to telephones to orgasm over the speech. And MJ Fox's character collapsing onto the floor in paroxyms of joy, screaming at the top of his lungs, 'This speech changes everything!' It's typical Hollywood. They think that giving a speech solves everything, when in reality it accomplishes nothing.
@Watts1214 If the writers of the 2nd Amendment intended that everyone have the right to own guns, then WHY does that amendment refer to militias?
...continued
"...making you afraid of it and telling you who to blame for it. That ladies and gentlemen is how you win elections!
Me three. This country is heading downhill quickly. I just watched this movie this morning, and I literally stood up and cheered. This speech is entirely true, and I wish our presidents over the last few years would figure this out. Bush killed the economy, and though I voted for him, Obama really needs to work harder to fix things.
I say we need a president like Andrew Shepherd, and I hope we get one someday.
It’s interesting that, if you rewatch any tv or movie. Every villain resonates with Trump. Trump makes the villain looks good and likable.