The Loudest Voice (2019): Season 1, Episode 3 - Episode #1.3 - full transcript
♪ up-tempo, dramatic music ♪
♪♪
♪♪
♪ slow, suspenseful music ♪
[Obama] ...a Selma bridge
for freedom's cause.
So it has been
for every generation
that faced down
the greatest challenges
and the most improbable odds
to leave their children a world
that's better and kinder
- and more just.
- [knocks]
[static]
[distorted]
And so it must be for us.
- America, this is our moment.
- [Zac] Dad?
- Can you help me with--
- [Roger] Be quiet.
[cheering and applause over TV]
This is our time,
our time to turn the page
on the policies of the past.
And our planet began to heal.
This was the moment,
this was the time
when we came together
to remake this great nation
so that it may always reflect
our very best selves
and our highest ideals.
Thank you, Minnesota.
God bless you.
God bless
the United States of America.
[cheering and applause over TV]
♪ loud, cacophonous music ♪
♪♪
[Roger]
I had my first job at your age.
I think it's time you
took some responsibility.
So every morning,
you're gonna hoist the flag,
and every evening,
you're gonna take it down.
Most importantly,
respect the flag
and never let it
touch the ground.
♪ optimistic, dramatic music ♪
♪♪
[Beth]
Hi, boys!
Mom.
[Beth]
Did you know Hello, Dolly!
- was filmed here in Garrison?
- [Roger] Mm-hmm.
Streisand and Matthau
took over the whole town.
They shot here for a month.
Hmm.
There's a local
historical society.
I'm thinking about joining.
Good.
- Are you even listening?
- Dolly.
Streisand. Historical.
- Hmm.
- Jesus Christ.
The Democrats have nominated
an African socialist
who wants to redistribute
the country's wealth,
and the biggest news
around here?
- Potlucks and yard sales.
- Well,
it's a community paper, Roger.
- What do you expect?
- News in the newspaper.
Actual news.
Annual invite from Warren, Ohio.
The Veterans'
Memorial Association
- inviting you to speak.
- Annual rejection.
- What?
- We should accept.
Go back to Warren,
show Zac where you're from.
It'd be good for him.
You haven't been back
in over 20 years.
One day.
[McCain]
...the old me first,
country second
Washington crowd:
- change is coming.
- Fox News/Opinion Dynamics
polls are out, and they have
Democrat Barack Obama out in
front of Republican John McCain
by three percentage points.
[O'Reilly]
I don't have a problem with
Barack Obama, by the way...
All right, so where are we?
In "The Obama Chronicles"
segment...
O'Reilly added .3 in the demo
- last night. Best in weeks.
- [Roger] Of course he did.
What is Obama's
strongest foreign policy?
He's got a new book coming out,
so he's not just phoning it in.
We should be charging the fucker
a commission.
[laughter]
The American people
aren't stupid.
[indistinct chatter]
What does this all mean
for November?
Was Obama
doing everything right,
or is McCain
doing something wrong?
Where are we in the race?
Gallup's got McCain
down by six,
and even Rasmussen
has it outside
- the margin of error.
- Look, I understand that.
I like John a lot.
He's a goddamn war hero.
But his message,
it's about as limp as
Liberace's handshake.
[laughter]
Morning.
Carry on.
[Roger]
It's not his only problem.
They got George Soros and all
of his hard left media buddies.
They've decided they're gonna
put an affirmative action hire
into the White House.
Now, we got to be
on top of that.
Where are we with Obama's
Islamic education?
[woman]
The madrassa?
Still nothing confirmed.
You got to keep digging.
He 100% was raised
in a Muslim school.
I have that on very,
very good authority.
Where are we with the
Michelle Obama tape?
Oh, my guy's
still chasing it down.
He swears he's heard the audio.
Michelle saying,
"I hate whitey."
[laughs] Come on,
that's solid gold.
- It really is.
- I mean, it won't be sourced.
Well, it doesn't matter. You
just frame it as a question.
"Does a new tape reveal
that Michelle Obama
hates white people?"
- That's one way to do it.
- Yeah.
Roger, that's...
- that's pushing it.
- No, it's not pushing it.
Barack Obama has managed
to trick the entire media,
except for us,
into getting behind him
and his socialist ideas
and manifestos.
The last two guys who did that?
Hitler and Stalin.
Okay? That man is a
danger to this country,
and it is on us to make
sure the voters know.
All right.
Let's just make sure
we're at our very best.
[clears throat]
- All good?
- Yeah.
Roger, why hasn't
O'Reilly's deal closed?
I don't know where
you're getting that from.
His agent responded
to the counter
and agreed
to $45 million dollars
- over four years.
- Oh, good. I just wanted
to make sure we're on track.
You know,
I'm out of town for a bit,
um, but I'll see you
at the Fox Business launch.
Rupert just asked me
about O'Reilly's
contract negotiations.
That means somebody's
pissing outside the tent.
Find out who that is.
This is off the fucking record.
We clear?
There's gonna be layoffs.
[scoffs] Names.
Yeah, I'm gonna give
a fucking reporter names?
What am I, Santa Claus?
Well, but you know what?
This just might be
your lucky day.
Marty Dibari in legal.
Check him out.
You remember this:
I am not your source.
All right? You fuck me on this,
and I swear to God,
I will fuck you back so hard
you'll be coughing up my dick.
[Roger] Everything ready
for the FBN party?
[Laurie]
I sent the final guest list
to your office for sign-off.
Venue and vendors
all confirmed.
Good.
There can't be
any complications.
Nothing short of excellence.
Rupert's been riding my ass
to launch this business
network for two years.
I told him there's no
room in the market.
Nobody in the goddamn world
- wants another CNBC.
- [phone ringing]
Hey, Beth.
No, I'm in a meeting.
How much?
Jesus.
Well, it's the Garrison
Historical Society.
It's not the Smithsonian.
Well, if it means that
much, we can write a check.
Okay, I got to go.
I think about her sometimes,
Roger.
- Don't.
- I feel guilty.
You know, she loves you.
- I just...
- Laurie.
- Don't you ever think--
- I'm a multifaceted man,
and my family is
only one part of me.
♪ tense, ambient music ♪
♪♪
Go and get your uniform.
[Laurie]
Catering?
[woman]
Ready to go.
[Laurie]
Music?
[woman]
He's setting up now.
Do they have Roger's
- music choices?
- Yes.
[Laurie]
Good.
So, what's Roger like?
I hear he's kind of scary.
[Laurie]
Roger is...
He's brilliant.
- Brilliant.
- Yeah, yeah, I know,
but people say he can be brutal.
You know, 20 years ago,
Roger Ailes told me that
he would change the world.
And he did.
The man is a genius.
People kill
to work at Fox.
You should remember that.
♪♪
[Zac]
Damn it.
♪♪
Brian.
Marty.
Marty, what am I doing here?
I got a party to go to.
I just got a call
from the Daily News asking me
to comment on a story
about me being fired.
Okay, calm down. Just tell
me what the reporter said.
Just... that I'm about
to be laid off.
What am I supposed
to tell my wife?
She's gonna kill me. Fuck!
I can't get fired, not now.
I need this job!
Look, sometimes reporters
get bad information.
So I'm not being fired?
Well, not yet.
But, um...
leak again,
and you will be.
Brian, I didn't leak.
I would never.
You didn't leak? You didn't go
down to Langan's and get drunk?
You didn't tell that
secretary in corporate
you're trying to bang about
O'Reilly's stalled contract?
- You didn't do that?
- She works with us.
She works for
News Corp, not Fox.
Just because Murdoch signs
all the paychecks doesn't mean
we jerk each other
off in the shower.
Anyone outside Fox
is the enemy.
And we do not talk
about what we do.
I understand.
Good.
Lighten up there, buddy.
It's a nice night.
[car door closes]
♪ upbeat, light jazz ♪
♪♪
[band playing upbeat,
light jazz]
He has black eyes,
which I love.
[laughing]
Roger, Beth, uh,
welcome, welcome.
Wendi's just telling us
about Diller's fund-raiser
for Obama in East Hampton.
[static]
What a surprise, Beth,
we weren't invited.
[Wendi]
And Michelle.
So beautiful. Like
Jackie, but black.
[laughter]
She asked me to lunch next
time she's in Manhattan.
[Murdoch]
Roger, Prince Al-Waleed,
our second biggest shareholder.
Mr. Al-Waleed.
Mr. Ailes, it's
a pleasure.
His Highness flew in
from Riyadh just for tonight.
Well, I'm just glad you didn't
hit any buildings on the way in.
[Beth]
[laughing] Oh, Roger.
What a sense of humor
you have.
[Roger]
I'll be back in a minute.
[indistinct whispering]
How many years have you
worked for me now?
How many years have you known I
do not like to walk into a room
and get surprised by guests
I wasn't expecting to see?
They were Wendi's guests.
People I've not approved,
people I've not invited.
This is my party,
my room, my guest list.
Let me know
if there's anything else
I need to remind you
about, Laurie,
'cause I wouldn't want to see
you fail so abysmally again.
Just let me know
if you need any fucking help.
[light jazz playing]
[laughter, indistinct chatter]
Gretchen.
Roger.
[static]
You know, little
Miss America here
is gonna be the queen of morning
television on Fox & Friends.
I had to break
a couple legs at CBS to get her,
but it was worth it.
[laughter]
So, McCain's coming
on Fox & Friends next week.
Doocy's had
the last three interviews.
I want this one.
Gretchen, I'm quite
sure you should be
speaking to your E.P.
I don't do the bookings.
I have.
And you thought
it was okay
to just go over her head
and talk to me directly?
Well, I think we
should give you a shot.
[laughs]
Thank you, Roger.
You won't regret it.
[laughing]
Oh, I better not.
[laughs]
You know I've fucked
two Miss Americas?
- Not that one yet.
- By the way,
you can sleep tonight.
I plugged the leak.
You should have seen him, too.
He was shitting himself.
He was like, "Oh, my
God, what am I gonna do?
My wife is gonna kill me.
Why am I such a
simpering asshole?"
It was beautiful.
- Brian fucking Lewis. Well done.
- Yeah.
Thank you. Thank you.
[Beth] I caught Jenna Lee
on Happening Now
yesterday. I thought
she was just phenomenal.
Really popped.
I agree. I've been
telling Roger the same thing.
Telling Roger what?
Oh, we were just
talking Jenna Lee.
Beth thinks she's a talent.
I agree. I--
Ah, you got to watch this one.
She's got a good eye.
-Oh.
-You see what she's done
with the house?
Yeah. Impressive.
Fantastic.
There's Judy.
I need you to keep
an eye on Laurie Luhn.
How close?
Siamese twins close.
Telephone, e-mail,
everything?
[song ends]
Consider it done.
[applause]
Thank you all
for coming.
This is a big night
for News Corp.
After revolutionizing news,
we are now taking
a bold step
into financial news
and information
with Fox Business Network.
We live
in an interconnected world
and we need
to embrace this openness
as true global citizens.
[applause]
I'd like to thank everyone
who made this evening possible.
Most importantly,
there's one person
to whom I owe
the success of this evening.
My wife Wendi.
[applause]
[Roger]
Sycophants.
Ass-lickers, parasites.
Outrageous.
[Roger] Did you see them?
Just lapping up every word
that Rupert
and his concubine said,
like they're some kind
of robber baron power couple
with the keys
to the kingdom.
Enjoy the night,
and thank you for coming.
[Beth]
Well, unfortunately,
they sort of are, aren't they?
You heard what
he said, right?
- "Global citizens."
- Yeah.
What does that even mean?
What, to just let
the immigrants invade?
We'll all just
stand down and watch
while every jihadi
gets to decide whether
he wants to live
in Pittsburgh or Peoria?
Scary.
That's what it is.
I was wrong about Warren.
We should go.
We should show Zac
the real America.
Yes, we should.
[newsman]
With America wondering
just what this new presidential
candidate needs to say
in order
to make markets recover,
Barack Obama, still ahead
in the polls, today blamed
Wall Street
for the financial crash.
With markets in turmoil,
some experts wonder
if Democratic candidate
Barack Obama will issue
a call to break up the banks.
With unemployment now
at six and a half percent,
and 240,000 Americans
newly unemployed...
- [Mark] Control room.
- Mark.
[newsman] ...was going to say
anything decisive...
His name is
Barack Hussein Obama.
Always use his middle name.
[Mark] We don't have
to worry about pushback?
No, it's respectful.
It's like...
Martin Luther King.
Okay, you got it.
- Or John Wayne Gacy.
- [knocking]
Killed it in the overnights.
Beat CNN by 300K in the demo.
I'm telling you,
Obama is great for ratings.
Yeah, says you,
the Democrat.
[newsman]
Market fell almost 120 points
just on Thursday
and Friday alone.
- There goes my 401(k).
- You wait.
See what happens with
the markets if he wins.
He wants to share the
wealth. That old chestnut.
Take from the rich,
give to the poor.
He's a fucking communist.
I need us to look
into somebody.
I'll call Dietl.
Who is it?
I think she's fucking
around on him.
[Brian] Okay, look, Rog,
let's think fir--
She's pushing
him to the left.
Bad for business,
fucking dangerous.
See all his new celebrity
friends and his hair dye.
She controls everything he
eats, everything he drinks.
But it's not about his health.
Mind control.
I agree with Brian.
This is an unnecessary risk.
I don't care about the risk.
I will not have her
undermining the work we do here.
For all we know, she already
works for fucking Obama.
Or the Chinese
government.
[sighs]
- ...be the great unifier.
- [door closes]
Barack Hussein Obama...
♪ slow, somber music ♪
[Martha]
Everyone loved
your presentation.
An entire evening
based on Hello, Dolly!
How original.
Oh, thank you, Martha.
I can't wait to get started.
Oh, thank you, Beth.
We're excited to have some
new blood in the society.
And please thank your husband
for his generous contribution.
Of course.
It was our pleasure.
[indistinct chatter]
[Beth]
Excuse me.
[receptionist]
May I help you?
[Beth] I'd like to speak
with the editor.
He's out.
Okay, then the publisher.
Our publisher is the editor.
We have a lean staff,
as you can see.
Well, I'd like him to know
that his employees are making
blatant political statements
with their bumper stickers.
It's a breach of
journalistic integrity,
it shows bias, and it's wrong.
Ms....?
Ailes.
Mrs. Roger Ailes.
Mrs. Ailes,
we don't take political
positions at the paper.
We invite all viewpoints
to be shared
on the letters
to the editor page.
So feel free to write a letter,
and we'll consider it
for next issue.
You have no idea
who I am, do you?
Not a clue.
[chuckles]
♪ suspenseful music ♪
[static]
[newsman]
Good evening, and I welcome you
to the first of
the 2008 presidential debates.
[newsman 2] The campaign
taking an ugly tone.
[Obama] People suggest that
I pal around with terrorists.
[McCain] You launched
your political campaign
- in Mr. Ayers' living room.
- That's absolutely not true.
[Palin]
He was a domestic terrorist.
[newsman 3]
This is desperate,
it's dishonorable...
[woman]
I can't trust Obama.
- He's an Arab.
- No, ma'am.
[Obama] I think tax policy's
a major difference between
- Senator McCain and myself.
- [McCain] I've got a plan
for cutting spending,
for keeping taxes low,
for, uh,
making sure that people can
keep... stay in their homes,
and a long-term plan.
But to show leadership...
there's 35 days left
till this election, and
undoubtedly this entire thing's
gonna come down
to the economy...
so to show leadership, Senator,
what will you do?
[McCain] I am confident
we will have a bill,
and it will rescue
the American economy.
But remember, all it's gonna do
is stop the bleeding.
We've got a long way to go
to get our economy
and our prosperity going again,
which we can and will.
Sounds like
a winning message to me.
Well, we have to leave it there.
Thank you, Senator McCain.
We'll be right back.
- ♪ news theme ♪
- [man] And we're out.
-Back in two.
-[announcer]
Fox is where the news is.
[Vanessa]
You killed it.
I'm telling you, girl,
keep that up...
and the big man's gonna
make you prime time, honey.
[newswoman]
A fist bump?
A pound?
- A terrorist fist jab?
- [laughter]
The gesture everyone seems
to interpret differently.
We'll show you some
interesting body communication
and find out what it...
That's beautiful,
isn't it?
Axelrod's on line two.
David, how's life
on the road?
Take a deep breath.
I... honestly, I don't know
what a terrorist fist jab
is, either.
No, I'm not gonna retract it.
It's a series of questions.
Come on.
We let the viewer decide.
You know--
Hmm?
Fine.
Have the campaign
contact my office.
Obama...
would like a sit-down.
♪ intriguing music ♪
[smacks lips]
Well...
should we watch it again?
- Oh, cue it up.
- Let's watch it again.
[Shine laughing]
[newswoman]
A fist bump? A pound?
A terrorist fist jab?
The gesture...
♪♪
[muttering]
Warren...
is America in microcosm.
Microcosm.
[door opens]
Nobody says "microcosm" in Ohio.
- Warren is a symbol...
- [door closes]
Obama got you on CP time?
[static]
Roger. Seriously?
I've been sitting here
for 45 minutes.
It'll just be
a few more minutes.
You know how it is
in the heat of a campaign.
Yeah, I know a bullshit
power play when I see one.
The donor breakfast ran long.
It screwed the entire day.
Or maybe you're making me wait
as payback for the
Paul Simon-Lynn Martin race.
It's 30 years ago, man.
- Get over it.
- You called my guy
a weenie at a live
press conference.
- He was a weenie.
- And Martin was hands down
the worst candidate I've seen.
No wonder you quit politics
when she lost.
She was batshit crazy.
[laughing]
Hmm. You know,
I have to say,
I was surprised about
the Biden decision.
You know, lovely man,
but Joe is as dumb
as an ashtray.
He-he plays well for us
where we need him to.
- Uh-huh.
- Uh, Catholics, union guys,
- military.
- With white people.
Plays well with
the whites.
Doesn't hurt.
[phone vibrates]
Yeah?
Okay.
Your wait is over.
♪ pulsing, dramatic music ♪
♪♪
Rog, good you could join us.
I see.
I'm impressed.
You wait till
the real meeting is over,
then you trot me out
- like I'm the crazy uncle.
- That's not
- what this is, Roger.
- Really?
Then why have I been waiting
outside with my dick in my hand
- for the last hour?
- I just thought it would be
productive if we could all
get on the same page.
- And what page is that?
- [Axelrod] Cut the shit, Roger.
What you're doing
at Fox is dangerous.
We're reporting the news.
Both sides of the story.
You're stirring up
racial hysteria.
Fanning conspiracy
theories.
Calling Obama some
kind of Muslim
- Manchurian candidate.
- Don't be so dramatic.
If your candidate
doesn't like his coverage,
tell him he can come on Fox.
That's enough, Roger.
We need to come to some
sort of understanding.
I told Barack
there'll be no more
of this Hussein business.
From now on,
Fox will cover his
campaign fairly
and respectfully.
He may well be
the next president.
We better start treating him
as one.
Okay?
♪♪
Dianne? Tell Brian
to get going on the Wendi file.
Don't argue with me,
just get it done.
♪♪
[Palin] ...not only
their country but the world
of violent Islamic terrorists.
[Couric] You've cited
Alaska's proximity to Russia
as part of your foreign policy
experience.
What did you mean by that?
As Putin rears his head
and-and, uh,
comes into the airspace of
the United States of America,
- where-where do they go?
- Jesus Christ.
It-It's Alaska. It's just
right over the border.
It is from Alaska
that we send those out
to make sure that
an eye is being kept
-on this very powerful
nation...
-Oh, Jesus.
Russia, because they
are right there.
[groans]
This is not an interview,
it's an assassination.
McCain's team of morons,
they've given him
an Achilles' heel.
Now, she is supposed
to make McCain look young
and vital.
She's just making him look
like he's hard of hearing.
If Sarah Palin was
the Hail Mary,
the race is over,
McCain's done.
Rupert is telling me
to stand down.
From my own network.
I built Fox News.
Not him.
Me.
He's crossed a line...
and he expects me
to just sit there and take it.
Can you imagine
how that feels?
♪ tense, ambient music ♪
♪♪
I got to get
back to work.
Get my shoes.
[clears throat]
Yeah, uh...
[Beth]
Oh, it's beautiful upstate,
but Garrison can feel so...
- isolating.
- Hmm.
There's nothing like
the energy of the city.
[baroque chamber music playing]
Sometimes I'm jealous of you.
Did you know that?
Working every day.
A place to be
and be seen and--
Well, aren't you spearheading
the Historical Society Gala?
Yes. Yes, it's
Hello, Dolly!
It's very exciting,
of course, but...
but Garrison
is so... small.
Well, you always said
you wanted to bring Zac up
- in a small town.
- That's true. And now
that he's in school,
I feel like my talents
are being wasted.
I...
I was thinking
about asking Roger
if he needs any help
down here at Fox.
Help doing what?
Programming, maybe.
You know, with Chet gone,
Roger needs someone, and...
Shine's in the race,
but does he really
have an eye?
♪♪
[static]
[Roger]
No fucking way.
So they're not gonna run it?
[Brian]
[sighs] I don't know.
Gawker's hard
to get a read on.
I mean, sometimes they
slap shit up right away.
Sometimes they sit
on their asses.
Half of what they run
is just some no-name putz
getting his knob polished.
We've given them
a Wendi Deng-Rupert
Murdoch sex scandal.
Should be fucking gold.
We're the source.
They're the journalist.
We can't control when they
publish what we want them to.
[sputters]
Come on, Brian,
for fuck's sake.
You telling me how
journalists work?
Anything else?
No.
You'd think
they'd fucking run
that shit, right?
Beck's agent sent this over.
Jesus.
Fucking armadillo
with a hairpiece.
Can't argue with the ratings.
I mean, he took
a black hole at CNN
and turned it to $600K
in the demo. I mean...
And he hates Obama.
Set up a meeting.
Roger.
I had lunch with Mrs. Ailes.
And?
She needs a project.
♪ suspenseful, ambient music ♪
♪♪
[static]
[newsman]
Hundreds of thousands of people
gathering for what will be
either a Barack Obama
victory speech or concession.
[newsman 2] Uh, we are watching
key counties...
[newsman 3] What a tough road
John McCain has to follow.
[newsman 4]
I don't see how John McCain
can win without Ohio.
It is a great bellwether
and microcosm of America.
[newsman 5]
We project John McCain
in the state of Kentucky.
[newsman 6] Barack Obama
will carry Virginia.
[Carville] The Republican Party
is getting a drubbing tonight.
[newsman 7] If he loses Ohio,
he'll not only need
to sweep the rest
of these states, which...
[newsman 8]
I've just received word
that the state of Ohio
has gone for Barack Obama.
[cheering]
We're about to tell you
something that you may
recognize as inevitable...
[newsman 9]
Barack Obama will become
the president-elect
of the United States.
[newsman 10]
It's incomprehensible.
Even a year ago, I wouldn't
have thought this possible.
♪ soaring, dramatic music ♪
[Obama]
This is our moment.
This is our time
to put our people back to work
and open doors of opportunity
for our kids,
to restore prosperity
and promote the cause of peace,
to reclaim the American dream
and reaffirm
that fundamental truth
that out of many we are one.
That while we breathe, we hope.
And where we are met
with cynicism and doubts
and those who tell us
that we can't,
we will respond
with that timeless creed
that sums up the spirit
of a people:
Yes, we can.
- Thank you. God bless you.
- [crowd cheering]
And may God bless
the United States of America.
[crowd cheering]
♪♪
[celebratory music playing]
[knocking on door]
Everyone's waiting upstairs.
♪♪
- [elevator bell dings]
- [indistinct chatter]
[exec] He's getting me two
tickets to the inaugural ball.
My wife's gonna lose her mind
when I tell her.
[indistinct chatter]
[Murdoch] Ah, Rog.
You're late to the party.
It's not my party.
Sorry the night
didn't go your way.
You mean America's way.
Roger, we need
to be pragmatic.
We need allies
in Washington.
This man is not an ally.
His presence in the White House
undermines the Constitution.
We need to be vigilant, Rupert.
- [scoffs]
- Vigilant.
I am, Roger. I am.
Want a drink?
Yeah.
♪ sinister music ♪
[newsman]
...running for president
since Eisenhower in 1952.
Fuck.
[Judy]
Hello, Beth.
Roger asked me to tell you
that he'll be late tonight.
I don't know, but late. Bye.
♪ intense, sinister music ♪
♪♪
[camcorder beeps]
♪♪
Yeah.
Turn around.
Dance for me, Laurie.
Come on.
Come closer.
♪♪
[moaning]
You never tell anyone
about this,
do you, Laurie?
Ever.
It's just our little secret.
Our little secret.
[exhales]
Who protects you, Laurie?
- You do, Roger.
- Yeah.
Who's always protected you?
You have.
Are you a good girl,
Laurie?
Hmm?
Yes.
[moans]
[panting]
[buttons beeping]
What time is it?
Uh, it's late. Early.
Jim just dropped me back.
[exhales]
I just don't know
what's going on
with this country.
And no one seems to see
the danger in Washington.
Rupert only listens
to Wendi now.
It's like I'm the last one
left standing to fight.
It's just terrible that he won.
It's not just Washington.
I mean, it's everywhere.
They won't even let us
put a Christ child
on the lawn at Christmas.
Come on.
They got all
this fucking
- Kwanzaa stuff everywhere...
- Ah.
and Hanukkah shit.
You know
what this paper needs?
Good, solid local journalism,
bread and butter stuff.
Yes.
We should buy this paper.
That can be your project.
We can remind Garrison
who they really are.
You can, Beth.
You can remind them.
Is it even for sale?
Yeah, well, I met the owner.
He's pushing on in years.
For the right price.
We both want Zac
to grow up in a town
that has American values.
That respects the flag,
family, and God.
That's what you had
growing up in Warren.
We can make that here.
You always said
it was a war.
Rupert needs to understand.
Garrison needs to understand.
You'll have Fox.
I'll have the paper.
And we will fight.
♪ suspenseful music ♪
Now I'm, uh...
I'm pleased. It's--
Rupert, I need a minute.
Oh, Roger.
Gents, could you
give us moment?
Excuse us. Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Rog, you need an appointment.
Get on the schedule.
Obama's victory is on you.
And you have made yourself
a target for manipulation.
Hardly.
This guy's not a president.
He's a community organizer,
which makes him a communist.
He has no blood understanding
of this country.
And that's something Fox
was in the middle of exposing
before you tied my hands.
There is nothing to expose.
Besides, I endorsed McCain.
Way too late, Rupert,
way too late.
Your coverage was irresponsible.
Do I come in here and tell you
how to do your job?
No. Do I come in here
with my problems?
Well, you're here now.
Twelve years
I've been loyal to you.
And I have delivered to you
the number one news network
in this country.
No one else
could have done that.
And I value your
contributions.
My contributions,
which are roughly around
$500 million dollars
a year in profit
based off my ideas,
my formats,
and my editorial decisions.
I know you and your wife think
I'm some kind of paranoid,
right-wing nutjob from Ohio.
- Roger, Wendi and I--
- I'm the same
paranoid nutjob
who's lining your pockets.
You should just let me
keep doing that.
No interference, nobody
looking over my shoulder.
I need complete editorial
control of Fox News.
Complete. And if you can't
make me that promise,
you're forcing me to quit and go
work for someone else who can.
You should think about that.
♪ somber, dramatic music ♪
♪♪
[Roger]
I'm telling you, Zac,
you can really feel
the difference
in a place like Warren.
You're gonna love it
in Ohio.
Heartland
of the country,
here we come!
♪♪
♪♪
[doorbell rings]
[dog barking, train whistle
blowing in distance]
Can I help you?
My name is Roger Ailes.
I'm the chairman
of Fox News.
I grew up in
this house.
This is my family home.
Do you want
to come in or...?
W-Would that be okay?
[indistinct voices on TV]
Our car's bigger than this room.
Zac.
Caleb, put
your toys away.
Sorry. It's always
a little crazy around here.
No, no. It's us who should be
apologizing for intruding.
[Beth]
We know how hard it is having
- young children.
- [Frank] Yeah.
It's been tough since I lost
my job at the plant.
Delphi. They moved the last
of the jobs to Mexico.
Country's going to hell.
Well...
I'm just hoping
Obama can turn it around.
Caleb.
Do you think I could
show my boy upstairs?
Um, sure.
Why not?
[Roger]
Come on, come on.
My brother and I
shared this.
We had a bunk bed
over here in the corner.
What do you think?
Which one did you get?
The top one.
It was about...
that high. I used to love
playing up there,
because I could imagine
I could look down on everyone.
You know,
my dad came in here one day
when I was playing.
I would've been
a little younger
than you are now.
But he stood right
where you are,
and he said,
"Jump into my arms."
Were you scared?
I was terrified.
But, you know,
I loved my dad.
Didn't want to
disappoint him.
So I bucked up. I scooched over
to the edge of the bed.
I made sure
I didn't look down.
I took a big,
deep breath,
and I leapt into his arms.
But my dad didn't catch me.
He just stepped back.
And I hit the floor.
Right there.
Smack.
I don't understand.
♪ gentle, somber music ♪
He stood over me,
and he said, "Son,
remember that.
You can't trust anyone."
I never forgot that.
He was right.
In your life,
you can never depend on anyone.
Ever.
Let's go.
♪ intense, dramatic music ♪
♪♪
[Laurie]
No, Mom.
I'm fine. I'm fine.
[Laurie's mom] I worry about
you, honey, you know that.
I'm just exhausted,
and I wanted to come and see you
for a few days.
Well, it'll be nice
to have you home for a minute,
that's for sure.
-What kind of pie
should I make?
-[clicking]
Laurie, honey?
Did you hear that?
Hear what? I...
I don't hear anything.
I'll see you tonight.
Yeah, the same spot.
Outside, right?
By the car rental stand.
Well, I'll see you tonight,
sweetie.
Bye.
[dog barking]
[indistinct chatter]
[businessman] Ah, Mr. Ailes,
thank you for coming.
- My wife Elizabeth.
- Pleasure to meet you.
- My son Zachary.
- Hi.
It's their first time in Warren.
So, what do you think
of our city?
Any town that made Roger Ailes
is great in my book.
- [laughs]
- [phone ringing]
- Excuse me.
- Oh, of course.
Yeah.
Mm-hmm.
Good.
Who was that?
Rupert blinked.
I have full
editorial control.
I knew it.
There is no Fox
without you.
[elevator bell dings]
♪ ominous music ♪
♪♪
[sniffles]
[Shine]
Laurie.
- Laurie, hold up.
- Oh, Bill,
I-I-I'm late,
I-I got to go.
You're not gonna be able to
go to Dallas this weekend.
How do you know where I'm going?
[static]
[Suzanne]
Roger wants you to review
the contributor list.
He needs it Monday,
first thing.
[Shine]
Tell your mom.
Come home
another time.
Come on.
♪ pulsing, dramatic music ♪
[cheering and applause]
[Roger]
My friends,
I am a simple man.
To the extent I've had
any success in my life...
it is because I never forgot
the values I learned growing up
right here in Warren, Ohio.
[cheering and applause]
When I grew up,
Warren was a symbol.
A symbol of American strength,
American prosperity,
and American opportunity.
[cheering]
My father spent
his whole life here.
He didn't go to college,
but he had a good job
at the Packard plant
and he lived out his days
on his pension.
But today
those jobs are gone.
- That's true.
- [man] That's right.
The elites have taken them away.
- [shouts of assent]
- For years,
they have shipped
your good-paying jobs overseas,
while importing
foreign immigrants
who will work for less.
We don't need 'em here.
And it's not just Warren.
All over the country,
towns are being stripped
of their wealth
and their identities
by so-called Americans
who are trying to dismantle
the greatest country on Earth
by erasing the things
that made us great:
God,
country,
family,
- and manufacturing.
- [cheering]
The war our fathers fought
was won on the beaches
of Normandy
and in the skies and waters
of the South Pacific.
The war of our time,
for American families
and American values,
will be fought right here,
in small towns across America.
In Garrison, New York
and Warren, Ohio.
- Yes!
- And we must band together
and stand together
and vote together
and take our country back,
block by block,
town by town,
city by city.
Together,
we can win this war.
Together,
we can make America great again!
[cheering and applause]
♪ intense, dramatic music ♪
♪♪
[cheering and applause continue]
♪♪
♪♪
♪♪
♪♪
♪ slow, suspenseful music ♪
[Obama] ...a Selma bridge
for freedom's cause.
So it has been
for every generation
that faced down
the greatest challenges
and the most improbable odds
to leave their children a world
that's better and kinder
- and more just.
- [knocks]
[static]
[distorted]
And so it must be for us.
- America, this is our moment.
- [Zac] Dad?
- Can you help me with--
- [Roger] Be quiet.
[cheering and applause over TV]
This is our time,
our time to turn the page
on the policies of the past.
And our planet began to heal.
This was the moment,
this was the time
when we came together
to remake this great nation
so that it may always reflect
our very best selves
and our highest ideals.
Thank you, Minnesota.
God bless you.
God bless
the United States of America.
[cheering and applause over TV]
♪ loud, cacophonous music ♪
♪♪
[Roger]
I had my first job at your age.
I think it's time you
took some responsibility.
So every morning,
you're gonna hoist the flag,
and every evening,
you're gonna take it down.
Most importantly,
respect the flag
and never let it
touch the ground.
♪ optimistic, dramatic music ♪
♪♪
[Beth]
Hi, boys!
Mom.
[Beth]
Did you know Hello, Dolly!
- was filmed here in Garrison?
- [Roger] Mm-hmm.
Streisand and Matthau
took over the whole town.
They shot here for a month.
Hmm.
There's a local
historical society.
I'm thinking about joining.
Good.
- Are you even listening?
- Dolly.
Streisand. Historical.
- Hmm.
- Jesus Christ.
The Democrats have nominated
an African socialist
who wants to redistribute
the country's wealth,
and the biggest news
around here?
- Potlucks and yard sales.
- Well,
it's a community paper, Roger.
- What do you expect?
- News in the newspaper.
Actual news.
Annual invite from Warren, Ohio.
The Veterans'
Memorial Association
- inviting you to speak.
- Annual rejection.
- What?
- We should accept.
Go back to Warren,
show Zac where you're from.
It'd be good for him.
You haven't been back
in over 20 years.
One day.
[McCain]
...the old me first,
country second
Washington crowd:
- change is coming.
- Fox News/Opinion Dynamics
polls are out, and they have
Democrat Barack Obama out in
front of Republican John McCain
by three percentage points.
[O'Reilly]
I don't have a problem with
Barack Obama, by the way...
All right, so where are we?
In "The Obama Chronicles"
segment...
O'Reilly added .3 in the demo
- last night. Best in weeks.
- [Roger] Of course he did.
What is Obama's
strongest foreign policy?
He's got a new book coming out,
so he's not just phoning it in.
We should be charging the fucker
a commission.
[laughter]
The American people
aren't stupid.
[indistinct chatter]
What does this all mean
for November?
Was Obama
doing everything right,
or is McCain
doing something wrong?
Where are we in the race?
Gallup's got McCain
down by six,
and even Rasmussen
has it outside
- the margin of error.
- Look, I understand that.
I like John a lot.
He's a goddamn war hero.
But his message,
it's about as limp as
Liberace's handshake.
[laughter]
Morning.
Carry on.
[Roger]
It's not his only problem.
They got George Soros and all
of his hard left media buddies.
They've decided they're gonna
put an affirmative action hire
into the White House.
Now, we got to be
on top of that.
Where are we with Obama's
Islamic education?
[woman]
The madrassa?
Still nothing confirmed.
You got to keep digging.
He 100% was raised
in a Muslim school.
I have that on very,
very good authority.
Where are we with the
Michelle Obama tape?
Oh, my guy's
still chasing it down.
He swears he's heard the audio.
Michelle saying,
"I hate whitey."
[laughs] Come on,
that's solid gold.
- It really is.
- I mean, it won't be sourced.
Well, it doesn't matter. You
just frame it as a question.
"Does a new tape reveal
that Michelle Obama
hates white people?"
- That's one way to do it.
- Yeah.
Roger, that's...
- that's pushing it.
- No, it's not pushing it.
Barack Obama has managed
to trick the entire media,
except for us,
into getting behind him
and his socialist ideas
and manifestos.
The last two guys who did that?
Hitler and Stalin.
Okay? That man is a
danger to this country,
and it is on us to make
sure the voters know.
All right.
Let's just make sure
we're at our very best.
[clears throat]
- All good?
- Yeah.
Roger, why hasn't
O'Reilly's deal closed?
I don't know where
you're getting that from.
His agent responded
to the counter
and agreed
to $45 million dollars
- over four years.
- Oh, good. I just wanted
to make sure we're on track.
You know,
I'm out of town for a bit,
um, but I'll see you
at the Fox Business launch.
Rupert just asked me
about O'Reilly's
contract negotiations.
That means somebody's
pissing outside the tent.
Find out who that is.
This is off the fucking record.
We clear?
There's gonna be layoffs.
[scoffs] Names.
Yeah, I'm gonna give
a fucking reporter names?
What am I, Santa Claus?
Well, but you know what?
This just might be
your lucky day.
Marty Dibari in legal.
Check him out.
You remember this:
I am not your source.
All right? You fuck me on this,
and I swear to God,
I will fuck you back so hard
you'll be coughing up my dick.
[Roger] Everything ready
for the FBN party?
[Laurie]
I sent the final guest list
to your office for sign-off.
Venue and vendors
all confirmed.
Good.
There can't be
any complications.
Nothing short of excellence.
Rupert's been riding my ass
to launch this business
network for two years.
I told him there's no
room in the market.
Nobody in the goddamn world
- wants another CNBC.
- [phone ringing]
Hey, Beth.
No, I'm in a meeting.
How much?
Jesus.
Well, it's the Garrison
Historical Society.
It's not the Smithsonian.
Well, if it means that
much, we can write a check.
Okay, I got to go.
I think about her sometimes,
Roger.
- Don't.
- I feel guilty.
You know, she loves you.
- I just...
- Laurie.
- Don't you ever think--
- I'm a multifaceted man,
and my family is
only one part of me.
♪ tense, ambient music ♪
♪♪
Go and get your uniform.
[Laurie]
Catering?
[woman]
Ready to go.
[Laurie]
Music?
[woman]
He's setting up now.
Do they have Roger's
- music choices?
- Yes.
[Laurie]
Good.
So, what's Roger like?
I hear he's kind of scary.
[Laurie]
Roger is...
He's brilliant.
- Brilliant.
- Yeah, yeah, I know,
but people say he can be brutal.
You know, 20 years ago,
Roger Ailes told me that
he would change the world.
And he did.
The man is a genius.
People kill
to work at Fox.
You should remember that.
♪♪
[Zac]
Damn it.
♪♪
Brian.
Marty.
Marty, what am I doing here?
I got a party to go to.
I just got a call
from the Daily News asking me
to comment on a story
about me being fired.
Okay, calm down. Just tell
me what the reporter said.
Just... that I'm about
to be laid off.
What am I supposed
to tell my wife?
She's gonna kill me. Fuck!
I can't get fired, not now.
I need this job!
Look, sometimes reporters
get bad information.
So I'm not being fired?
Well, not yet.
But, um...
leak again,
and you will be.
Brian, I didn't leak.
I would never.
You didn't leak? You didn't go
down to Langan's and get drunk?
You didn't tell that
secretary in corporate
you're trying to bang about
O'Reilly's stalled contract?
- You didn't do that?
- She works with us.
She works for
News Corp, not Fox.
Just because Murdoch signs
all the paychecks doesn't mean
we jerk each other
off in the shower.
Anyone outside Fox
is the enemy.
And we do not talk
about what we do.
I understand.
Good.
Lighten up there, buddy.
It's a nice night.
[car door closes]
♪ upbeat, light jazz ♪
♪♪
[band playing upbeat,
light jazz]
He has black eyes,
which I love.
[laughing]
Roger, Beth, uh,
welcome, welcome.
Wendi's just telling us
about Diller's fund-raiser
for Obama in East Hampton.
[static]
What a surprise, Beth,
we weren't invited.
[Wendi]
And Michelle.
So beautiful. Like
Jackie, but black.
[laughter]
She asked me to lunch next
time she's in Manhattan.
[Murdoch]
Roger, Prince Al-Waleed,
our second biggest shareholder.
Mr. Al-Waleed.
Mr. Ailes, it's
a pleasure.
His Highness flew in
from Riyadh just for tonight.
Well, I'm just glad you didn't
hit any buildings on the way in.
[Beth]
[laughing] Oh, Roger.
What a sense of humor
you have.
[Roger]
I'll be back in a minute.
[indistinct whispering]
How many years have you
worked for me now?
How many years have you known I
do not like to walk into a room
and get surprised by guests
I wasn't expecting to see?
They were Wendi's guests.
People I've not approved,
people I've not invited.
This is my party,
my room, my guest list.
Let me know
if there's anything else
I need to remind you
about, Laurie,
'cause I wouldn't want to see
you fail so abysmally again.
Just let me know
if you need any fucking help.
[light jazz playing]
[laughter, indistinct chatter]
Gretchen.
Roger.
[static]
You know, little
Miss America here
is gonna be the queen of morning
television on Fox & Friends.
I had to break
a couple legs at CBS to get her,
but it was worth it.
[laughter]
So, McCain's coming
on Fox & Friends next week.
Doocy's had
the last three interviews.
I want this one.
Gretchen, I'm quite
sure you should be
speaking to your E.P.
I don't do the bookings.
I have.
And you thought
it was okay
to just go over her head
and talk to me directly?
Well, I think we
should give you a shot.
[laughs]
Thank you, Roger.
You won't regret it.
[laughing]
Oh, I better not.
[laughs]
You know I've fucked
two Miss Americas?
- Not that one yet.
- By the way,
you can sleep tonight.
I plugged the leak.
You should have seen him, too.
He was shitting himself.
He was like, "Oh, my
God, what am I gonna do?
My wife is gonna kill me.
Why am I such a
simpering asshole?"
It was beautiful.
- Brian fucking Lewis. Well done.
- Yeah.
Thank you. Thank you.
[Beth] I caught Jenna Lee
on Happening Now
yesterday. I thought
she was just phenomenal.
Really popped.
I agree. I've been
telling Roger the same thing.
Telling Roger what?
Oh, we were just
talking Jenna Lee.
Beth thinks she's a talent.
I agree. I--
Ah, you got to watch this one.
She's got a good eye.
-Oh.
-You see what she's done
with the house?
Yeah. Impressive.
Fantastic.
There's Judy.
I need you to keep
an eye on Laurie Luhn.
How close?
Siamese twins close.
Telephone, e-mail,
everything?
[song ends]
Consider it done.
[applause]
Thank you all
for coming.
This is a big night
for News Corp.
After revolutionizing news,
we are now taking
a bold step
into financial news
and information
with Fox Business Network.
We live
in an interconnected world
and we need
to embrace this openness
as true global citizens.
[applause]
I'd like to thank everyone
who made this evening possible.
Most importantly,
there's one person
to whom I owe
the success of this evening.
My wife Wendi.
[applause]
[Roger]
Sycophants.
Ass-lickers, parasites.
Outrageous.
[Roger] Did you see them?
Just lapping up every word
that Rupert
and his concubine said,
like they're some kind
of robber baron power couple
with the keys
to the kingdom.
Enjoy the night,
and thank you for coming.
[Beth]
Well, unfortunately,
they sort of are, aren't they?
You heard what
he said, right?
- "Global citizens."
- Yeah.
What does that even mean?
What, to just let
the immigrants invade?
We'll all just
stand down and watch
while every jihadi
gets to decide whether
he wants to live
in Pittsburgh or Peoria?
Scary.
That's what it is.
I was wrong about Warren.
We should go.
We should show Zac
the real America.
Yes, we should.
[newsman]
With America wondering
just what this new presidential
candidate needs to say
in order
to make markets recover,
Barack Obama, still ahead
in the polls, today blamed
Wall Street
for the financial crash.
With markets in turmoil,
some experts wonder
if Democratic candidate
Barack Obama will issue
a call to break up the banks.
With unemployment now
at six and a half percent,
and 240,000 Americans
newly unemployed...
- [Mark] Control room.
- Mark.
[newsman] ...was going to say
anything decisive...
His name is
Barack Hussein Obama.
Always use his middle name.
[Mark] We don't have
to worry about pushback?
No, it's respectful.
It's like...
Martin Luther King.
Okay, you got it.
- Or John Wayne Gacy.
- [knocking]
Killed it in the overnights.
Beat CNN by 300K in the demo.
I'm telling you,
Obama is great for ratings.
Yeah, says you,
the Democrat.
[newsman]
Market fell almost 120 points
just on Thursday
and Friday alone.
- There goes my 401(k).
- You wait.
See what happens with
the markets if he wins.
He wants to share the
wealth. That old chestnut.
Take from the rich,
give to the poor.
He's a fucking communist.
I need us to look
into somebody.
I'll call Dietl.
Who is it?
I think she's fucking
around on him.
[Brian] Okay, look, Rog,
let's think fir--
She's pushing
him to the left.
Bad for business,
fucking dangerous.
See all his new celebrity
friends and his hair dye.
She controls everything he
eats, everything he drinks.
But it's not about his health.
Mind control.
I agree with Brian.
This is an unnecessary risk.
I don't care about the risk.
I will not have her
undermining the work we do here.
For all we know, she already
works for fucking Obama.
Or the Chinese
government.
[sighs]
- ...be the great unifier.
- [door closes]
Barack Hussein Obama...
♪ slow, somber music ♪
[Martha]
Everyone loved
your presentation.
An entire evening
based on Hello, Dolly!
How original.
Oh, thank you, Martha.
I can't wait to get started.
Oh, thank you, Beth.
We're excited to have some
new blood in the society.
And please thank your husband
for his generous contribution.
Of course.
It was our pleasure.
[indistinct chatter]
[Beth]
Excuse me.
[receptionist]
May I help you?
[Beth] I'd like to speak
with the editor.
He's out.
Okay, then the publisher.
Our publisher is the editor.
We have a lean staff,
as you can see.
Well, I'd like him to know
that his employees are making
blatant political statements
with their bumper stickers.
It's a breach of
journalistic integrity,
it shows bias, and it's wrong.
Ms....?
Ailes.
Mrs. Roger Ailes.
Mrs. Ailes,
we don't take political
positions at the paper.
We invite all viewpoints
to be shared
on the letters
to the editor page.
So feel free to write a letter,
and we'll consider it
for next issue.
You have no idea
who I am, do you?
Not a clue.
[chuckles]
♪ suspenseful music ♪
[static]
[newsman]
Good evening, and I welcome you
to the first of
the 2008 presidential debates.
[newsman 2] The campaign
taking an ugly tone.
[Obama] People suggest that
I pal around with terrorists.
[McCain] You launched
your political campaign
- in Mr. Ayers' living room.
- That's absolutely not true.
[Palin]
He was a domestic terrorist.
[newsman 3]
This is desperate,
it's dishonorable...
[woman]
I can't trust Obama.
- He's an Arab.
- No, ma'am.
[Obama] I think tax policy's
a major difference between
- Senator McCain and myself.
- [McCain] I've got a plan
for cutting spending,
for keeping taxes low,
for, uh,
making sure that people can
keep... stay in their homes,
and a long-term plan.
But to show leadership...
there's 35 days left
till this election, and
undoubtedly this entire thing's
gonna come down
to the economy...
so to show leadership, Senator,
what will you do?
[McCain] I am confident
we will have a bill,
and it will rescue
the American economy.
But remember, all it's gonna do
is stop the bleeding.
We've got a long way to go
to get our economy
and our prosperity going again,
which we can and will.
Sounds like
a winning message to me.
Well, we have to leave it there.
Thank you, Senator McCain.
We'll be right back.
- ♪ news theme ♪
- [man] And we're out.
-Back in two.
-[announcer]
Fox is where the news is.
[Vanessa]
You killed it.
I'm telling you, girl,
keep that up...
and the big man's gonna
make you prime time, honey.
[newswoman]
A fist bump?
A pound?
- A terrorist fist jab?
- [laughter]
The gesture everyone seems
to interpret differently.
We'll show you some
interesting body communication
and find out what it...
That's beautiful,
isn't it?
Axelrod's on line two.
David, how's life
on the road?
Take a deep breath.
I... honestly, I don't know
what a terrorist fist jab
is, either.
No, I'm not gonna retract it.
It's a series of questions.
Come on.
We let the viewer decide.
You know--
Hmm?
Fine.
Have the campaign
contact my office.
Obama...
would like a sit-down.
♪ intriguing music ♪
[smacks lips]
Well...
should we watch it again?
- Oh, cue it up.
- Let's watch it again.
[Shine laughing]
[newswoman]
A fist bump? A pound?
A terrorist fist jab?
The gesture...
♪♪
[muttering]
Warren...
is America in microcosm.
Microcosm.
[door opens]
Nobody says "microcosm" in Ohio.
- Warren is a symbol...
- [door closes]
Obama got you on CP time?
[static]
Roger. Seriously?
I've been sitting here
for 45 minutes.
It'll just be
a few more minutes.
You know how it is
in the heat of a campaign.
Yeah, I know a bullshit
power play when I see one.
The donor breakfast ran long.
It screwed the entire day.
Or maybe you're making me wait
as payback for the
Paul Simon-Lynn Martin race.
It's 30 years ago, man.
- Get over it.
- You called my guy
a weenie at a live
press conference.
- He was a weenie.
- And Martin was hands down
the worst candidate I've seen.
No wonder you quit politics
when she lost.
She was batshit crazy.
[laughing]
Hmm. You know,
I have to say,
I was surprised about
the Biden decision.
You know, lovely man,
but Joe is as dumb
as an ashtray.
He-he plays well for us
where we need him to.
- Uh-huh.
- Uh, Catholics, union guys,
- military.
- With white people.
Plays well with
the whites.
Doesn't hurt.
[phone vibrates]
Yeah?
Okay.
Your wait is over.
♪ pulsing, dramatic music ♪
♪♪
Rog, good you could join us.
I see.
I'm impressed.
You wait till
the real meeting is over,
then you trot me out
- like I'm the crazy uncle.
- That's not
- what this is, Roger.
- Really?
Then why have I been waiting
outside with my dick in my hand
- for the last hour?
- I just thought it would be
productive if we could all
get on the same page.
- And what page is that?
- [Axelrod] Cut the shit, Roger.
What you're doing
at Fox is dangerous.
We're reporting the news.
Both sides of the story.
You're stirring up
racial hysteria.
Fanning conspiracy
theories.
Calling Obama some
kind of Muslim
- Manchurian candidate.
- Don't be so dramatic.
If your candidate
doesn't like his coverage,
tell him he can come on Fox.
That's enough, Roger.
We need to come to some
sort of understanding.
I told Barack
there'll be no more
of this Hussein business.
From now on,
Fox will cover his
campaign fairly
and respectfully.
He may well be
the next president.
We better start treating him
as one.
Okay?
♪♪
Dianne? Tell Brian
to get going on the Wendi file.
Don't argue with me,
just get it done.
♪♪
[Palin] ...not only
their country but the world
of violent Islamic terrorists.
[Couric] You've cited
Alaska's proximity to Russia
as part of your foreign policy
experience.
What did you mean by that?
As Putin rears his head
and-and, uh,
comes into the airspace of
the United States of America,
- where-where do they go?
- Jesus Christ.
It-It's Alaska. It's just
right over the border.
It is from Alaska
that we send those out
to make sure that
an eye is being kept
-on this very powerful
nation...
-Oh, Jesus.
Russia, because they
are right there.
[groans]
This is not an interview,
it's an assassination.
McCain's team of morons,
they've given him
an Achilles' heel.
Now, she is supposed
to make McCain look young
and vital.
She's just making him look
like he's hard of hearing.
If Sarah Palin was
the Hail Mary,
the race is over,
McCain's done.
Rupert is telling me
to stand down.
From my own network.
I built Fox News.
Not him.
Me.
He's crossed a line...
and he expects me
to just sit there and take it.
Can you imagine
how that feels?
♪ tense, ambient music ♪
♪♪
I got to get
back to work.
Get my shoes.
[clears throat]
Yeah, uh...
[Beth]
Oh, it's beautiful upstate,
but Garrison can feel so...
- isolating.
- Hmm.
There's nothing like
the energy of the city.
[baroque chamber music playing]
Sometimes I'm jealous of you.
Did you know that?
Working every day.
A place to be
and be seen and--
Well, aren't you spearheading
the Historical Society Gala?
Yes. Yes, it's
Hello, Dolly!
It's very exciting,
of course, but...
but Garrison
is so... small.
Well, you always said
you wanted to bring Zac up
- in a small town.
- That's true. And now
that he's in school,
I feel like my talents
are being wasted.
I...
I was thinking
about asking Roger
if he needs any help
down here at Fox.
Help doing what?
Programming, maybe.
You know, with Chet gone,
Roger needs someone, and...
Shine's in the race,
but does he really
have an eye?
♪♪
[static]
[Roger]
No fucking way.
So they're not gonna run it?
[Brian]
[sighs] I don't know.
Gawker's hard
to get a read on.
I mean, sometimes they
slap shit up right away.
Sometimes they sit
on their asses.
Half of what they run
is just some no-name putz
getting his knob polished.
We've given them
a Wendi Deng-Rupert
Murdoch sex scandal.
Should be fucking gold.
We're the source.
They're the journalist.
We can't control when they
publish what we want them to.
[sputters]
Come on, Brian,
for fuck's sake.
You telling me how
journalists work?
Anything else?
No.
You'd think
they'd fucking run
that shit, right?
Beck's agent sent this over.
Jesus.
Fucking armadillo
with a hairpiece.
Can't argue with the ratings.
I mean, he took
a black hole at CNN
and turned it to $600K
in the demo. I mean...
And he hates Obama.
Set up a meeting.
Roger.
I had lunch with Mrs. Ailes.
And?
She needs a project.
♪ suspenseful, ambient music ♪
♪♪
[static]
[newsman]
Hundreds of thousands of people
gathering for what will be
either a Barack Obama
victory speech or concession.
[newsman 2] Uh, we are watching
key counties...
[newsman 3] What a tough road
John McCain has to follow.
[newsman 4]
I don't see how John McCain
can win without Ohio.
It is a great bellwether
and microcosm of America.
[newsman 5]
We project John McCain
in the state of Kentucky.
[newsman 6] Barack Obama
will carry Virginia.
[Carville] The Republican Party
is getting a drubbing tonight.
[newsman 7] If he loses Ohio,
he'll not only need
to sweep the rest
of these states, which...
[newsman 8]
I've just received word
that the state of Ohio
has gone for Barack Obama.
[cheering]
We're about to tell you
something that you may
recognize as inevitable...
[newsman 9]
Barack Obama will become
the president-elect
of the United States.
[newsman 10]
It's incomprehensible.
Even a year ago, I wouldn't
have thought this possible.
♪ soaring, dramatic music ♪
[Obama]
This is our moment.
This is our time
to put our people back to work
and open doors of opportunity
for our kids,
to restore prosperity
and promote the cause of peace,
to reclaim the American dream
and reaffirm
that fundamental truth
that out of many we are one.
That while we breathe, we hope.
And where we are met
with cynicism and doubts
and those who tell us
that we can't,
we will respond
with that timeless creed
that sums up the spirit
of a people:
Yes, we can.
- Thank you. God bless you.
- [crowd cheering]
And may God bless
the United States of America.
[crowd cheering]
♪♪
[celebratory music playing]
[knocking on door]
Everyone's waiting upstairs.
♪♪
- [elevator bell dings]
- [indistinct chatter]
[exec] He's getting me two
tickets to the inaugural ball.
My wife's gonna lose her mind
when I tell her.
[indistinct chatter]
[Murdoch] Ah, Rog.
You're late to the party.
It's not my party.
Sorry the night
didn't go your way.
You mean America's way.
Roger, we need
to be pragmatic.
We need allies
in Washington.
This man is not an ally.
His presence in the White House
undermines the Constitution.
We need to be vigilant, Rupert.
- [scoffs]
- Vigilant.
I am, Roger. I am.
Want a drink?
Yeah.
♪ sinister music ♪
[newsman]
...running for president
since Eisenhower in 1952.
Fuck.
[Judy]
Hello, Beth.
Roger asked me to tell you
that he'll be late tonight.
I don't know, but late. Bye.
♪ intense, sinister music ♪
♪♪
[camcorder beeps]
♪♪
Yeah.
Turn around.
Dance for me, Laurie.
Come on.
Come closer.
♪♪
[moaning]
You never tell anyone
about this,
do you, Laurie?
Ever.
It's just our little secret.
Our little secret.
[exhales]
Who protects you, Laurie?
- You do, Roger.
- Yeah.
Who's always protected you?
You have.
Are you a good girl,
Laurie?
Hmm?
Yes.
[moans]
[panting]
[buttons beeping]
What time is it?
Uh, it's late. Early.
Jim just dropped me back.
[exhales]
I just don't know
what's going on
with this country.
And no one seems to see
the danger in Washington.
Rupert only listens
to Wendi now.
It's like I'm the last one
left standing to fight.
It's just terrible that he won.
It's not just Washington.
I mean, it's everywhere.
They won't even let us
put a Christ child
on the lawn at Christmas.
Come on.
They got all
this fucking
- Kwanzaa stuff everywhere...
- Ah.
and Hanukkah shit.
You know
what this paper needs?
Good, solid local journalism,
bread and butter stuff.
Yes.
We should buy this paper.
That can be your project.
We can remind Garrison
who they really are.
You can, Beth.
You can remind them.
Is it even for sale?
Yeah, well, I met the owner.
He's pushing on in years.
For the right price.
We both want Zac
to grow up in a town
that has American values.
That respects the flag,
family, and God.
That's what you had
growing up in Warren.
We can make that here.
You always said
it was a war.
Rupert needs to understand.
Garrison needs to understand.
You'll have Fox.
I'll have the paper.
And we will fight.
♪ suspenseful music ♪
Now I'm, uh...
I'm pleased. It's--
Rupert, I need a minute.
Oh, Roger.
Gents, could you
give us moment?
Excuse us. Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Rog, you need an appointment.
Get on the schedule.
Obama's victory is on you.
And you have made yourself
a target for manipulation.
Hardly.
This guy's not a president.
He's a community organizer,
which makes him a communist.
He has no blood understanding
of this country.
And that's something Fox
was in the middle of exposing
before you tied my hands.
There is nothing to expose.
Besides, I endorsed McCain.
Way too late, Rupert,
way too late.
Your coverage was irresponsible.
Do I come in here and tell you
how to do your job?
No. Do I come in here
with my problems?
Well, you're here now.
Twelve years
I've been loyal to you.
And I have delivered to you
the number one news network
in this country.
No one else
could have done that.
And I value your
contributions.
My contributions,
which are roughly around
$500 million dollars
a year in profit
based off my ideas,
my formats,
and my editorial decisions.
I know you and your wife think
I'm some kind of paranoid,
right-wing nutjob from Ohio.
- Roger, Wendi and I--
- I'm the same
paranoid nutjob
who's lining your pockets.
You should just let me
keep doing that.
No interference, nobody
looking over my shoulder.
I need complete editorial
control of Fox News.
Complete. And if you can't
make me that promise,
you're forcing me to quit and go
work for someone else who can.
You should think about that.
♪ somber, dramatic music ♪
♪♪
[Roger]
I'm telling you, Zac,
you can really feel
the difference
in a place like Warren.
You're gonna love it
in Ohio.
Heartland
of the country,
here we come!
♪♪
♪♪
[doorbell rings]
[dog barking, train whistle
blowing in distance]
Can I help you?
My name is Roger Ailes.
I'm the chairman
of Fox News.
I grew up in
this house.
This is my family home.
Do you want
to come in or...?
W-Would that be okay?
[indistinct voices on TV]
Our car's bigger than this room.
Zac.
Caleb, put
your toys away.
Sorry. It's always
a little crazy around here.
No, no. It's us who should be
apologizing for intruding.
[Beth]
We know how hard it is having
- young children.
- [Frank] Yeah.
It's been tough since I lost
my job at the plant.
Delphi. They moved the last
of the jobs to Mexico.
Country's going to hell.
Well...
I'm just hoping
Obama can turn it around.
Caleb.
Do you think I could
show my boy upstairs?
Um, sure.
Why not?
[Roger]
Come on, come on.
My brother and I
shared this.
We had a bunk bed
over here in the corner.
What do you think?
Which one did you get?
The top one.
It was about...
that high. I used to love
playing up there,
because I could imagine
I could look down on everyone.
You know,
my dad came in here one day
when I was playing.
I would've been
a little younger
than you are now.
But he stood right
where you are,
and he said,
"Jump into my arms."
Were you scared?
I was terrified.
But, you know,
I loved my dad.
Didn't want to
disappoint him.
So I bucked up. I scooched over
to the edge of the bed.
I made sure
I didn't look down.
I took a big,
deep breath,
and I leapt into his arms.
But my dad didn't catch me.
He just stepped back.
And I hit the floor.
Right there.
Smack.
I don't understand.
♪ gentle, somber music ♪
He stood over me,
and he said, "Son,
remember that.
You can't trust anyone."
I never forgot that.
He was right.
In your life,
you can never depend on anyone.
Ever.
Let's go.
♪ intense, dramatic music ♪
♪♪
[Laurie]
No, Mom.
I'm fine. I'm fine.
[Laurie's mom] I worry about
you, honey, you know that.
I'm just exhausted,
and I wanted to come and see you
for a few days.
Well, it'll be nice
to have you home for a minute,
that's for sure.
-What kind of pie
should I make?
-[clicking]
Laurie, honey?
Did you hear that?
Hear what? I...
I don't hear anything.
I'll see you tonight.
Yeah, the same spot.
Outside, right?
By the car rental stand.
Well, I'll see you tonight,
sweetie.
Bye.
[dog barking]
[indistinct chatter]
[businessman] Ah, Mr. Ailes,
thank you for coming.
- My wife Elizabeth.
- Pleasure to meet you.
- My son Zachary.
- Hi.
It's their first time in Warren.
So, what do you think
of our city?
Any town that made Roger Ailes
is great in my book.
- [laughs]
- [phone ringing]
- Excuse me.
- Oh, of course.
Yeah.
Mm-hmm.
Good.
Who was that?
Rupert blinked.
I have full
editorial control.
I knew it.
There is no Fox
without you.
[elevator bell dings]
♪ ominous music ♪
♪♪
[sniffles]
[Shine]
Laurie.
- Laurie, hold up.
- Oh, Bill,
I-I-I'm late,
I-I got to go.
You're not gonna be able to
go to Dallas this weekend.
How do you know where I'm going?
[static]
[Suzanne]
Roger wants you to review
the contributor list.
He needs it Monday,
first thing.
[Shine]
Tell your mom.
Come home
another time.
Come on.
♪ pulsing, dramatic music ♪
[cheering and applause]
[Roger]
My friends,
I am a simple man.
To the extent I've had
any success in my life...
it is because I never forgot
the values I learned growing up
right here in Warren, Ohio.
[cheering and applause]
When I grew up,
Warren was a symbol.
A symbol of American strength,
American prosperity,
and American opportunity.
[cheering]
My father spent
his whole life here.
He didn't go to college,
but he had a good job
at the Packard plant
and he lived out his days
on his pension.
But today
those jobs are gone.
- That's true.
- [man] That's right.
The elites have taken them away.
- [shouts of assent]
- For years,
they have shipped
your good-paying jobs overseas,
while importing
foreign immigrants
who will work for less.
We don't need 'em here.
And it's not just Warren.
All over the country,
towns are being stripped
of their wealth
and their identities
by so-called Americans
who are trying to dismantle
the greatest country on Earth
by erasing the things
that made us great:
God,
country,
family,
- and manufacturing.
- [cheering]
The war our fathers fought
was won on the beaches
of Normandy
and in the skies and waters
of the South Pacific.
The war of our time,
for American families
and American values,
will be fought right here,
in small towns across America.
In Garrison, New York
and Warren, Ohio.
- Yes!
- And we must band together
and stand together
and vote together
and take our country back,
block by block,
town by town,
city by city.
Together,
we can win this war.
Together,
we can make America great again!
[cheering and applause]
♪ intense, dramatic music ♪
♪♪
[cheering and applause continue]
♪♪
♪♪