Year One: The Honeymoon's Over

Washington, D.C., January 2007

The applause from both sides of the political aisle was polite, but strained in some places-particularly from some of the more liberal Democrats, Josh noticed. Still for the President's second State of the Union speech, it wasn't bad. It was almost like being back out on the campaign trail again.

Santos had come a long way from a long-shot candidacy. First Latino President. Youngest President since John F. Kennedy. He'd grown into the role of Commander In Chief. Josh liked to think he had something to do with that, which was why the last few weeks had been so hard for him.

"So you think it was a good speech?" Matthew Santos and Secretary of State Arnold Vinick were in the Oval Office. Santos felt bad about keeping Vinick up this late; he knew how Vinick liked to get to bed by 10:00.

"I think it went over well, yeah," the former Republican presidential candidate answered. "There were a couple of spots where it could have been stronger…"

"You mean parts the Republicans would have liked." Santos grinned. "Don't worry. Josh told me the same thing about the Democrats."

Ronna Beckman entered the room. "Vice President Baker is here, sir."

"OK Ronna thanks." Santos looked at Vinick. "I know this hasn't been an easy year for you with your own party…"

"Yeah, well, if I'd wanted an easy job I wouldn't have let Bruno talk me into running in the first place."

Eric Baker came in. "I just ran into Josh," he said. "He said he thought you gave a good speech tonight."

Santos grimaced. "This means he probably hated it." Santos and Josh's relationship had become strained in recent months, with American troops still in Kazakhstan and Santos' choices for cabinet positions still causing problems with some leading Democrats. "I'll have a talk with him…OK, let's get down to business. I need to know where we stand on my tax cut proposal…"

Josh's Office

"So you got a call from Toby?" Sam Seaborn asked. Amy Gardner had just left after a "Discussion" with Josh about Santos's choice for a Supreme Court nomination, a judge who was known for her conservative views but who had the kind of independent streak that Santos liked.

"Yeah, I got a call."

"Are you seriously considering? Have you told the President?"

"Maybe, and no, I haven't. When I make my decision, you'll know it, don't worry."

Sam's tone was thoughtful. "He'd make a good Congressman."

"He's not even said whether or not he'll accept the offer to run yet," Josh reminded him. "It'd be a tough fight for him. His opponent in the primary would have a lot more money and organization."

"That never stopped you before," Sam pointed out.

"Maybe I'll give him a call," Josh mused. "Yeah. Maybe I'll call…just to check up on how he's doing."

"Maybe give him a few pointers if he decides to run?"

"Yeah…"

Charlie Young met Sam after the meeting. "So Josh hasn't said yes or no yet?"

"He's thinking about it."

"But he is going to call Toby."

"He told me so, yeah. Listen…this doesn't have anything to do with his relationship with Santos. We both know he's felt kind of left out lately…"

"And he doesn't have a campaign to run."

"He misses that, too. As Donna keeps reminding me."

"So he's staying."

"For now."

Charlie nodded. "For now…"

TBC!