Scene from Episode #202 (In the shadow of two gunmen, part 2)

Somewhere in New Hampshire, Governor Bartlet is finishing off a rousing speech about education and its importance if America is to continue on the path to greatness destined for her by the Founding Fathers. Everyone’s pride is hitting record heights.

SAM: (to Josh) I wrote that.
JOSH: Sam, I know.
SAM: I mean I wrote that.
JOSH: Sam, I know. We’re all very proud of you. (he pats Sam slightly patronisingly but a little proudly on the back. Nods towards the Governor and says to Donna and Sam who are standing against the wall with him) Doing great out there, isn’t he?
DONNA: (far-away , dreamy look on her face) Hmmm?
JOSH: Donnatella? (nudges her)
SAM: Josh, leave her be. She’s in that place.
DONNA: (suddenly interested) What place?
SAM: The place where you pinch yourself wondering how you got to be here and feeling huge pride and deep humility all at the same time.
DONNA: (looks at Sam as though he’s lost his mind.) Nah. Actually I was just wondering what I was going to have for dessert tonight.
JOSH: (chuckles and smiles tenderly) You’re quite something, you know that?
DONNA: (beams back) So I’ve been told a number of times. Most of them by you.
SAM: Honestly, guys, get a room.
DONNA: Huh?
JOSH: (shoots him a look that says, “Sam, I’m warning you...”)
SAM: Do it quick before we’re in office. Less scandalous that way. (goes off to remind CJ that he wrote the speech Bartlet is delivering so rousingly)
DONNA: Josh? What’s he talking about?
JOSH: Hmmm?
DONNA: Josh?
JOSH: He’s under the impression there may be some kind of romantic tension between us.
DONNA: Are you under that impression too?
JOSH: Are you?
DONNA: I asked first.

Governor Bartlet finished his speech and everyone stands to their feet. It’s a moving moment. The conversation is interrupted. Sam hugs CJ and we see him mouthing “I wrote that!”. Josh, without thinking, hugs Donna, breathes her in.

They pull away.

DONNA: Do you think this might be an example of what Sam meant?
JOSH: (smiles) Maybe.
DONNA: Do you think we shouldn’t do that anymore?
JOSH: When we’re in office? Yeah. (Donna looks disappointed.) Well, maybe not.
DONNA: Josh, Sam doesn’t know what he’s talking about. I’m your assistant. Nothing can happen between us. We’re clear on that, right?
JOSH: Of course. Even if both wanted it to. (long lingering look) So it’s all nice and clear.
DONNA: Mmm. Yeah. (To herself) Clear, anyway.