The American President (Know the Difference)

[@amperro]

Surreal seeing Martin Sheen here but not as the President. West Wing is funny that way.

[@LupusAries]

What Michael J. Fox's character says, when the other guy tells him, that the president doesn't answers to him, the: "Oh yes he does, I'm a citizen, This is my President, and in this Country it's not only permissible to question our leaders, it's our responsibility!", is something a lot of people need to remember. We are the people! We are not some lowly servants, not subjects! We are citizens of a democracy, and therefore: We are the sovereigns!

[@vectorman7140]

I think Michael Douglas was so good, he deserved an Oscar nod for his performance.

[@mattburke761]

How did Michael J Fox not win an Oscar for this movie??? By far his most powerful performance!!!!

[@Moviefan2k4]

Simple: the Oscars have long been about rewarding Leftists in Hollywood over anybody else. While Michael as a person seems more centered in his politics, the character of Lewis is about as close to Reagan as you can get (minus the gun-control stance). As such, it doesn't surprise me the Academy ignored this performance (Kevin Spacey won for "The Usual Suspects").

[@cbsteffen]

Lewis Rothschild played by Michael J. Fox was probably the most outstanding political aid of the president in this movie, and someone decided Michael should have gotten to play a character with a similar role in a TV show. That's where the idea of Spin City came from.

[@AngryMongo]

This is also where The West Wing sprung from.

[@fonzoblessed3]

This is one hell of a scene,great acting!!!

[@theolamp5312]

Just watch and enjoy this movie. Yes, it has political overtones (as Aaron Sorkin always does), but it is fun and beautiful. You will feel better after watching it. Forgive me if I still wish Martin Sheen was still the President.

[@2legit64]

Doesn't anyone else think that Sheen, Douglas and Fox look alike in this film? It crosses my mind every time I watch this film.

[@jodasart]

michael j fox very good acting in this scene

[@RussBurlingame]

Shocking that this hasn't gotten more play given the "drinking the sand" reference replayed on "The Daily Show" tonight. Great scene.

[@2822MJ]

this movie had a handful of actors from the West Wing. President Bartlett, Will Bailey, Nancy McNally and the Ellie Bartlett the President's Daughter

[@tariqvlaun9430]

We all need a friend like Lewis

[@cognetic]

Agreed!

[@Moviefan2k4]

I'd love to have a President like Lewis.

[@suzannestephan954]

Bernie Sanders is a Lewis.

[@mzmary98]

Absolutely one of mt favorite movies of all time. Also Air Force One

[@markstahle5616]

One of the best political films with the best casting! Michael Douglas' best performance as President of the United States! Martin Sheen comes a close second in The West Wing!

[@magnalucian8]

I like to imagine that it's one story line and this is where Barlett learned about how to be President, hehe

[@bobbyshaddoe3004]

I don't think its necessarily an insult, but a comment about how people in general ALLOW themselves to be swayed by someone's words and charisma irrespective of whether there is any substance behind those words at all. Its the idea that when 'people don't know the difference', its because there are some who make a conscious or unconscious choice to NOT think for themselves when it comes to politics.

[@mohawkmike142]

You want an explanation for Trump? Michael J delivers it at 2:43.

[@joyfulgal777]

+moomike laloo I couldn't agree more! I actually looked up this part of the movie because I'm so sick of hearing everyone putting Trump on a pedestal!

[@RogerTing]

+moomike laloo Exactly. Trump is bad leadership because there is too much hate and evil sentences in his speeches. Bad character? Early on in the movie when the President played pool with his Chief of Staff, they talked about how history would not have elected a president on wheelchair (Roosevelt?) if they had television back then. The stupid part of it is people don't know the difference even when there is so much hate - with or without television!

[@goldilox369]

+joyfulgal777 Me too!! I'm explaining how I feel about Trump to a friend from the UK. and was hoping this was on KZbin! Yay!! This scene just haunts me.

[@octavpoz]

+moomike laloo I saw Mandy Patinkin on Colbert yesterday and some stuff he said reminded me of exactly this scene

[@joetrainor1118]

+moomike laloo Simple. Trump is the result of becoming popular off of negative press. The more you hate on him the more he draws more support. Plus he has name recognition. It's the Howard Stern effect. And he'll easily win if he becomes the nominee. The people that will get him elected are the same people who hate him. That hate is driving his entire popularity!

[@Dylvente]

Enjoyed this film many times when it first came out, and just watched several clips. Just noticed how much it rains in this film. It's raining when they discuss the bombing of Libya, raining when he stops at the flower shop, raining in this scene.

[@SpottyWyld]

Michael J. Fox is just awesome in this movie, and I feel so sorry for him b/c he's so put-upon by all the other characters.

[@ikani87]

God help us, we're drinking the sand...

[@superw1998]

And we don't know the difference.

[@XAMORA2007]

the american president thank you a lot

[@jritter1]

The best explanation of American politics is giving by a Canadian...go figure. Oh well I guess I'd rather here it from someone than no one ;)

[@Moviefan2k4]

Sometimes, it takes an outsider to see things objectively. One of my favorite political speakers and writers is Dinesh D'Souza; he was born and raised in India.

[@ductuslupus87]

leadership is forged in the inferno of adversary

[@michaelpark5439]

I haven't watched this show, but can anyone explain the president's point? Is he saying that people settle with whatever is available, not because they are desperate for help, but rather because they don't realize how much better it can be?

[@joetrainor1118]

+Michael Park Precisely what he's saying. Only worse. He's saying the electorate is so stupid they can't tell the difference between water and sand. This is exactly how Progressives view the world. They view the masses as some dumb pissant that can't think for themselves and therefore require leadership and government to do it for them. It's their entire platform

[@Moviefan2k4]

Sad, but true. In the context of this scene, Lewis' point was that most Americans are 100% desperate for someone who cares about them, more than for keeping their own political power. That's why I like the movie "Dave", where a scumbag President who falls deathly ill winds up replaced by a kind-hearted lookalike. At one point, the latter tells the American people, "I should care more about you than I do about me. Because if I'm not, then maybe I don't deserve to be here in the first place."

[@goldilox369]

I like both movies.

[@annbarbe6952]

One of my all-time favorite movies. Wish I had DVD player to watch right now. It had great significance and meaning at time it was released, but today, with the rise of Trump and his followers, it is of much greater significance.

[@xyPERSON]

That's probably because his character comes off as a pushy prick at times but I agree with you that he did an awesome job with it.

[@ct0760]

sad but true...

[@smo699]

What's with all these comments that reference specific presidents? The catharsis of the analogy is about the disillusionment of politics.

[@ReeseMac]

This scene has always stuck out to me because Douglas' final comment felt like a slap in the face of the people. It felt like a flat out insult. It shows that he has no respect for the citizen's intelligence and it makes you wonder if real life politicians harbor the same sentiments. I'd love to hear commentary from Aaron Sorkin explaining why he added that comment and allowed that to be the final lingering word in the scene.

[@TheGoodKingwilliam]

@povertyworstviolence respectively it could have been several presidents. Bush, Nixon, Ford. Several presidents that "couldn't find a coherent sentence with two hands and a flashlight."

[@jrcasselman]

As true as it is about Andrew Shepherd saying that people will drink the sand because they don't know the difference, for him to say that is one of the most condescending that someone can say about anyone.

[@c0nd0rd4myt]

I know it wasn't a shot at them, but the "two hands and a flashlight" comment CERTAINLY applies to Sarah Palin and Michele Bachman

[@cityofchamps66]

Is it too early to send Donald Trump a box of flashlights?

[@TripleBBB2k]

1:49

[@rnrfinance]

Brian,I am going to copy a 30 second part of this clip for an educational video. It is on decision making, framing. Let me know if you don't want me to use it. It will be unlisted so only my students will see the 30 second clip.Richard

[@spitzafrenix]

this has to be one of my all time fave films, but for the life of me I cant get my head around U.S politics.....here in England its simple, we put up with crap from Westminster for 4yrs...then in the weeks running up to an election were bombarded with fake ass promises that if we get this politician or that politician in as prime minister our lives will be better which generally they aren't.....can someone please explain what all this "one vote away" stuff means so I can fully understand thus fully enjoy this film....thnks in advance.....peace ✌😊

[@thordaddy143]

They are talking about votes in the house or senate to pass legislation not an election he is 3 votes from passing a bill more often then not congress knows before a vote whether or not a bill will pass

[@spitzafrenix]

Thanks so much Eric Thorson , now I understand....I have loved this film for ages and now it makes 'total' sense...peace ✌😊

[@snidelywhiplash]

Painfully relevant on 9 November 2016. Sorry, World.

[@LupricalArcadius]

yeah...needed to pull up this speech to remind myself that people actually voted for he who shall not be named...

[@josephchastain7751]

2;45 He's talking about Trump...and Hillary.

[@thesaraheffect]

Googled this clip specifically for a Trump debate.

[@MidagedgamerBlogspotter]

Amen...

[@10Poida]

Being a Christian, I remain neutral in all political issues. Most people around the world, look to their political leaders, to make their lives better. Have they? Have Governments fixed the crime epidemic? Is the world a peaceful place to live? Solved unemployment? etc & etc. It's obvious Mans attempt to rule himself has proven a complete failure.

[@Moviefan2k4]

No disrespect meant, but as a Christian you should be involved in politics because Jesus was. His main opponents, the Sanhedrin, were not just the main religious leaders of their day; they also controlled Israel's government as well. Only Rome topped them, and that was by brutal force. By standing against the Sanhedrin, Jesus took a political stance as well as a spiritual one. American freedom today is controlled by politics, and the apathy of Christians is a major reason why Godly values have been drained from the public sphere. Collectively speaking, the church removed itself from politics over 100 years ago, and has been trying to get its advantage back ever since.

[@10Poida]

Thankyou for your reply. :) Youre right about the sanhedrin. They were totally involved in the politics of the time, and the pharisees. The Jews tried to make Jesus King. What did he do? He withdrew from them, not only because he didnt want anything to do with politics, but his Kingdom ( Read Government), as he said was ; no part of this world'. He also said, his followers (True Christians) were 'no part of this word' (The political and other instruments that run it) Remember how he conducted himself AND replied to the Roman Governor..Pontius Pilot before he was killed on the torture stake. All showing he was totally neutral.

[@Moviefan2k4]

10Poida His actions were not from neutrality, but rather to keep Himself on the right course for saving us all. Ultimately, God rules over everything...but He also commanded us to respect those in (temporary) position over us. We have a duty as American citizens to defend our nation from those who would seek to destroy it. If we refuse to help ourselves when we're capable, why would God continue to protect us? This is the same God who destroyed Soddom and Gomorrah for their refusal to repent...and the USA's spiritual attitude is quickly heading that way. As Christians, its our job to stand in that gap...which means being politically active instead of just praying.

[@10Poida]

Please, look at the scriptures. That's where I get my information from. Yes, he came here to save us, but also to preach the good news of the Kingdom that will soon rule over the world. Dan 2:44 tells us what will become of man made Governments.

[@thesaraheffect]

That's interesting because almost all of my inspiration to become politically active comes from the bible. >>> Isa 1:17 "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." Psa 82:3 "Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed." And 2 Cor 10: 5 speaks of warfare and pulling down evil strongholds. You can't spread a gospel of love, freedom and peace without fighting against oppression, fear and hate, otherwise it's just a bunch of pretty words in a dead book.

[@truthseeker3129]

It's so true. Most people are idiots. They aren't qualified to vote. Voting should be restricted to the brightest 10% of people, people who have postgraduate degrees. That would be over 20 million voters in America. It's a pretty big electorate. What does some bartender or stripper know about fiscal policy?

[@kams7170]

Truth Seeker maybe a bartender or stripper is paying for his or her education in politics, social issues, environmental reform, foreign policy,,,,,,don't assume. Generalization and assumption polarizes this country. If you wish to be a "Truth Seeker" try talking to people instead of making grand assumptions.

[@TheLaughingMan712]

I love this movie. More in paticular I love that scene. Just can't stand the liberal whining.

[@peroxide8823]

cmealy2011 Liberal whining?

[@jonathananthonyroqueteano6077]

See Make America Great Again Good Constitution Difference Donald J. Trump.

[@zippydebrain]

2:44