24 (TV Series)

Day 2: 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. (2002)

Michael Holden: Ron Wieland

Photos 

Quotes 

• President David Palmer : I understand your about to go live with a story today. Just what is it do you think is going on?

  Ron Wieland : I think the alert level has been elevated and you don't want us to know that Sir

  President David Palmer : You think?

  Ron Wieland : You want me to tell you my sources? You know I can't do that

  President David Palmer : You're barking up the wrong tree

  Ron Wieland : Well you know I don't recall the last time a journalist was able to get an interview with the President on a few minutes' notice. So my twenty-two years in the business tells me I'm barking up the right tree

  President David Palmer : I'll tell you what: there's going to be a briefing tomorrow, you want a thirty minute jump? I can arrange it

  Ron Wieland : [Asking why his bargaining with him]  why are you "horse trading" with me Mr. President?

  President David Palmer : Because if you go live with unsubstantiated threats, you will cause mass hysteria and that could be worse than the threat itself

  Ron Wieland : [Surprised]  so there is a threat?

  President David Palmer : We get them everyday

  Ron Wieland : So you're asking me to sit on this? Even though it's in my professional right for me to put what I've got on the air?

  President David Palmer : [Leans forward]  you know me. I've been more forthcoming with the press and the public than any other politician you know. So when I ask you for a favor, I do it in the spirit of what's best for the American people

  Ron Wieland : Let me think about it

  President David Palmer : Fair enough