Lincoln · written by Tony Kushner · 2012

Bilbo pitches LeClerk and Hawkins; LeClerk throws beer in his face and storms away.

Scene 21 of 102 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Robert Latham

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 42 min into a 2:06 film

The story so farBefore scene 21

In the final winter of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln risks a fragile coalition and the chance of an early peace to force an amendment abolishing slavery through a divided House of Representatives.

Scenes 1–7
The reelected president balances military command, popular affection and a household wounded by grief.
Scenes 8–13
Lincoln needs a durable constitutional abolition measure and commits to passing it before the term ends.
Scenes 14–16
Radical allies and discreet patronage operatives join the campaign as the amendment enters House debate.
Scene 17
Robert returns, bringing the family's private struggle over his enlistment into Lincoln's public campaign.
Just before
Scene 18
Blair reports that Confederate peace commissioners are coming; Lincoln receives Robert distractedly and demands Blair's promised votes.
Scene 19
Graylor considers a patronage offer that would secure his abstention.
Scene 20
The operatives report that they still need twenty Democratic votes despite securing Graylor's abstention.
Scene 21
This scene

21INT. THE OLD TAVERN, WASHINGTON - NIGHT

Bilbo is drinking schooners of beer with EDWIN LECLERK (D, OH) and CLAY HAWKINS (D, OH). Hawkins listens as Bilbo gives his pitch. LeClerk looks at the prospectuses.

ROBERT LATHAM (V.O.)

For which we're seeking from among

lame duck Democrats. Fully 39 of

these we deem unredeemable no

votes.

LeClerk throws his beer in Bilbo's face, soaking Bilbo and the prospectuses. Hawkins looks shocked. LeClerk storms out.