Lincoln · written by Tony Kushner · 2012

The operatives tell Seward that thirty-nine lame-duck Democrats are beyond persuasion.

Scene 22 of 102 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

W.n. Bilbo
Robert Latham
Seward
Richard Schell

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 43 min into a 2:06 film

The story so farBefore scene 22

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 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
Bilbo pitches LeClerk and Hawkins; LeClerk throws beer in his face and storms away.
Scene 22
This scene

22INT. THE ROOM IN THE ST. CHARLES HOTEL - NIGHT

W.N. BILBO

The kind that hates niggers, hates

God for making niggers.

ROBERT LATHAM

The Good Lord on High would despair

of their souls.

SEWARD

(DISTASTEFULLY:)

Thank you for that pithy

explanation, Mr. Bilbo.

RICHARD SCHELL

We've abandoned these 39 to the

Devil that possesses them.