24 (TV Series)

Day 2: 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. (2003)

Dennis Haysbert: President David Palmer

Quotes 

• Mike Novick : [after hanging up the phone]  the consensus suggests the evidence against Stanton isn't actionable

  President David Palmer : How much more do they need? We've established a direct link between Stanton and the rogue mercenary that shot down Bauer's plane

  Mike Novick : The evidence is still circumstantial

  President David Palmer : They've been sabotaging our efforts to find the bomb all day: I cannot and will not allow him to continue heading up NSA

  Mike Novick : I'm only saying it's going to take time for a judge to issue a warrant

  President David Palmer : We don't have time

  Mike Novick : Then don't worry about a pretext. Take him out of play now and we'll deal with the legal ramifications tomorrow

  President David Palmer : Sherry was right. My own people are working against me

  Mike Novick : Stanton won't be easy to break. Not in the time we have. You may need to "expand" in the limits on how far you're willing to go than in the past

  President David Palmer : What're you saying?

  Mike Novick : That you do whatever it takes to find out what Stanton knows about this bomb

• Lynne Kresge : [after watching Roger Stanton arrested]  Sir, Mrs. Palmer has been trying to reach you for the last half hour

  President David Palmer : Yes I know

  Lynne Kresge : She's on line seven waiting right now. I can put her off if you like?

  President David Palmer : [Before Lynn leaves]  no, I'll take it

  President David Palmer : [Picking up the phone]  yes what is it?

  Sherry Palmer : Oh thank God, I was just wondering what you decided to do about Roger

  President David Palmer : I'm having him questioned

  Sherry Palmer : Well, has he admitted to having Jack Bauer's plane shot down?

  President David Palmer : What is your point?

  Sherry Palmer : My point is I think you should have waited for something more concrete

  President David Palmer : I don't run my decisions past you: not anymore

  Sherry Palmer : A large part of the intelligence you're basing your decisions on came from me. I think I've earned a seat at the table

  President David Palmer : You're not a member of my staff. You're not a government employee, and you're not my wife

  Sherry Palmer : That was your decision. Not mine

  President David Palmer : Listen to me, whatever role you're playing here today is on my terms, my timetable. Continue doing what you're doing I'll speak to you soon

• President David Palmer : [after entering an interrogation where Stanton is being held]  sit down. We have it all. You reactivated OP-COM, with an "eyes only" order, and we know you used it to communicate with colonel Samuels as recent as two hours ago. And we've connected Samuels directly to the mercenaries that tried to kill Jack Bauer, I don't know. It almost as seems you want this bomb to go off today. I'll tell you this: if people die, you'll be executed. Even if we find the bomb in time, you'll still get life without the possibility of parole. All I want is to find the bomb in time. That's why I have a deal for you. You tell me everything and I mean everything and I'll bury this. You resign due to "health reasons". You'll collect your pension. You'll retire in a nice house somewhere in the country. You'll be given a written grant of immunity. Nobody will ever know anything about this. Do we have a deal?

  Roger Stanton : [Denying his involvement and refusing the President's offer]  I don't know what you're talking about Mr. President. I've done nothing wrong. I don't know any more about the bomb than you do

• Ted Simmons : [Talking privately]  you wanted to see me Sir?

  President David Palmer : Yes I did: thanks for keeping this discreet

  Ted Simmons : Of course

  President David Palmer : How long have you been working at the Secret Service?

  Ted Simmons : Five and a half years Sir

  President David Palmer : I understand you have a background in Special Ops?

  Ted Simmons : Green Beret Sir, unit seven out of Fort Myer, in 87

  Ted Simmons : Ever have a chance to put your training to use?

  Ted Simmons : The Gulf Sir

  President David Palmer : Anywhere else?

  Ted Simmons : There were some other covert ops

  President David Palmer : Under the Directory of the CIA?

  President David Palmer : [after Ted looks at him suspiciously]  it's alright, I'm not on the witch hunt here, but I do need you to answer the question

  Ted Simmons : [Nods]  yes, for the CIA

  President David Palmer : Good

  President David Palmer : Do you understand the gravity of today's situation?

  Ted Simmons : Of course

  President David Palmer : I guess you've heard by now that Roger Stanton is no longer functioning as the head of CIA?

  Ted Simmons : I heard he was arrested

  President David Palmer : He was. Under my authority. What I'm about to ask you falls out of the parameters of the Secret Service. You won't be able to tell anyone about this without my direct consent. You still with me?

  Ted Simmons : What would you like me to do Sir?

  President David Palmer : Extract information from Roger Stanton

  Ted Simmons : I see. If he resists, how far am I permitted to go?

  President David Palmer : Whatever you need to do

  Ted Simmons : [Nods]  yes Sir