cabinet battle 3 demo
The issue on the table: a petition from a Quaker delegation in Philadelphia calling on Congress to end the African slave trade and abolish slavery, in all its forms. This petition was written and signed by Benjamin Franklin; it cannot go ignored. If this comes to a vote in Congress, what is the White House's position? Secretary Jefferson, you first. Tread lightly.​
Sir, the constitution clearly states
That the states have to wait until eighteen-oh-eight to debate
On whether to end the slave trade.​
And whether or not you want it, guys
That is the final compromise we made.​
Sir, wait—
But for a second, let us say
That we can legislate unanimous emancipation
Freedom reigns, and yes, it's great.​
We cannot cure prejudice or righteous, desperate hate
So back to Africa or do they get a separate state?
In 1784, I tried to float banning slavery in the West.​
My notion didn't get a single vote.​
Slavery's a sin. It's growing like a cancer
But we can't address a question if we do not have an answer
Is it my turn? Good.​
Plantation states are packed with promise makers
Do you realize the precious time these legislators wasted?
Institutionalizing slavery only multiplies our troubles
Wait till the 1800s, and their population doubles
You all know this is a stain on our souls and democracy
A land of the free? No, it's not. It's hypocrisy
To subjugate, dehumanize a race, call 'em property
And say that we are powerless to stop it? Can you not foresee?
Sir, even you, you have hundreds of slaves
Whose descendants will curse our names
When we're safe in our graves
How will the South find labor for its businesses?
How will Thomas Jefferson find his next mistresses?
How dare you?
Yet still, people follow like lemmings
All your hemming and hawing
While you're hee-hawing with Sally Hemings
That's enough!
Well, you asked how I feel!
I don't pretend to know the answer, but the question is real
If I may, Mr. President?
Madison?
Let's take this moment to establish a precedent
First of all, sir, we won't involve you in this
Imagine this debate with all of Congress: it's ruinous
I'll reassure the South, 1808 is still the year that was agreed upon
That buys us time and assuages fear
I'll tell the North that on January 1st of that year
We'll ban importation, handling the worst
Once I get all this agreed upon, I'll pick up a pen
And introduce a motion never to discuss this again
Mr. President!
Hamilton, if we support emancipation
Every single slave owner will demand compensation
And as for slandering Jefferson with talk of mistresses
Do you really wanna—
Do you really wanna have that conversation?
No.
Madison, execute your plan to the letter
Let's hope the next generation thinks of something better