[grand orchestral fanfare playing]
♪ ♪
A shocking turn of events six weeks prior to Election Day,
Congressional incumbent Rick West has died
of an apparent heart attack.
His opponent, State Senator Peter Kane,
now runs unopposed,
canceling tonight'’s highly anticipated debate.
He gave this statement earlier today.
[reporters clamoring]
Senator Kane.
Sir, with West'’s sudden passing, you'’ve gone overnight
from dark horse to sure thing. What is your response?
Well, first and foremost, I want to express my condolences
to the West family.
Although the congressman and I agreed on very little,
I still considered him a worthy opponent.
What about criticisms of your plans to pass laws
to restrict religious freedoms and support bigger government?
That'’s enough questions for now. Thank you guys. Appreciate it.
- We need answers. - He'’s got to go.
- [reporters clamoring] - Senator, we need answers.
- Sir, sir! Senator Kane! - Come back, Senator!
WESLEY: Thank you guys. Appreciate it. Thank you.
[Kane sighs]
KANE: So this would'’ve been our battleground, huh?
Oh, I wish I could'’ve debated West.
I could'’ve struck the death blow myself. [chuckles]
Senator.
KANE: Dan Thompson, big fan of the show.
[chuckles]
Gentlemen, the passing of Rick West
may allow us to catch up with the rest
- of the modern world. - [others murmuring]
I have always said that religious superstition
has no place in influencing our laws and government.
So, here'’s to enlightenment, reason
and reshaping our nation'’s core.
OTHERS: Cheers.
♪ ♪
DAVID: You see those statues and those monuments out there?
They'’re trying to tell us something.
They'’re saying, "Don'’t forget about us.
"Don'’t forget about the... the battles that we fought
"and the price that we paid for freedom.
Don'’t let our sacrifice be in vain."
In the long history of the world,
only a few generations have been granted the role
of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger.
Ask not
what America will do for you
but what together we can do for the freedom of man.
DAVID: That'’s part of your plan, isn'’t it?
Keep us all divided so bit by bit, we don'’t realize
you'’re chipping away at our freedoms and liberties.
Because it'’s all about power for you.
And the only way that you can get more power
is by taking it from someone else.
And that would be all well and good
if it wasn'’t for that pesky thing
called the Constitution that keeps getting in your way.
- [applause] - RONALD REAGAN: Without God,
we are mired in the material,
that flat world that tells us only what the senses perceive.
Without God, there is a coarsening
- of the society. - [crowd clamoring]
And without God, democracy will not
and cannot long endure.
[applause]
If we ever forget that we'’re one nation under God,
then we will be a nation gone under.
DAVID: They know what'’s at stake here.
And maybe in order to understand
how precious and fragile freedom really is,
maybe...
maybe you have to lose it.
♪ ♪
[siren blaring]
[busy chatter]
KANE [over TV]: ...and so has America.
Okay, if you can give me those numbers,
I'’d appreciate it.
KANE [over TV]: We must not let religious superstitions
determine our laws of culture, science and reason.
[busy chatter continues]
- Yes, sir. - We should be fine with all of that.
I'’m hoping that the electoral ballots
that we have on the other side will be great.
This is a disaster.
Why didn'’t we have a contingency plan?
DAVID [over monitor]: They'’re trying to tell us something.
They'’re saying, "Don'’t forget about us.
"Don'’t forget about the... the battles that we fought
and the price that we paid for freedom."
Wasn'’t there an attorney in line
- to replace West? - Collins?
- Collins. - Dropped out three days ago.
[sighs]
MURRAY: No one thought West could lose.
Any help here, boss?
DAVID [over monitor]: ...bit by bit, you'’re
chipping away at our freedoms and liberty.
Meanwhile, you'’re crafting legislation
that will allow the government to barge into our homes.
STAFF MEMBER: We'’re fried. Got no time to recruit.
No time to vet.
If the House flips, hello, socialism.
DAVID [over monitor]: ...by taking it from someone else.
And that would be all well and good
if it wasn'’t for that pesky thing
called the Constitution that keeps getting in your way.
CHAIRMAN [over monitor]: Now, you hold on a second.
No, I'’m done talking to you.
I'’m talking to the people who elected you.
MURRAY: I remember him.
The preacher.
He helped out on those education hearings.
Helped out?
I'’d say he knocked them out the park.
You see those statues and those monuments out there?
They say you work for us.
- [applause over monitor] - This guy is gold.
- Mm-hmm. - The reverend vibe really works.
"...by the people, for the people."
STAFF MEMBER 2: Who'’s gonna run his campaign?
Leave that to me.
DAVID [over monitor]: America belongs to its citizens.
SMITH: Look, we'’re six weeks out from Election Day.
And remember, this is a fight for the soul of our nation.
DAVID [over monitor]: ...and the teachers in Oklahoma,
to every man, woman and child.
It belongs to the people.
We the people.
It belongs to the people, Mr. Chairman.
We the people.
♪ ♪
I am so sorry.
MONICA: We have no place to go.
[sniffles] How could this happen?
The women'’s center was supposed to receive funding
for the repairs from the government, and...
...it just didn'’t happen.
- [baby fussing] - [sighs]
[sniffles]
We can'’t go to the city shelters.
They'’re not safe.
There'’s a sign at the women'’s center that says,
"Provided by God, through His people."
Who dropped the ball, Pastor?
I mean, I know it wasn'’t God.
Please believe me, Monica.
I did my best.
I just wish my best was better.
I'’m sorry.
Monica, wait. Give me some time, and I'’ll...
♪ ♪
[sighs]
[bell tolling]
♪ ♪
[sighs]
How'’s it going, Pastor?
Uh...
How many more families are left for me to break the news to?
Thirty-two.
I can talk to some of them on your behalf if that will help.
Thanks, Martin, but it should be me.
None of this needed to happen.
The government pulled the grant money because--
are you ready for this?--
some women at the center had a Bible study.
They canceled the grant because of that?
They claim the center used grant money
for religious instruction, and that'’s not allowed.
So the women and their families are penalized.
[sighs]
It'’s like God keeps putting
these impossible mountains in front of me.
And the government doesn'’t make it any easier on us.
That probably makes me sound paranoid, but...
About 50 years ago,
the Chinese government, under the guise of progress,
blamed all the country'’s problems on religion and faith.
They called it the Cultural Revolution,
but that is just to cover up the truth.
What was the truth?
Churches were destroyed.
Christians were persecuted and put into camps.
Countless were killed.
A similar revolution seems to be brewing
here in America, David.
It may look different, but the essence is the same.
So, no, I don'’t think you'’re being paranoid.
And perhaps God put those mountains in front of you
to show that they can be moved.
[sighs]
SMITH: So, you'’re not gonna ask me anything about my guy?
[scoffs] A pastor?
Smith, really?
You think that'’s what this race needs right now-- a sermon?
[chuckles] Well, what this race needs is integrity.
- Mm. - Someone unspoiled.
Hill represents what we'’ve lost in politics.
And yes, he is a man of faith and he is a man of the people.
You think he can go toe to toe with Kane?
- Oh. - The man'’s a shark.
That'’s where you come in.
[sighs] So, what'’s the ask?
You know what'’s at stake.
The margins in the House are razor-thin.
LOTTIE: Mm.
Why me?
Because there'’s no one better.
No one had ever heard of me until you came along.
I mean, you put me on the map, Lottie,
and I'’m just hoping you could do the same for David.
[sighs]
I left this game for a reason, Daryl.
- Left? - Yeah.
Or ran away?
I have a son now. Things are different.
Yeah, very different.
Actually, a lot worse.
You said you left this behind.
I know you see the writing on the wall.
They will have complete control.
And hiding in the mountains
is not gonna protect you from what'’s coming.
You or your son.
I'’ll have to think about it.
You don'’t even have time to pack, Lottie.
That is what I'’ve been trying to tell you.
We might already be too late.
We need you there tomorrow.
Is there anything else I need to know, Congressman?
♪ ♪
They sent John Wesley to run Kane'’s campaign.
- I know what John did to you. - [gasps]
[shuddering exhale]
I'’m not asking you to fight your past.
I am asking that you help
shape our country'’s future.
[insects trilling]
LOTTIE: "And then the king was very sad
"because when he touched his daughter,
she turned to gold."
CHRISTOPHER: Couldn'’t he just sell her for a bajillion dollars
- and buy another daughter? - [laughs]
It doesn'’t work that way, goose. Silly.
You want to sell me for a bajillion dollars?
A bajillion dollars.
Mm, not even a bajillion quadrillion dollars.
Are you sure you'’re gonna be okay with me leaving
for a little while?
I promise you and Aunt Ruby will have lots of fun.
Will I get to go to Disney World?
Oh, bargaining. I like that.
I'’m sure that can be arranged.
Yes, of course. Mm-hmm.
♪ ♪
MAN [laughs]: Hey, great job.
WOMAN: Aw, good to see you guys.
♪ Roll up your sleeves ♪
♪ Pull back your hair ♪
♪ Let'’s talk about ♪
♪ Why it'’s not fair ♪
♪ Oh, I'’ve been waiting ♪
- ♪ Waiting for a while ♪ - [laughter]
♪ I'’m gonna give you ♪
♪ A piece of my mind... ♪
- DAVID: Okay. Focusing. - You got it.
- Oh. - [sighs]
[David groans]
- ATTENDANT: Whoa. - DAVID: Oh, boy.
All right, here we go.
ATTENDANT: Ah, Rev.
Rev, what'’s the matter?
- Ah... I know, I know. - You'’re off your game.
I'’m just... I just wish there was a better turnout
for the women'’s shelter is all.
Oh, well, come on. Give it another try.
- Ah. - You can'’t win unless you play.
- Sure. Why not? - [chuckles]
LOTTIE: Oh, you know it'’s rigged, don'’t you?
Oh, yeah? Why do you say that?
Well, I mean, the rings are too small, and...
can'’t win unless you find the right angle.
Hmm.
Lottie Jay.
- Political consultant. - Mm.
David Hill. Fresh out of business cards.
[laughs] I know who you are, Reverend.
LOTTIE: I believe in cutting to the chase.
I'’ve been hired to manage your campaign for Congress.
I'’m sorry, did you say my campaign for Congress?
Our friend Daryl Smith thinks you'’re our best bet
at beating Kane.
Peter Kane, the state senator?
Yep.
Kane hides behind the separation
of church and state to chase God from politics,
from the classroom, public square,
from policymaking.
If he wins, any institution with a religious affiliation
would be exempt from public funding.
And I do mean any daycare center,
nursing home...
...women'’s shelter.
Yeah, but why?
I mean, those institutions serve the public
regardless of their religion.
I hear you, which is why...
- Barbecue platter for you. - Oh. Thank you.
And for you, the usual.
- Possum pie. - [chuckles]: Thanks, Tanya.
Which is why the party wants you to run against him.
- What? - There'’s possum in that pie?
Uh, no, it'’s just chocolate pudding hiding under...
Wait. I-I'’m not a politician.
You think the country really needs another politician?
Maybe it'’s time you try something new.
♪ ♪
[playful chatter]
[laughter]
[sighs] Well, this isn'’t nearly enough,
but, you know, we did our best.
Thanks so much, Kev.
- Sure thing, Rev. - Thank you.
You know, as a congressman, you'’ll be able to add zeros
to your charity drives.
I don'’t know anything about politics.
It'’s public service, same as you'’re doing now,
except there'’s nothing you can do as a pastor
that can'’t be undone by a politician.
If you want to make a real difference,
this is how it'’s done.
I'’m a small-town pastor with no national stage,
and I'’m comfortable with what we'’ve built here.
And I'’m sorry you came all this way, but I...
I'’m afraid I can'’t help you.
Hmm.
Well, if you change your mind,
I'’ll be flying back first thing tomorrow.
Give it some thought, Reverend.
You can call me David.
We'’ll see.
[sighs]
REPORTER: The search for West'’s replacement has begun,
but at such a late date,
it'’s uncertain who'’d be qualified and willing
to risk their reputation
for such a critical seat in the House. We'’ll continue...
We may just get another shot at this thing.
What do they say?
When one door closes, another one opens.
[chuckles]
REPORTER: A spokesperson for the West family has asked the public
to respect the family'’s privacy during these most trying times.
So I'’m either checking out tomorrow
or, um, staying for a couple weeks,
but I'’ll let you know when I know.
All right, that'’s fine.
- Thank you. - Carlotta Jay.
What a coincidence.
John. Hello.
What the heck are you doing in this Podunk town?
They drag you out of hiding for this circus?
I'’m-I'’m not in hiding, John. No.
You gain weight?
- Did I what? - Put on a couple of pounds?
No, I... I... I don'’t know, maybe.
It comes with age.
It is tougher on women.
[scoffs] Wow.
Unless it'’s the-the meds.
- Are you still taking... - No, I'’m not.
There'’s nothing wrong with that.
No, I don'’t need them, so...
Take your wins where you can get them.
- That'’s what I believe. - [sighs]
Okay. Well, it'’s good seeing you.
Thank... Where are you going?
Why are you running off?
Come on, sit for a few minutes.
A few minutes. It'’s me.
- [sighs] - Thank you.
So... [sighs] who'’s your horse?
I don'’t have a horse.
I'’m, uh, just vetting, helping out.
- Me, too. - Mm-hmm.
- My guy'’s a slam dunk. - [laughs]
In fact, when it'’s over,
I am heading to the South of France.
Would you like to join moi?
- Huh? - Yeah.
- Wow. I am... - S'’il vous plaît.
Think I'’ll pass.
Oh, it'’s okay.
- The weight looks good on you. - [scoffs]
Charming, John.
DAVID: So this thing is real?
SMITH: Very.
And why not?
DAVID [over phone]: Yeah, but why me?
I mean, what about the more qualified people
already standing in the
"I can'’t wait to be a congressperson" line?
Because at this late date, the chances of winning are slim.
No one is gonna risk their reputation
or their checkbook on a long shot.
So hit up a small-town pastor with nothing to lose?
Yeah. Maybe.
Hey, look.
You know, people are afraid to speak the truth these days.
Either...
Because the truth either loses or gets them canceled.
I mean, you'’re a pastor.
You'’re in the business of truth.
And I'’m willing to bet that you won'’t run from it.
We need people like you in Congress to pass laws
and make a change.
What better way to make a change than from the inside?
DAVID: I don'’t know, Daryl.
This isn'’t for me.
What if it'’s not about you?
Look, all I ask is that you pray on it. Okay?
♪ ♪
MONICA: There'’s a sign at the women'’s center
that says, "Provided by God, through His people."
[David sighs]
Who dropped the ball, Pastor? I...
I mean, I know it wasn'’t God.
[David sighs]
[sighs]
Can'’t win unless you play.
LOTTIE: If you want to make a real difference,
this is how it'’s done.
SMITH: People are afraid to speak the truth these days
because the truth either loses or they get canceled.
LOTTIE: You think the country really needs another politician?
MARTIN: Perhaps God put those mountains in front of you
to show that they can be moved.
LOTTIE: Maybe it'’s time you try something new.
[alarm ringing]
[jet engine whooshing]
♪ ♪
[indistinct P.A. announcements]
Miss Jay. Miss Jay. Miss Jay.
Reverend Hill.
What are you doing here?
Do you really think that I can run?
[scoffs] Anyone can run.
I think that you could win.
Okay.
Okay?
We do this my way.
You listen, you follow directions, understood?
Okay.
What made you change your mind?
Can'’t win the game unless you play, right?
All right, let'’s go save the country.
Great. I'’ll take this to the board.
We'’ll cover the fees.
Clear your calendar.
Uh, for how long?
With any luck, next two years.
- Uh, excuse me, sir. - DAVID: Yeah.
Uh, Tom'’s Trusted Transport.
Please keep me in mind for all your transport needs.
Don'’t I know you?
Well, it'’s quite possible.
I'’m actually a fairly successful stage actor.
Yeah.
No, you'’re a waiter.
Well, that, too.
LOTTIE: Better get some rest, Reverend Hill.
Uh, everybody just calls me David.
We'’ll see.
- [lively chatter] - [cell phone dinging]
[muttering]
He'’s in. He'’s in. Let'’s get to work, people.
Let'’s pick it up. Let'’s pick it up.
- Let'’s get to work, people. - [applause, cheering]
Let'’s pick it up. Let'’s go!
[bell tolling]
♪ ♪
They found someone to run against you.
His name is David Hill.
He'’s a pastor. Ring a bell?
KANE [over phone]: I remember him.
The Bible thumper.
WESLEY: He was a juror on that teacher case you prosecuted.
[laughing]: Are we worried about a preacher?
He'’s not the one I'’m worried about.
We end this before it starts.
Clear your morning.
Get ready to do the whole
"separation of church and state" dance.
Both barrels. I'’ll handle the rest.
[sniffs]
MARC: [laughs] Are you sure?
Yeah, I know.
Yeah, he doesn'’t stand a chance against Kane
without our money.
Hmm? Who'’s running his campaign?
Okay, leave the rest to me.
BAND MEMBER: One, two, three, four!
- [upbeat rock music playing] - [crowd cheering]
♪ I can feel it in the air ♪
♪ Desperation everywhere ♪
♪ Spirit, come and meet us here ♪
♪ Turn the dark into light ♪
♪ So come on, come on, come on ♪
♪ We'’re ready for a... ♪
LOTTIE: Sit up straight. Face Huckabee.
These guys are great.
Face Huckabee, your hands on your knees.
Do all the guests get questions in advance?
Today'’s about first impressions.
We leave nothing to chance and you stick to the script.
Don'’t color outside the lines,
and remember, I am the captain of this boat.
- I say... - Stay in the boat.
Stay in the boat. That'’s right.
It'’s okay. He'’s got this.
Well, Huckabee is an ally, but we'’re not really sure
how it'’s gonna go, so we have to make sure that...
Lord, thank You so much for this day.
Give me the words You want me to say.
We love You, Father. In Jesus'’ name.
Amen.
- Reverend Dave. - Huh? Hey, what'’s up?
I didn'’t know you were on the show.
- You guys. - Good to see you, man.
- DAVID: You guys were awesome. - [Michael laughs]
- MICHAEL: Yeah. - DAVID: Good to see you.
- Thank you so much. - Good to see you.
Are you here to talk about your ministry?
Uh, well, no, actually, we'’re here to, um...
Actually, Reverend is running for Congress in his district.
- Fantastic. - Whoa.
- That'’s great news. - Excellent.
So you'’re here to talk about your new ministry.
- [chuckling] - Yes.
My next guest is a small-town pastor
from my home state of Arkansas.
He recently spoke before Congress,
and the video of that went viral.
Give me these. You got this.
HUCKABEE: He'’s now a candidate for Congress.
Please join me in giving a great welcome
to Reverend David Hill.
[applause]
Welcome, David.
- It'’s great to have you here. - [cell phone vibrating]
DAVID: Thank you so much. I appreciate it.
Governor, so nice to meet you.
HUCKABEE: Great to meet you.
What a great crowd we'’ve got here tonight.
So grateful to meet in person,
and happy to have you joining us by television.
Well, David, you know, if your experience
is anything like mine, uh,
you'’re gonna get a lot of questions about your faith.
Ah. [sighs]
Well, I'’m not quite sure why.
My job as a congressman is to represent the people,
- not to impose my faith on them. - LOTTIE: Good.
Stick to the script.
Having said that, I'’m not quite sure
how someone'’s sense of morality
doesn'’t act as a guidepost in public service.
HUCKABEE: I-I would hope so.
You know, most people don'’t understand
there are more ordained ministers in Congress right now
than ever before in all of American history.
And that includes both sides of the aisle.
Uh, why do you think that is, David?
Well, with everything that'’s gone on-- the pandemic,
the recession, political divide--
maybe people are looking for more spiritual
and moral leadership in Washington.
We hear this phrase, and it'’ll be thrown at you a lot.
What about separation of church and state?
DAVID: These days, separation of church and state
has been reduced to a catchphrase.
As much as no one wants to admit it, the line
between church and state can be pretty blurry sometimes.
HUCKABEE: Well, it can, but if you talk like that,
you'’re probably gonna get into some trouble.
[chuckles] Uh, believe me, I-I know.
I guess what I'’m trying to say is we'’re all made
of both a mortal body and an immortal soul.
And as long as we'’re still breathing,
- where do we draw that line? - HUCKABEE: Hmm.
We'’re gonna take a break.
When we come back, we'’ve got a lot more
to talk about with Reverend Hill.
Please don'’t go away.
[indistinct clamoring]
[shouting]
Only recently, we'’ve seen what happens
when our laws are influenced by the xenophobic,
the misogynistic
and intolerant extremists.
People are looking for more spiritual leadership
- in Washington. - KANE: And now...
they want to impose their views
on us all.
The line between church and state
can be pretty blurry sometimes.
Amen.
Spiritual leadership in Washington?
Christian morality?
This interview was supposed to pull you out of the fire.
You threw yourself back in.
What part of "stay in the boat" do you not understand?
He took what I said out of context.
Oh, really? A politician doing something like that?
You'’re trying to become a congressman, not the Pope.
There'’s more.
He wants to do a live podcast with you.
Well, that'’s good.
It'’ll give me an opportunity to explain myself.
- [Lottie scoffs] - Believe me,
they'’re not interested in giving you anything
except enough rope for you to hang yourself.
LOTTIE: Wesley'’s got something up his sleeve.
Then negotiate with him.
Get something in return.
[insects trilling]
So, they'’ll do the podcast if we agree
to a debate down the road.
That'’s just an insurance policy
against you knocking him out in round one.
Well, that'’s smart. Let '’em have it.
Uh, you know, Pete, I wouldn'’t be in a hurry
to make concessions this early in the game.
I'’ve already won, John.
From this point on, everything we do is just for the cameras.
[chuckles]
- [phone line ringing] - CREWMAN: Little bit there.
All right, we'’re all set.
Larry, thank you for putting this together
- at the last minute. - Hey, not a problem at all.
- Thank you for picking my show. - [cell phone vibrating]
You good? Can I get you anything else?
- KANE: No, I'’m fine. Thank you. - LARRY: Okay.
All right. I think we'’re ready.
[line ringing]
WESLEY [recorded]: You'’ve reached John Wesley.
- You know what to do. - [sighs]
Hope I'’m doing this right.
I'’ve only ever done my own makeup.
Uh, I'’m sure it'’s fine.
All right, this is not what we agreed to.
He'’s supposed to be in the studio with Kane.
What do you say we keep our religious beliefs
to ourselves today, okay, Reverend?
What do you say?
CREWMAN: Okay, here we go. Live in ten.
AMANDA: Sorry.
It'’s gonna be fine.
- [chuckles] - CREWMAN: Okay, going live.
KANE [over speaker]: ...where I served as district attorney
and then in the Arkansas House of Representatives.
And after that, I was elected to the state senate,
where I served as senate minority leader.
Very impressive résumé, Senator.
- [chuckles] Thank you. - No. Thank you.
And you, Mr. Hill, says here that you'’re a preacher.
Yes.
Uh, I'’m a reverend at St. Jude.
Right. Sure. And now you'’re running for Congress.
That'’s correct.
Well, I go to church, and I'’ve got a pastor,
but, uh, I don'’t think
- I'’d vote for him, you know? - [Kane chuckling]
Is your pastor running for office?
[laughs] No, but...
DAVID: Then it probably won'’t be an issue for either of you.
- Nice. - KANE: No, I think that Larry
is just pointing out the obvious here,
that clergy in politics is a controversial topic,
even amongst Christians.
Founding fathers were clear about their intentions
concerning the separation of church and state.
It wasn'’t so much about
keeping religion out of the government.
It was more about keeping the government out of religion.
This sounds more like, uh, your interpretation.
I-I will add, um,
Christians who are politically active must be led
by biblical principles and values
and not by party affiliation.
Oh, so now you'’re saying that
these biblical principles of yours would influence
- your decision making? - No.
Of course.
KANE: And so, by your own admission, then,
you would craft laws and policies based on superstition,
irrationality, fear and ignorance.
Suffice to say, I-I don'’t see it that way.
Suffice it to say that the good people of Arkansas
will once again be held captive by one of your interpretations.
This country should be run by scholars and academics,
not by people who are afraid of a bogeyman.
This man, he could not represent the electorate
in a levelheaded, rational, impartial manner.
And on a personal note,
I find your moral superiority and smugness offensive.
Who died and left you arbiter of right and wrong?
Fine. That'’s a wrap.
[chuckling]: Very well said, Senator.
- Yeah. Yeah. - [light applause]
Thank you so much. That was amazing.
Well, most Christians are believers
because they know they'’re broken,
and the only hope they have is Jesus Christ.
LOTTIE: Please stop talking.
The messenger may stumble, Mr. Kane,
but it doesn'’t negate the message.
They'’ve turned off your mic.
We'’ve been set up. It'’s over.
♪ ♪
- [sighs heavily] - [cell phone whooshing]
Oh, no.
- No, no, no, no. No. - [door closes]
He'’s winning.
They'’re putting way more into this than I expected.
DAVID: So what'’s the big deal? We'’ll bounce back.
The campaign that spends the most wins.
And we wonder why our country has so many problems.
All of this money for what?
To make the country like me?
No, it'’s to make them dislike Kane.
That'’s how we close the gap.
So the goal of the campaign is to make voters
dislike Peter Kane more than they dislike me.
This is the reality.
If I can'’t get them to vote for you,
I keep them from voting for Kane.
I didn'’t get into politics to behave like a politician.
You want me to let you dig up dirt.
Oh, no. I want you to let me do my job.
I know people who can find dirt on Kane,
and you can'’t be afraid to risk rolling in the mud.
That'’s the easy part, Miss Jay.
The hard part'’s getting clean again.
Well, as sad as it might sound to you,
it'’s the only way we'’re gonna beat John Wesley.
SAM: Um, John Wesley?
She meant to say Kane, right?
What is it with her and John Wesley?
Several years ago, I had--
and this is before you joined the firm--
I had sent Lottie to run a congressional
against John Wesley.
She was a rising star, and Wesley was already an icon,
and things happened.
Uh, she thought of him as a mentor, a...
a trusted friend, and he just thought of her as a...
Distraction.
And as it turns out, a convenient way for Wesley
to gather intel on his opposition.
Well, of course, Lottie'’s candidate lost,
and everyone in town blamed her for it.
Wesley rode off into the sunset a winner,
and the disgraced Lottie Jay
disappeared, ending a very promising career.
[sighs] Come on.
[grunts]
[breathing heavily]
♪ ♪
[cell phone vibrating]
[sighs]
- Hello. - WESLEY: Have you tried
the chocolate gravy they have here?
I mean, I get it, people like chocolate,
and gravy makes everything taste better,
but chocolate gravy?
It'’s an abomination.
People should learn when to quit and leave well enough alone.
Don'’t you think?
Anyway, listen.
Beautiful, I am starving.
So what do you say we find a barbecue place
in a sleazy part of town
and pretend neither of us are who we say we are
and see where the night takes us?
We agreed to a real debate. You owe me.
That'’s not gonna happen.
What are you so afraid of?
[chuckling]: "Afraid."
See, that'’s just the thing. I have nothing to fear.
All I have to do is sit back and watch you spiral again.
[kisses]
- [laughing] - [engine starts]
♪ ♪
MARC: I'’m sure you'’ll agree we have common interests.
A partnership seems mutually beneficial.
If you'’ve already broken ground,
then why do you need a congressman in your pocket?
Well, someone on the inside
to cut through all the red tape so we can finish construction.
My partners and I don'’t need to be burdened with permits,
filing deadlines, inspections, all of the roadblocks
that strangle progress.
I heard Rick West wasn'’t interested in your money.
And I heard you had none.
Hmm. We both know that you'’re losing truckloads of cash
each day that this project is stalled.
You'’ve made assurances that you can'’t keep.
And you don'’t have a prayer without my money.
Like I said, mutually beneficial.
Well, either way, it'’s illegal to influence a campaign.
If we do agree to this,
I don'’t want you even talking to Reverend Hill.
Fine. Fine.
But then it'’s on you to keep your boy in line.
'’Cause much like his God, I can giveth
and I can taketh away.
LOTTIE: He wants to fund your entire campaign,
lock, stock and barrel.
- Marc Shelley? - LOTTIE: Mm-hmm.
I have to say I'’m surprised. What does he want in return?
What anyone with money wants.
More money?
Without it, there'’s zero chance of winning.
So what do you say?
Spend a little bit of money on a celebratory dinner tonight
or make our way down to the emergency ward?
Emergency ward?
Where your campaign'’s on life support.
Huh.
What do you say, padre?
[busy chatter]
You know we could'’ve just had pizza delivered.
LOTTIE: Mm-hmm.
So the reaction to the podcast...
- SERVER: Here you go. - As bad as we thought?
- SERVER: Enjoy. - LOTTIE: Little worse, maybe.
Nothing Marc'’s money can'’t fix.
How does the money get paid back?
Well, it'’s wrapped up in a C4 social welfare organization.
Doesn'’t even have to be spent on the campaign.
You know, if you talked a little bit less about God
and a little bit more on the dirt on Kane,
we might actually have a chance.
You want me to take God out of the discussion
and replace Him with dirt?
I know my job.
And I know it'’s useless to fight dark with darkness.
It'’s the same idea with you and John Wesley.
Did you come here to help me or to hurt him?
[sighs]
You'’ve been talking to Myra.
I'’m talking to you.
"Repay no one evil for evil,
but give thought to do what is honorable."
[sighs]
You really have no idea.
Lord, thank You so much for this day.
Bless this food to our body,
and thank You for Lottie.
In Jesus'’ name. Amen.
[sighs]
Okay, fine.
Give me victory over John Wesley.
Make him suffer the way I have.
You know that he'’s taken everything from me.
[cell phone vibrating]
Is everything okay?
Everything'’s fine.
You didn'’t call yesterday, so Chris is asking for you.
[sighs]: Oh. I know, I know.
It-it'’s been so crazy at work.
- I'’m sorry. - I'’m not the one
who needs to hear your apology, Lottie.
- Okay. - [sighs]
Look, I know you think you'’re going to accomplish
something by being there.
Like you'’re gonna find some kind of closure
that will let you move on with your life.
But your life'’s here, Lottie.
You of all people should understand.
I understand... it takes strength to forgive.
How am I supposed to forgive when he'’s not even sorry?
That'’s where the strength comes in.
[sighs]
Hold on. Chris wants to say good night.
Here, honey. Mommy'’s on the phone.
Mommy?
Hey, bud. How was Disney World?
Aren'’t you'’re having a good time?
I miss you.
I miss you, too, goose.
Mommy'’s got some work, but I'’ll be home real soon, okay?
I hope they'’re giving you a bajillion dollars.
["How Many Times" by Newsboys playing]
[chuckles]
♪ How many times have You rescued ♪
- ♪ A desperate soul ♪ - [bell tolling]
♪ Paved a way through a dead-end road ♪
♪ Brought a garden to life from the ashes? ♪
DAVID: The clergy does this for its congregation,
and it'’s really what I think
the politicians should do for the American people,
because our walls are crumbling.
Our political system is breached.
And I feel like we need to come together
and we need to stand up, because if we don'’t do it,
who else is gonna do it?
The politicians certainly are not doing it.
♪ More than the stars ♪
♪ In a thousand night skies ♪
♪ More than the minutes ♪
♪ In a million lifetimes ♪
♪ How many times have You proven ♪
♪ You love me? ♪
- ♪ Oh, how You love me ♪ - [indistinct chatter]
- How you doing? - [indistinct chatter]
PUNDIT [over TV]: Well, voters might want to see politics
as having a more noble purpose than just their side winning.
Personally, I found Hill'’s comments refreshing,
even inspiring.
All right, well, Hill, he'’s drawing a line...
♪ More than the stars ♪
- ♪ In a thousand night skies ♪ - [cameras clicking]
♪ More than the minutes ♪
♪ In a million lifetimes ♪
♪ How many times ♪
♪ Have You proven You love me? ♪
♪ Oh, how You love me. ♪
[song ends]
- There you are. - Thank you so much.
- Really. - Thank you.
[indistinct chatter]
Hey.
They just filed their financials.
Looks like Marc Shelley rolled over the C4
- he set up for West. - Ah.
How did Shelley sell that bag of tricks
to the good reverend?
Maybe he'’s not so good.
Oh. Maybe he'’s just desperate.
WOMAN: Good evening, Senator.
Nice to see you.
Pete, Hill just got real money,
which means real media buys and real influence.
- Hmm. - Now he can afford staff,
rallies, office space.
Be a mistake to underestimate this guy.
- Sure. - People love an underdog story.
- So, what do you suggest? - WOMAN: Senator, great speech.
I suggest we put a debate on the books and end this,
but we have to control it.
- Like the podcast. - No.
That was child'’s play.
This is where you finish him.
♪ ♪
DAVID: Hey, Martin, it'’s David.
I was just checking in, seeing how things are going.
Let me know if you need anything, okay?
All right, thanks. Bye.
Hey. How are you holding up?
Hey, I get why they call it running for office--
-'’cause I'’m exhausted. - [chuckles]
Well, you better get some rest '’cause tomorrow will be
the first time most people have ever seen you.
Lottie.
- Yeah. - Thank you.
♪ ♪
[indistinct chatter]
- Thank you. - LOTTIE: The stakes are higher here
because people could actually be watching,
- so please stay in the boat. - Okay.
What'’s with the tie?
What'’s wrong with the tie?
It just doesn'’t look like a tie that a congressman would wear.
You, give him your tie.
What, you'’re saying I look like a congressman?
[scoffs]
[sighs]
Come on.
[Lottie scoffs]
[busy chatter]
♪ ♪
Hi, Pastor. Good luck.
DAVID: Senator.
CREWMAN: Positions. Let'’s lock it down.
- Sign and the bell. - [bell ringing]
Roll the intro.
- Camera three. - CREWMAN: Five seconds.
CREWMAN 2: Ready one, and three, two...
Go one and cue Dan.
Tonight State Senator Peter Kane faces newcomer
Pastor David Hill, his challenger
for the hotly contested congressional seat.
This is the Kane-Hill debate.
KANE: There'’s no place for a pastor in politics.
There'’s no place for God in Washington.
Keep your morality in the church and stay out of D.C.
I now realize that your issue isn'’t
whether or not the government needs God.
It'’s that you believe the government is God.
No, the role of government is to make lives better.
Why do you have a problem with that?
I don'’t, but I do have a problem
- with big government. - You do.
- It spreads like a cancer. - Oh, please.
Government allocates money to help people.
Yes, but to give, the government must first take.
It'’s a cycle that breeds dependency, not solutions.
Oh, you think your church groups could do it better?
The church fills gaps the government can'’t in many ways,
especially in moral guidance.
[chuckling]: Moral guidance. Uh-huh.
See, he'’s saying that the state needs the church.
Textbook example of Christian nationalism.
That'’s not fair, Senator.
[chuckling]: No, it is fair. It'’s true.
Whenever anyone of faith promotes a policy
that you don'’t like, you label them a Christian nationalist.
Consider a Christian school board member who opposes books
that they find inappropriate for kids.
Is she a nationalist or just a concerned parent?
[laughing]: Where are you getting all this?
Or what about the high school coach
who invites players to join in on a prayer after the game?
Is this nationalism?
- I appreciate your passion. - Or just a-a man who wants
to thank God for the opportunity to play?
- THOMPSON: Mr. Hill. - I'’m not talking about coaches.
I appreciate your passion, but let'’s shift
- to a topic... - Is he nationalist?
So let'’s pivot to a subject that affects
all of our viewers: health care.
Millions of Americans are left without it.
Senator, what would your solutions be?
Well, yes, I think that health care is a right
and not a privilege.
We depend on government action to provide it universally.
DAVID: And pile on more debt.
Senator, we need solutions
that empower people, not bankrupt our country.
You don'’t know anything about the debt.
I know we should spend less.
So you would deny people health care because of the cost?
- That'’s not what I said. - That'’s your Christian charity?
That'’s not what I said. We need efficient, affordable care.
And where do we get that, your collection plate?
You see, th-that'’s the crux of this, Dan.
He and people like him, th-they think
that their beliefs should dictate our laws.
Christians don'’t believe that.
- And that'’s wrong. - Christians don'’t believe that.
Yes, they do.
Then you'’re missing the point, Senator.
Our nation was founded on Christian principles.
KANE [laughing]: "On Christian principles."
It seems we'’ve, uh, heard that one before.
Well, I hate to break it to you,
but the idea that this is a Christian nation,
that'’s more myth than history.
"One nation under God."
That wasn'’t added into our Pledge of Allegiance
until the 1950s.
It actually started with Abraham Lincoln
and the Gettysburg Address.
And the phrase printed on all of our money,
"in God we trust"?
Again, the 1950s.
If our currency offends you so much,
- why not spend less of it? - [Kane chuckles]
Not only would you learn to save,
but you might just learn the value
of self-reliance versus government dependency.
Oh, excellent retort.
And while our money says, "in God we trust,"
it'’s clear where your trust lies:
in the pursuit of power
and not in the principles that shaped this nation.
CREWMAN: Go to commercial. Commercial.
Let'’s go to commercial. Go commercial.
We'’ll be back after a short break.
CREWMAN: And we'’re clear.
Two minutes. Last looks.
Dan, get in here.
Much better than the podcast. I really love the fire.
But you'’ve got to tone down the God talk
for the mainstream audience.
You'’re starting to sound like Kane.
And you'’re making God an easy target for them, Pastor.
God'’s not the target. Our country is.
God'’s just standing in their way.
Look, in order to capitalize on the momentum,
you got to drop God and we got to go negative.
Negative campaigns work. They win.
- Senator. - Making a spectacle of me
in front of the television audience, huh?
Framing your agenda as the moral compass?
- Senator, the debate... - Quiet! Listen to me.
I will not be made a fool of, not by you.
I'’m gonna change the landscape, Reverend.
This debate, that was just the beginning.
I won'’t stop until your so-called moral high ground
crumbles beneath your feet.
Remember this moment when you and your beliefs
were on the wrong side of history.
You know, this race is getting more attention
- than it deserves. - Well, voters...
KANE: You need to learn to relax.
Hill is done.
It'’s over.
DAVID [over TV]: ...it'’s clear where your trust lies:
in the pursuit of power and not in the principles
that shaped this nation.
...where your trust lies: in the pursuit of power
and not in the principles that shaped this nation.
What?
What'’s the problem, John?
They'’re about to go negative.
Because once they figure it out,
they'’ll realize it'’s their only move.
Figure what out?
That they can win.
Lottie will dig until she finds something.
Is there anything I should know?
It'’s the holier-than-thou crowd that has so much to hide.
My record is impeccable.
What if it wasn'’t?
REPORTER [over TV]: Most discussions have centered
around Hill'’s last comment,
where he questioned Kane'’s principles.
Some have speculated this indicates
the Hill campaign may have found dirt on Senator Kane,
but for now, all we can do is wonder,
what does Mr. Hill know that we don'’t?
SMITH [recorded]: Hi. You'’ve reached the office
of Congressman Daryl Smith.
Please leave a message.
Hey, Congressman Smith.
It'’s David Hill.
[sighs]
Look, I, uh...
I don'’t know what I'’m doing.
I feel like I have two options: I can either do the things
that I feel like God asked me not to,
or I lose this race.
You can call me back when you get a chance. Thanks.
[sets down phone]
[sighs]
LOTTIE: Have you found any surrogate writers
for the website yet?
Well, then make them up.
I want at least 30 websites to link back to ours.
Well, make those up, too.
I got to go. Bye.
[door closes]
Ugh.
[cell phone dinging]
Oh.
WOMAN: There was nothing, then all of a sudden, there was this.
Is this the smoking gun that I hope it is?
That and so much more. I don'’t know how I missed it.
Well, we'’re not all perfect.
No, what I'’m saying is I don'’t know how I missed it.
Something'’s not right, Lottie. It feels wrong.
I just need it to be right enough to get me seven points.
Careful, Lottie.
There are things worse than losing.
Not really. Not really.
♪ ♪
[takes deep breath]
Okay, I'’ll bite. What'’s this?
Your golden ticket.
When our mutual friend was at the District Attorney'’s Office,
he successfully prosecuted a money laundering case.
First-degree class B felony,
up to 25 years in prison, even at the state level.
- Okay. - After three hours
of deliberation, a jury found the defendant
guilty as charged.
The sentence: six months time served.
These are the wire transfers from Kane'’s offshore accounts.
These outgoing wires to the judge.
Bribery of a public official,
conspiracy to commit bribery, malfeasance in office.
[chuckling]: It'’s all right here.
We'’re not having this conversation.
Ten seconds after the press gets it, it'’s over.
No more campaign, no more debate.
We all get to go home, and you,
you get to be Saint Dave the Congressman.
I'’ve been telling people that my candidacy
is about more than winning the election.
If I release this to the media,
then my promise was nothing more than a slogan.
You don'’t win unless you play by their rules.
I'’ve already lost if I do.
Please, destroy this.
No one else sees it.
Fine.
[Sam clears throat]
[cell phone vibrating]
[gate opens]
DAVID: Monica.
Hey. I am so sorry.
The campaign has been pulling me in a thousand directions.
What'’s going on?
Some folks from the government dropped by
and told us we need to pack up by week'’s end.
That'’s just... It'’s in a couple of days.
I'’m scared, Pastor.
Where will we go?
Thought we'’d have more time, but I'’ll make some calls
when I get back to the office. This campaign, it'’s just...
Your campaign should not come at the cost of our safety.
You'’ve let this happen.
You'’re too caught up in your future
to see our present is falling apart.
I'’m sorry.
It'’s just...
...these families, they'’ve... [sighs]
...barely begun to feel safe for the first time, and...
now they might lose that, too.
God provides through His people.
But where are they?
[baby crying nearby]
♪ ♪
[thunder rumbling]
Hey. I wanted to tell you I saw your debate with Kane,
and I was very impressed.
Thank you. I-I hope I earned your vote.
Yeah, no, I don'’t vote.
Voting doesn'’t really change anything.
Okay.
But I will join your church.
Okay, see you at noon.
REPORTER [over TV]: Campaign manager John Wesley
has prepared a statement.
WESLEY [over TV]: Now, I'’m holding sworn affidavits
signed by the bank'’s board of trustees
that irrefutably demonstrate
that the account numbers in question
are completely fabricated.
Therefore-- and-and this is important...
...the wires that the Hill campaign
accused Senator Kane of sending and receiving
could not possibly have come from their bank.
The documents that Mr. Hill released to the press--
that were released to you-- were all forgeries.
They were forged.
- [reporters clamoring] - WESLEY: On another note,
Senator Kane would like to express his deep disappointment
not only for the Hill campaign and its staff members
whose desperation in the final days
led them to this libelous pursuit
but also to the good people of Arkansas
who have had their faith in Reverend Hill
once again shattered.
Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.
...who have had their faith in Reverend Hill
once again shattered.
Thank you, lad...
♪ ♪
[remote control drops on table]
[scoffs]
I know how this looks.
It was obviously a setup.
How could John have come up
with so much contrary evidence so fast?
Oh, I admit I took the bait.
I didn'’t leak it to the press.
Myra, tell him.
Tell him what type of man John Wesley is.
I wouldn'’t do this.
[sighs softly]
I'’ll hand in my resignation tomorrow.
Well, at least she gets to go home now.
[snickers]
You can quit, too, Sam,
if that'’s all the compassion you have for your colleague.
Okay.
[drops bag on chair]
[staff members murmuring]
♪ ♪
[phone ringing]
WESLEY: He hasn'’t dropped out of the race yet.
Huh?
But I'’m sure he fired Lottie and the rest of his staff,
which is a beautiful thing.
- [Kane chuckling] - Hill can'’t come back from this.
- You'’re quite the genius, John. - Thank you.
I mean, it was a brilliant plan, executed perfectly.
I'’m only disappointed that I won'’t get a chance
to debate him and strike the death blow myself.
- [chuckling] - Cheers.
PUNDIT: At the very least,
it'’s likely that she'’s been fired from the team.
At this point, I don'’t see
[over TV]: any other option for Hill
- but to suspend his campaign - [phone ringing]
and salvage even a shred of dignity.
It'’s still uncertain if he knew the information
in the press leak was fabricated,
but either way, it would be wise to concede
and leave the politics to the professionals.
[Lottie sobbing]
LOTTIE: I let him do it to me again.
RUBY [over phone]: Oh, honey.
Did you really think you were
going to heal yourself by hurting John?
[Lottie sobbing over phone]
Just come home, Lottie.
Just come home.
[sniffles]
DAVID: Have you heard from Lottie?
PUNDIT [over computer]: Campaign manager...
DAVID: All right, if you can keep trying.
Thanks, Myra.
PUNDIT [over computer]: It may be safe to assume
she'’s responsible for both fabricating
and disseminating the false allegations
against Senator Kane.
At the very least,
- it'’s likely she'’s been fired. - [sighs]
Pastor Dave?
Uh, I didn'’t think you'’d be here this late.
City'’s gonna condemn the shelter if we can'’t get it up to code.
Yeah. I saw that.
[chuckles] It'’s been a day.
I'’m sorry, Martin, uh, is there something I can help you with?
This is very difficult, Pastor, but...
It'’s from the board.
They think you should take a break.
They'’re suspending me.
Just until things are cleared up.
I know there must be a misunderstanding.
I tried to tell the board, but...
they said this thing with you and Senator Kane,
it looks bad.
Yeah.
Okay.
I'’m supposed to ask you for your keys.
I'’m so sorry.
♪ ♪
Thanks, Martin.
You ready to go home, Rev?
Thanks, Tom, but I'’m-I'’m gonna walk.
- [thunder rumbling] - But it'’s supposed to... rain.
[sighs]
LOTTIE [recorded]: Hi. You'’ve reached Lottie Jay.
Please leave a message.
[siren wailing]
Hi. You'’ve reached Lottie Jay.
Please leave a message.
♪ ♪
[thunder crashes]
REPORTER [over TV]: Voters still reeling from
yesterday'’s allegations against Reverend David Hill.
Shocking behavior from a member of the community'’s
respected clergy.
It'’s expected he'’ll announce his concession in...
Where did I go wrong, Lord?
[doorbell chiming]
- Daryl? - [Smith chuckles]
Reverend.
I'’ve been publicly disgraced.
I may have to move.
I could face criminal charges.
Maybe I wasn'’t saving the world, but I was happy being a pastor.
You know, get the women'’s shelter back open.
Now I can'’t even do that anymore.
You finished?
Have you heard a word I said?
Yes.
The Lord chased you out of your comfort zone, and...
you'’re not happy with where you landed.
I'’m withdrawing from the race.
Get my life back... if my life will have me back.
No. Hmm.
You put your hand to the plow.
There'’s no looking back.
You know this.
What'’s in the bag?
[sighs]
Pine cones?
Lodgepole pine cones.
They'’re covered in a superhard sap
to protect the seeds inside.
Mm-hmm. Okay.
There can be no new growth until you expose the pine cone.
The heat, extreme heat, like fire heat.
So they have to burn?
That'’s the upside of wildfires.
It'’s how old forests are revived.
Listen, David.
There are a lot of folk
that no matter what color they vote,
they have lost hope in the future of our country.
I see it every day in the faces of my constituents.
Same in my congregation.
They'’re wondering where they fit in
or even if they should.
40 million Christians don'’t vote.
Then another 15 million aren'’t even registered.
Well, politics is a dirty business.
Yeah, so is taking out the garbage,
but if you turn your back to it, things start to stink.
[chuckles softly]
- We can no longer ignore this. - [sighs]
We have to push the good of our faith
into this political process.
And it is your campaign that sets the example
for Christian involvement in the civic square.
- What about nonbelievers? - What about '’em?
Things are so bad out there.
We build it right, they will come.
In fact, they will welcome our engagement.
I don'’t know, Daryl.
[sighs] It just...
- seems so... - Impossible?
Yeah.
It'’s always impossible...
until it'’s done.
♪ ♪
Until it'’s done.
SAM: I think you'’re making a brave choice.
Which means you think I'’m being foolish.
Depends on what you say.
Are you really gonna admit you knew about the oppo research?
SAM: Just deny it.
You have to lie in order to preserve your image
- of being honest. - Did you just hear yourself?
MYRA: Well, there'’s only one other option.
You are gonna have to throw Lottie under the bus.
Yeah, I'’m not really loving the choices here.
I'’m gonna be straight with you.
No matter what you say, it probably won'’t work.
Your chances of winning this election
have gone from slim to nonexistent.
We were counting on that third debate to close the gap.
There'’s no reason for Wesley to let Kane do that now.
- I mean, they'’ve already won. - Regardless of what happens,
there'’s one thing that I'’m sure of:
Going forward, we stop spending money.
No more ads, no more posters, no more flyers,
no more social media spends.
- Come on. - Nothing.
Damage control is very expensive, David.
Please, not a penny more.
It'’s almost time.
[reporters clamoring, shouts of "Reverend Hill!"]
DAVID: Hello. Good afternoon.
Uh, hi, guys.
DAVID [over tablet]: I, uh...
I want to thank you all for coming out
- on such short notice. - [sighs, chuckles]
I also want to extend my most sincere apologies
to Senator Kane and his staff.
I'’m not interested in your apologies.
DAVID [over tablet]: This happened on my watch...
Just withdraw already.
...so I take full responsibility.
All that is left to say on the matter is:
I'’ve never been involved in anything like this before,
and it'’ll never happen again.
I would add that...
our political system is broken.
It encourages good people to do bad things.
And it'’s up to us to fix it,
which is why I'’ve decided to continue my campaign
and drive that message to the American people.
He won'’t stay dead!
DAVID [over tablet]: I would ask that Senator Kane
honor the terms of our original agreement
and meet me for one final debate.
- Thank you. - [reporters clamoring]
REPORTER: Reverend Hill! Reverend Hill!
The information in the press leak,
did you know it was fabricated?
Lottie Jay, has she been fired?
[clamoring continues]
I would ask that Senator Kane honor the terms
- of our original agreement... - WOMAN: All right.
Thank you for staying with us, Miss Jay.
DAVID: ...and meet me for one final debate. Thank you.
[reporters clamoring over TV]
[takes deep breath]
First to the office, and then to the airport, Tom.
TOM: Well, why are you leaving
when the election'’s not even over yet?
LOTTIE: Yes, it is.
TOM: Well, Rev Dave'’s not giving up.
He should'’ve never run in the first place.
I'’m to blame for that, too.
Look, all I know is running away never solved anything.
It just... it just makes you tired.
♪ ♪
I almost let you beat me.
I was this close until I realized
you'’re not worth my pride or my self-respect.
Wesley sent the Kane story to you.
He was hedging his bets in case I didn'’t go public with it
because he knew that you would.
You weren'’t doing your job, so I had to step in
and do it for you.
How was I supposed to know it was a setup?
You were used,
and now a lot of people will suffer because of it.
I'’m sure your career will recover.
I'’m not talking about me.
[sighs]
It happened on my watch, so I take full responsibility.
Looks like his campaign'’s gone sour.
Man.
Yeah, the Internet said he was set up.
- Mm. - MICHAEL: Goodness.
We should probably pray for David, guys.
Let'’s do it.
God, we pray right now, Lord, for our brother David
as he stands in the gap with so many others, Lord.
You bless him, Lord. Give him success.
Let the results be Your results, God, and Your will, Lord.
You would turn this thing around, God.
What Satan meant for evil,
You would make good, You would turn to good.
But we pray, Jesus, in your name. Amen.
- ALL: Amen. - DAVID: ...and honor the terms
of our original agreement and meet me
for one final debate.
That'’s all. Thank you so much. Appreciate you guys.
I will ask that Senator Kane
honor the terms of our original agreement
and meet me for one final debate.
Hill drawing a line in the sand.
We'’ll see how Kane responds.
I'’ll appear weak if I don'’t debate him.
You'’ll appear confident, unconcerned.
This is and always has been your race to lose.
You don'’t understand.
These people humiliated me in court.
I want to make an example out of him.
Do you want victory or revenge?
- I want both! - It'’s too risky.
Remember, I call the shots here.
You work for me.
Make it happen.
[sighs]
LOTTIE: Don'’t use a vacuum.
Lottie.
I'’ve been looking for you.
I'’m guilty of many despicable things.
Betraying you wasn'’t one of '’em.
Marc sent the bogus intel to the press.
Kind of figured that.
You should use a damp paper towel
to clean up the coffee.
You sure?
Pretty sure.
- DAVID: Ah. - [both laughing]
LOTTIE: Thanks.
[David sighs]
When I told John I was pregnant...
...he told me to...
"take care of it."
And so I did.
I'’ve been taking care of our son Christopher ever since.
♪ ♪
Spent years...
feeling robbed and unworthy.
I let those feelings define me.
I didn'’t come here to help you win an election.
I came to hurt the person that hurt me.
Letting go is the sweetest revenge.
I am so sorry that I dragged you into this.
I didn'’t run because you or Daryl talked me into it.
I believe God asked me to.
How do you know it'’s God?
Well, you know someone long enough,
you begin to recognize His voice.
But sometimes knowing it'’s God
is easier than actually listening to Him.
Well, why wouldn'’t you listen to God if you knew it was Him?
I know, right?
[Lottie chuckles softly]
For most folks, it'’s fear--
afraid to fail, afraid to take a chance.
But sooner or later, we all get hit by that storm.
Hits us at the worst possible time,
when we'’re already far out and lost at sea.
Our first thought is stay in the boat,
even though it'’s sinking.
Doesn'’t make any sense, but we hang on
because it'’s what we know.
And what'’s out there is terrifying.
But then Jesus walks across the water,
then He reaches out His hand
and He says, "Do not be afraid.
"Come.
Get out of the boat."
Because, well, we know that... that if we stay in the boat,
we'’ll die and only our hope in Him can save us.
God is good, Lottie.
All the time.
I'’ll call Myra.
[laughing]: You are gonna lose this election spectacularly.
Well, that'’s all the more reason.
Reason for what?
To get out of the boat.
[Lottie chuckles]
DAVID: This coffee is terrible.
- LOTTIE: The worst. - [both laughing]
♪ ♪
Good evening. I'’m Ron Franklin.
Welcome to this congressional debate.
This contest is not just pivotal to our own community
but has far-reaching significance
for the entire nation.
We'’re not just choosing
- a representative. - [David praying quietly]
We are selecting the shape of our country.
DAVID: "He will give you the desires of your heart."
FRANKLIN: Now, before we begin...
"Commit your way unto the Lord;
"trust also in Him,
and He will bring it to pass."
You praying for a miracle, Reverend?
- Are you saying you want one? - [chuckles]
Oh, I'’ve seen the numbers.
You'’ve seen the numbers.
I'’m not the one that needs divine intervention.
[laughs]
I see someone else behind that arrogant facade.
I see a man who'’s lost his way.
Someone who'’s forgotten what it'’s like to lead
with integrity and compassion.
As a matter of fact, I came here to offer you a lifeline.
All right? A way out.
You concede the race now,
and I'’ll return everything you'’ve sacrificed.
I'’ll arrange for the women'’s center
to get the funding that it needs.
I'’ll tell the press that you'’re innocent
of spreading those nasty lies about my life in public service.
You can salvage your reputation, and who knows,
you may even get your job back.
[gasps, chuckles]
Surrender now, and no one else has to get hurt.
DAVID: What about the voters?
They'’ll get hurt.
See, this is the part where you behave
like a good Christian and turn the other cheek.
Your nation'’s counting on you, Reverend.
[chuckles]
What was that about?
[applause]
FRANKLIN: Now I'’d like to introduce tonight'’s candidates.
Would you welcome State Senator Peter Kane
and Reverend David Hill.
- [cheering and applause] - [cameras clicking]
- Thank you very much. - State Senator.
- Thank you. - Reverend, great to see you.
Have a great debate.
KANE: Are you going to deny
that your loyalties to the country are likely
to be compromised by your allegiance to the church?
DAVID: That'’s just not true, Senator.
KANE: Well, it says it right there
in your book right there:
"You cannot serve two masters."
[applause]
The church is subject only to the Word of God.
And believe me, you don'’t want to remove that from government.
[scattered applause]
You guys remember how upset you were
when they eliminated prayer in school?
[over TV]: That'’s nothing to what our nation would become
if we allow them to eliminate
religious freedoms and Christianity.
Oh, you'’re playing the God card here now.
- Think China, North Korea. - Maybe you haven'’t heard,
God is not on the ballot.
- European socialist countries. - Do you hear yourself now?
I do, and so could everyone else
- if you'’d stop interrupting. - [applause]
FRANKLIN [over TV]: Uh, a word of caution to our audience.
Kane knows all the tricks.
He'’s never gonna let Hill off the ropes.
FRANKLIN [over TV]: ...keep your reactions to a minimum.
KANE: You call it interference.
I call it a caring government
- that provides for its citizens. - [applause]
After all, "Do unto others."
Isn'’t that the main message of Christianity?
Hmm? Is it not?
No.
KANE: And isn'’t "love thy neighbor" central
to the teachings of Jesus?
No, Senator.
Central to the teachings of Jesus is Jesus.
[applause, murmurs of agreement]
Why is it every four years
we have to watch a politician take Jesus off their shelf,
find a Bible verse that they found
on someone else'’s Instagram page
and use just a piece of it
in order to advance their political agenda?
- [applause, murmuring] - Senator, you seem to miss
- the one key and vital point. - No, no, no. You miss the point.
The point, uh, today...
The only reason Jesus'’s teachings
of "love thy neighbor" resonates
is because He was the Son of God,
the Creator of the universe.
- [applause] - Without that minor detail,
Jesus would just be another false prophet.
- Well... - What you'’re trying to do
is remove God from our schools,
our culture, our government and even our history.
Pastor, you'’re laboring under the misconception
that our country was founded based solely
on Christian principles.
But let'’s not rewrite history here.
- Our founders... - [feedback squeals]
they were a diverse group.
Some were deists, yes, but others,
they valued a clear separation of church and state.
And these men... these men,
they gave us America'’s crowning achievement:
universal human rights.
A simple yet radical idea for its time.
MARTIN: They called it
the Cultural Revolution.
An idea that was expressed...
SMITH: They have lost hope
in the future of our country. I see it
every day in the faces of my constituents.
KANE: ...succinctly expressed...
Well, why wouldn'’t you listen to God if you knew it was Him?
KANE: ...in our founding documents.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident."
[whispers]: Get out of the boat.
Finish it.
Excuse me?
Finish it.
What comes next?
Or do you plan to rewrite
the Declaration of Independence, too?
[laughter]
[chuckles]
Ridiculous.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident,
"that all men are created equal,
"that they are endowed by their Creator
with certain inalienable rights."
Don'’t you see, Senator?
These... these rights-- how did you put it?
America'’s crowning achievement.
[cameras clicking]
They don'’t come from a piece of paper.
They come from God
and the biblical idea that all men are created in His image.
- [applause, cheering] - Okay... [mutters]
DAVID [over TV]: We cannot remove God from the fabric
of our country without risk of it collapsing.
Imagine if all Christians mobilized and voted.
Do you know what would happen?
Ask him.
He does, and it terrifies him.
You have the power to change things.
Not me, not him.
- You. - [applause]
So send the message to Washington.
Tell them that you'’re not ready to give that power up.
Don'’t stay quiet. Don'’t be silent.
Don'’t let them push you into the shadows.
You are the salt. You are the light.
[cheering]
Fight the good fight. Fight the good fight.
[excited laughter, cheering]
Yeah. Yeah.
What'’s going on?
God gave you a voice.
He gave you a vote.
A vote.
Use it.
[cheering and applause]
[cell phone vibrates]
Huh.
[cheering and applause continue]
[muttering]
[cheering and applause continue]
Use it.
MAN [over TV]: The people have spoken!
Yes! Reverend Hill!
And all the time...
...God is good.
♪ ♪
REPORTER: We'’re getting late into the evening now
as many mail-in ballots are still being counted.
This race is neck and neck, owing largely
to the groundswell after Sunday night'’s debate.
After a series of unprecedented recounts,
this is sure to come down to the wire,
and we may not have a final result until the morning.
♪ ♪
[birds chirping]
[siren whooping]
[cheering and applause]
♪ ♪
[chuckling]: Yeah. Thank you.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Let'’s open up our Bibles
to Psalm 20, verse six through nine.
"Now this I know: The Lord gives victory
"to His anointed.
"He answers him from His heavenly sanctuary
"with the victorious power of His right hand.
"Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
"but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
"They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm."
MONICA: Well, you did it, Pastor.
Congressman.
Not just repairs but a new house.
How'’d you pull it off?
Marc Shelley.
Turns out the law allows you to spend campaign money
on things like the women'’s center.
Mm.
So you'’re working here now?
MONICA: I don'’t know, I just...
felt like I wanted to give back.
DAVID: I know what you mean.
MAN: Let'’s head on inside.
MARTIN: Lord, give victory to the king.
- Amen. - CONGREGATION: Amen.
♪ Some will trust in chariots of war ♪
♪ Some believe in nothing anymore ♪
♪ '’Cause kingdoms rise ♪
♪ And kingdoms fall ♪
♪ But there is One who stands ♪
♪ Above them all ♪
♪ In God we trust ♪
♪ '’Cause there is power in His name ♪
♪ Age to age, He'’s still the same ♪
♪ In God we trust ♪
♪ Jehovah ♪
♪ He is Rapha, He is Jireh ♪
♪ He'’s the banner over us ♪
♪ In God we trust ♪
♪ We believe He is the Great I Am ♪
♪ We know He holds the whole world ♪
♪ In His hands ♪
♪ Oh, Christ alone ♪
♪ Our cornerstone ♪
♪ And everything He'’s done, He'’ll do again ♪
♪ In God we trust ♪
♪ '’Cause there is power in His name ♪
♪ Age to age, He'’s still the same ♪
♪ In God we trust ♪
♪ Jehovah ♪
♪ He is Rapha, He is Jireh ♪
♪ He'’s the banner over us ♪
♪ In God we trust ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh-oh-oh ♪
♪ Oh-oh-oh ♪
♪ No other name ♪
♪ No other way ♪
♪ No other ♪
♪ No other name ♪
♪ No other way ♪
♪ No other ♪
♪ In God we trust ♪
♪ Your kingdom come ♪
- ♪ In God we trust ♪ - ♪ In God we trust ♪
♪ In God we trust ♪
♪ Your kingdom come ♪
♪ Cause there is power in His name ♪
♪ Age to age, He'’s still the same ♪
- ♪ In God we trust ♪ - ♪ In God we trust ♪
- ♪ Jehovah ♪ - ♪ Jehovah ♪
♪ He is Rapha, He is Jireh ♪
♪ He'’s the banner over us ♪
♪ In God we trust ♪
- ♪ We trust in You ♪ - ♪ Oh, oh-oh-oh ♪
♪ We do ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh-oh-oh ♪
♪ No other name ♪
♪ No other way ♪
♪ No other ♪
♪ No other name ♪
♪ No other way ♪
♪ No other ♪
♪ No other. ♪
[song ends]
♪ ♪
[music ends]