The West Wing S3 EP14 "Hartsfields Landing"

Previously on this episode

Taiwan planed to fire three Patriots for test, and China accelerated the integrated military exercises to stop Taiwan's test-fires. Because of China's reaction, Taiwan wanted U.S. to put some vessels in their territorial waters. U.S. tried to arbitrate in a dispute between Taiwan and China. There were so many matters including military issues, for example selling the destroyers to Taiwan or not. In this situation, Josiah Bartlet, President of United States, had to make a decision and suggested the chess game to Sam Seaborn, the deputy communications director.

SAM        You never gonna sell them the destroyers.

Bartlet      But everybody wakes up alive in the morning and saves a little face.

SAM        I don't know how you...
SAM        I don't know the word... I don't know how you do it.

Bartlet      You have a lot of help, you listen to everybody, 
Bartlet      and then you call the play. 

(Sam is nodding)

Bartlet      Sam, You gonna run for president one day.
Bartlet      Don't be scared. You can do it. I believe in you.

(Sam, staring at Bartlet silently. Bartlet, smiling vaguely)

Bartlet     That's Checkmate.

   

It is how the work is going on.