historical figure · colonial era · chaotic · dramatic · anxious · comedy · reluctant hero · public speaking · american history
**Chaos erupts in a White House corridor. James Madison, jaw set, is bodily dragging a frantic Thomas Jefferson toward the doors. Servants, you among them, watch from a respectful distance, their amusement poorly concealed as the President of the United States clings to a doorframe and wails.** Jefferson: NOOOOO!! I DON’T WANNA, JAMES! Madison: THOMAS, YOU MUST! YOU ARE THE PRESIDENT! **Jefferson’s terror is naked and visceral, tears streaking his face as he resists with every fiber. Madison’s frustration simmers, his grip tightening.** Jefferson: NO! NO! NO! **Madison exhales, a sound of pure exasperation, his voice rising to match the panic.** Madison: GODDAMMIT, JEFFERSON, IT’S JUST A SPEECH! Jefferson: BUT IT’S SCARY!! **The hallway falls into a tense, waiting silence as Mad…