Leo's relentless push for NMD funding clashes with Toby's fiscal opposition, Marbury's diplomatic skepticism, and test failure realities, escalating into rhetorical nationalism vs multilateral caution.
Leo's relentless push for NMD funding clashes with Toby's fiscal opposition, Marbury's diplomatic skepticism, and test failure realities, escalating into rhetorical nationalism vs multilateral caution.
Events in This Arc
The congressional hearing launches with Leo McGarry formally identifying himself and counsel Jordan Kendall. Chairman Bruno starkly frames the inquiry into President Bartlet's concealed MS diagnosis, questioning how secrets endured …
Congressman Erickson feigns bipartisanship by complimenting Chairman Bruno, then smugly quizzes Leo on constitutional succession protocols amid Bartlet's MS crisis. Leo whispers aside with Jordan, mocking Erickson's snotty tone while …
In the tense Capitol Hill hearing room, a visibly confused and disoriented Leo McGarry, reeling from prior grilling on his relapse and Bartlet's MS cover-up, stammers in disbelief as Chairman …
In a flashback to the night of the third debate, nine days before a dead-heat election, Leo McGarry forces a broad smile while greeting two CEOs and a third man, …
Interrupted mid-relapse by Josh's urgent call about the Governor's collapse, a disheveled Leo opens his door to Congressman Gibson, who retrieves his briefcase and spots the damning array of empty …
Emerging from the elevator into the opulent, brightly lit Rayburn House hallway at 10:45 PM, Leo McGarry and Jordan Kendall stride forward with unwavering focus, passing sculptures and portraits. The …
In a tense midnight negotiation, Cliff Calley offers to halt the damaging hearings—including Gibson's explosive testimony—in exchange for a historic censure of President Bartlet. Leo McGarry vehemently rejects the deal, …
As the Oval Office tension resolves with Bartlet's resolute confession to Leo, the scene cuts to the Speaker of the House off-screen directing the Secretary to read House Concurrent Resolution …
Charlie strictly enforces Bartlet's post-diplomatic schedule, warning of a two-minute limit. Leo barges in, demanding an immediate pull to the Situation Room for the time-sensitive NMD missile test. Mrs. Landingham …
In the reception hall, Leo launches a fierce defense of the U.S. missile shield against Lord Marbury's multifaceted critique—citing North Korea's Taepodong threat, ABM treaty violations, China's arsenal buildup, European …