Tom

formal established routine precise concise efficient factual operationally focused professional concerned ceremonial

Tom ranks among the White House Press Corps reporters whom C.J. Cregg calls on during briefings. She recites his name in sequence—after Paul, before Sondra and Suzanne—in her solo rehearsal inside the darkened Press Room. This routine placement marks him as a standard participant in daily press interactions, familiar enough for C.J. to memorize alongside Mark, Katie, Jessie, Phil, Steve, Betsy, Julie, Julia, Kevin, Mike, Danny, and Elizabeth. His steady presence shapes the disciplined rhythm of White House communications.

10 appearances

Military Strategy and Strategic Assessments

Also known as: Tom (Joint Chiefs), TOM

Tom's Journey

A timeline through the narrative

10 moments

S1E12 · He Shall, From Time To Time...

Bartlet's Celtics Quip Masks a Brewing Crisis

Concerned and matter-of-fact; conveys the seriousness of Pakistan's strategic calculus without theatricalism.

Provides a blunt assessment of Pakistani capabilities and fears, telling the President that Pakistan may not be able to defend its capital conventionally if India continues—adding an escalation rationale to …

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S1E12 · He Shall, From Time To Time...

Situation Room: India–Pakistan Nuclear Readiness Briefing

Sober and urgent — signaling the seriousness of Pakistan's fears and the risk of disproportionate responses.

Provides a blunt operational assessment of Pakistani conventional limitations, warns that Pakistan fears it cannot defend its capital conventionally, and frames the escalation's potential severity.

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S2E12 · The Drop-In

Bartlet Banters with Wit Before Formally Crediting Thai Ambassador Sumatra

Formal poise with understated command

Tom formally introduces Sumatra with pleasure, requests credential acceptance on Secretary of State's behalf, and directs the ambassador precisely for post-ceremony photographs, orchestrating protocol seamlessly.

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S2E12 · The Drop-In

Leo Briefs Bartlet on Missile 'Success' and Pitches Eco-Terrorism Drop-In

formal

Formally presents Ambassador Hans and family, directs posing for photos, escorts ambassador out

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S2E12 · The Drop-In

Bartlet Reasserts Principle and Fact Over Toby's Cynical Spin

Presents ambassador, directs family for photos, escorts ambassador out

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S2E12 · The Drop-In

Bartlet's Witty Blame of Sweden for Rome's Fall in Ambassadorial Welcome

Professionally unflappable, focused on ceremonial perfection.

Tom executes protocol with precision, formally introducing Peter Hans and presenting credentials, directing the ambassador to position for photos, and ushering the family out post-ceremony, his clipped commands ensuring seamless …

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S2E12 · The Drop-In

Toby Intercepts CJ with Drop-In Talking Points

Formally presents Ambassador Peter Hans and family, directs posing for photos, escorts them out

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S2E12 · The Drop-In

Bartlet Unloads Eco-Backlash Fury and Grills Leo on Missile Shield Motives

formally presents Lord Marbury and requests Bartlet accept credentials

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S2E12 · The Drop-In

Marbury's Credential Ceremony Sparks Missile Shield Showdown

Professionally composed and authoritative

Prompted by Bartlet, executes precise ceremonial introduction of Lord Marbury and presentation of credentials folder from Queen Elizabeth II, facilitating the ritual exchange that precedes explosive policy debate.

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S4E5 · Debate Camp

C.J. Practices Alone — A Compliment That Cuts to a Vulnerability

Not present; invoked as typical press presence.

Named in the roll call; part of the constructed audience C.J. anticipates in rehearsal.

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