Charlie Pitches Secretary Candidates to Preoccupied Sam
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Charlie arrives at Sam's office, initiating a conversation about the President's search for a new lead secretary.
Charlie outlines potential candidates for the secretary position, revealing the President's specific preferences and concerns.
Sam offers minimal encouragement, maintaining a reserved demeanor, while Charlie probes about Sam's well-being.
Charlie concludes the conversation, leaving the door open for future suggestions, while Sam remains non-committal.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Neutral (prospective candidate)
Beverly Casey is pitched by Charlie for her experience as secretary to two ambassadors, positioning her as a strong diplomatic fit.
- • Leverage ambassador tenure for White House role (inferred)
- • Protocol experience translates to Oval demands
Neutral (prospective candidate)
Sue Po is highlighted by Charlie for her work under the OPM head, underscoring her bureaucratic prowess in the candidate rundown.
- • Apply OPM-honed skills to senior aide role (inferred)
- • Federal personnel expertise fits crisis administration
Distracted withdrawal masking deeper crisis immersion and personal fatigue
Sam remains stationed at or near his office door, responding curtly and distractedly to Charlie's entry and pitch with minimal engagement, brushing off the secretary search and claiming perfunctory wellness before a vague acknowledgment.
- • Minimize interruption to focus on urgent Shareef crisis work
- • Deflect personal inquiry to maintain professional facade
- • Immediate terror threats supersede administrative hiring
- • Admitting vulnerability weakens operational momentum
Dutifully optimistic laced with quiet concern for Sam's evident strain
Charlie stands at Sam's office door, entering with polite efficiency to pitch four secretary candidates by name with candid pros and cons, then shifts to personal concern by asking about Sam's well-being before departing optimistically.
- • Fulfill President's directive by sourcing viable secretary candidates
- • Gauge and support Sam's emotional state amid crisis
- • Competent staffing is crucial for White House functionality under pressure
- • Personal check-ins strengthen team resilience during turmoil
Determined to streamline staffing amid broader crises
The President is referenced off-screen as ready to hire a lead secretary and having tasked Charlie with the search, driving the interaction's purpose without physical presence.
- • Expedite replacement of Mrs. Landingham to restore efficiency
- • Delegate recruitment to trusted aide Charlie
- • Swift personnel action sustains White House machinery
- • Charlie's judgment aligns with administrative needs
Neutral (prospective candidate)
Elizabeth Etcheberry is invoked by Charlie as a candidate prospect, her German accent noted as a potential drawback in the hurried pitch.
- • Secure position as lead secretary (inferred pursuit)
- • Accent minor versus qualifications (Charlie's view)
Neutral (prospective candidate)
Jerry Walters is suggested by Charlie but flagged for potential male gender discomfort in the traditionally female role.
- • Overcome gender bias for secretary position (inferred pursuit)
- • Personal comfort trumps qualifications in fit (Charlie's caution)
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Toby's goading of Sam to 'get up off the dirt' connects to Sam's earlier reserved demeanor with Charlie, showing Toby's role in reigniting Sam's political aggression."
"Toby's goading of Sam to 'get up off the dirt' connects to Sam's earlier reserved demeanor with Charlie, showing Toby's role in reigniting Sam's political aggression."
"Bartlet's grief over Mrs. Landingham's death mirrors Charlie's search for her successor, both highlighting the lingering absence of a beloved figure in the White House."
"Bartlet's grief over Mrs. Landingham's death mirrors Charlie's search for her successor, both highlighting the lingering absence of a beloved figure in the White House."
Key Dialogue
"CHARLIE: "The President's ready to hire a lead secretary." SAM: "That's good.""
"CHARLIE: "How've you been?" SAM: "Fine.""
"CHARLIE: "Okay. If you think of anybody in the middle of the night." SAM: "Yeah.""