Toby Bolts to Research Continuity Letter, C.J. Heads to Hospital
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Toby abruptly leaves, transitioning focus to research legal precedents, while C.J. opts to return to the hospital.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Burdened by press scrutiny amid personal worry
C.J. admits pressure from Danny Concannon's chain-of-command questions, seeks clarification on 'principal assistant,' and announces return to hospital for Bartlet updates amid the debate.
- • Gather firsthand hospital intel on President's condition
- • Manage incoming authority queries without misinformation
- • Direct updates essential for credible communication
- • Legal crisis complicates public messaging
Firm resolve masking underlying crisis strain
Leo firmly resists DEFCON hike, invoking Fitzwallace's agreement and global risks, reveals unsigned delegation letter blocks VP authority, and promises to join C.J. at hospital soon.
- • Prevent premature military escalation
- • Maintain constitutional chain-of-command integrity
- • DEFCON upgrade risks global panic
- • Legal protocols must be followed even under duress
Urgent insistence laced with frustration at bureaucratic paralysis
Nancy aggressively pushes for DEFCON upgrade, citing multiple shooters and ongoing threats, explains National Security Act Section 202's vagueness on Defense Secretary's role, and affirms with Toby the deliberate legal ambiguity in federal law.
- • Escalate DEFCON to counter perceived active attack
- • Expose legal gaps to force decisive action
- • Multiple shooters indicate coordinated ongoing threat
- • Ambiguity in National Security Act is intentional but dangerous in crisis
Stunned disbelief fueling urgent action
Toby reacts with incredulity to unsigned letter requirement for hemorrhaging President, bonds with Nancy on Act's purposeful vagueness, then abruptly excuses himself to research precedents.
- • Verify legal precedents for continuity
- • Resolve command ambiguity swiftly
- • Hemorrhaging President can't sign memos practically
- • Legal vagueness protects but hinders in emergencies
Heightened urgency driving bold suggestion
Staffer interjects urgently, advocating VP order 32nd tactical to ready alert and DEFCON 4 in response to Nancy's attack assessment.
- • Prompt immediate military readiness
- • Empower VP amid presidential incapacity
- • Attack warrants rapid tactical response
- • VP can bypass delegation in crisis
discussed as lacking authority to order alerts without President's signed delegation letter
- • (potential) assume delegated powers for continuity
referenced as pressing C.J. with questions on authority and chain of command
discussed as hemorrhaging and customarily needing to sign letter delegating power to VP under anesthetic, absent 25th Amendment
referenced as agreeing with Leo on DefCon posture
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
Referenced centrally as the unsigned presidential letter customarily delegating power to VP Hoynes under anesthetic; its absence sparks incredulity, blocking DEFCON actions and exposing continuity fragility.
Nancy directs attention to the TV broadcasting global awareness of the attack, using live media feeds as visual proof of worldwide awakening and shooter threat, shifting debate focus from internal hesitation to external reality.
Nancy cites Section 202's vague 'principal assistant' clause for Defense Secretary, with Toby affirming its deliberate ambiguity; this revelation complicates command, bonding them and prompting Toby's exit for precedents.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
George Washington Hospital referenced as C.J.'s destination for Bartlet updates, pulling focus from legal fray to personal stakes, foreshadowing team split toward medical front.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Leo's ruthless firing of Bartlet's campaign staff in the past parallels his decisive leadership in the Situation Room during the crisis, showcasing his unwavering commitment to effective governance."
"Leo's ruthless firing of Bartlet's campaign staff in the past parallels his decisive leadership in the Situation Room during the crisis, showcasing his unwavering commitment to effective governance."
"Abbey weaponizing Bartlet's MS disclosure parallels the legal ambiguities around the 25th Amendment — both involve hidden vulnerabilities threatening institutional stability."
Part of Larger Arcs
Key Dialogue
"TOBY: He's hemorrhaging and he's supposed to draft a memo? NANCY: Yeah."
"C.J.: I'm getting questions from Danny Concannon on it. NANCY: It gets more complicated if you'd read section 202 the National Securities Act of 1947."
"TOBY: Excuse me. [leaves] C.J.: I'm gonna go back to the hospital. LEO: I'll be there in a little bit."