Sullivan

persistent strategic reformist

Sullivan acts as the plaintiff in a federal lawsuit against the Commission on Presidential Debates, contesting the 15% polling threshold for candidate participation. His District Court victory prompts immediate White House crisis response: staff debate Supreme Court appeals, stays with Ritchie's campaign, and impacts on minor candidates like Stackhouse. The ruling elevates Sullivan's challenge from legal technicality to political flashpoint, forcing senior advisors—Josh, Toby, Sam, C.J., Bruno, and Leo—to pivot from policy brainstorming to electoral strategy amid disrupted debate plans.

3 appearances

Sullivan's Journey

A timeline through the narrative

3 moments

S4E3 · College Kids

Reluctant Rallies and a Tuition Pitch

Not depicted directly; his victory functions as an external force that reshapes campaign plans.

Named as the plaintiff in the suit that Bruno and others worry about; the court ruling in his favor is the pivot that ends the bullpen’s policy play.

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S4E3 · College Kids

District Court Ruling Upends Day's Momentum

N/A (off-stage); functionally represents legal vulnerability.

Named as the plaintiff in the suit; not physically present but is the focus of the legal threat that shifts the bullpen's mood.

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S4E3 · College Kids

Donna: Football Scholarships Are the Problem

Not present; institutionally active through its case.

Referenced in relation to the Sullivan decision; invoked by Josh and Sam when assessing whether Stackhouse will be in the debate, thus shaping immediate tactical thinking.

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Affiliation

U.S. District Court