Character

Keith

polite matter-of-fact nostalgic accommodating

Keith, an elderly White House guest, has shaken hands with every U.S. president since Herbert Hoover. He recounts meeting Hoover on October 23, 1929—his ninth birthday, the day before the 1929 stock market crash—which unnerves President Bartlet with superstition amid a new Dow plunge. Answering Bartlet's questions politely, Keith triggers the rescheduling of their photo-op by Charlie. His stories tie personal longevity to presidential history, grounding crises in human continuity while staff manage optics.

2 appearances

Also known as: Mr. Keith

Keith's Journey

A timeline through the narrative

2 moments

S4E2 · 20 Hours in America Part II

Market Plunge and the Canceled Photo‑Op

Bemused and slightly hurt—proud to share history but puzzled when told the visit will be postponed.

Mr. Keith, the elderly guest, recounts shaking Hoover's hand on October 23, 1929; he answers Bartlet's questions politely and is confused/disappointed when Charlie apologetically explains the rescheduling.

View full event

S4E2 · 20 Hours in America Part II

Hoover Handshake Unnerves Bartlet — Photo‑Op Postponed

Benign and conversational — unaware his detail will carry symbolic weight and unsettle the President.

Mr. Muriel Keith, the elderly guest, answers Bartlet's question about Hoover, gives the October 23, 1929 date matter‑of‑factly and prefers Truman when asked — his anecdote unintentionally triggers Bartlet's unease.

View full event