C.J.'s Unvoiced Aftermath Worry Interrupted by Urgent Beeper
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
C.J. and Leo discuss aftermath stories while outside, with C.J. hinting at unspoken concerns before being interrupted by a beep, implying looming trouble.
C.J. abandons her conversation with Leo to address whatever alert just came through, heightening the suspense about the nature of the incoming issue.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Tentatively exposed unease swiftly masked by professional resolve
C.J. stands with Leo in the corridor, confidently affirming fundraising success, then vulnerably probes media 'aftermath stories' concern before beeper interrupts, prompting her to check it, dismiss the issue, and urgently dial a phone—shifting seamlessly from personal disclosure to crisis response.
- • Reassure Leo on fundraising momentum to maintain operational alignment
- • Gauge Leo's stance on handling media's psychological trauma exploitation
- • Personal emotional toll must yield to White House duties
- • Media requests for 'aftermath' risk unethical sensationalism of tragedy
obsessed
Sitting on bed with phone to ear discussing Elliot Roush's polling obsessively, interacts with Leo and Zoey, eats breakfast at settee, dismisses C.J. and Leo.
- • Advocate for taking the local school board race seriously
- • Check on fundraising calls indirectly
Steadfast operational focus overriding interpersonal nuance
Leo receives C.J.'s fundraising update with curt approval, probes her concern with 'Psychological effects?', then decisively forbids participation, presses for clarification amid her beeper distraction, and departs with pragmatic acceptance as she pivots to a call.
- • Confirm fundraising progress to sustain midterm strategy
- • Enforce discipline against media engagements exploiting trauma
- • No staff participation in psychological aftermath narratives
- • Duty demands swift redirection from distractions to priorities
hesitant
Enters bedroom with Leo, attempts to talk to father about Charlie but deterred by his mood.
- • Discuss Charlie with her father
Brings breakfast for Bartlet.
Mentioned by Zoey as the topic she wants to discuss with her father.
Significantly mentioned as opponent polling at 46% in local Board of Education race, subject of Bartlet's obsession.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
This liminal corridor outside the President's bedroom serves as a pressured interstitial space where C.J. and Leo conduct a fleeting, interrupted exchange—bridging Bartlet's private obsession with midterm urgencies, its proximity amplifying the tension between personal vulnerability and institutional demands in post-assassination recovery.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Bartlet's personal history with Roush is recalled when he reveals the tactic he used to defeat Roush years earlier during the Jenna Jacobs confrontation."
"Bartlet's personal history with Roush is recalled when he reveals the tactic he used to defeat Roush years earlier during the Jenna Jacobs confrontation."
"Bartlet's obsession with the Elliot Roush school board race is consistent throughout, culminating in his discussion with C.J. about it."
"Bartlet's obsession with the Elliot Roush school board race is consistent throughout, culminating in his discussion with C.J. about it."
Key Dialogue
"C.J.: "Listen, Leo, we're still asked to participate in aftermath stories.""
"LEO: "Psychological effects?" C.J.: "Yeah and I was wondering...." LEO: "Don't do it.""
"C.J.: "This isn't going to be good." LEO: "You were wondering what?" C.J.: "Don't worry about it.""