Bartlet's Thanksgiving Ramble Tests C.J.'s Endurance
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
President Bartlet expresses dissatisfaction with Camp David, comparing it unfavorably to his farm and referencing Bess Truman's similar sentiment.
Bartlet corrects C.J.'s assumption that Camp David is a farm, emphasizing the distinction between farms and the presidential retreat.
Bartlet insists C.J. learn more about farms, revealing his fixation on Thanksgiving preparations.
Bartlet reflects on family and Thanksgiving plans, revealing Abbey's influence on their destination.
C.J. sarcastically admits to losing track of their conversation, referencing Bartlet's lengthy discourse on turkey brining spices.
Bartlet humorously acknowledges C.J.'s frustration and grants her permission to leave the Oval Office.
C.J. exits the Oval Office, but not before correctly recalling the spices Bartlet mentioned, satisfying his test of her attention.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Historically dismissive of retreat's tedium
Invoked by Bartlet from historical reading as fellow critic of Camp David's dullness, paralleling his own disdain to validate holiday site complaints without physical presence.
- • Prefer authentic settings over isolated pomp (historical)
- • Camp David stifles holiday spirit
- • Private rhythms superior to protocol
Playfully authoritative masking affectionate impatience
Sits animatedly rambling to C.J. about Camp David's dullness, historical anecdotes, farm ideals, and turkey brining rituals; playfully quizzes her knowledge, mock-rebukes sarcasm with humor, stands to grant permission to leave only after she correctly names spices, blending presidential authority with paternal whimsy.
- • Gauge and test C.J.'s attentiveness amid his diversions
- • Share personal holiday visions to connect domestically
- • Lighten tense pre-Thanksgiving atmosphere with banter
- • Camp David lacks authentic Thanksgiving vitality unlike family farms
- • Proper turkey brining demands precise 17-spice ritual for tenderness
- • Abbey's reluctance justifies altered plans without argument
referenced by Bartlet as reluctant to travel to New Hampshire for Thanksgiving
- • avoid traveling to New Hampshire
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
Vividly disparaged by Bartlet as dull non-farm retreat unfit for Thanksgiving—lacking growth and animals—echoing Bess Truman's critique, positioning it as politically imposed alternative to family farm amid Abbey's hesitance and polls.
Idealized by Bartlet as true Thanksgiving haven with growable crops, animals, and brining rituals—antidote to Camp David's flaws—its rustic pull thwarted by Abbey's reluctance and logistics, fueling his educational quiz to C.J.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Bartlet's fixation on farms and Thanksgiving preparations continues from the Oval Office to Leo's office, showing his consistent preoccupation with domestic details amidst larger crises."
Themes This Exemplifies
Thematic resonance and meaning
Part of Larger Arcs
Key Dialogue
"C.J.: I mean, I can hang in there with the best of them, sir, but somewhere during the discussion of anise and coriander and the other 15 spices you like to use to baste a turkey, I simply lost consciousness."
"BARTLET: You know that line you're not supposed to cross with the President? C.J.: I'm coming up on it? BARTLET: No-no. Look behind you."
"BARTLET: Seventeen kinds of spices including? C.J.: Anise and coriander."