The West Wing
S3E9
ยท Bartlet for America (Restructured)

Buchanan Waives Statement, Ignites Questioning

As President Bartlet watches the congressional hearing on television in the Outer Oval Office, Chairman Bruno recognizes Congressman Buchanan from Virginia. Buchanan decisively requests permission to forgo his opening statement and plunge straight into questioning the witnesses, accelerating the probe's rhythm. Bruno courteously thanks him, and Buchanan reciprocates. This procedural efficiency strips away formalities, ramping up relentless pressure on Leo McGarry and the White House amid revelations of Bartlet's concealed MS, embodying the hearing's escalating ferocity.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

Chairman Bruno recognizes Congressman Buchanan, who opts to skip his statement and proceed directly to questioning.

neutral to procedural ['Congressional hearing room (on TV)']

Congressman Buchanan thanks Chairman Bruno as the hearing proceeds.

procedural to neutral ['Congressional hearing room (on TV)']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2
Head Master
primary

Regretful and heavy-hearted, reflecting on the human toll of political machinations

President Bartlet stands near Charlie's desk watching the live hearing on TV, softly mutters a regretful line alluding to personal costs, pockets his reading glasses, and exits through the French doors into solitude.

Goals in this moment
  • • Assess the hearing's momentum remotely
  • • Withdraw to process emotional weight privately
Active beliefs
  • • Deceptions in service of power harm loyal women like Abbey
  • • Leadership demands confronting personal moral costs
Character traits
introspective burdened withdrawn
Follow Head Master's journey
Bruno
primary

Politely neutral, maintaining procedural decorum under pressure

Broadcast on TV, Chairman Bruno formally recognizes Congressman Buchanan and courteously thanks him for waiving his opening statement, enabling an immediate shift to witness questioning.

Goals in this moment
  • • Uphold hearing protocol efficiently
  • • Facilitate smooth progression to substantive inquiry
Active beliefs
  • • Courtesy accelerates effective oversight
  • • Orderly process strengthens institutional legitimacy
Character traits
diplomatic procedural composed
Follow Bruno's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

2
Leo's Office Television (Crisis Media Broadcast)

Positioned near Charlie's desk in the Outer Oval, the television broadcasts the live congressional hearing, immersing Bartlet in the accelerating probe against Leo and the White House; it functions as a window into the crisis, amplifying tension through real-time political drama.

Before: Powered on, tuned to hearing coverage
After: Still active, continuing broadcast as Bartlet exits
Before: Powered on, tuned to hearing coverage
After: Still active, continuing broadcast as Bartlet exits
Oval Office Veranda Door

The French doors provide Bartlet's exit route from the Outer Oval after viewing the TV hearing; their glass panes frame his somber departure, symbolizing a barrier between public duty and private reckoning amid the intensifying scandal.

Before: Closed, separating office from exterior
After: Traversed by Bartlet, now facilitating outward passage
Before: Closed, separating office from exterior
After: Traversed by Bartlet, now facilitating outward passage

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
The Oval Office

The Outer Oval Office acts as a secluded presidential observatory where Bartlet monitors the hearing via TV near Charlie's desk, its elegant confines heightening isolation as procedural shifts onscreen ramp up pressure on his administration's secrets.

Atmosphere Somber and introspective, laced with quiet regret and distant urgency from TV audio
Function Private viewing station for executive oversight of legislative threats
Symbolism Emblem of executive vulnerability exposed to broadcast scrutiny
Access Limited to President and close aides like Charlie
TV humming with hearing proceedings near Charlie's desk Natural light through French doors underscoring Bartlet's exit

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

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Key Dialogue

"BRUNO: "The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia, Congressman Buchanan.""
"BUCHANAN: "Mr. Chairman, with your permission, I'd like to skip any statement and move right into my questioning.""
"BRUNO: "The chair thanks the Gentleman for his consideration.""
"BUCHANAN: "Thank you, Mr. Chairman.""