Leo Pivots to Midterm Conquest
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Leo confirms the unprecedented 81% approval rating, transitioning the conversation to strategic opportunities for reclaiming the House and gaining seats in the Senate and governorships.
Ed and Larry outline key districts and states where Democrats could gain ground, with C.J. injecting realism about unlikely wins, prompting Leo to push forward despite doubts.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Sardonic caution tempering opportunistic surge
Seated at table, authoritatively cites CNN/USA Today as source validating 81% rating against internals doubt, later voices pragmatic skepticism on Florida 8th/9th electability, grounding hype in electoral reality.
- • Legitimize poll data with external proof
- • Highlight risks in overreaching district targets
- • Post-shooting sympathy inflates polls temporarily
- • Florida districts resist Democratic flips
Skeptical yet affirming, leveraging data for persuasion
Seated participant who counters softness by delivering precise 61% Bartlet-vs-Republican leaders matchup data, bolstering strategic rationale amid President's overview request.
- • Undercut poll softness narrative with head-to-head stats
- • Support shift to offensive midterm posture
- • Bartlet's personal favorability trumps party dynamics
- • Sympathy polls still yield tactical edges
Stubborn skepticism amid rising optimism
Reiterates persistent 'soft' poll caution post-C.J.'s verification and Leo's surprise, anchoring earlier dialogue thread without further expansion in strategy pivot.
- • Maintain realism on poll volatility
- • Temper premature midterm euphoria
- • Approval spikes from tragedy are fleeting
- • Overreliance risks ethical compromises
amused
Enters with Leo, engages in playful banter about 'acalculia', requests overview of polls and midterm strategy
- • Receive briefing on approval ratings and midterm electoral opportunities
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
Hosts charged strategy huddle around conference table where senior staff dissects post-assassination 81% polls, maps swing districts, and commits to electoral pushes—transforming shock into calculated offense in the heart of White House power.
Organizations Involved
Institutional presence and influence
Invoked by C.J. as gold-standard source for 81% approval validation, shattering internal doubts and propelling Roosevelt Room from trivia banter to midterm conquest mapping, their data weaponizing public sympathy.
Framed as chief adversaries via Sam's 61% Bartlet matchup and targeted swing districts (e.g., Florida 8th), galvanizing Democratic resolve to assault their House stronghold amid post-shooting momentum.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Toby's announcement of the 81% approval rating leads into Leo's confirmation and strategic discussion about reclaiming the House."
"Toby's announcement of the 81% approval rating leads into Leo's confirmation and strategic discussion about reclaiming the House."
Key Dialogue
"LEO: "Did we really poll at 81%?" C.J.: "Those aren't internals. It's CNN, USA Today.""
"ED: "Mr. President, we got a honest to god shot at taking back the House." LARRY: "Taking back the house and possibly picking up two seats net in the Senate.""
"C.J.: "They're not going to elect a democrat in the Florida 9th." LARRY: "I'm sorry Florida 8th." LEO: "They're not going to elect a democrat there, either. But let's put some time into it. What else?""