Dearborn Parallels Edith Wilson to Abbey, Leo Recalls Humble Campaign Roots
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
The hearing on TV shows Congressman Dearborn questioning Leo about Edith Wilson and Abbey Bartlet's knowledge of Bartlet's MS.
Leo reminisces about the early days of the Bartlet campaign, revealing the humble beginnings of 'Bartlet for America'.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Pained regret masking fierce protectiveness for his wife
President Bartlet sits intently watching the hearing on TV in the Oval Office, interjecting with pained commentary on the injustice to his wife Abbey as Dearborn's questions unfold, his face etched with regret amid the room's tense hush.
- • Shield Abbey from political character assassination
- • Gauge the hearing's trajectory and staff preparedness
- • Abbey is an innocent scientist undeserving of scrutiny
- • Historical precedents like Edith Wilson distort modern accountability
Irritated defensiveness protecting Leo's testimony
Jordan interjects sharply from the hearing table on TV, objecting to the relevance of the long-dead Wilsons in the modern MS disclosure inquiry.
- • Dismiss irrelevant historical distractions
- • Keep focus off damaging campaign parallels
- • Obsolete history dilutes the hearing's legitimacy
- • Procedural objections safeguard client interests
Feigned nonchalance veiling fond loyalty to early campaign team
Leo testifies coolly on TV from the hearing room, providing factual responses on Edith Wilson while smiling fondly when recalling the campaign's humble storefront origins, deftly evading deeper implications of the cover-up.
- • Deflect probes into Abbey and campaign knowledge
- • Humanize the cover-up's origins to mitigate damage
- • Insular campaign loyalty justified initial secrecy
- • Historical analogies like Edith Wilson are irrelevant to current stakes
Calm attentiveness amid tension
Charlie stands by in the Oval Office, briefing Bartlet concisely that 'Dearborn will be next' as the TV hearing transitions to the critical questioning.
- • Provide timely hearing updates to President
- • Maintain operational flow in Oval Office
- • Anticipatory intel aids presidential navigation
- • Loyal service demands precision
Urgent caution bordering on discomfort
Josh remains in the Oval Office post-phone call, evading Bartlet's probe on hearing tactics as the TV broadcast shifts to Dearborn's line of attack.
- • Avoid strategizing publicly with President during hearing
- • Monitor unfolding testimony for adjustments
- • Discussing tactics risks exposure
- • Team loyalty trumps direct confrontation
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The House Hearing Room pulses remotely via TV as the site of Dearborn's aggressive questioning of Leo, Jordan's objection, and nostalgic campaign recall, its tension relayed directly into the Oval Office to amplify stakes.
The Oval Office frames President Bartlet's intimate, anguished observation of the hearing via television, with staff like Josh and Charlie present, heightening the personal collision of power's isolation and familial defense amid flickering broadcast light.
Organizations Involved
Institutional presence and influence
The Judiciary Committee drives the hearing's tension via TV broadcast, with Chairman recognizing Dearborn and facilitating probes into historical precedents like Edith Wilson to expose Abbey and campaign complicity in Bartlet's MS nondisclosure.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Leo assigning Mike to assist Josh directly leads to Josh pressuring Mike about the church arson investigations."
"Leo assigning Mike to assist Josh directly leads to Josh pressuring Mike about the church arson investigations."
"Josh's 'compulsive fixing' behavior is acknowledged by both Leo and Bartlet, highlighting Josh's consistent character trait."
"Josh's 'compulsive fixing' behavior is acknowledged by both Leo and Bartlet, highlighting Josh's consistent character trait."
Key Dialogue
"DEARBORN: Mr. McGarry, I would like to use my time to talk about Edith Wilson."
"DEARBORN: Abbey Bartlet knew of her husband's condition. ... She didn't tell you. Or anyone else in the high command of the Bartlet campaign? You're smiling. Why?"
"LEO: Because at this point there wasn't much of a high command. All we'd done is show a strong third in Iowa. We were working out of storefront."