Fabula
S2E22 · Two Cathedrals

C.J.'s Sarcastic Deflection and GOP Bias Revelation

In the frenzied State Department press scrum, C.J. seizes control by revealing the Republican-appointed prosecutors and judges probing the Bartlet administration, reframing the investigation as partisan warfare. Reporters erupt in chaos as pale, coat-clad Donna and Margaret urgently weave through the crowd. C.J. masterfully parries the onslaught with biting sarcasm—'I can only answer 14 or 15 questions at once'—singling out Hal, showcasing her steely command amid staff grief and national crisis, shifting narrative momentum from defense to offense.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

3

C.J. reveals the political bias in the selection of prosecutors investigating the administration, highlighting Republican-appointed judges and prosecutors.

neutral to tension

Reporters clamor as Donna and Margaret arrive, pale and dressed in coats, standing at a distance, adding to the chaotic atmosphere.

tension to urgency

C.J. sarcastically deflects the barrage of questions from reporters, calling out Hal amidst the frenzy.

urgency to exasperation

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

4
Hal
primary

Heightened anticipation in journalistic pursuit

Hal stands primed amid the reporter pandemonium as C.J. singles him out with her sarcastic call, positioning him as the next focal point in the barrage.

Goals in this moment
  • Seize the spotlight for probing questions
  • Advance the press corps' inquiry momentum
Active beliefs
  • Targeted selection amplifies story impact
  • Administration vulnerabilities demand relentless scrutiny
Character traits
persistent alert representative
Follow Hal's journey

Visibly strained pallor amid raw bereavement

Pale and dressed in a coat, Margaret pushes determinedly through the shouting reporters alongside Donna after C.J.'s revelation, halting at a distance to witness the high-stakes exchange.

Goals in this moment
  • Navigate the chaotic crowd to observe proceedings
  • Uphold operational presence despite turmoil
Active beliefs
  • Duty anchors through mourning's storm
  • Team cohesion fortifies against press siege
Character traits
efficient urgent stoic
Follow Margaret Hooper's journey
C.J. Cregg
primary

Sarcastic poise veiling grief-fueled determination

C.J. dominates the briefing podium, delivering the pivotal revelation about Republican-appointed prosecutors and judges, then deploys biting sarcasm to quell the reporter onslaught before pointedly calling on Hal, embodying unflinching command amid chaos.

Goals in this moment
  • Reframe the special prosecutor investigation as partisan warfare
  • Regain control of the volatile press briefing
Active beliefs
  • GOP appointments undermine the probe's impartiality
  • Wit and revelation can shift momentum from defense to offense
Character traits
sarcastic commanding resilient strategic
Follow C.J. Cregg's journey
Donna Moss
primary

Pale distress shadowed by unwavering loyalty

Pale and bundled in a coat, Donna tears urgently through the clamoring reporter crowd post-C.J.'s bombshell, positioning herself at a distance to observe the unfolding confrontation.

Goals in this moment
  • Secure a vantage point amid the frenzy
  • Remain available for staff support in crisis
Active beliefs
  • Personal grief yields to professional duty
  • White House unity holds against external assault
Character traits
urgent resolute distressed
Follow Donna Moss's journey

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
State Department

The State Department briefing room erupts as the chaotic stage for C.J.'s partisan revelation and sarcastic riposte, with reporters clamoring wildly while Donna and Margaret weave through the press horde, amplifying the pressure-cooker intensity of White House defenses under grief and scrutiny.

Atmosphere Frenzied chaos with overlapping shouts and surging movement
Function Press briefing battleground
Symbolism Neutral territory exposing partisan fractures
Access Open to press corps but overcrowded and volatile
Clamoring reporters forming a human gauntlet Pale-coated staff navigating the throng

Organizations Involved

Institutional presence and influence

1
Republican Presidents

C.J. weaponizes the fact of Republican presidents' appointments of the prosecutors and judges against Bartlet's administration, transforming the 'independent' counsel process into a symbol of GOP-orchestrated bias and flipping the narrative from vulnerability to counterattack in the heat of the briefing.

Representation Invoked through historical appointments referenced by C.J.
Power Dynamics Wielding lingering institutional leverage via judicial selections
Impact Underscores how past executive actions perpetuate cross-party antagonism
Sustain partisan advantage in the investigation Exploit Bartlet's MS disclosure for political gain Control over prosecutor and judge appointments Institutional bias embedded in oversight panels

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

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Key Dialogue

"C.J.: "A list of three prosecutors is given to a three-judge panel. The prosecutors, as well as the judges, were all appointed by Republican presidents.""
"C.J.: "Please, I can only answer 14 or 15 questions at once. Hal!""