Object

Naval Warfare Center Crane Podium (President Bartlet)

The podium occupies center stage at Naval Warfare Center Crane under daytime lights, its surface positioned for notes and microphone as President Bartlet strides onstage to cheering troops. Bartlet grips it to deliver opening lines and a self-aware joke that eases crowd tension, while backstage Bruno urges military benefits in the soundbite before Bartlet halts him. C.J., the base captain, and an assistant stand nearby, witnessing his controlled authority.

2 appearances

Purpose

Platform for President Bartlet to deliver speeches, soundbites, and jokes to military audiences

Significance

Bartlet uses the podium to project affable rapport and authority onstage, directly after rejecting backstage pressure to politicize deployed troops—highlighting ethical boundaries amid campaign tensions

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S4E1 · 20 Hours in America Part I

Commander in Chief: Bartlet's Entrance and Moral Line

The podium is the focal prop for Bartlet's address: the destination of his walk, the physical platform that transforms his backstage authority into public rhetoric and comedic disarming of tension. It marks the boundary between private staff negotiation and public performance.

Before: Positioned stage-left/bottom of platform, ready for the President to mount as he approaches; unoccupied but prepared with mic/notes.

After: Occupied by President Bartlet as he delivers opening lines; functioning as the speech platform.

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S4E1 · 20 Hours in America Part I

Refusing to Politicize the Troops Amid a Market Shock

The podium is the immediate destination and theatrical focal point for the speech; its presence frames the exchange—Bartlet's admonition occurs as they walk toward the podium, establishing the stakes between performance and duty.

Before: Set onstage and awaiting the President's remarks; unoccupied but central to the forthcoming ceremony.

After: Used subsequently as Bartlet mounts the platform to address the troops; remains intact and functioning as the speech stage.

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