Object

Piece of Paper with Republican Tax Plan Details

Bartlet grips this piece of paper and reads it intently while walking into his office. The document outlines the Republican tax plan's enormous cost and errors like the I-5 shutdown. Toby, Donna, Larry, Ed, and a CNN anchor look on as Bartlet's expression shifts, marking the paper's role in heightening the crisis atmosphere after the flight.

2 appearances

Purpose

Delivers key facts on the Republican tax plan's scale and flaws to prompt staff response

Significance

Ignites Bartlet's reaction and frames the debate over 50 hours of silence to shield Sam McGarry's campaign from rebuttal fallout

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S4E16 · The California 47th

Silence to Protect Sam

The piece of paper containing Republican tax-plan details is the physical prompt that crystallizes the crisis in the Oval: Bartlet reads it aloud, and its contents (numbers and cuts) drive the staff’s calculation of political risk and the ultimate decision to remain silent.

Before: In a staff or briefing folder brought to the President; in Bartlet's hand as he walks into his office.

After: Remains in the President's possession or on his desk as they decide on the response strategy.

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S4E16 · The California 47th

Unexpected Passenger & Gridlock: Andy Joins; I-5 Shuts Down

The piece of paper Bartlet reads contains the Republican tax plan details — its content provokes his wry contempt and fuels the strategic decision to remain silent to protect Sam's campaign.

Before: In Bartlet's hand as he walks into his office.

After: Remains with Bartlet as he processes the plan's fiscal consequences and adopts a strategic posture of silence.

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