Object

Outyear Projections Report (internal White House fiscal brief)

A stapled, letter‑size packet of crisply printed pages titled 'Outyear Projections' on the cover — dense tables, multi‑year columns, and small departmental annotations. The paper rustles when passed across a desk; staff skim numeric lines and point to highlighted rows. It reads like a working White House fiscal brief, roughly a dozen pages, utilitarian and closely consulted during decision moments.

4 appearances

Purpose

To present multi‑year fiscal or policy projections (outyear budgetary figures and trends) so advisors can assess long‑term impacts and inform strategic decision making.

Significance

Serves as an operational briefing that grounds political choices in technical forecasts; it supplies the empirical backdrop for debates about institutional risk and policy timing, helping officials weigh moral leadership against electoral and fiscal realities.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

4 moments

S1E19 · Let Bartlet Be Bartlet

Magnificent Vista Misfire — Bartlet's Impulse vs. Caution

The outyear projections report is referenced by Josh as the factual anchor to his political update (a possible $200 billion revision), lending weight and timing to the simultaneous news that opens the F.E.C. opportunity; it functions as the data point that helps justify political movement.

Before: In Josh's knowledge domain or briefing materials; referenced verbally as imminent revision.

After: Remains an active informational prompt that informs staff calculations and the emergent F.E.C. maneuver.

View full event

S1E19 · Let Bartlet Be Bartlet

Bartlet Dangles for FEC Reform

Referenced by Josh as the C.V.O.'s impending 'outyear projections' revision — the report functions as a concurrent informational pressure point that compounds the political significance of the F.E.C. vacancies and helps make the morning feel like a cascade of institutional developments.

Before: Existing bureaucratic report, not yet publicly released but known to staff as an upcoming revision.

After: Acknowledged by staff as part of the day's political context and folded into their immediate triage of priorities.

View full event

S1E19 · Let Bartlet Be Bartlet

Fitzwallace Calls the Question

A report is invoked repeatedly as the factual basis for the Marines' claims ('We know the report'); it functions as contested evidence, a focal point for procedural argument and rhetorical deflection between Sam and the majors.

Before: On the Roosevelt Room table, being referenced and read by staff and officers.

After: Remains on the table; its authority is rhetorically challenged by Sam and morally reframed by Fitzwallace's intervention.

View full event

S1E19 · Let Bartlet Be Bartlet

Fitzwallace's Glancing Reality

A report (represented by the Outyear Projections Report canonical object) is discussed and waved at in argument—used as shorthand by both sides to assert knowledge or familiarity with the facts, and to justify positions about what is voluntary or recorded.

Before: On the table or in briefs; cited by Sam and pushed back against by officers claiming they 'know the report.'

After: Remains in play as contested evidence; Fitzwallace's intervention reframes its weight as insufficient against a lack of presidential direction.

View full event