Needle Exchange Program

Toby identifies the needle exchange program as Ritchie's key line of attack, demanding a rebuttal that highlights its low costs and public-health benefits in preventing HIV spread. Josh counters with risks from Senator Stackhouse's response, which could cost three swing states. Bartlet weighs the policy's merits against electoral math while Leo, Charlie, C.J., and Toby press their cases in the Oval Office.

2 appearances

Purpose

Harm reduction initiative exchanging used needles for sterile ones to curb HIV transmission among intravenous drug users

Significance

Sparks urgent debate on rebuttal strategy, balancing moral evidence against political peril from Ritchie's campaign and Stackhouse's unpredictability

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S4E4 · The Red Mass

Validation Secured — Validators and Debate Strategy Mobilized

The Needle Exchange Program functions as the contested policy at the heart of the tactical argument: Ritchie's attack has forced the team to weigh moral defense against electoral harm.

Before: Existing public-health program under political attack from opposing campaign rhetoric.

After: Elevated to a campaign issue to be handled tactically; team divided over whether to defend it publicly.

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S4E4 · The Red Mass

Needle-Exchange Flashpoint — Debate Stakes and Stackhouse Uncertainty

The needle-exchange program is the policy fulcrum around which argument pivots: Toby frames its cost-effectiveness and life-saving capacity, while Josh frames it as a political liability if publicly endorsed amid Stackhouse dynamics.

Before: An established harm-reduction policy under attack in Ritchie's speech.

After: Its public defense becomes politically fraught; the Administration debates whether to embrace, ignore, or deflect the issue.

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