Bartlet's Briefcase

Bartlet thrusts papers into the gaping mouth of his briefcase, fingers jamming documents deep as Oval Office tension crackles. Charlie lingers with frantic updates, eyes flicking to the swelling case while Bartlet snaps it shut, hefting the load that bridges sacred duty and the campaign trail beyond these walls. Leather creaks under the weight of restrained power, swinging from his grip as ethical lines harden.