White House Press Briefing Room Podium (Oath Rehearsal)

Bartlet positions himself behind the podium in the Press Briefing Room as C.J. directs the Chief Justice through inauguration oath rehearsal steps: raise right hand, left on Bible. Bartlet asks what follows, revealing nerves. Toby climbs steps to the podium and hands Bartlet a paper while C.J. watches. The fixture centers the staged practice blending ritual with staff coordination.

2 appearances

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S4E14 · Inauguration Part I

Rehearsing the Oath

The press-room podium functions as the physical locus of rehearsal: Bartlet stands behind it as C.J. rehearses the oath's physical moves and verbal cues. It frames the president's posture and public-facing presence, making the private rehearsal feel staged and public at once.

Before: Set and positioned center-stage in the Press Briefing Room; prepared as the rehearsal point for the president to practice the oath.

After: Remains in place after the short exchange; continues to serve as the rehearsal and eventual ceremonial speaking platform.

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S4E14 · Inauguration Part I

Prompter Politics and the Missing Washington Bible

The Press Briefing Room podium is the immediate physical locus during the reading and handoff of papers; Toby ascends to it to hand Bartlet a paper, lending theatricality to the exchange between legal curiosity and presidential command.

Before: Set up in the Press Briefing Room for rehearsal use.

After: Used as staging for the handoff and then cleared as staff disperse.

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