Object

Carol, Steve, and Brian Coburn's Tape Recorders

C.J. thrusts iron rules at the hovering devices—reporters' compact tape recorders, sleek black sentinels itching to snare embargoed words on Bartlet's MS thunderbolt, now outlawed in her office sanctum; Steve fidgets mid-apology, Carol and Brian clutch bags tighter as notebooks clatter into play, mechanical recorders consigned to shadowed silence amid slammed binders and door-shut finality.

2 appearances

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S2E22 · Two Cathedrals

Asbestos Discovery Derails East Room Press Conference

C.J. explicitly bans reporters' tape recorders (associated with Carol, Steve, Brian), enforcing notebooks-only to safeguard the one-hour embargo on Bartlet's health revelation; this mechanical silencing heightens secrecy tension, underscoring press corps restraint under White House lockdown.

Before: Possessed by reporters in doorway

After: Prohibited from use, sidelined in bags

View full event

S2E22 · Two Cathedrals

C.J. Imposes Ironclad Embargo on Health Story Leak

Carol, Steve, and Brian's tape recorders explicitly banned by C.J.'s edict, consigned to bags or silence as notebooks substitute; this prohibition heightens secrecy stakes, forcing manual notes on explosive MS story amid reporter fidgeting.

Before: Possessed by reporters in doorway, primed for unauthorized capture.

After: Prohibited from use, stowed away in office during embargoed session.

View full event