Object

C.J.'s Coach Beekman Briefcase (S1E21 'Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics')

A compact Coach Beekman briefcase in British tan leather, its surface showing a smooth, slightly glossy finish and polished brass hardware. Trimmed edges and a functional top handle give it a professional silhouette; the clasp and corner fittings gleam against the warm leather. In the current material the bag appears as a gifted prop carried or set down during a tense Oval Office exchange: staffers glance at it as C.J. moves through the room, and it reads as a practical carrier for schedules, a top-sheet poll, and small personal items.

5 appearances

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

5 moments

S1E21 · Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics

Bartlet Probes the Kassenbach Trade

Cited in conversation as the Coach Beekman briefcase Sam bought for C.J.; the briefcase is rhetorical ornament — a propified token of personal gesture and office optics used to humanize the staff amid heavier policy talk.

Before: Referenced as Sam's purchased gift (not physically shown in the scene), conceptually present in the conversation.

After: Remains a conversational reference; not moved or shown — its primary role is symbolic within the dialogue.

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S1E21 · Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics

Surprise Graduation — A Quiet Joy Captured

The tan briefcase functions as the ceremonial, archetypal law-school gift—removed from the bag and presented to Laurie to formalize Sam's congratulations. It symbolizes professional encouragement and anchors the emotional exchange before the intrusion.

Before: Concealed inside the shoulder bag on the steps.

After: Given to Laurie; she holds or has possession of it at the scene's end.

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S1E21 · Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics

The Viewfinder: Graduation Embrace Captured

A medium-sized tan briefcase is presented as Laurie’s principal graduation gift; its reveal punctuates the surprise, symbolizes professional rite-of-passage, and materially anchors the private celebration before the photographic intrusion.

Before: Concealed inside a bag on the steps, in Sam's reach prior to being produced.

After: Pulled out and handed to Laurie; she holds it in the street, visibly stunned and grateful.

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S1E21 · Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics

Nine-Point Surge — Tension Breaks in the Oval

The Coach Beekman briefcase is discussed as a small rite of office — an object of banter that humanizes the meeting. Its mention punctuates lighter moments and contrasts with the sudden seriousness of the polling news.

Before: Referenced as recently purchased by Sam for C.J.; physically not brought into play in this moment.

After: Remains an aside in conversation; possession implied to be Sam's gift readiness but not actively exchanged.

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S1E21 · Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics

Bartlet's Quiet Humanizing Beat Before the Push

The Coach Beekman briefcase exists as a conversational prop referenced by Sam and Bartlet — a concrete, material detail that humanizes Sam and anchors the otherwise abstract discussion about careers and sacrifices.

Before: Purchased by Sam (off-stage), known to Sam and now described aloud in the room; not physically present as a focal prop.

After: Remains a privately held gift (or planned gift) whose emotional meaning has been acknowledged publicly; unchanged materially but exposed to the room.

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