Narrative Web
Location

University of California, San Diego

University of California, San Diego hosts the presidential debate between President Bartlet and Governor Ritchie. Moderators open the broadcast from this campus hall, spotlights trained on adjacent podiums where candidates field questions on policy and records. Microphones amplify responses amid audience scrutiny and rolling cameras. Nearby backstage rooms pulse with urgency—staff sprint with replacement ties, scissors snap superstitions, and final adjustments propel Bartlet onstage amid electric tension.
2 events
2 rich involvements

Detailed Involvements

Events with rich location context

S4E5 · Debate Camp
Owning Rooker and Rallying for Debate Damage Control

The University of California, San Diego is invoked by C.J. as the physical host site of the impending televised debate; its mention collapses the rehearsal reality at Saybrook with the national, broadcast reality awaiting the President.

Atmosphere

Not physically present in the scene but invoked as an imminent, high-stakes media environment.

Functional Role

External stage; the final forum that debate prep aims to win.

Symbolic Significance

Represents national scrutiny and the performative arena where private decisions become public judgment.

Access Restrictions

Public broadcast venue — access controlled, media-rich environment governed by institutional rules.

Television cameras and a formal debate stage (implied), the coin-toss protocol, and structured timing for responses.
S4E6 · Game On
Abbey Cuts the Tie — Ritchie Sets the Frame

The University of California, San Diego is the venue hosting the debate; its institutional presence frames the event as an academic civic forum and supplies the stage, audience, and legitimacy for the broadcast.

Atmosphere

Formally civic and media-saturated; a public university setting converted into a nationally televised arena.

Functional Role

Venue/host institution providing location, audience, and institutional legitimacy for the debate.

Symbolic Significance

Represents the civic forum where national discourse is publicly adjudicated.

Access Restrictions

Audience controlled by event production; access governed by debate organizers and venue security.

Auditorium seating filled with an audience. University signage and formal podium setup. Large-scale broadcast lighting and camera rigs.

Events at This Location

Everything that happens here

2