List of Recess Appointments

C.J. brandishes the weight of this compiled roster—a dense political ledger of executive nominations primed for congressional recess—dispatched quietly to committee chairs yet locked from public view. She thrusts it forward as a strategic bulwark in the briefing room's electric hush, eyes scanning reporters like Steve and Carol who strain for details, her delay fueling leak paranoia as Josh Lyman absorbs the maneuver from the wings. Tension crackles; the list morphs from mere paper to a live wire of constitutional power play.

3 appearances

Purpose

To catalog and transmit White House nominations for recess appointments to congressional committee chairs, enabling executive branch staffing without full Senate confirmation.

Significance

Ignites crisis momentum as C.J. masterfully delays its release amid leak fears, diffusing press aggression while spotlighting White House command of appointment timing—vulnerability and mastery collide in her wry deflections.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

3 moments

S2E8 · Shibboleth

C.J. Explains INS Credible Fear Process Amid Tense Meetings

C.J. references the list of recess appointments as a strategic tool, announcing its delay in release despite dispatch to committee chairs, anticipating leaks; it serves as political leverage, heightening press anticipation and embodying executive maneuvering amid crisis distractions.

Before: Compiled and sent to committee chairs, withheld from press

After: Still unreleased publicly, primed for afternoon leak

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S2E8 · Shibboleth

C.J.'s Playful Deflection: Refugees to Turkey Songs

C.J. brandishes the list of recess appointments as a tactical shield, announcing its dispatch to committee chairs while deliberately delaying public release to anticipate leaks and optimize spin control, transforming it from inert document to high-tension political grenade that fuels reporter laughter and speculation.

Before: Compiled roster quietly sent to congressional committee chairs, withheld from press

After: Still embargoed by C.J., primed for afternoon leak to reporters

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S2E8 · Shibboleth

C.J.'s Poised Facade Cracks in Private Confession

C.J. references the List of Recess Appointments as sent to committee chairs but deliberately withholds public release to build anticipation and leak speculation, using it as a tactical delay that draws reporter laughter and underscores her narrative control amid refugee distractions.

Before: Compiled and quietly dispatched to congressional chairs

After: Still embargoed from press, primed for imminent leak

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