Discovery of an unsigned law‑review note that denies a general constitutional right to privacy triggers a vetting crisis: the administration must reconcile short‑term political convenience (a pedigreed nominee) with long‑term constitutional stakes, for...
Discovery of an unsigned law‑review note that denies a general constitutional right to privacy triggers a vetting crisis: the administration must reconcile short‑term political convenience (a pedigreed nominee) with long‑term constitutional stakes, forcing rapid triage, confrontation with the nominee, and rethinking the short list.
Events in This Arc
Sam produces an unsigned Law Review note that he says ties directly to Harrison and upends the staff's assumptions. Toby tests the provenance, skeptical of a phone tip; Sam calmly …
President Bartlet confronts Judge Peyton Cabot Harrison III with an unsigned legal note; Harrison responds with a casual admission. Bartlet deliberately frames the moment with a disarming personal anecdote about …
In the Oval, after a tense vetting exchange that crystallizes Mendoza's constitutional instincts, President Bartlet formally announces Judge Roberto Mendoza as his Supreme Court nominee. Mendoza's uncompromising answer about presidential-ordered …