C.J. Absorbs Wexler's Wardrobe Jab and Reclaims Control
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Carol informs C.J. that the networks want to take her live for the next briefing, setting the stage for heightened public scrutiny.
Carol alerts C.J. to Sherri Wexler's upcoming stand-up, hinting at potential media challenges.
C.J. sarcastically questions Sherri Wexler's competence, revealing her disdain for the reporter.
Carol defends Sherri's self-perception, subtly challenging C.J.'s dismissive attitude.
C.J. and Carol exchange quips about walking softly and carrying a big stick, showcasing their rapport and C.J.'s wit.
C.J. turns on the TV to watch Sherri Wexler's report, setting up the confrontation.
Sherri Wexler's report questions C.J.'s credibility and mocks her wardrobe changes, provoking C.J.'s ire.
C.J. sarcastically acknowledges Sherri's intent to provoke, confirming her understanding of the media game.
Carol offers to handle the situation, but C.J. asserts she will deal with it herself, reclaiming control.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Smug confidence in her provocative scoop
Sherri Wexler appears on TV delivering a stand-up report from Capitol Hill, questioning White House confirmations on the bombing, slyly mocking C.J.'s intel access by attributing gaps to frequent wardrobe changes, escalating media antagonism.
- • Highlight discrepancies to question White House transparency
- • Entertain with personal jabs at C.J. for ratings
- • Wardrobe obsession explains C.J.'s info lapses
- • Tabloid angles pierce official stonewalling
Supportive calm laced with protective loyalty
Carol enters with urgent updates on networks' live briefing demands and Wexler's stand-up, bantering lightly with C.J. about restraint and sticks, offering to handle the reporter issue while supporting her boss's mounting frustration.
- • Inform C.J. of media pressures to enable quick decisions
- • Offer assistance to shield C.J. from tabloid annoyances
- • C.J. demonstrated superior restraint earlier
- • Teamwork efficiently neutralizes media threats
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
C.J. turns on the office TV, which broadcasts Sherri Wexler's live stand-up report mocking her, serving as the intrusive media conduit that invades the private space, heightens tension, and catalyzes C.J.'s resolve for confrontation amid veto and bombing crises.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
Capitol Hill is referenced in Wexler's TV report as the site of ongoing tense estate tax veto debates, contrasting the White House's controlled frenzy with external political combustion, underscoring the night's multi-front crises pulling at presidential resources.
Organizations Involved
Institutional presence and influence
The White House is directly targeted in Wexler's report for failing to confirm American bombing victims, positioning C.J. as its defensive vanguard whose personal credibility is assailed, heightening stakes in press management during veto override frenzy.
American News Networks pressure C.J. via Carol for live briefing feeds while airing Wexler's stand-up that mocks White House opacity on the bombing, amplifying media scrutiny and forcing reactive strategy amid estate tax override and Jerusalem tragedy.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
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Key Dialogue
"SHERRI ([on TV]): "I should say the press secretary C.J. Cregg can't confirm if Americans were involved. It's not clear the extent to which C.J.'S in the loop on this. I can tell you, she's changed her clothes several times throughout the evening.""
"C.J.: "Well... turns out she did know what she was doing.""
"C.J.: "I'll take care of it.""