The West Wing
S3E6
· Gone Quiet

Bartlet Litany of Electoral Victories, Affirmed by Leo

In the Oval Office, amid escalating crises like the silent U.S.S. Portland and campaign scandals, President Bartlet emphatically recites his unblemished electoral record—'Every single election... Legislature, house, governor'—as Chief of Staff Leo delivers terse, unwavering affirmations: 'Yes' and 'Yeah.' This ritualistic exchange excavates their deep trust and shared history, bolstering Bartlet's resolve, countering leadership doubts, and reinforcing his decisiveness for the submarine standoff while serving as a character anchor in the season's mounting pressures.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

4

Bartlet asserts his political track record with palpable intensity, marking himself as a seasoned leader.

assertiveness to insistence

Leo acknowledges Bartlet's statement with a brief but loaded affirmation, signaling shared history and respect.

recognition to alignment

Bartlet doubles down, listing specific elections with clipped precision, reinforcing his authority.

intensity to command

Leo delivers another terse agreement, the brevity underscoring the weight of Bartlet's words.

solidarity to gravitas

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2
Abigail Bartlet
primary

determined

emphatically recites his unblemished electoral record: 'Every single election... Legislature, house, governor'

Goals in this moment
  • • assert political record to bolster resolve
  • • demonstrate decisiveness amid submarine crisis and leadership doubts
Character traits
supportive poised strategically vital
Follow Abigail Bartlet's journey
Leo McGarry
primary

Unshakable confidence masking crisis strain

Leo delivers terse, unwavering affirmations 'Yes' and 'Yeah' in direct response to Bartlet's electoral recitation, his presence a steady counterpoint in the Oval Office, embodying silent solidarity through minimal verbal reinforcement.

Goals in this moment
  • • Reinforce Bartlet's self-assurance in his record
  • • Solidify their partnership amid mounting pressures
Active beliefs
  • • Bartlet's electoral perfection is unassailable
  • • Shared history guarantees mutual strength in adversity
Character traits
stoic loyal concise resolute
Follow Leo McGarry's journey

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What this causes 3
Character Continuity medium

"Bartlet's assertiveness in declaring political record reflects his same decisiveness on the submarine crisis."

Bartlet Exasperatedly Defies Albie's Submarine Disaster Warnings
S3E6 · Gone Quiet
Character Continuity medium

"Bartlet's assertiveness in declaring political record reflects his same decisiveness on the submarine crisis."

Bartlet's Raw Confession: 'I Don't Want to Be President'
S3E6 · Gone Quiet
Character Continuity medium

"Bartlet's assertiveness in declaring political record reflects his same decisiveness on the submarine crisis."

Leo's Stark Refocus: 'Fifty-Five Minutes'
S3E6 · Gone Quiet

Key Dialogue

"BARTLET: "Every single election..." LEO: "Yes.""
"BARTLET: "Legislature, house, governor." LEO: "Yeah.""