The West Wing
S3E2
· Manchester Part II

Bartlet Welcomes Bruno but Firmly Bars Oval Access

In the Oval Office, President Bartlet rises from reading to warmly greet Bruno Gianelli with a handshake, acknowledging his new role on the re-election campaign and expressing confidence in his contributions. Bartlet preemptively lists and grants Bruno's demands—12% of ad buys, a dedicated room, car, and driver—demonstrating gracious authority. However, when Bruno presses for unfettered Oval Office access, Bartlet delivers a sharp, unwavering 'No,' reinforcing his ironclad control over the administration's inner sanctum while integrating the ruthless strategist under clear boundaries. This pivotal exchange sets up Bruno's campaign influence amid staff tensions, highlighting Bartlet's principled command.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

5

Bartlet greets Bruno as he enters the Oval Office, standing to acknowledge him.

neutral to professional greeting

They shake hands, solidifying Bruno's involvement in the campaign.

formality to engagement

Bruno expresses his enthusiasm about working with Bartlet’s team.

reserved to eager

Bartlet acknowledges Bruno’s demands concerning campaign logistics and ad buys.

acceptance to scrutiny

Bartlet agrees to most of Bruno’s requests but firmly denies him unfettered access to the Oval Office.

negotiation to decisiveness

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2
Abigail Bartlet
primary

Confident warmth laced with unassailable authority, projecting control while fostering alliance.

Bartlet rises from reading in a chair, enthusiastically greets Bruno by name, shakes hands warmly, preemptively recites and approves his demands for ad buys, room, car, and driver, then firmly shuts down the request for Oval access with a single 'No', transitioning to sit in opposing chairs.

Goals in this moment
  • • Smoothly onboard Bruno to bolster re-election efforts
  • • Reinforce personal boundaries on Oval Office sanctity
Active beliefs
  • • Bruno's expertise is vital for campaign success
  • • Presidential inner sanctum demands absolute control
Character traits
welcoming decisive authoritative gracious
Follow Abigail Bartlet's journey
Bruno
primary

Pleased and emboldened by early concessions, tempered by subtle probing for more leverage.

Bruno enters the Oval Office confidently, exchanges greetings and handshake with Bartlet, affirms pleasure in joining and capability to contribute, confirms demands after Bartlet's preemptive listing, then presses for unfettered Oval access before sitting in opposing chair.

Goals in this moment
  • • Secure optimal resources and access for campaign effectiveness
  • • Test and expand influence within the administration
Active beliefs
  • • Unrestricted access is essential for strategic impact
  • • Bartlet's team needs his ruthless polling edge to win
Character traits
pragmatic assertive opportunistic deferential
Follow Bruno's journey

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

No narrative connections mapped yet

This event is currently isolated in the narrative graph

Key Dialogue

"BARTLET: "You have one or two demands.""
"BRUNO: "Okay. 12, and...""
"BARTLET: "A room, a car, and a driver, that's no problem.""
"BRUNO: "Well, thank you, sir. I'll also need unfettered access to..." BARTLET: "No.""