Cracks in the Facade — C.J.'s Poll Anxiety
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
C.J. anxiously demands updates on the poll results, showing the immense pressure she's under despite the public facade.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Calm and businesslike; mildly surprised by C.J.'s insistence but compliant, aware of operational priorities.
Interrupts the private exchange with a pragmatic logistical reminder about the G-7 briefing, answers C.J.'s command by reporting a recent poll check, and receives a terse order to repeat the check despite just having done it.
- • To keep C.J.'s schedule and logistics on track
- • To support C.J. by executing orders quickly and accurately
- • To minimize disruption to the communications operation
- • Timely, accurate polling checks are essential for message discipline
- • C.J.'s directives should be followed even when they repeat prior work
- • Operational efficiency shields the team from reputational harm
Feigned rhetorical control in public masking acute anxiety; private composure fractures into urgent, near‑panicked need for data and control.
Leads a forceful public briefing defending administration drug policy, snaps at Danny in private, then abruptly pivots to urgent operational orders — demanding phone banks call and the poll be rechecked before leaving for the G-7.
- • Protect the administration and her staff from reputational damage
- • Re-establish informational control by verifying poll numbers and phone bank status
- • Deflect personal blame from herself and maintain professional authority
- • Public perception — measured by polls — determines political survival and staff security
- • Operational data (polls, phone banks) can buy time and blunt political narratives
- • A firm, authoritative front is necessary even when personally shaken
Hurt and defensive about perceived lingering punishment; simultaneously curious and impatient, seeking clarity and reconciliation.
Follows C.J. from the podium into the hallway, presses her about why she snapped, raises the moral dimension of blame and culpability, and tests her with blunt, personal questions about responsibility.
- • To be cleared of lingering blame and regain normal working relations with C.J.
- • To force C.J. to acknowledge the interpersonal consequences of her public posture
- • To understand whether institutional blame is being directed at individuals
- • Staff chatter and blame matter to career and emotional wellbeing
- • C.J. can be held accountable personally even when acting in a professional role
- • Honest conversation will defuse lingering tension
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The poll (projected 48% unfavorable for Josh in the broader episode) functions here as the crucial barometer; C.J.'s imperative to 'check in with the poll' turns this abstract data into an immediate emotional lever that explains her panic and choices.
The press-room podium functions as C.J.'s public platform; she leans on it to deliver carefully shaped policy rhetoric, uses it to marshal authority, and departs from it into private confrontation that yields the hallway scene.
Steve Onorato's tabloid memo is the textual provocation that reporters cite at the podium; though not physically passed in the private scene, its allegation fuels both the public questioning and C.J.'s private anxiety about blame and credibility.
Referenced explicitly when C.J. orders 'Call the phone banks' — the phone banks are the operational mechanism she commands to gather immediate public-opinion and grassroots response data; they stand ready as the tactical response to perceived narrative threat.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
C.J.'s Office Doorway and inner office compress the moment: the private space where staff speak plainly and where C.J.'s need to control narrative and data becomes manifest as orders to Carol; it is the site of the tactical pivot from rhetoric to operations.
The Northwest Lobby Hallway functions as the transitional, charged corridor where public performance collapses into private confrontation; Danny rushes after C.J., their exchange becomes more intimate and accusatory here before they enter the office.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"C.J.'s defense of the White House's stance on drug policy is followed by her dismissal of accusations from Steve Onorato, maintaining a consistent narrative thread."
"C.J.'s defense of the White House's stance on drug policy is followed by her dismissal of accusations from Steve Onorato, maintaining a consistent narrative thread."
"Bartlet's unease about appearing 'soft on drugs' immediately precedes C.J.'s defense of the White House stance in the press briefing."
"Bartlet's unease about appearing 'soft on drugs' immediately precedes C.J.'s defense of the White House stance in the press briefing."
"C.J.'s defense of the White House's stance on drug policy is followed by her dismissal of accusations from Steve Onorato, maintaining a consistent narrative thread."
"C.J.'s defense of the White House's stance on drug policy is followed by her dismissal of accusations from Steve Onorato, maintaining a consistent narrative thread."
Key Dialogue
"They talk about it here, Danny. They talk about it here."
"Call the phone banks, check in with the poll."
"I checked in with the poll half hour ago."