Bartlet Reveals MS Secret to Hoynes, Demands Instant VP Loyalty—Furious Rejection
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Leo lets John Hoynes into the suite, setting the stage for a tense private discussion with Bartlet and Abbey.
Bartlet informs Hoynes about his MS diagnosis, revealing a major withheld truth that reshapes their political dynamic.
Hoynes reacts with bitterness to Bartlet's revelation about his MS and delayed disclosure, challenging the president's trust and timing.
Bartlet demands an immediate answer from Hoynes about accepting the VP nomination, escalating tension as Hoynes refuses to comply.
Hoynes storms out of the suite after clashing with Bartlet, leaving the president and Abbey in strained silence.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Determined resolve shifting to frustrated disappointment
Bartlet directly discloses his MS diagnosis to Hoynes after staff exit, pours and drinks coffee casually beforehand, remains unfazed by initial shock, justifies revelation as trust-building, demands immediate VP commitment, stands still with hands in pockets as Hoynes leaves, then frustratedly exits to stretch legs.
- • Secure Hoynes' immediate VP acceptance
- • Forge loyalty through radical transparency
- • Hoynes values trust enough to join despite MS
- • Full disclosure now prevents future betrayal
Confused shock escalating to furious indignation
Hoynes enters suite greeted warmly, glances at chanting TV crowds, learns of MS with stunned confusion glancing at Abbey, erupts in bitter outrage mocking Bartlet's 'trust' as consolation for lost nomination, rejects instant decision, storms out nearly slamming door.
- • Assert independence against manipulation
- • Delay commitment to regain leverage
- • Bartlet's 'trust' is deceptive self-interest
- • MS revelation undermines ticket viability
Calm neutrality masking quiet tension
Leo responds affirmatively to Bartlet post-rally, opens door to usher in Hoynes from hallway, shakes his hand, quietly closes door after staff exit, stands watching the tense revelation and confrontation unfold.
- • Facilitate private VP negotiation
- • Witness outcome without interference
- • Bartlet's honesty will bind Hoynes
- • Timing demands swift closure
Tense apprehension laced with grave resignation
Abbey pours coffee earlier, formally embraces and greets Hoynes, fidgets nervously with wedding ring during prelude, meets Hoynes' stunned gaze gravely during revelation, silently stares at Bartlet post-exit while fidgeting with ring as he leaves frustrated.
- • Support Bartlet's disclosure gambit
- • Maintain composure amid fallout
- • Hoynes must be informed for alliance stability
- • Husband's boldness risks everything
Steady affirmation
C.J. mills among aides, affirms 'Yeah' to Bartlet's roll call, leaves suite as it clears for Hoynes' private entry.
- • Affirm readiness
- • Enable confidential pivot
- • Group synced for success
- • Disclosure strategic
Confident readiness
Toby mills with staff during rally, walks toward Bartlet and affirms 'Yeah' to readiness check, then exits suite as room clears for private talk.
- • Confirm team unity
- • Clear space for revelation
- • Staff aligned for big push
- • Hoynes deal imminent
Excited anticipation
News Anchor's voice broadcasts on entryway TV, hyping delegates' frenzy for Bartlet's upcoming speech amid cheers, underscoring external excitement contrasting suite tension.
- • Amplify convention hype
- • Frame Bartlet momentum
- • Bartlet nomination electric
- • Crowd reaction inevitable
Optimistic commitment
Josh mills with aides during prelude, responds 'Yeah' to Bartlet's check, departs suite with others as Hoynes enters and door closes.
- • Signal buy-in to plan
- • Vacate for sensitive discussion
- • Campaign momentum unstoppable
- • VP alliance seals victory
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The DNC suite transforms from bustling staff hub to intimate negotiation chamber as aides exit, door closes; sofas, coffee table, and TVs frame the MS revelation and stormy confrontation, cheers from floor bleed in via broadcasts, heightening isolation and stakes of fractured alliance.
Organizations Involved
Institutional presence and influence
MSNBC's live convention coverage plays on suite TVs, anchor's hype of Bartlet's imminent speech and delegate frenzy underscores external triumph, ironically contrasting the internal MS revelation crisis and Hoynes' defection threat, amplifying narrative tension between public euphoria and private peril.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Bartlet's revelation of his MS to Hoynes escalates to Hoynes' bitter reaction and storming out."
"Erickson's challenge about succession parallels Hoynes' reaction to Bartlet's MS revelation, both questioning the implications of Bartlet's health."
"Erickson's challenge about succession parallels Hoynes' reaction to Bartlet's MS revelation, both questioning the implications of Bartlet's health."
"Bartlet's revelation of his MS to Hoynes escalates to Hoynes' bitter reaction and storming out."
Part of Larger Arcs
Key Dialogue
"BARTLET: "There's something you need to know. It's why I asked everyone to leave the room. A few years ago, I was diagnosed with a relapsing remitting course of MS.""
"HOYNES: "Did you just tell me that you have MS?" BARTLET: "Yeah." HOYNES: "Which you never mentioned during the campaign.""
"BARTLET: "I'd like your answer now, John." HOYNES: "You'll have it when I give it, Jed.""