Bartlet Confirms Ballot Filing, Endures Charlie's Populist Jab
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Bartlet confirms his re-election papers have been filed in New Hampshire, marking his official bid for a second term.
Bartlet humorously questions Roman election traditions, revealing his classical knowledge and Charlie's subtle skepticism.
Charlie challenges Bartlet's notion of being 'a man of the people', highlighting the immense presidential responsibilities.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Playfully defiant sass masking deep familiarity and affection
Greets returning Bartlet warmly, repeatedly affirms New Hampshire filing success, denies eye-roll with cheek, launches bold challenge on presidential isolation via nukes/perimeters/subs, then professionally directs him to waiting C.J. inside Oval.
- • Confirm and celebrate campaign launch milestone
- • Affectionately ground Bartlet in presidential realities
- • Seamlessly transition him to C.J. for strategy
- • Bartlet's self-image as 'man of the people' ignores elite isolation
- • Bold candor strengthens their intimate bond
eager, light-hearted, reflective
returns to Outer Oval Office, confirms re-election ballot filing with Charlie, engages in banter about Roman consular togas as symbol of commitment, lightly rebukes Charlie's challenge, enters Oval Office to discuss campaign question with C.J.
- • officially confirm re-election campaign launch via New Hampshire ballot filing
- • affirm personal commitment to presidency through historical analogy
- • persist humorous banter amid crisis to maintain levity
- • prepare authentic response to 'Why do I want to be President?' campaign question
Implied inadequacy from prior stumble
Referenced off-screen by C.J. as having flubbed previous night's 'Why President?' query with simplistic 'went to the zoo' dodge, underscoring partisan contrast.
- • Sidestep tough reelection introspection
- • Project casual accessibility
- • Vague folksy answers suffice politically
- • Ambition best concealed
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
Invoked in witty banter between Bartlet and C.J. as emblem of presidential isolation—query on ducking under blades underscores secured perimeter privileges, echoing Charlie's earlier perks critique and amplifying theme of command's human cost amid campaign levity.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Bartlet's humorous banter about traditions persists even amid crisis."
"Both C.J.'s analysis of media and her push for authenticity tie to navigating public perception."
Key Dialogue
"BARTLET: So I'm on the ballot in New Hampshire. CHARLIE: Yeah."
"BARTLET: When Romans ran for the office of Counsel - did I just see you roll your eyes? CHARLIE: No sir. BARTLET: They wore whitened togas to show their intent - a bit silly, perhaps... CHARLIE: Perhaps?"
"CHARLIE: I know how much you like to think of yourself as a man of the people. Roman references and all. But you're the only person who can launch our nuclear weapons. You travel in a fully secured perimeter. You rescue submarines. Maybe it's time that an aide delivers a piece of paper. BARTLET: You're pretty mouthy today."