The West Wing
S2E1
· In the Shadow of Two Gunmen Part I Flashback

Hoynes Dismisses Josh's Campaign Purpose Crisis

In a abrupt corridor halt during Hoynes' presidential campaign, the Senator confronts Josh Lyman's palpable discontent, noting his anger in recent meetings. Josh erupts with frustration over the campaign's lack of ideological clarity—uncertain what it stands for beyond winning—highlighting his principled hunger amid pragmatic politics. Hoynes deflects with assurances of a strong campaign, a major White House role for Josh post-victory, and a curt order to drop Social Security gripes before a key vote. This charged exchange excavates Josh's deeper conflict with win-at-all-costs cynicism, foreshadowing his defection to Bartlet and amplifying current crisis tensions with Hoynes.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

5

Hoynes confronts Josh about his recent dissatisfaction during their meetings.

neutral to tension

Josh expresses his frustration about the lack of clear purpose in the campaign.

tension to frustration

Hoynes dismisses Josh's concerns and assures him of a future role in the White House.

frustration to dismissal

Josh remains unconvinced and seeks further clarification.

dismissal to persistence

Hoynes ends the conversation abruptly, leaving Josh in the hallway.

persistence to isolation

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

1
John Hoynes
primary

Dismissive confidence veiling mild irritation at dissent

Hoynes walks purposefully with Josh through the corridor, halts to confront his subordinate's evident anger, delivers pragmatic reassurances of campaign success and future rewards, curtly orders him to cease Social Security criticisms, and walks away dismissively, maintaining authoritative poise.

Goals in this moment
  • • Reassert control over disgruntled staffer
  • • Refocus Josh on immediate electoral priorities like the upcoming vote
Active beliefs
  • • Victory justifies flexible principles
  • • Loyalty earned through promised power and success
Character traits
pragmatic dismissive charismatic leader win-focused
Follow John Hoynes's journey

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
West Wing Corridor

The dimly lit West Wing corridor serves as the intimate, enclosed stage for this raw political confrontation, where walking halts into a verbal showdown, amplifying the personal stakes of loyalty and ideology amid the hum of power's daily machinery, foreshadowing fractures in campaign unity.

Atmosphere Tense and hushed, charged with simmering conflict and isolation
Function Site of impromptu, high-stakes staff confrontation
Symbolism Corridors of power where personal ambitions clash with institutional pragmatism
Continuous interior hallway flow Quiet enough for private, heated exchange

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What this causes 8
Causal weak

"Hoynes' past dismissal of Josh's concerns ('future White House role') informs his deferral to Leo during the DEFCON debate, revealing lingering political insecurities."

Leo Assumes Command in the Situation Room
S2E1 · In the Shadow of Two …
Causal weak

"Hoynes' past dismissal of Josh's concerns ('future White House role') informs his deferral to Leo during the DEFCON debate, revealing lingering political insecurities."

Nancy McNally Ignites KH-10 Iraqi Threat Debate
S2E1 · In the Shadow of Two …
Causal weak

"Hoynes' past dismissal of Josh's concerns ('future White House role') informs his deferral to Leo during the DEFCON debate, revealing lingering political insecurities."

Hoynes Asserts Authority with National Guard Ultimatum
S2E1 · In the Shadow of Two …
Causal weak

"Hoynes' past dismissal of Josh's concerns ('future White House role') informs his deferral to Leo during the DEFCON debate, revealing lingering political insecurities."

DEFCON Standoff: Nancy's Iraqi Alert Clashes with Leo's Restraint
S2E1 · In the Shadow of Two …
NARRATIVELY_FOLLOWS medium

"Josh's unresolved skepticism of Hoynes (past) narratively precedes Nancy McNally challenging Hoynes' authority in the Situation Room, undermining his leadership consistency."

Leo Assumes Command in the Situation Room
S2E1 · In the Shadow of Two …
NARRATIVELY_FOLLOWS medium

"Josh's unresolved skepticism of Hoynes (past) narratively precedes Nancy McNally challenging Hoynes' authority in the Situation Room, undermining his leadership consistency."

Nancy McNally Ignites KH-10 Iraqi Threat Debate
S2E1 · In the Shadow of Two …
NARRATIVELY_FOLLOWS medium

"Josh's unresolved skepticism of Hoynes (past) narratively precedes Nancy McNally challenging Hoynes' authority in the Situation Room, undermining his leadership consistency."

Hoynes Asserts Authority with National Guard Ultimatum
S2E1 · In the Shadow of Two …
NARRATIVELY_FOLLOWS medium

"Josh's unresolved skepticism of Hoynes (past) narratively precedes Nancy McNally challenging Hoynes' authority in the Situation Room, undermining his leadership consistency."

DEFCON Standoff: Nancy's Iraqi Alert Clashes with Leo's Restraint
S2E1 · In the Shadow of Two …

Key Dialogue

"HOYNES: "You don't seem to be having a very good time lately.""
"JOSH: "I don't know what we're for, and I don't know what we're against. Except we seem to be for winning and against somebody else winning.""
"HOYNES: "Josh, we are going to run a good campaign. You're gonna be very proud of it. When we get to the White House, you're gonna play a big role. In the meantime, cheer up, and get off my ass about Social Security. I've got a vote.""