Newspaper with Bartlet-Leo Photograph

Josh tears a photograph from this newspaper in his office while vetting vice-presidential candidates. The image captures President Bartlet alongside Leo McGarry; he pins it directly to his board amid Charlie's light confession about champagne and Donna's presence. The paper crinkles under his fingers, serving as immediate source for elevating Leo's status in the search.

3 appearances

Purpose

Printed news source yielding photographs of political figures for pinning as visual references

Significance

Delivers the specific image Josh uses to reposition Leo McGarry as a viable VP pick, blending Josh's pragmatism with loyalty and redirecting the team's priorities

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

3 moments

S4E22 · Commencement

Josh Pins Leo on the VP Board

Josh tears a photograph of President Bartlet and Leo from a newspaper; the image is physically removed from the paper and repurposed as a deliberate symbol on the vetting board to change priorities and telegraph the President's network of trust.

Before: Intact in the newspaper on Josh's desk or nearby, serving as passive information.

After: Torn from the paper and partially affixed to the vetting board; the newsprint has been altered and the photograph now functions as a decision-making prompt.

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S4E22 · Commencement

Danny's Ultimatum on C.J.'s Couch

The newspaper is in C.J.'s hands as she enters, a mundane prop that underscores her role as press liaison; it contrasts the formal daily news cycle with the breaking, explosive scoop Danny possesses.

Before: Folded or freshly opened on C.J.'s desk as she begins her day.

After: Left on the desk after C.J. stands to confront/exit; remains unread in the scene's immediate aftermath.

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S4E22 · Commencement

Danny's Bombshell and C.J.'s Tactical Delay

The newspaper functions as both literal prop and symbol of imminent public exposure: C.J. opens it at her desk, while Danny threatens to make his paper's lead story of the evidence he carries.

Before: On C.J.'s desk, unopened until she sits and begins her day.

After: Opened and referenced during the exchange; remains on the desk as a reminder of the press's power to make the private public.

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