Debbie's Wad of Bills

Debbie produces a thick wad of bills from her pocket during the late-night Oval Office poker game, placing it before Bartlet, Leo, C.J., and Charlie to demonstrate her buy-in and float him short-term cash on request. The crumpled stack of currency lands on the Resolute Desk amid banter about egg-balancing, marking her entry into the cash stakes just before Leo's crisis announcement shatters the mood.

2 appearances

Purpose

Buy-in stakes for the president's cash poker game and short-term cash advance to Bartlet

Significance

Enables Debbie's participation in the impromptu game, underscoring staff camaraderie and resourcefulness in a fleeting light moment that pivots sharply to the Predator drone crisis in Kaliningrad

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S4E20 · Evidence of Things Not Seen

Balancing Act: Poker, Eggs, and a Downed Drone

Debbie's wad of bills is produced as tangible buy-in to the cash poker game and a practical offer to float the President money; it converts the joking game into a real-stakes moment and underscores staff intimacy before the crisis intrudes.

Before: In Debbie's pocket, unrevealed until she chooses to join the game.

After: Laid on or near the Resolute Desk as an offered float/buy-in; remains physically present though overshadowed by Leo's news.

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S4E20 · Evidence of Things Not Seen

Predator Down: A Diplomatic Trap in Kaliningrad

Debbie's wad of bills functions as a prop bridging play and presidential logistics: she produces it to prove buy-in and offer Bartlet short-term cash, physically marking the shift from casual game to briefing when the money is left on the desk as the crisis is announced.

Before: In Debbie's pocket as she enters the Oval Office, then pulled out and shown to the President.

After: Placed on or near the Resolute Desk; remains a small, human detail against the backdrop of the larger crisis.

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