Object

Colonnade Shuttle Briefing Memo (Colonnade, S01E22)

A compact, letter‑size briefing memo on standard White House stationery—single or few typed pages, slightly creased from being carried, edges soft from handling. An aide presses the paper into the President's hand as he walks the Colonnade; the sheet rustles, eyes flick to its lines, and the physical presence of the memo snaps the conversation from casual banter to immediate concern.

2 appearances

Purpose

To deliver urgent operational information to the President—specifically to alert him to the Space Shuttle (Columbia) landing failure and prompt immediate awareness and response.

Significance

Functions as the physical pivot that converts domestic, informal banter into a national emergency: the memo personalizes the crisis (Toby's brother aboard), raises emotional stakes, and triggers the staff's shift from rehearsal to crisis management.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S1E22 · What Kind Of Day Has It Been

Walking the West Wing: Softball, Satellites, and the First Sting of Crisis

A compact White House memo is handed to the President as he enters the Oval; its physical transfer punctuates the informal walk with administrative reality, reminding participants that performance and policy coexist in the same space.

Before: In the aide's hand, awaiting delivery at the Oval threshold.

After: In the President's possession, briefly glanced at as banter continues.

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S1E22 · What Kind Of Day Has It Been

Press Room Pivot: Columbia Delay Collides with Town‑Hall Rehearsal

A small White House briefing memo is pressed into the President's hand by Lou as Bartlet enters the Oval. The memo functions as a ritual information handoff, cutting through banter and signaling the movement from private joking to businesslike attention.

Before: In an aide's possession at the Oval threshold, folded slightly from being carried.

After: Now physically with the President (held/handed), having served as a cue to transition into official matters.

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