New York Times Poll on Josh's Favorability

Poll forecasting a 48% unfavorable rating for Josh, impacting discussions.

6 appearances

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

6 moments

S1E21 · Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics

Hallway Reckoning — C.J.'s Private Fracture

The off‑stage New York Times poll functions as the scene’s ticking clock: Carol reports it was checked half an hour earlier; C.J. immediately orders another check, signaling how poll numbers drive emotional stakes and tactical decisions.

Before: Existing as recent data that was checked thirty minutes prior and is circulating among staff as an anxiety vector.

After: Requested to be rechecked immediately — its results will determine subsequent communications moves and heighten C.J.'s sense of urgency.

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S1E1 · Pilot

Autographs and Allegiances: Mandy Declares War

The New York Times poll is not a physical prop but a cited data point Mandy weaponizes — she names a 48% unfavorable figure to concretize future reputational harm, turning abstract media power into immediate tactical leverage against Josh.

Before: An off‑stage piece of intelligence in Mandy's knowledge: not physically present, but in circulation among political operatives.

After: Deployed into the conversation as a categorical threat; its invocation shifts the tone and forces Josh to reckon publicly with impending negative metrics.

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S1E1 · Pilot

Roosevelt Room Misfire — Sam's Public Stumble

The New York Times poll is invoked verbally by Sam as a reputational lever explaining his distress—an off-stage object of public opinion that frames why he is desperate for small mercies and why his professional footing feels precarious in front of the class.

Before: Published or about to be published as a damaging headline indicating unfavorable public perception.

After: Remains a circulating datum in Sam's immediate justification; its effect lingers on his anxiety though the poll itself does not physically appear in the scene.

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S1E1 · Pilot

Roosevelt Room Humiliation — Mallory Reveals She's Leo's Daughter

Sam invokes the New York Times poll as rhetorical evidence in his plea — an invisible but potent objectified data point that he uses to demonstrate institutional crisis and justify his request for mercy.

Before: Not physically present; Sam references the poll as newly learned intelligence affecting morale.

After: Remains a rhetorical device in Sam's plea; it exacerbates his desperation rather than earning him compassion.

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S1E21 · Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics

Holding the Line — C.J. Reframes the Debate

The off‑stage New York Times poll (projected unfavorable rating) exists as a looming metric of political risk; C.J. specifically instructs staff to re‑check it, making the poll the immediate tactical measure of success or failure.

Before: Recently checked (Carol reports a check half an hour ago) and sitting as a predictive metric in the communications workflow.

After: Subject to another verification; its updated number will inform next moves.

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S1E21 · Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics

Cracks in the Facade — C.J.'s Poll Anxiety

The poll (projected 48% unfavorable for Josh in the broader episode) functions here as the crucial barometer; C.J.'s imperative to 'check in with the poll' turns this abstract data into an immediate emotional lever that explains her panic and choices.

Before: Recently checked (Carol reports it was checked half an hour ago); its numbers are a latent threat in the bullpen.

After: Ordered rechecked — its status becomes an active variable that will shape immediate tactics and messaging.

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