Object

Mrs. Landingham's Outer Oval Landline Phone

Receiver clamps tight in Sam's grip as he paces the frenetic Outer Oval Office night, voice slashing through negotiations with Senator McGowan for Blue Ribbon Commission votes. Mrs. Landingham shadows anxiously, REPORTER clusters close while Toby and Ginger whirl; tension detonates when Sam pumps fist—deal sealed on SP 380 highway bill and parkland tribute—propelling pre-SOTU chaos into motorcade surge.

3 appearances

Purpose

Negotiating pivotal political alliances and quid pro quo deals via direct voice call.

Significance

Locks crucial Senate backing for Blue Ribbon Commission in nail-biting finale, exposing raw horse-trading vulnerability beneath White House veneer and catapulting agenda past last-minute hurdles.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

3 moments

S2E13 · Bartlet's Third State of the Union

Sam Clinches Blue Ribbon Vote Amid Final Speech Tweaks

Mrs. Landingham's Outer Oval Landline Phone serves as Sam's lifeline for high-stakes negotiation with McGowan, gripped tightly during pacing anxiety, hung up post-fist-pump triumph, catalyzing Blue Ribbon deal verification and team momentum.

Before: Idle on desk in Outer Oval

After: Hung up, abandoned as group surges to hallway

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S2E13 · Bartlet's Third State of the Union

Sam Seals McGowan's Blue Ribbon Backing with Highway Pork

Sam clutches tightly while pacing Outer Oval, wielding it as lifeline for final McGowan push—'Is that a yes?' crescendos to triumphant 'Thank you' hang-up—bridging distant senator to Oval frenzy, catalyzing fist-pump pivot from negotiation peril to verified victory.

Before: Active in Sam's possession, Outer Oval desk vicinity during tense wait

After: Hung up post-confirmation, abandoned as Sam joins hallway exodus

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S2E13 · Bartlet's Third State of the Union

Deal Sealed Amid Last-Minute Tweaks, Team Rushes to Motorcade

Mrs. Landingham's Outer Oval Landline Phone serves as Sam's urgent negotiation lifeline to McGowan, clinching Blue Ribbon deal with SP 380 trades; he grips it pacing nervously, glances watch mid-call, declares 'yes' and hangs up, thrusting momentum into crowd confirmation.

Before: Idle on desk, available in Outer Oval

After: Hung up, abandoned as team surges to hallway

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