The West Wing
Object

Pastrami from Krupin's

Leo unveils pastrami from Krupin's as part of a deli spread during late-night poker in his office. The meat joins other snacks on the table, fueling banter among C.J., Josh, Toby, and Margaret. Staff react with casual enjoyment, squeezing rye bread nearby, before interruptions shift the mood from respite to duty.
5 appearances

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

5 moments
S4E20 · Evidence of Things Not Seen
Poker Night — The Egg Debate

The pastrami from Krupin's is singled out by Leo as a point of pride and sensory pleasure; it reinforces the authenticity of the respite and Leo's role as provider of small comforts.

Before: Sliced and placed on the deli spread, tissue-paper thin, ready to be served.
After: On the table, partially undisturbed as the staff focus on conversation; continues to underline the night's domestic tone.
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S4E20 · Evidence of Things Not Seen
Margaret's Quiet Interrupt — From Pastrami to Paperwork

The Krupin's pastrami is explicitly named to establish the ordinary pleasure and specificity of the night off; naming the vendor lends authenticity and underscores that this is a small, human ritual now interrupted.

Before: Sliced and presented as part of the deli spread on the poker table.
After: Remains on the table, untouched further as attention turns to the summons.
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S4E20 · Evidence of Things Not Seen
Night Poker Interrupted by a Last‑Minute Hiring Request

Krupin's pastrami is explicitly mentioned to highlight Leo's effort to make the evening special; it functions as a sensory detail that humanizes the staff and underlines the domesticity of the scene.

Before: Sliced and presented on the table as part of the spread.
After: Remains part of the spread; not consumed aggressively in the immediate interruption.
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S4E20 · Evidence of Things Not Seen
Late-Night Poker & The Lifted Lockdown

The pastrami from Krupin's is named in light banter (a small domestic detail) that humanizes the President and staff, heightening the contrast when urgent protocol arrives.

Before: Present at the table as part of the snack spread, being commented on.
After: Abandoned as the group disperses for the call and security briefing.
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S4E20 · Evidence of Things Not Seen
Midnight Egg — Belief, Departure, and Quiet Proof

The pastrami from Krupin's sits on the table as part of Leo's deli spread, anchoring the scene's casual, communal tone before duty intrudes—an everyday detail that contrasts with the night's sudden seriousness.

Before: On the table, tissue-paper thin, being discussed by Bartlet and Leo.
After: Left on the table as staff depart; remains an unremarked domestic detail amid the night's events.
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