Ainsley's Front Room Landline Telephone (handset + base with caller-ID)

A corded telephone handset — the receiver itself — small enough to hold against the ear and mouth, attached to its base by a coiled cord. It bears the quick, utilitarian wear of frequent handling. In the late-night exchange Sam grips the receiver, passing voice and urgency into the room and handing the conversation to Bartlet as tensions snap.

2 appearances

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S1E16 · 20 Hours in L.A.

Midnight Ultimatum — Dump the Bill, Take the Shot at Hoynes

The mansion's private-area telephone receiver physically carries the exchange: Sam holds it to connect Bartlet to Leo, bridging the private party room and the White House. It enables the urgent, intimate transmission of facts, corrections, and presidential orders.

Before: On a private table in the mansion's closed-off room, picked up and held by Sam to connect the President to Leo.

After: Hung up by Bartlet at the end of the call; remains in the private room in Sam's or the room's possession.

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S1E16 · 20 Hours in L.A.

Letting the Bill Die to Spare Hoynes

The corded mansion telephone receiver physically connects Leo and Bartlet. Sam holds it for Bartlet, making the conversation immediate and intimate; it functions as the conduit for the crucial admission and the tactical negotiation that follows, then is returned when Bartlet hangs up.

Before: Ringing/available in the private room; in use by Sam who is holding it to Bartlet's ear.

After: Hung up by Bartlet after the decision; returned to its cradle or set down in the private room.

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