Spreklettes of Ames, Iowa
Description
The Spreklettes of Ames, Iowa, function as a fan group that sends faxes to the White House during crises. They protest efforts to exploit Zoey Bartlet's kidnapping for gun control arguments, rejecting politicization amid a flood of public correspondence. Donna uncovers their message while sifting junk mail in Josh's bullpen, marking them as vocal grassroots voices opposing opportunistic rhetoric in high-stakes situations.
Event Involvements
Events with structured involvement data
S4E23
·
Twenty-Five
Polaroid Among the Junk — Ransom Confirmed
The Spreklettes of Ames, Iowa are referenced as a thoughtful but assertive correspondents group, explicitly warning against politicizing Zoey's kidnapping; their fax exemplifies the meaningful but noisy public input that the bullpen must process.
Active Representation
Via a fax content read aloud by Donna expressing opposition to exploiting the kidnapping for gun control arguments.
Power Dynamics
Grassroots moral voice — limited formal power but moral pressure to avoid political exploitation.
Institutional Impact
Adds normative pressure to message discipline and constrains rhetorical options for staff handling communications.
Organizational Goals
Prevent political opportunism related to the kidnapping
Ensure public discourse remains respectful of the victim
Influence Mechanisms
Moral argument delivered through faxes
Public opinion shaping the staff's messaging calculus