Bartlet-Lien Handshake Photo

Flashes pop in the Oval Office as participants swivel cameras toward President Bartlet gripping Congressman Lien's hand in firm clasp. Sam stands nearby, Charlie attends closely, and Larry observes while Secretary Bryce lingers at the edge. The photo freezes this ceremonial handshake, Bartlet's smile polite amid post-meeting reset, Lien's posture deferential—the snapshot seals goodwill after tense exchanges.

3 appearances

Purpose

Ceremonial record of diplomatic meeting close

Significance

Caps the Oval Office gathering with ritual photo op, pivots tone from Bryce's rebuke to gracious welcome, underscores Bartlet's command of protocol and authority

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

3 moments

S4E1 · 20 Hours in America Part I

Weinberger Leak — Bartlet Draws a Moral Line

The Bartlet-Lien handshake photo is produced at the end of the sequence: cameras are turned, a formal handshake is captured, and the image seals the transition from crisis to political ceremony, offering a public-facing counterpoint to the earlier private outrage.

Before: Not yet taken; camera crews or photographers positioned to record the ceremonial moment.

After: Taken and frozen as a symbol of goodwill and the official continuation of business despite the scandal.

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S4E1 · 20 Hours in America Part I

The Presidential Rebuff: Bryce, Greenhouse Exemptions, and the Assertion of Authority

The Bartlet-Lien handshake photograph functions as the ceremonial closure: camera(s) flash as Bartlet clasps Lien's hand, freezing the reset in goodwill and signaling the Oval's return to public-facing ritual after a tense policy and moral exchange.

Before: Awaiting the ceremonial moment; cameras and participants prepare to pose.

After: Taken—the photo cements a public image of warmth and legitimacy, and serves as a symbolic counterpoint to the earlier leak-driven anger.

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S4E1 · 20 Hours in America Part I

Handshake and Hard Lessons: Bartlet Welcomes Congressman Lien

The handshake/photo prop functions as the visual punctuation of the President's reset—a staged artifact created by the staff as Bartlet and Congressman Lien pose, symbolizing restored normalcy and presidential hospitality.

Before: Not yet created; staff are preparing for the photo moment as introductions conclude.

After: Taken/created as the group turns to photograph the President and Congressman Lien; serves as the closing image for the scene.

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