Object

New York Times Poll on Josh's Favorability

Poll forecasting a 48% unfavorable rating for Josh, impacting discussions.

6 appearances

Purpose

To quantify and report public opinion through headline favorability metrics that campaigns and media use to guide strategic communication and operational decisions.

Significance

Functions as a catalytic narrative device: invoking the poll precipitates a high‑stakes debate about messaging and timing, compels Leo to order phone banks live, forces irreversible political gambles, and heightens personal and professional stakes for Josh and his team.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

6 moments

S1E1 · Pilot

Autographs and Allegiances: Mandy Declares War

The New York Times poll is not a physical prop but a cited data point Mandy weaponizes — she names a 48% unfavorable figure to concretize future reputational harm, turning abstract media power into immediate tactical leverage against Josh.

Before: An off‑stage piece of intelligence in Mandy's knowledge: not physically present, but in circulation among political operatives.

After: Deployed into the conversation as a categorical threat; its invocation shifts the tone and forces Josh to reckon publicly with impending negative metrics.

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S1E1 · Pilot

Roosevelt Room Misfire — Sam's Public Stumble

The New York Times poll is invoked verbally by Sam as a reputational lever explaining his distress—an off-stage object of public opinion that frames why he is desperate for small mercies and why his professional footing feels precarious in front of the class.

Before: Published or about to be published as a damaging headline indicating unfavorable public perception.

After: Remains a circulating datum in Sam's immediate justification; its effect lingers on his anxiety though the poll itself does not physically appear in the scene.

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S1E1 · Pilot

Roosevelt Room Humiliation — Mallory Reveals She's Leo's Daughter

Sam invokes the New York Times poll as rhetorical evidence in his plea — an invisible but potent objectified data point that he uses to demonstrate institutional crisis and justify his request for mercy.

Before: Not physically present; Sam references the poll as newly learned intelligence affecting morale.

After: Remains a rhetorical device in Sam's plea; it exacerbates his desperation rather than earning him compassion.

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S1E21 · Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics

Hallway Reckoning — C.J.'s Private Fracture

The off‑stage New York Times poll functions as the scene’s ticking clock: Carol reports it was checked half an hour earlier; C.J. immediately orders another check, signaling how poll numbers drive emotional stakes and tactical decisions.

Before: Existing as recent data that was checked thirty minutes prior and is circulating among staff as an anxiety vector.

After: Requested to be rechecked immediately — its results will determine subsequent communications moves and heighten C.J.'s sense of urgency.

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S1E21 · Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics

Holding the Line — C.J. Reframes the Debate

The off‑stage New York Times poll (projected unfavorable rating) exists as a looming metric of political risk; C.J. specifically instructs staff to re‑check it, making the poll the immediate tactical measure of success or failure.

Before: Recently checked (Carol reports a check half an hour ago) and sitting as a predictive metric in the communications workflow.

After: Subject to another verification; its updated number will inform next moves.

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S1E21 · Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics

Cracks in the Facade — C.J.'s Poll Anxiety

The poll (projected 48% unfavorable for Josh in the broader episode) functions here as the crucial barometer; C.J.'s imperative to 'check in with the poll' turns this abstract data into an immediate emotional lever that explains her panic and choices.

Before: Recently checked (Carol reports it was checked half an hour ago); its numbers are a latent threat in the bullpen.

After: Ordered rechecked — its status becomes an active variable that will shape immediate tactics and messaging.

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