Governor Ritchie's Speech to the AMA

Ritchie's speech to the AMA attacks needle-exchange programs, detonating a crisis in the Oval Office. Toby demands a rebuttal blending moral urgency and hard evidence. Josh counters with electoral peril: Stackhouse's response risks three swing states. Bartlet probes validators while Leo steers the principle-versus-politics tightrope, C.J. and Toby spar over debate tactics as the speech reshapes campaign math.

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S4E4 · The Red Mass

Needle-Exchange Flashpoint — Debate Stakes and Stackhouse Uncertainty

Ritchie's speech to the AMA functions as the trigger: staff quote his line about abstinence and personal responsibility, framing the needle-exchange debate and catalyzing Toby's moral rebuttal and Josh's political alarm.

Before: Delivered to the AMA and circulating as a provocation.

After: Used by both sides as fodder for messaging strategy; remains a live political trigger.

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