Sympathy's Electoral Irony
The assassination attempt's poll spike fuels midterm euphoria only to curdle into bitter stasis—staff debates inflated 81% approvals sourced externally, pivots to aggressive targeting amid C.J.'s warnings of artificiality from the shooting, culminating in stoop-side stunned disbelief as Sam reports hung races despite sympathy surge, underscoring politics' disconnect between public sentiment and ballot realities.
Events Exemplifying This Theme
Toby announces an astonishing 81% approval rating, sparking sarcastic skepticism from Sam and C.J. about its 'soft' post-assassination reliability. Tension dissolves as President Bartlet enters with Leo, launching into a …
Leo verifies the astonishing 81% approval rating from credible sources like CNN and USA Today, dismissing 'soft' doubts as Sam details Bartlet's 61% edge over GOP leaders. Ed and Larry …
Charlie enters the Roosevelt Room amid staff mapping midterm targets like Cumberland and Monroe. C.J. warns the post-shooting 'honeymoon' is ending, urging restraint against exploiting tragedy; Toby aggressively pushes leveraging …
On Josh's apartment stoop at night, recovering Josh, C.J., Donna, and Toby share a buoyant interlude amid post-assassination recovery and midterm frenzy. Josh rhapsodizes about the outdoors after three months …
Sam approaches the senior staff on Josh's stoop after checking results, delivering the crushing news: in 12 pivotal races, every incumbent and prior party lost, but it split 7 Republicans …