H. Con-172
Encyclopedia
"H. Con-172" is the 54th episode of The West Wing
, an American
television series.
defiantly rejects the Congressional Oversight Committee's offer of a public censure
of President Bartlet
that would finally bring an end to the investigation into Bartlet's concealment of his illness and spare Leo any possible personal repercussions. He is committed to protecting the President and continuing the testimony that was suspended in Bartlet for America
, even though his lawyer says (correctly) that the hearings will return to testimony revealing Leo's alcoholic relapse, spelling the end of his career.
Donna
figures out that Cliff Calley
got the Republican committee leader to stop the questioning before Leo was ruined, and relays the information to Josh
. In a conversation with Leo, President Bartlet reveals that he will accept the censure and bring an end to the proceedings. When Leo protests, the President tells Leo that he was wrong to hide his illness and that he must take responsibility for his mistake.
In other stories, Bartlet's staff reacts to an exposé published by a terminated White House photographer. Sam
is angry because the photographer, who was bad at his job and didn't last long, is getting media coverage for his outrageous and insulting fabrications. Sam later admits he is driven by his own guilt, in part because he hired the photographer in the first place. After informing the President of the situation, Toby mentions to the President that he saw one of the President's favorite movies, The Lion in Winter (1968 film)
on television the night before, and points out the notable scene where Richard states "When the fall is all that is left, it matters a great deal," a quote that the President finishes for him. The President asks Toby if he is implying something, and Toby excuses himself, knowing that his point was made. Meanwhile, other staffers urge Sam to ignore the book's lies, but when discussing it with the President, Sam says that he believes they should not be casual about the truth. These comments from Toby and Sam clearly resonate with the President: it is implied that they led him to decide to accept the humiliating censure deal. Later, C.J.
points out that while she understands Sam's agony, she will not respond to every idiotic lie in the exposé and give more exposure to the book. Toby
makes a strong analogy about not fouling basketball players who can't shoot the ball, instead letting them shoot and miss repeatedly.
Josh awkwardly schemes to socialize with a women's rights leader, Amy Gardner
, whom he finds attractive. He is annoyed when Toby tells him they're in great shape on issues important to women, but a $500,000 funding gap for a Family Leave Law allows Josh the excuse he needs to meet with Amy. Things go well until, Josh being Josh, he decides to talk about his own history instead of listening to Amy's.
Also, Bartlet wants to frame an eighteenth century map that Charlie
got him from a flea market, and put it in the Oval Office, but C.J., Toby, and Leo warn the President of the political implications, since the historical map excludes Israel
and would be construed in the wrong way if it was put in the office of the President of the United States. The President is irritated that anyone would be offended by the fact that the map excludes Israel, given that the map was drawn long before Israel was a country.
reference number for the concurrent
censure resolution.
The West Wing (TV series)
The West Wing is an American television serial drama created by Aaron Sorkin that was originally broadcast on NBC from September 22, 1999 to May 14, 2006...
, an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
television series.
Plot
LeoLeo McGarry
Leo Thomas McGarry is a fictional character played by John Spencer on the television serial drama The West Wing. The role earned Spencer the 2002 Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. McGarry's character, the former United States Secretary of Labor, begins the series as the White...
defiantly rejects the Congressional Oversight Committee's offer of a public censure
Censure
A censure is an expression of strong disapproval or harsh criticism. Among the forms that it can take are a stern rebuke by a legislature, a spiritual penalty imposed by a church, and a negative judgment pronounced on a theological proposition.-Politics:...
of President Bartlet
Josiah Bartlet
Josiah Edward "Jed" Bartlet is a fictional character played by Martin Sheen on the television serial drama The West Wing. He is President of the United States for the entire series until the last episode, when his successor is inaugurated...
that would finally bring an end to the investigation into Bartlet's concealment of his illness and spare Leo any possible personal repercussions. He is committed to protecting the President and continuing the testimony that was suspended in Bartlet for America
Bartlet for America
"Bartlet for America" is the 53rd episode of The West Wing.-Plot:It is December 23, but no one at the White House is feeling much in the Christmas spirit. Indeed, the most pressing holiday matter is a threat to firebomb black churches in Tennessee on Christmas Eve...
, even though his lawyer says (correctly) that the hearings will return to testimony revealing Leo's alcoholic relapse, spelling the end of his career.
Donna
Donna Moss
Donnatella "Donna" Moss is a fictional character played by Janel Moloney on the television serial drama The West Wing. Donna is a recurring character during the first season, although she appears in every episode, making her a de facto regular...
figures out that Cliff Calley
Clifford Calley
Clifford "Cliff" Calley is a fictional character played by Mark Feuerstein on the television serial drama The West Wing. Appointed Director of Legislative affairs to fill the political planning void after Josh Lyman left the White House to serve as campaign manager for presidential candidate Matt...
got the Republican committee leader to stop the questioning before Leo was ruined, and relays the information to Josh
Josh Lyman
Joshua "Josh" Lyman is a fictional character played by Bradley Whitford on the television drama The West Wing. For the majority of the series, he was White House Deputy Chief of Staff in the Josiah Bartlet administration...
. In a conversation with Leo, President Bartlet reveals that he will accept the censure and bring an end to the proceedings. When Leo protests, the President tells Leo that he was wrong to hide his illness and that he must take responsibility for his mistake.
In other stories, Bartlet's staff reacts to an exposé published by a terminated White House photographer. Sam
Sam Seaborn
Samuel Norman "Sam" Seaborn is a fictional character portrayed by Rob Lowe on the television serial drama The West Wing. He is best known for being Deputy White House Communications Director in the Josiah Bartlet administration throughout the first four seasons of the series.-Creation and...
is angry because the photographer, who was bad at his job and didn't last long, is getting media coverage for his outrageous and insulting fabrications. Sam later admits he is driven by his own guilt, in part because he hired the photographer in the first place. After informing the President of the situation, Toby mentions to the President that he saw one of the President's favorite movies, The Lion in Winter (1968 film)
The Lion in Winter (1968 film)
The Lion in Winter is a 1968 historical drama made by Avco Embassy Pictures, based on the Broadway play by James Goldman. It was directed by Anthony Harvey and produced by Joseph E...
on television the night before, and points out the notable scene where Richard states "When the fall is all that is left, it matters a great deal," a quote that the President finishes for him. The President asks Toby if he is implying something, and Toby excuses himself, knowing that his point was made. Meanwhile, other staffers urge Sam to ignore the book's lies, but when discussing it with the President, Sam says that he believes they should not be casual about the truth. These comments from Toby and Sam clearly resonate with the President: it is implied that they led him to decide to accept the humiliating censure deal. Later, C.J.
C. J. Cregg
Claudia Jean "C. J." Cregg is a fictional character played by Allison Janney on the television serial drama The West Wing. From the beginning of the series until the sixth season, she is White House Press Secretary in the administration of President Josiah Bartlet...
points out that while she understands Sam's agony, she will not respond to every idiotic lie in the exposé and give more exposure to the book. Toby
Toby Ziegler
Tobias Zachary 'Toby' Ziegler is played by Richard Schiff on the television serial drama The West Wing. For most of the series' duration he is White House Communications Director.-Creation and development:...
makes a strong analogy about not fouling basketball players who can't shoot the ball, instead letting them shoot and miss repeatedly.
Josh awkwardly schemes to socialize with a women's rights leader, Amy Gardner
Amy Gardner
Amelia "Amy" Gardner is a fictional character on the American television series The West Wing, portrayed by Mary-Louise Parker. Politically skilled and a strong advocate on feminist causes, the character holds various jobs throughout the timeline depicted on The West Wing, both in public-advocacy...
, whom he finds attractive. He is annoyed when Toby tells him they're in great shape on issues important to women, but a $500,000 funding gap for a Family Leave Law allows Josh the excuse he needs to meet with Amy. Things go well until, Josh being Josh, he decides to talk about his own history instead of listening to Amy's.
Also, Bartlet wants to frame an eighteenth century map that Charlie
Charlie Young
Charles 'Charlie' Young is a fictional character played by Dulé Hill on the television serial drama The West Wing. For the majority of the series, he is the Personal Aide to President Josiah Bartlet.-Creation and development:...
got him from a flea market, and put it in the Oval Office, but C.J., Toby, and Leo warn the President of the political implications, since the historical map excludes Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
and would be construed in the wrong way if it was put in the office of the President of the United States. The President is irritated that anyone would be offended by the fact that the map excludes Israel, given that the map was drawn long before Israel was a country.
Episode title
The title is the United States House of RepresentativesUnited States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
reference number for the concurrent
Concurrent resolution
A concurrent resolution is a resolution adopted by both houses of a bicameral legislature that lacks the force of law and does not require the approval of the chief executive.-United States Congress:...
censure resolution.