As Senior Staff got underway, Matt asked Josh for a briefing on the situation in Kazakhstan.
Josh said, "Not too good. I mean, things out there have improved a tiny bit in the last 48 hours, but not enough."
Sam said, "That means that we would eventually have to intervene, right?"
"That would be right, Sam," said Matt, "We would have to intervene, but there's also the question of when we would do it."
Josh said, "Plus, there's also the question of how much intervention we would be able to get away with. Too much, and they say we take their normal lives away. Too little, and we don't do enough."
Matt said, "You know, Josh, you make some good points there. I have a meeting this afternoon in the Situation Room, so we can work out details then too. Alright, we'll have another meeting later this afternoon. Have a good day."
As everyone was leaving, Lou said, "Wait a sec! What am I supposed to say to the reporters at the briefing?"
After making sure that Josh left the room, Sam jokingly said, "They'll still be busy talking about Josh and Donna, so you've bought yourself some time there."
"I'm not kidding, Sam," said Lou, looking a little flustered. Turning to the President, she asked, "What do you want me to tell the press, sir?"
"Just tell them what I told you, and that you'll have more information after I'm done in the SitRoom," said Matt, "Don't worry about it too much, Lou. You'll be fine. See you later."
"Same to you, sir," replied Lou.
Even though she thought he was being a smart-alec, Lou had a feeling that Sam might be right about the press. Still, she couldn't help but be nervous as she prepared for that morning's briefing.