Election Day '98
Bartlet for America HQ, Manchester, NH
"Did you hear from Josh yet this morning?" C.J. asked as she and Donna walked to the communications department at the rear of the headquarters.
"He'll be on the campaign charter at noon out of Ft. Lauderdale."
"Does that mean we have good news from the election judge in Broward?"
"Partially," Donna replied. "The final order will be issued before the polls open but the word is that all precinct officials in the county will have to accept provisional ballots."
"Let 'em all vote. Sort it out in the counting. I can live with that. Your boss really impresses me sometimes."
"Yeah," Donna smiled and felt herself blush a little with pride for Josh. She immediately hoped C.J. hadn't noticed.
"I almost forgot," C.J. added. "I finally spoke with someone at Wisconsin yesterday. I don't think you're going to have any trouble with re-admission, Donna. I'm really proud of you for wanting to complete your degree. It's really smart - the best thing for your career. January?"
"I suppose so," Donna replied. "There are still some variables."
The conversation continued as C.J. led Donna into a large conference room that had been converted into a television studio. A number of technicians busied themselves with lights and camera equipment. Heavy black cables ran across the floor and out of the emergency exit door to a satellite uplink truck parked just outside. C.J. walked over to a young woman about Donna's age with long dark hair.
"Donna, this is Carol Fitzpatrick with the DNC satellite service," C.J. said. "Our second tier surrogates have been working the east coast morning shows since 5 a.m., but we'll hit a new level of intensity in about 30 minutes when Senator Hoynes arrives for the network feeds. That's why I wanted you here."
"Of course," Donna replied, more than a little in awe of the scope and intensity of the effort. Every day she was exposed to something new. It was exhilarating.
"I'll need you to brief the Senator on the Broward county ruling before he goes on the air. He will absolutely get questions from the morning anchors on that. Then do whatever you can to help Carol. These interviews are going to go fast. Three broadcast networks and four cable networks in fifteen minutes."
"I'm ready," Donna replied.
"This may be our last chance to appeal directly with some persuadable voters before they head out for the day. I can't overstate the stakes."
"I know C.J. I'm ready," Donna said.
"That last bit may have been as much for me as for you," C.J. said, exiting the room. "I'll go check on Hoynes."
Carol handed Donna a clipboard and a directed her to a telephone at the makeshift operations desk. "Call Susan Levine at this number at Good Morning America. Stay on the phone with her while we test the uplink. She's arrogant and brusque and is going to tell you that everything is fine just to get you off the phone quickly, but you have to insist that she confirm the strength of the satellite signal. We can't take the connection for granted. She and I were in the same program at NYU. Her bark is worse than her bite."
Donna picked up the receiver to make the call. The adrenaline was addictive and she relished the work. But for just a moment as the phone was ringing, she let her thoughts turn to Josh. He was the one she wished she could share this with.
"Susan Levine please," Donna said as the call connected. "Donna Moss, Bartlet for America."