Out in the hall, some photographer greets the Bartlets, and Abby asks, "We're not doing photos now, are we? Because I would have at least tried to style this frowsy frightwig instead of merely brandishing my Braun hand mixer in its general direction to intimidate it." The photographer, whose name is Jim, says that they're just doing some candids: "Nothing serious until dinner." Jed advises Jim to get some, before dinner, of the whole family together. Jed and Abby discuss whether Jed should crucify Ellie for telling him she might be late when there's "fair to middling chance" he might not be there himself. Why? Are there Christmas yams that need to be pardoned or something? Jed gripes that he's not asking her to stay a week; it's one meal.

Margaret is sitting opposite Leo's desk, going over upcoming invitations and engagements with him, none of which seems to include Jordan Kendall. I liked her. Leo misses her, I know it. Why is it that the classiest women on the show, like Joey and Jordan, get sidelined for tiresome characters like Mandy, Amy, and Marina Lewinsky? Is there a clause in Allison Janney's contract that says she's not too have too much competition in the classiness category? Leo says that the soirées Margaret's asking him about are maybes. Margaret: "I think we shouldn't go with 'maybes' on the Christmas parties this year, because 'maybe' means I RSVP 'yes' and you cancel ten minutes before it starts, and I have to call and say the honoured guest isn't coming, and you remain Lovable Leo McGarry and I'm the dope who couldn't accurately assess the constraints of your schedule." You tell him, sister! Secretaries and assistants everywhere are cheering. Can I get a witness? Also: "Lovable Leo McGarry"? Who the hell is that? Leo's not listening to Margaret, because he's heard some talking head on the television mention the word "hostages." Margaret rambles on: "And by New Year's, I'm a pariah, I got people hexing my muffins in the Mess...." Leo's on the phone: "Leo McGarry for the Sudan desk, please." This is not the Lovable Leo McGarry, by the way. Leo tells Margaret to get Josh on the call now.