As Josh, C.J., and Toby emerge from the office, Josh runs into Donna, and tells her he needs a sit-down with Richter today. Donna tells Josh that Doug Westin's in his office. Josh wonders why Doug's not with the rest of the family; Donna says that Jed's introducing Gus to the Three Tenors. Josh wonders why a five-year-old would want to meet the Three Tenors. Donna: "I'm pretty sure he doesn't." C.J. smirks, "Doug's your friend!" (Though it sounds more like "Doug's yrpfresz!" I think the sound person should stop putting the microphones up people's asses, or running things through the Richard Schiff Mumblematic X6000-F, or whatever it is they're doing.) Josh claims that Doug is a perfectly nice guy. C.J.: "Speak slowly; you don't want to lose him." Josh exclaims over the fact that they're decking the halls. Donna promises to spring Josh after five minutes with Doug.

Josh greets Doug the Deadly Doofus outside his office, where Doug tells Josh that he swiped his newspaper. Josh says it's government property: "I'm going to have to call the Feds." Doug: "Then I better dash -- see ya!" He pretends to dart away. Eeesh. It's a painfully perfect replication of the kind of lame small talk to which far too many of us are subjected far too often. This stuff makes me cringe. Josh invites Doug in.

In Josh's office, he and Doug make chitchat about the Westins' visit to the White House, and Josh inquires as to Annie's whereabouts. Doug says, "Swim meet. That, and she pierced her eyebrow. Thought we'd keep her off-camera 'till it healed." Why? Will it be invisible then? Josh: "She...on purpose?" Doug: "Every day is a new set of challenges." He goes on to ask about whether Josh is still involved in Congressional recruitment, and mentions that the New Hampshire Congressman, Ken Campbell, is bowing out due to a bad heart. Josh thinks the Democrats will have a good shot at the seat. So does Doug, who wants to run, and seems to expect the help of the Bartlet administration. You can tell from Josh's face that Doug was definitely his choice for the position, right after whichever lawyer's currently defending Michael Jackson and right before Arnold Schwarzenegger.