Previously on The West Wing, Mandy was hired, Toby was frustrated, the Prez was accused of moderation, and Sam felt lost.

According to the title card, it's Monday morning at the communications office, and Toby is wondering if it's going to rain. Sam says that it won't rain till later. Toby is concerned because the opening line of a speech will need to be changed if it starts raining. Sam says he got a weather reports from the Coast Guard. Toby explains that the Prez's remarks open with, "As I look out over this magnificent vista..." which will be inappropriate if it starts raining and the event is moved indoors. Toby also mentions that the remarks are intended for the United Organization of Trout Fishermen. Sam suggests that the Prez could probably fix that on the fly if necessary, and repeats that his weather report comes direct from the Coast Guard and the National Weather Service. He adds, "They use satellites. They use technology." The Almighty's opinion of satellites is expressed through a flash of lightening, as a thunderstorm immediately begins. Toby asks, "This is the same satellite technology we use to detect intercontinental ballistic missiles, right?" C.J. pops in to suggest that the event be moved indoors, but Toby tells her, "Sam says it's probably not gonna rain till later." C.J. wisely decides not to get involved in that conversation, and as they all begin a pedeconference, she asks if they've heard anything about "a piece of paper that's going around," which a reporter mentioned to her. They haven't. Leo joins the parade and tells them where the event will be taking place. C.J. asks what kind of mood the Prez is in, and Leo describes the Prez as "very upbeat, very energetic."

Cut to the Prez and his gaggle of aides and bodyguards. The Prez snaps, "Can we get this godforsaken event over with so I can get back to presiding over a civilization gone to hell in a handcart?" Mrs. Landingham suggests that his mood is being affected by his diet: "You don't get enough roughage." The Prez threatens to "beat [her] senseless with a head of cabbage," and asks Charlie if anyone has a copy of his remarks. Charlie reports that Sam is bringing them, and that Toby and C.J. are also on their way. The Prez asks, "Why aren't they here right now?" Charlie says that they didn't know it was raining. Thunder booms loudly. The Prez gripes, "Nothing like surrounding yourself with the best and the brightest, Charlie."

The Prez's group and the White House staff finally meet up and join forces. Sam gives the Prez a copy of the speech, and mentions that "there are some nice anecdotes in there about trout fishing." Josh joins the herd and gives the Prez a quick briefing: "The CBO is gonna revise its outyear projections, two commissioners resigned from the FEC this morning, and the NGA endorsed trigger locks." The CBO is the Congressional Budget Office.