What was the question about reparations that Josh Lyman almost asked, then didn't?
There was a conversation between Josh Lyman and an advocate for reparations to African Americans that took place in Lyman's office. I think it's the episode mentioned below but not 100% sure now.
I remember Lyman appearing to want to ask a question, starting to, but not following through; something a bit like "But... (pause) never mind." I got the feeling that the question was supposed to be obvious to the viewer, but perhaps the character was conflicted about actually asking it out loud.
Question: What was the question about reparations that Josh Lyman almost asked, then didn't?
Likely episode: S1E18 "Six Meetings Before Lunch", per The_West_Wing_(season_1):
Meanwhile, due to an objection by a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Josh has a long and vigorous discussion about reparations (of $1.7 trillion) for slavery with a candidate for an appointment to the post of the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights.
Best Answer
From the transcript of that episode, Josh wasn't actually asking about reputations at this point:
JEFF Yes. But the order was rescinded four years later by Andrew Johnson. In the '60s, during the Newark riots, you could hear the looters shouting, "That was my 40 acres, I'll be back for the mule." [drinks coffee]
JOSH Catchy.
JEFF See, if you guys had just paid up on time...
JOSH A lesson well learned. But let's talk about your confirmation.
JEFF Absolutely.
JOSH And while we're on the subject of the Civil War, let's remember the 600,000 white men who died over the issue of slavery.
JEFF Is that why they died?
JOSH It's why a lot of them died, Jeff. And there's no other place and time in recorded history where an event like that has occurred. So... let's... leave it at that and move on.
JEFF Okay.
JOSH Except to say this...
JEFF What?
JOSH Nothing.
JEFF What?
JOSH Let's move on.
Josh really had nothing at that point. His personality is such that he had to win, but he realised at that point he really didn't have anything left, so moved on.
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The West Wing 4x12 - Josh doesn't want to disappoint Leo
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