Deborah serves as executive assistant to President Josiah Jed Bartlet. Following the death of his previous assistant, the president was hesitant to hire a replacement, but Deborah more than rose to the challenge. Owning a sharp sense of humor as well as a strong will, she is recommended for the position by Charlie and proves an invaluable source of strength and consistency for the commander-in-chief. Deborah even knows about some crisis before the president.