The West Wing
The West Wing Title Screen
Format	Political drama
Created by	Aaron Sorkin
Starring	Alan Alda Stockard Channing Kristin Chenoweth Dulé Hill Allison Janney Moira Kelly Rob Lowe Joshua Malina Mary McCormack Janel Moloney Richard Schiff Martin Sheen Jimmy Smits John Spencer Bradley Whitford
Country of origin	United States
No. of seasons	7
No. of episodes	156 (including two special episodes) (List of episodes)
Production
Running time	42 minutes
Broadcast
Original channel	NBC
Original run	September 22, 1999 – May 14, 2006
External links
Official website
IMDb profile
TV.com summary

The West Wing is an American television serial drama created by Aaron Sorkin that was originally broadcast from 1999 to 2006. It was produced/written by Sorkin (for the first four seasons) and also produced by Thomas Schlamme. After season four it was produced by John Wells. The series is set in the West Wing of the White House, the location of the Oval Office and offices of presidential senior staff, during the fictional Democratic administration of Josiah Bartlet (Martin Sheen). The West Wing (in foreground) The West Wing is the part of the White House Complex in which the Oval Office, the Cabinet Room, and the Situation Room are located. ... Image File history File links The West Wing Title Shot File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... A political drama can describe a play, film or TV program that has a political component, whether reflecting the authors political opinion, or describing a politician or series of political events. ... Aaron Benjamin Sorkin (born June 9, 1961) is an American screenwriter, producer and playwright. ... Alan Alda (born January 28, 1936) is a five-time Emmy Award-winning, six-time Golden Globe-winning, Academy Award-nominated American actor. ... Stockard Channing press kit photo Stockard Channing (born Susan Antonia Williams Stockard on February 13, 1944) is an American actress. ... Kristi Dawn Chenoweth (born July 24, 1968) is an American singer and Tony Award-winning American musical theatre, film, and television actress. ... Karim Dulé Hill (born May 3, 1975) is an Emmy Award-nominated American actor, primarily in movies, soap operas and television. ... Allison Brooks Janney (born November 19, 1959) is an Emmy-winning American actress, perhaps best known for her portrayal of C. J. Cregg on the American television series The West Wing and of Prudy on the 2007 film adaption of the musical Hairspray . ... Moira Kelly (March 6, 1968 in Queens, New York) is an American actress. ... For other persons named Robert Lowe, see Robert Lowe (disambiguation). ... Joshua Charles Malina (born 17 January 1966) is an American film and stage actor. ... Mary Catherine McCormack (born February 8, 1969) is an American television and film actress. ... Janel Moloney at a rally for John Kerry in October 2004 in Fort Collins, Colorado Janel Moloney (born October 3, 1969) is an American actor, best known for her role as Donna Moss on The West Wing. ... Richard Schiff (born May 27, 1955) is an Emmy Award-winning American actor, known for playing Toby Ziegler on the NBC television drama The West Wing, a role for which he won an Emmy Award. ... Martin Sheen (born August 3, 1940) is an Emmy- and Golden Globe Award-winning American actor. ... Jimmy Smits as President Matt Santos on The West Wing. ... For other persons named John Spencer, see John Spencer (disambiguation). ... Bradley Whitford (born October 10, 1959 in Madison, Wisconsin) is an Emmy Award-winning American actor. ... The following is an episode list for the NBC serial drama television series The West Wing. ... This article is about the television network. ... is the 265th day of the year (266th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Events of 2008: (EMILY) Me Lesley and MIley are going to China! This article is about the year. ... is the 134th day of the year (135th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Serials in television and radio are series, often in a weekly prime time slot, that rely on a continuing plot that unfolds in a serial fashion, episode by episode. ... For other uses, see Drama (disambiguation). ... Aaron Benjamin Sorkin (born June 9, 1961) is an American screenwriter, producer and playwright. ... Thomas Schlamme (born May 22, 1950) is one of the leading directors of television. ... John Wells is a theater and television producer and writer. ... The West Wing (in foreground) The West Wing is the part of the White House Complex in which the Oval Office, the Cabinet Room, and the Situation Room are located. ... For other uses, see White House (disambiguation). ... The Oval Office from above in 2003, during the administration of George W. Bush. ... The Democratic Party is one of two major political parties in the United States, the other being the Republican Party. ... The term Administration, as used in the context of government, differs according to jurisdiction. ... For the signatory of the Declaration of Independence, see Josiah Bartlett. ... Martin Sheen (born August 3, 1940) is an Emmy- and Golden Globe Award-winning American actor. ...

The West Wing was produced by Warner Bros. Television. It first aired on NBC in 1999, and has been broadcast by many networks in dozens of other countries. The series ended its seven-year run on May 14, 2006.^[1] Warner Bros. ... This article is about the television network. ... A television network is a distribution network for television content whereby a central operation provides programming for many television stations. ... List of broadcasters and home video releases of The West Wing. ... is the 134th day of the year (135th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The show received positive reviews from critics, political science professors, and former White House staffers. In total, The West Wing won three Golden Globe Awards and 26 Emmy Awards, a tie with Hill Street Blues for the most Emmy Awards ever won by a television drama series. Included in this record-equalling haul were four straight awards for Outstanding Drama Series (2000–2003).^[2] The show's popularity waned in later years, but it remained popular among high-income viewers, a key demographic for the show and its advertisers.^[3] The Politics series Politics Portal This box:      Political Science is the field concerning the theory and practice of politics and the description and analysis of political systems and political behaviour. ... The Golden Globe Award The Golden Globe Awards are American awards for motion pictures and television programs, given out each year during a formal dinner. ... An Emmy Award. ... Hill Street Blues was a serial police drama that was first aired on NBC in 1981 and ran for 146 episodes on primetime into 1987. ...

Cast

Main article: List of characters on The West Wing

The West Wing employed a broad ensemble cast to portray the many positions involved in the daily work of the federal government. The President, the First Lady, and the President's senior staff and advisors form the core cast. Numerous secondary characters, appearing intermittently, complement storylines that generally revolve around this core group. The television series The West Wing is a political drama series which was originally broadcast on NBC. In addition to the main (regular) cast, there are numerous secondary characters who only appear periodically, and some characters who are mentioned but never appeared. ... An ensemble cast is a cast in which the principal performers are assigned roughly equal amounts of importance in a dramatic production. ... ... Federal courts Supreme Court Circuit Courts of Appeal District Courts Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Local Government Other countries Atlas  US Government Portal      For other uses, see President of the United States (disambiguation). ... First Lady Laura Bush and former first ladies (from left to right) Rosalynn Carter, Sen. ... In the performing arts, casting is a vital pre-production process for selecting a cast (a meaning of the word recorded since 1631) of actors, dancers, singers, models and other talent for a live or recorded performance. ... A Secondary character is a character in a movie, play, musical, story, ect. ...

Third season cast members of The West Wing (from left to right): (top) Dulé Hill, Allison Janney, Richard Schiff, Janel Moloney (bottom) Rob Lowe, Stockard Channing, Martin Sheen, John Spencer, and Bradley Whitford

Each of the principal actors made approximately $75,000 an episode, with Sheen's most recently confirmed salary being $300,000.^[4][5] Rob Lowe also had a six-figure salary, reported to be $100,000, because his character originally was supposed to have a more central role.^[6] Disparities in cast salaries led to very public contract disputes, particularly by Janney, Schiff, Spencer, and Whitford. During contract negotiations in 2001, the four were threatened with breach of contract suits by Warner Bros. However, by banding together, they were able to persuade the studio to more than double their salaries.^[4] Two years later, the four again demanded a doubling of their salaries, a few months after Warner Bros. had signed new licensing deals with NBC and Bravo.^[7] Image File history File links West_wing_cast. ... Image File history File links West_wing_cast. ... Karim Dulé Hill (born May 3, 1975) is an Emmy Award-nominated American actor, primarily in movies, soap operas and television. ... Allison Brooks Janney (born November 19, 1959) is an Emmy-winning American actress, perhaps best known for her portrayal of C. J. Cregg on the American television series The West Wing and of Prudy on the 2007 film adaption of the musical Hairspray . ... Richard Schiff (born May 27, 1955) is an Emmy Award-winning American actor, known for playing Toby Ziegler on the NBC television drama The West Wing, a role for which he won an Emmy Award. ... Janel Moloney at a rally for John Kerry in October 2004 in Fort Collins, Colorado Janel Moloney (born October 3, 1969) is an American actor, best known for her role as Donna Moss on The West Wing. ... For other persons named Robert Lowe, see Robert Lowe (disambiguation). ... Stockard Channing press kit photo Stockard Channing (born Susan Antonia Williams Stockard on February 13, 1944) is an American actress. ... Martin Sheen (born August 3, 1940) is an Emmy- and Golden Globe Award-winning American actor. ... For other persons named John Spencer, see John Spencer (disambiguation). ... Bradley Whitford (born October 10, 1959 in Madison, Wisconsin) is an Emmy Award-winning American actor. ... Stockard Channing press kit photo Stockard Channing (born Susan Antonia Williams Stockard on February 13, 1944) is an American actress. ... Abigail Abbey Bartlet, First Lady is a fictional character played by Stockard Channing on the television serial drama The West Wing. ... This article is about the use of the term first lady internationally. ... Karim Dulé Hill (born May 3, 1975) is an Emmy Award-nominated American actor, primarily in movies, soap operas and television. ... Charles Charlie Young is a fictional character played by Dulé Hill on the television serial drama The West Wing. ... A body man is, in American political jargon, a personal assistant to a politician or political candidate. ... Allison Brooks Janney (born November 19, 1959) is an Emmy-winning American actress, perhaps best known for her portrayal of C. J. Cregg on the American television series The West Wing and of Prudy on the 2007 film adaption of the musical Hairspray . ... Claudia Jean C.J. Cregg is a fictional character played by Allison Janney on the television serial drama The West Wing. ... The White House Press Secretary is a senior White House official with a rank one step below Presidential Cabinet level. ... Joshua B. Bolten, the current White House Chief of Staff. ... Moira Kelly (March 6, 1968 in Queens, New York) is an American actress. ... Dr. Madeline Mandy Hampton is a fictional character played by Moira Kelly on the television serial drama The West Wing. ... For other persons named Robert Lowe, see Robert Lowe (disambiguation). ... Samuel Norman Sam Seaborn is a fictional character played by Rob Lowe on the television serial drama The West Wing. ... The White House Communications Director is responsible for developing and promoting the voice of the administration. ... Janel Moloney at a rally for John Kerry in October 2004 in Fort Collins, Colorado Janel Moloney (born October 3, 1969) is an American actor, best known for her role as Donna Moss on The West Wing. ... Donnatella Donna Moss is a fictional character played by Janel Moloney on the television serial drama The West Wing. ... Richard Schiff (born May 27, 1955) is an Emmy Award-winning American actor, known for playing Toby Ziegler on the NBC television drama The West Wing, a role for which he won an Emmy Award. ... Tobias Zachary Toby Ziegler, is a fictional character played by Richard Schiff on the television serial drama The West Wing. ... The White House Communications Director is responsible for developing and promoting the voice of the administration. ... Martin Sheen (born August 3, 1940) is an Emmy- and Golden Globe Award-winning American actor. ... For the signatory of the Declaration of Independence, see Josiah Bartlett. ... Federal courts Supreme Court Circuit Courts of Appeal District Courts Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Local Government Other countries Atlas  US Government Portal      For other uses, see President of the United States (disambiguation). ... For other persons named John Spencer, see John Spencer (disambiguation). ... Leo Thomas McGarry is a fictional character played by John Spencer on the television serial drama The West Wing. ... Joshua B. Bolten, the current White House Chief of Staff. ... Bradley Whitford (born October 10, 1959 in Madison, Wisconsin) is an Emmy Award-winning American actor. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... The Deputy White House Chief of Staff is the top aide to the White House Chief of Staff, who is the senior aide to the President of the United States. ... Joshua Charles Malina (born 17 January 1966) is an American film and stage actor. ... William Will Bailey, is a fictional character played by Joshua Malina on the television serial drama The West Wing, holding various posts in the White House Department of Communications. ... Look up speechwriter in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Mary Catherine McCormack (born February 8, 1969) is an American television and film actress. ... Mary McCormack as Kate Harper and Anna Deavere Smith as Dr. Nancy McNally. ... The Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, commonly referred to as the Deputy National Security Advisor, is a member of the Executive Office of the President of the United States, serving as deputy to the Presidents National Security Advisor. ... Kristi Dawn Chenoweth (born July 24, 1968) is an American singer and Tony Award-winning American musical theatre, film, and television actress. ... Schott in The West Wing episode A Good Day (Season 6). ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Press secretary. ... Jimmy Smits as President Matt Santos on The West Wing. ... Matthew Vincente Matt Santos is a fictional character on the American television show The West Wing, played by Jimmy Smits. ... Alan Alda (born January 28, 1936) is a five-time Emmy Award-winning, six-time Golden Globe-winning, Academy Award-nominated American actor. ... Arnold Vinick was a fictional character on the television series The West Wing played by Alan Alda. ... Martin Sheen (born August 3, 1940) is an Emmy- and Golden Globe Award-winning American actor. ... Allison Brooks Janney (born November 19, 1959) is an Emmy-winning American actress, perhaps best known for her portrayal of C. J. Cregg on the American television series The West Wing and of Prudy on the 2007 film adaption of the musical Hairspray . ... Richard Schiff (born May 27, 1955) is an Emmy Award-winning American actor, known for playing Toby Ziegler on the NBC television drama The West Wing, a role for which he won an Emmy Award. ... For other persons named John Spencer, see John Spencer (disambiguation). ... Bradley Whitford (born October 10, 1959 in Madison, Wisconsin) is an Emmy Award-winning American actor. ... Breach of contract is a legal concept in which a binding agreement or bargained-for exchange is not honored by one or more of the parties to the contract by non-performance or interference with the other partys performance. ... “WB” redirects here. ... This article is about the U.S. cable network. ...

John Spencer, who played Leo McGarry, died from a heart attack on December 16, 2005 — about a year after his character experienced a nearly fatal heart attack on the show. A brief memorial message from Martin Sheen ran before "Running Mates", the first new episode that aired after Spencer's death. The loss of Spencer's character was addressed by the series beginning with the episode "Election Day", which aired on April 2, 2006. For other persons named John Spencer, see John Spencer (disambiguation). ... Leo Thomas McGarry is a fictional character played by John Spencer on the television serial drama The West Wing. ... Heart attack redirects here. ... is the 350th day of the year (351st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The memorial at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii commemorates American dead from wars in the Pacific. ... Martin Sheen (born August 3, 1940) is an Emmy- and Golden Globe Award-winning American actor. ... Running Mates is episode 142 of The West Wing. ... Election Day Part I is episode 148 of The West Wing. ... is the 92nd day of the year (93rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Different performers had been originally considered for many of the roles. Bradley Whitford states in an interview on the Season 1 DVD that he was originally cast as Sam, though the character of Josh was the role Whitford had wanted and for which he had auditioned. In addition, Josh's character had been written specifically for him by Aaron Sorkin. In the same interview, Janel Moloney states that she had originally auditioned for the role of C.J., and that the role she eventually received, Donna, was not meant to be a recurring character. Other actors who were seriously considered included Alan Alda and Sidney Poitier for the President, Judd Hirsch for Leo, Eugene Levy for Toby, and CCH Pounder for C.J.^[8] Bradley Whitford (born October 10, 1959 in Madison, Wisconsin) is an Emmy Award-winning American actor. ... Alan Alda (born January 28, 1936) is a five-time Emmy Award-winning, six-time Golden Globe-winning, Academy Award-nominated American actor. ... Not to be confused with Sydney Tamiia Poitier. ... Judd Hirsch (born March 15, 1935 in Bronx, New York) is an American actor, best known for playing the character Alex Reiger on the acclaimed television comedy series Taxi. ... Eugene Levy (born 17 December 1946) is a Canadian Emmy and Grammy Award-winning actor, television director, producer and writer. ... Carol Christine Hilaria Pounder (born December 25, 1952) is an American film and television actress. ...

Plot

See also: List of The West Wing episodes

The West Wing, like many serial dramas, stretches storylines over several episodes or entire seasons. In addition to these larger storylines, each episode also contains smaller arcs which usually begin and end within an episode. The following is an episode list for the NBC serial drama television series The West Wing. ...

Most episodes follow President Bartlet and his staff through particular legislative or political issues. Plots can range from behind-closed-doors negotiating with Congress ("Five Votes Down") to personal issues like sex ("Pilot", "Take Out The Trash Day") and personal drug use (a major plotline throughout the first and second seasons). The typical episode loosely follows the president and his staff through their day, generally following several plots connected by some idea or theme. A large, fully connected set of the White House allows the producers to create shots with very few cuts and long, continuous master shots of staff members walking and talking through the hallways. These "walk and talks" became a trademark of the show. The final two seasons delivered somewhat of a narrative change, with the focus of the show dividing between plots in the West Wing with President Bartlet and his remaining senior staffers and plots revolving around the rest of main cast on the campaign trail for the 2006 election. Five Votes Down is the 4th episode of The West Wing. ... Pilot is the first episode of the American serial drama, The West Wing. ... Take Out The Trash Day is the 13th episode of The West Wing. ... A master shot is a filmic recording of an entire scene, start to finish, from an angle that keeps all the players in view. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... The U.S. presidential election of 2006 is a fictional event portrayed during the sixth and seventh seasons on the American television show The West Wing. ...

In the first season, the administration is in the middle of its first year and is still having trouble settling in and making progress on legislative issues. The second season brings scandal as the White House is rocked by allegations of criminal conduct and the president must decide whether he will run for a second term. The third and fourth seasons take an in-depth look at the campaign trail and the specter of both foreign and domestic terrorism. In the fifth season, the president begins to encounter more issues on the foreign front, while at home he must face off with the newly elected Speaker of the House over the future of the federal budget. The sixth season chronicles the quest to replace Bartlet in the next election, following the primary campaign of several candidates from both parties. In the seventh season, the president must face a leak of confidential information about a secret NASA program from inside the White House, while the Democratic and Republican candidates battle to replace him in the general election. The Speaker of the United States House of Representatives is the presiding officer—or speaker—of the United States House of Representatives. ...

Evolution

President Bartlet (second from left) talks via speakerphone with a Navy sailor while (from left to right) Toby Ziegler, Abigail Bartlet, Sam Seaborn, and Leo McGarry look on.

The series developed from the 1995 theatrical film The American President, for which Aaron Sorkin wrote the screenplay. Unused plot elements from the film and a suggestion from Akiva Goldsman inspired Sorkin to create The West Wing. Image File history File links Westwing_statedinner2. ... Image File history File links Westwing_statedinner2. ... For the signatory of the Declaration of Independence, see Josiah Bartlett. ... USN redirects here. ... Tobias Zachary Toby Ziegler, is a fictional character played by Richard Schiff on the television serial drama The West Wing. ... Abigail Abbey Bartlet, First Lady is a fictional character played by Stockard Channing on the television serial drama The West Wing. ... Samuel Norman Sam Seaborn is a fictional character played by Rob Lowe on the television serial drama The West Wing. ... Leo Thomas McGarry is a fictional character played by John Spencer on the television serial drama The West Wing. ... This article is about a movie. ... Aaron Benjamin Sorkin (born June 9, 1961) is an American screenwriter, producer and playwright. ... Akiva Goldsman (born July 7, 1962) is an American screenwriter, producer, and occasional actor in the motion picture industry. ...

According to the DVD commentary, Sorkin intended to center the show on the senior staff with the president in an unseen or a secondary role. However, Bartlet's screen time gradually increased, and his role expanded as the series progressed. Positive critical and public reaction to Sheen's performance raised his character's profile, decreasing Lowe's perceived significance. In addition, according to Sorkin, the storylines began to focus less on Sam and more on Josh Lyman, the deputy chief of staff. This shift is one of the reasons for Lowe's eventual departure from the show in the fourth season.^[9] For the first four seasons, Sorkin wrote almost every episode of the series, occasionally reusing plot elements, episode titles, character names, and actors from his previous work, Sports Night, a sitcom in which he began to develop his signature dialogue style of rhythmic, snappy, and intellectual banter. Fellow executive producer and director Thomas Schlamme developed the "walk and talk," a continuous shot tracking in front of the characters as they walk from one place to another that became part of The West Wing's signature visual style.^[10] Sorkin's hectic writing schedule often led to cost overruns and schedule slips,^[11] and he opted to leave the show after the fourth season, following increasing personal problems, including an arrest for possession of illegal drugs.^[12] Thomas Schlamme also left the show after the fourth season. John Wells, the remaining executive producer, took the helm after their departure. This article is about the American television series. ... A sitcom or situation comedy is a genre of comedy performance originally devised for radio but today typically found on television. ... Thomas Schlamme (born May 22, 1950) is one of the leading directors of television. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... Thomas Schlamme (born May 22, 1950) is one of the leading directors of television. ... John Wells is a theater and television producer and writer. ...

The show aired its series finale on Sunday, May 14, 2006. It had suffered a significant ratings fall after being placed in the same timeslot as ABC's Top 20 hit Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, and CBS's Top 30 hit Cold Case. is the 134th day of the year (135th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is an ABC reality television series that began broadcasting in 2003 in which a familys house, including all rooms, exterior and landscaping, is made over by a team of builders and designers in seven days. ... This article is about the broadcast network. ... For other uses, see Cold case (disambiguation). ...

Critical reactions

Former Vice President Al Gore appeared in a Saturday Night Live skit with The West Wing cast members, on the show's Oval Office set.

The West Wing offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of America's most powerful address, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and the show's legitimacy, political slant, and film merits have generated considerable discussion. From http://www. ... From http://www. ... This article is about the former Vice President of the United States. ... SNL redirects here. ... For other uses of terms redirecting here, see US (disambiguation), USA (disambiguation), and United States (disambiguation) Motto In God We Trust(since 1956) (From Many, One; Latin, traditional) Anthem The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington, D.C. Largest city New York City National language English (de facto)1 Demonym American... For other uses, see White House (disambiguation). ...

Realism

The West Wing is not completely accurate in its portrayal of the actual West Wing^[13]; however, former White House staffers agree that the show "captures the feel [of the West Wing], shorn of a thousand undramatic details."^[14]

Former White House Press Secretary Dee Dee Myers as well as expert pollster Patrick Caddell served as consultants for the show from the beginning, helping writers and actors depict the West Wing accurately. Other former White House staffers, such as Peggy Noonan and Gene Sperling, have served as consultants for brief periods. The White House Press Secretary is a senior White House official with a rank one step below Presidential Cabinet level. ... Dee Dee Myers (born Margaret Jane Myers on 1 September 1961 in Providence, Rhode Island) served as White House Press Secretary for the first two years of the Clinton administration, from January 20, 1993 to December 22, 1994. ... Patrick Hayward Caddell (also Pat or Patrick H.) (born May 19, 1950, in Rock Hill, South Carolina) is an American public opinion pollster and a political film consultant. ... Peggy Noonan (born Margaret Ellen Noonan on September 7, 1950 in Brooklyn, New York) is an author of seven books on politics, religion and culture, a weekly columnist for The Wall Street Journal, and was a Special Assistant to President Ronald Reagan. ... Gene B. Sperling is an American economist and political expert, currently serving as a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress. ...

A documentary special in the third season compared the show's depiction of the West Wing to the real thing. Many former West Wing denizens applauded the show's depiction of the West Wing, including advisor David Gergen, Press Secretary Dee Dee Myers, Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Chief of Staff Leon Panetta, Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove, and former Presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton. David Richmond Gergen (born May 9, 1942) was a political consultant and presidential advisor during the Republican administrations of Nixon, Ford, and Reagan. ... Dee Dee Myers (born Margaret Jane Myers on 1 September 1961 in Providence, Rhode Island) served as White House Press Secretary for the first two years of the Clinton administration, from January 20, 1993 to December 22, 1994. ... In several countries, Secretary of State is a senior government position. ... Henry Alfred Kissinger (born Heinz Alfred Kissinger on May 27, 1923) is a German-born American politician, and 1973 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. ... Leon Edward Panetta (born June 28, 1938) is a former White House Chief of Staff to Bill Clinton, a former member of the United States House of Representatives, and the founder and director of the Panetta Institute. ... Karl Christian Rove (born December 25, 1950) was Deputy Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush until his resignation on 31 August 2007. ... For other persons named Gerald Ford, see Gerald Ford (disambiguation). ... For other persons named Jimmy Carter, see Jimmy Carter (disambiguation). ... William Jefferson Bill Clinton (born William Jefferson Blythe III[1] on August 19, 1946) was the 42nd President of the United States, serving from 1993 to 2001. ...

While critics often praised The West Wing for its writing, others faulted the show as unrealistically optimistic.^[15] A large part of this criticism came from the perceived naiveté of the characters. Television critic Heather Havrilesky asked "… how do you go from innocent millipede to White House staffer without becoming soiled or disillusioned by the dirty realities of politics along the way?"^[16] For other uses, see Millipede (disambiguation). ...

Social impact

Despite acclaim for the veracity of the series, Sorkin believed, "My obligation isn't to the truth … my obligation is to captivate you for however long I've asked for your attention."^{[citation needed]} Former White House aide Matthew Miller noted that Sorkin "captivates viewers by making the human side of politics more real than life — or at least more real than the picture we get from the news." Miller also noted that by portraying politicians with empathy, the show created a "subversive competitor" to the cynical views of politics in media.^[14] In the essay "The West Wing and the West Wing", author Myron Levine agreed, stating that the series "presents an essentially positive view of public service and a healthy corrective to anti-Washington stereotypes and public cynicism."^[13]

Dr. Staci L. Beavers, associate professor of political science at California State University, San Marcos, wrote a short essay, The West Wing as a Pedagogical Tool, concerning the viability of The West Wing as a teaching tool. She concluded, "While the series’ purpose is for-profit entertainment, The West Wing presents great pedagogical potential." The West Wing, in her opinion, gave greater depth to the political process usually espoused only in stilted talking points on shows like Face the Nation and Meet the Press. However, the merits of a particular argument may be obscured by the viewer's opinion of the character. Beavers also noted that characters with opposing viewpoints were often set up to be "bad people" in the viewer's eyes. These characters were assigned undesirable characteristics having nothing to do with their political opinions, such as being romantically involved with a main character's love interest. In Beavers's opinion, a critical analysis of the show's political views can present a worthwhile learning experience to the viewer.^[17] The Politics series Politics Portal This box:      Political Science is the field concerning the theory and practice of politics and the description and analysis of political systems and political behaviour. ... California State University San Marcos (also CSUSM or Cal State San Marcos) is a campus of the California State University (CSU) system located in San Marcos, California, a suburban town in north San Diego County. ... Pedagogy is the art or science of teaching. ... Talking points are small arguments or phrases that political strategists issue to representatives or supporters of a party or administration to be used over and over again in speeches, talk show appearances and debates. ... Face The Nation logo, used until 2002. ... Meet the Press (MTP) is a weekly television news show produced by NBC. It started as a radio show in 1945 as American Mercury Presents: Meet the Press, originating from WRC-AM in Washington. ...

One of the stranger impacts of the show occurred on January 31, 2006, when The West Wing was said to have played a hand in defeating Tony Blair's government in the British House of Commons, during the so called "West Wing Plot". The plan was allegedly hatched after a Conservative Member of Parliament watched the episode, "A Good Day", in which Democrats passed the president's stem cell bill while the Republicans weren't looking.^[18] is the 31st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... For other people of the same name, see Tony Blair (disambiguation) Anthony Charles Lynton Blair (born May 6, 1953)[1] is the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, First Lord of the Treasury, Minister for the Civil Service, Leader of the Labour Party, and Member of Parliament for the constituency... Type Lower House Speaker Michael Martin, (Non-affiliated) since October 23, 2000 Leader Harriet Harman, (Labour) since June 28, 2007 Shadow Leader Theresa May, (Conservative) since May 5, 2005 Members 659 Political groups Labour Party Conservative Party Liberal Democrats Scottish National Party Plaid Cymru Democratic Unionist Party Sinn Féin... The Conservative Party, officially though less commonly known as the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a political party in the United Kingdom. ... A Member of Parliament, or MP, is a representative elected by the voters to a parliament. ... A Good Day is episode 127 of The West Wing. ...

The Left Wing

The West Wing is sometimes called The Left Wing by detractors because of its portrayal of the ideal liberal administration and an alleged penchant for demonizing conservatives.^[19][20][21] Chris Lehmann characterized the show as a revisionist look at the Clinton presidency: an attempt to solidify the Clinton legacy and to make America forget the Whitewater and Lewinsky scandals.^[22] On the other hand, some Republicans have admired the show since its inception, regardless of the departure of Sorkin and the show's resulting shift toward the center.^[23] In his 2001 article "Real Liberals versus the West Wing", Mackubin Owens pointed out, Left wing redirects here. ... American liberalism—that is, liberalism in the United States of America—is a broad political and philosophical mindset, favoring individual liberty, and opposing restrictions on liberty, whether they come from established religion, from government regulation, from the existing class structure, or from multi-national corporations. ... Historical revisionism is the attempt to change commonly held ideas about the past. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... The Monica Lewinsky scandal was a political-sex scandal emerging from a sexual relationship between United States President Bill Clinton and a then 22-year-old White House intern, Monica Lewinsky. ...

Some praise the show for helping to bridge the gap between the left and the right in America. By showing Democratic views on issues and the debate surrounding them, the series has provided many Republicans with useful insights about the views of the left.^[14] Quid pro quo (Latin for something for something [1]) indicates a more-or-less equal exchange or substitution of goods or services. ... Right wing redirects here. ...

Filming techniques and reactions

Sam Seaborn and Josh Lyman converse in the hallway in one of The West Wing's noted tracking shots.

In its first season, The West Wing attracted critical attention in the film community with a record nine Emmy wins. The show has been praised for its high production values and repeatedly recognized for its cinematic achievements.^[2] With a budget of $6 million per episode, many consider each week's show to be a small feature film.^[25] However, many in the film community believe that the true genius of the show was Sorkin's rapid-fire and witty scripts.^[26] Image File history File links Westwing_trackingshot. ... Image File history File links Westwing_trackingshot. ... Samuel Norman Sam Seaborn is a fictional character played by Rob Lowe on the television serial drama The West Wing. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... An Emmy Award. ... ‹ The template below is being considered for deletion. ...

The West Wing is noted for developing the "walk-and-talk"—long Steadicam tracking shots showing characters walking down hallways while involved in long conversations. In a typical "walk-and-talk" shot, the camera leads two characters down a hallway as they speak to each other. One of these characters generally breaks off and the remaining character is then joined by another character, who initiates another conversation as they continue walking. These "walk-and-talks" create a dynamic feel for what would otherwise be long expository dialogue, and have become a staple for dialogue-intensive television show scenes.^[27] To film this recreated Victorian London street scene, the cameraman next to the lamp post is using a steadicam and wearing the harness required to support it. ... In motion picture terminology, a tracking shot is the same as a dolly shot or a trucking shot--the camera is mounted on a wheeled platform that is pushed on rails while the picture is being taken. ...

Awards

In its first season, The West Wing garnered nine Emmys, a record for most won by a series in a single season. In addition the series has received the Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series in 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003, tying Hill Street Blues and L.A. Law for most won in this category. Each of its seven seasons earned a nomination for the award. As of 2006, The West Wing ranks 8th all-time in number of Emmy Awards won by a series. The 52nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards were held Sunday, September 10, 2000. ... The 53rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards were held Sunday, November 4, 2001. ... The 54th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards were held Sunday, September 22, 2002. ... // Outstanding Drama Series 24, Fox CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CBS Six Feet Under, HBO The Sopranos, HBO The West Wing, NBC Outstanding Comedy Series Curb Your Enthusiasm, HBO Everybody Loves Raymond, CBS Friends, NBC Sex and the City, HBO Will & Grace, NBC Outstanding Mini-Series Hitler: The Rise of Evil... Hill Street Blues was a serial police drama that was first aired on NBC in 1981 and ran for 146 episodes on primetime into 1987. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

The series shares the Emmy Award record for most acting nominations by regular cast members (excluding the guest performer category) for a single series in one year. (Both Hill Street Blues and L.A. Law also hold that record). For the 2001–2002 season nine cast members were nominated for Emmys. Allison Janney, John Spencer and Stockard Channing each won an Emmy (for Lead Actress, Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress respectively). The others nominated were Martin Sheen (for Lead Actor), Richard Schiff, Dule Hill and Bradley Whitford (for Supporting Actor), and Janel Moloney and Mary-Louise Parker (for Supporting Actress). In addition, that same year Mark Harmon, Tim Matheson and Ron Silver were each nominated in the Guest Actor category (although none won the award). This gives the series an Emmy Award record for most acting nominations overall (including guest performer category) in a single year, with 12 acting nominations. An Emmy Award. ... Hill Street Blues was a serial police drama that was first aired on NBC in 1981 and ran for 146 episodes on primetime into 1987. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Twenty individual Emmys have been awarded to writers, actors, and crew members. Allison Janney is the record holder for most wins by a cast member, with a total of four Emmys.

In addition to its Emmys, the show has won two Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, in 2000 and 2001, Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. Martin Sheen is the only cast member to have won a Golden Globe, and he and Allison Janney are the only cast members to win a SAG award (best actor and best actress respectively) In both 1999 and 2000, The West Wing was awarded the Peabody Award for excellence in broadcasting. The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) is an American labor union representing over 120,000 film and television principal performers and background performers worldwide. ... Movie award winners Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role: Benicio Del Toro, Traffic Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role: Julia Roberts, Erin Brockovich Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role: Albert Finney, Erin Brockovich Outstanding Performance by a Female... Movie award winners Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role: Russell Crowe, A Beautiful Mind Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role: Halle Berry, Monsters Ball Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role: Ian McKellen, The Lord of the Rings... The George Foster Peabody Awards, more commonly referred to as the Peabody Awards, are annual international awards given for excellence in radio and television broadcasting. ...

The following table summarizes award wins by cast members:

W.G. "Snuffy" Walden received an Emmy Award for Main Title Theme Music in 2000 for "The West Wing Opening Theme". Alan Alda (born January 28, 1936) is a five-time Emmy Award-winning, six-time Golden Globe-winning, Academy Award-nominated American actor. ... Stockard Channing press kit photo Stockard Channing (born Susan Antonia Williams Stockard on February 13, 1944) is an American actress. ... Allison Brooks Janney (born November 19, 1959) is an Emmy-winning American actress, perhaps best known for her portrayal of C. J. Cregg on the American television series The West Wing and of Prudy on the 2007 film adaption of the musical Hairspray . ... Richard Schiff (born May 27, 1955) is an Emmy Award-winning American actor, known for playing Toby Ziegler on the NBC television drama The West Wing, a role for which he won an Emmy Award. ... Martin Sheen (born August 3, 1940) is an Emmy- and Golden Globe Award-winning American actor. ... The Golden Globe Award The Golden Globe Awards are American awards for motion pictures and television programs, given out each year during a formal dinner. ... For other persons named John Spencer, see John Spencer (disambiguation). ... Bradley Whitford (born October 10, 1959 in Madison, Wisconsin) is an Emmy Award-winning American actor. ... William Garrett Walden (often credited as Snuffy Walden or W. G. Snuffy Walden) is an accomplished composer for television shows, having scored Ellen, Roseanne, My So-Called Life, Sports Night, thirtysomething, The Wonder Years and The West Wing. ...

Many cast members have been Emmy-nominated for their work on The West Wing but have not won, including Martin Sheen—who was nominated each year for all seven seasons of the series without receiving the award—as well as Janel Moloney, who was nominated twice, and Dulé Hill, Rob Lowe, and Mary-Louise Parker, who were all nominated once. Matthew Perry, Oliver Platt, Ron Silver, Tim Matheson, and Mark Harmon have also received Emmy nominations for guest starring on the show. Mary-Louise Parker (born August 2, 1964) is an American actress. ... Matthew Langford Perry (born August 19, 1969) is a Canadian-American Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated actor and comedian, best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the hugely popular television sitcom Friends, a part he played for 10 years. ... Oliver Platt as The West Wings Oliver Babish Oliver Platt (born January 12, 1960 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada) is a Canadian film and television actor. ... Ron Silver (born July 2, 1946 in New York City) is an American movie and television actor, director, and producer. ... Tim Matheson, an American actor, was born Timothy Lewis Matthieson on December 31, 1947, in Glendale, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. ... For the musician of the same name, see Mark Harmon (musician). ...

Exploration of real world issues

In the White House Situation Room, Leo McGarry waits for President Bartlet's decision on a controversial bombing campaign.

The West Wing often features extensive discussion of current or recent political issues. After the real-world election of Republican President George W. Bush in 2000, many wondered whether the liberal show could retain its relevance and topicality. However, by exploring many of the same issues facing the Bush administration from a Democratic point of view, the show continued to appeal to a broad audience of both Democrats and Republicans. Image File history File links Westwing_situation_room. ... Image File history File links Westwing_situation_room. ... President Bush and Prime Minister Blair in White House Teleconferencing Room in the Situation Room Complex May 17 2007. ... Leo Thomas McGarry is a fictional character played by John Spencer on the television serial drama The West Wing. ... For the signatory of the Declaration of Independence, see Josiah Bartlett. ... George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is the forty-third and current President of the United States of America, originally inaugurated on January 20, 2001. ...

In its second season episode The Midterms, President Bartlet admonishes fictional radio host Dr. Jenna Jacobs for her views regarding homosexuality at a private gathering at the White House. Dr. Jacobs is a caricature of radio personality Dr. Laura Schlessinger, who strongly disapproves of homosexuality. According to Barbara Mikkelson of snopes.com, many of the president's biblical references in his comments to Dr. Jacobs are thought to have come from an open letter to Dr. Schlessinger, circulated online in early May 2000. ^[28] The Midterms is the 25th episode of The West Wing. ... Homosexuality refers to sexual interaction and / or romantic attraction between individuals of the same sex. ... Laura Catherine Schlessinger (born January 16, 1947) is an American cultural and conservative commentator, best known as host of the popular Dr. Laura radio advice call-in show. ... For other uses, see Bible (disambiguation). ...

The Bartlet administration experiences a scandal during the second and third seasons that has been compared to the Monica Lewinsky affair.^[29] President Bartlet was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1992. The scandal centers around President Bartlet's nondisclosure of his illness to the electorate during the election. He is investigated by an opposition Congress for defrauding the public and eventually accepts Congressional censure. Multiple sclerosis advocacy groups have praised the show for its accurate portrayal of the symptoms of MS and stressing that it is not fatal. The National MS Society commented: Monica Samille Lewinsky (born July 23, 1973) is an American woman with whom the former United States President Bill Clinton admitted to having had an inappropriate relationship[1] while Lewinsky worked at the White House in 1995 and 1996. ... Multiple sclerosis (abbreviated MS, also known as disseminated sclerosis or encephalomyelitis disseminata) is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system (CNS), leading to demyelination. ... The House of Representatives is the larger of two houses that make up the U.S. Congress, the other being the United States Senate. ... Distinguish from slover, censer and censor. ...

Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, the start of the third season was postponed for a week, as were most American television premieres that year. A script for a special episode was quickly written and began filming on September 21. The episode "Isaac and Ishmael" aired on October 3 and addresses the sobering reality of terrorism in America and the wider world, albeit with no specific reference to September 11. While "Isaac and Ishmael" received mixed critical reviews, it illustrated the show's flexibility in addressing current events. The cast of the show state during the opening of the episode that it is not part of The West Wing continuity. A sequential look at United Flight 175 crashing into the south tower of the World Trade Center The September 11, 2001 attacks (often referred to as 9/11—pronounced nine eleven or nine one one) consisted of a series of coordinated terrorist[1] suicide attacks upon the United States, predominantly... is the 264th day of the year (265th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Isaac and Ishmael is a non-sequential episode of The West Wing. ... is the 276th day of the year (277th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Terrorist redirects here. ... is the 254th day of the year (255th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... In fiction, continuity is consistency of the characteristics of persons, plot, objects, places and events seen by the reader or viewer. ...

In a surprising plot twist, Speaker of the House Glen Allen Walken temporarily becomes Acting President when Zoey Bartlet is kidnapped.

While the September 11th attacks do not occur in The West Wing continuity, the country does enter into a variation of the War on Terrorism. The war begins during the show's third season, when a plot to blow up the Golden Gate Bridge was uncovered; in response, the President orders the assassination of terrorist leader Abdul ibn Shareef. At the end of the fourth season, the conflict escalates when Zoey Bartlet (Elisabeth Moss), the president's youngest daughter, is kidnapped by Islamic extremists from a fictional country named Qumar. The result of this kidnapping is the bombing of Qumar. This storyline draws similarities to the real-world U.S. invasion of Afghanistan as well as U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia, as it brings the Middle East to the forefront of U.S. foreign relations and elevated terrorism as a serious threat in The West Wing universe. In Seasons 3, 4 and 5, the fictional Bahji terror group seems to act as a fictional stand-in for the real world Al Qaeda, but in Seasons 6 and 7, characters mention Al Qaeda itself as a threat, despite no clearly stated history of Al Qaeda terror attacks in The West Wing continuity (although Nancy McNally does refer to Osama Bin Laden as a potential threat at the beginning of Season 2.) Image File history File links Westwing_actingpresident. ... Image File history File links Westwing_actingpresident. ... The Speaker of the United States House of Representatives is the presiding officer—or speaker—of the United States House of Representatives. ... Glen Allen Walken (sometimes spelled Glenallen or Glen Alan Walken) is a fictional character on The West Wing played by John Goodman. ... Acting President of the United States is a temporary office in the U.S. government, established under the auspices of the Constitution, particularly its 25th Amendment (ratified in 1967). ... The War on Terrorism (also known as the War on Terror) is campaign begun by the Bush administration which includes various military, political, and legal actions taken to ostensibly curb the spread of terrorism following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. ... The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the opening of the San Francisco Bay onto the Pacific Ocean. ... Abdul ibn Shareef, former defense minister of Qumar, is a fictional character played by Al Nomani on the television serial drama The West Wing. ... Elisabeth Moss as Zoey Bartlet in The West Wing episode Commencement (2003). ... American actress, Elisabeth Moss, in her role as Zoey Bartlet on The West Wing. ... Qumar is a fictional Middle Eastern country in the television show The West Wing. ... Qumar is a fictional Middle Eastern country in the television show The West Wing. ... For other uses of War in Afghanistan, see War in Afghanistan. ... Qumar is a fictional Middle Eastern country in the television show The West Wing. ... Map of major attacks attributed to al-Qaeda Al-Qaeda (also al-Qaida or al-Qaida or al-Qaidah) (Arabic: ‎ , translation: The Base) is an international alliance of terrorist organizations founded in 1988[4] by Osama bin Laden and other veteran Afghan Arabs after the Soviet War in... Osama bin Muhammad bin Awad bin Laden (Arabic: ‎; born March 10, 1957[1]), most often mentioned as Osama bin Laden or Usama bin Laden, is a Saudi Arabian militant Islamist and is widely believed to be one of the founders of the organization called al-Qaeda. ... In the Shadow of Two Gunmen, Part I is the 23rd episode of The West Wing. ...

In the middle of the fourth season, Bartlet's White House is confronted with the genocide in the fictional African country of Equatorial Kundu which was compared to Rwandan Genocide of 1994. The result was new foreign policy doctrine for Bartlet Administration and military intervention to stop the violence, which came after much hesitation and reluctance to call the conflict a genocide. In reality, Clinton Administration didn't intervene in Rwanda, making series events look like a moral imperative.^[31] The Republic of Equatorial Kundu is a fictional African country from the television series The West Wing. ... The Rwandan Genocide was the systematic murder of the countrys Tutsi minority and the moderates of its Hutu majority, in 1994. ... President Clintons Cabinet, circa 1993 Headed by President of the United States Bill Clinton, the Clinton Administation was the executive branch of the federal government of the United States from 1993 to 2001. ... A moral imperative is an ethical responsibility. ...

In the sixth and seventh seasons, The West Wing explores a leak of top-secret information by a senior staffer at the White House. This leak has been compared to the events surrounding the Valerie Plame affair.^[32][33] In the storyline, the International Space Station is damaged and can no longer produce oxygen for the astronauts to breathe. With no other methods of rescue available, the president is reminded of the existence of a top-secret military space shuttle. Following the president's inaction, the shuttle story is leaked to a White House reporter, Greg Brock (analogous to Judith Miller), who prints the story in the New York Times. Brock will not reveal his source and goes to jail for failing to do so, as did Miller. In order to stop the investigation, in which authorities suspect Chief of Staff C.J. Cregg, Toby Ziegler admits to leaking the information, and the President is forced to dismiss him. In comparison, the Plame affair resulted in the arrest and conviction of Lewis Libby, the vice president's chief of staff. However, Libby was convicted of perjury in testimony to a grand jury. No one was convicted for "blowing the cover" of Plame. (Richard Armitage, an official in the Bush State Department, acknowledged leaking information about Plame to reporters but was never charged with a crime.) Libby's two and a half year prison sentence was later commuted by President Bush, though the other facet of his sentence ($250,000 fine) stands until Libby's appeals were to be considered. The Plame affair (also known as the CIA leak scandal or the CIA leak case) is a political controversy in the United States, involving high-level officials of the George W. Bush administration and members of the media, and resulting in a federal grand jury investigation, a criminal trial, and... ISS redirects here. ... This article is about the chemical element and its most stable form, or dioxygen. ... For other uses, see Astronaut (disambiguation). ... Judith Miller Judith P. Miller (born January 2, 1948), is an American journalist. ... The New York Times is an internationally known daily newspaper published in New York City and distributed in the United States and many other nations worldwide. ... I. Lewis Scooter Libby Irve Lewis Scooter Libby, Jr. ... Richard L. Armitage Richard Lee Armitage (born April 26, 1945) was the 13th United States Deputy Secretary of State, the second-in-command at the State Department, serving from 2001 to 2005, Previously, he was a high-ranking troubleshooter and negotiator in the Departments of State and Defense. ...

Other issues explored in The West Wing include:

• North Korean and Iranian nuclear ambitions
• Strained relations and a state of brinksmanship between India and Pakistan
• Legislation of the Central American Free Trade Agreement
• The formation of the Minuteman Project
• Peacemaking and terrorism in Israel, West Bank and the Gaza Strip, including a peace negotiation at Camp David, similar to the Camp David 2000 Summit.
• The genocide in Darfur, Sudan
• AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa
• The Northern Ireland peace process
• War on Drugs and conflict in Colombia
• Controversy over Intelligent design in schools
• Brinksmanship and potential conflict between the People's Republic of China and Republic of China over Taiwan's political status (including a situation similar to the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis when the PRC holds military exercises in response to the ROC's first democratic elections)
• A hate crime murder, similar to the death of Matthew Shepard
• A federal government shutdown
• The 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (referred to directly, along with the fictional Marriage Recognition and Sanctity of Marriage Acts)
• Anthrax attacks against the Bartlet Administration
• The deaths of 3 Americans in the attack on a diplomatic convoy in the Gaza Strip
• A mysterious nuclear detonation in the Indian Ocean, similar to the Vela Incident
• A bombing of apartment blocks in Moscow, leading to allegation that the Russian President orchestrated the attacks
• Federal funding for the arts.

North Korea, officially the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK; Korean: Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk; Hangul: 조선민주주의인민공화국; Hanja: 朝鮮民主主義人民共和國), is a country in eastern Asia, covering the northern half of the peninsula of Korea. ... Brinkmanship is the practice, especially in international politics, of seeking advantage by creating the impression that one is willing and able to push a highly dangerous situation to the limit rather than to concede, e. ... Presidents Francisco Flores Pérez (former), Ricardo Maduro, George W. Bush, Abel Pacheco (former), Enrique Bolaños and Alfonso Portillo (former) The Dominican Republic–Central America Free Trade Agreement, commonly called DR-CAFTA (pronounced Doctor Cafta), is a free trade agreement (legally a treaty under international law, but not under... The Minuteman Project Civil Defense Corps was started in April 2005 by a group of American citizens to deter illegal crossings of the United States–Mexico border. ... The West Wing, see NSF Thurmont (The West Wing). ... The Middle East Peace Summit at Camp David of July 2000 took place between United States President Bill Clinton, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, and Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat. ... For other uses, see Genocide (disambiguation). ... Combatants JEM factions NRF alliance Janjaweed SLM (Minnawi)  Sudan African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) United Nations African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) Commanders Ibrahim Khalil Ahmed Diraige Omar al-Bashir Minni Minnawi Luke Aprezi Strength N/A N/A 7,000 The Darfur conflict is a crisis in the... For other uses, see AIDS (disambiguation). ... Satellite image of Africa, showing the ecological break that defines the sub-Saharan area Sub-Saharan Africa is a geographical term used to describe the area of the African continent which lies south of the Sahara, or those African countries which are fully or partially located south of the Sahara. ... When discussing the history of Northern Ireland, the peace process is generally considered to cover the events leading up to the 1994 Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) ceasefire, the end of most of the violence of the Troubles, the Belfast (or Good Friday) Agreement, and subsequent political developments. ... For the Barenaked Ladies song War on Drugs, see Everything to Everyone. ... Colombian Armed Conflict or Colombian Civil War are terms that are employed to refer to the current low intensity conflict in Colombia that has existed since approximately 1964 or 1966, which was when the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and later the National Liberation Army (ELN) were founded and... For other uses, see Intelligent design (disambiguation). ... Brinkmanship is the practice, especially in international politics, of seeking advantage by creating the impression that one is willing and able to push a highly dangerous situation to the limit rather than to concede, e. ... For the Chinese civilization, see China. ... Taiwan Strait area The controversy regarding the political status of Taiwan hinges on whether Taiwan, including the Pescadores (Penghu), should remain the effective territory of the Republic of China (ROC), become unified with the territories now governed by the Peoples Republic of China (PRC), or become the Republic of... Taiwan Strait The Third Taiwan Strait Crisis, also called the 1995-1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis or the 1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis, was the effect of a series of missile tests conducted by the Peoples Republic of China in the waters surrounding Taiwan including the Taiwan Strait from July 21... Matthew Wayne Shepard (December 1, 1976 – October 12, 1998) was an American student at the University of Wyoming who was fatally attacked near Laramie, on the night of October 6 – October 7, 1998 in what was widely reported by international news media as a savage beating because of his homosexuality. ... There are very few or no other articles that link to this one. ... The Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, is the commonly-used name of a federal law of the United States that is officially known as Pub. ... The 2001 anthrax attacks in the United States, also known as Amerithrax from its FBI case name, occurred over the course of several weeks beginning on September 18, 2001. ... Orthographic projection centered on the Prince Edward Islands, the location of the Vela incident The Vela Incident (sometimes known as the South Atlantic Flash) was an as-yet unidentified flash of light detected by a United States Vela satellite on September 22, 1979. ... The Russian apartment bombings were a series of bombings in Russia that killed nearly 300 people and led the country into the Second Chechen War. ...

The West Wing universe

See also: List of politicians on The West Wing

The following is a list of fictional political figures that have appeared or been mentioned in the television program The West Wing. ...

Domestic

All contemporary domestic government officials in The West Wing universe have been fictional. President Bartlet has made three appointments to the fictional Supreme Court and maintains a full cabinet, although the names and terms of all members have not been revealed. Some cabinet members, such as the Secretary of Defense, appear more often than others. Many other government officials, such as mayors, governors, judges, representatives, and senators, have been mentioned and seen as well. The United States Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) is the head of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), concerned with the armed services and military matters. ...

Fictional locations inside the United States have been created to loosely represent certain places:

San Andreo

San Andreo is a fictional Californian city. It is located near San Diego, has a population of 42,000 and is the location of the San Andreo Nuclear Generating Station. The city's title, Spanish for St. Andrew, seems to be an attempt at an ambiguously Californian locale, due to the prevalence of Spanish place names in the region. This article is about the U.S. state. ... Flag Seal Nickname: Americas Finest City Location Location of San Diego within San Diego County Coordinates , Government County San Diego Mayor City Attorney         City Council District One District Two District Three District Four District Five District Six District Seven District Eight Jerry Sanders (R) Michael Aguirre Scott Peters Kevin... Saint Andrew (Greek: Andreas, manly), the Christian Apostle, brother of Saint Peter, was born at Bethsaida on the Lake of Galilee. ...

A near meltdown at the nuclear plant becomes the focus of an October surprise for Republican nominee Senator Arnold Vinick during the 2006 presidential election, due to Vinick's strong pro-nuclear stance and revelations of his active lobbying for the construction of the plant. This was seen to be a key factor in Vinick's narrow defeat in the election by Democratic nominee Congressman Matt Santos. Look up meltdown in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... An October surprise is American political jargon describing a stunning news event with the potential to influence the outcome of an election, particularly one for the presidency. ... Arnold Vinick was a fictional character on the television series The West Wing played by Alan Alda. ... The U.S. presidential election of 2006 is a fictional event portrayed during the sixth and seventh seasons on the American television show The West Wing. ... Matthew Vincente Matt Santos is a fictional character on the American television show The West Wing, played by Jimmy Smits. ...

Hartsfield's Landing

Hartsfield's Landing is a town in New Hampshire. It is stated to be a very small community of only 63 people, of whom 42 are registered voters, that votes at one minute past twelve on the day of the New Hampshire primary, hours before the rest of the state, and has accurately predicted the winner of every presidential election since William Howard Taft in 1908. It is based on the true New Hampshire communities of Hart's Location and Dixville Notch, which in real life do vote before the rest of the state during the primaries, and also loosely upon the concept "bellwether states" in US presidential elections. Hartsfields Landing is episode 58 of The West Wing. ... The New Hampshire primary is the first of a number of statewide political party primary elections held in the United States every four years, as part of the process of the Democratic and Republican parties choosing their candidate for the presidential elections on the subsequent November. ... For the current presidential election see: United States presidential election, 2008 United States presidential election determines who serves as president and vice president of the United States for a four-year term, starting at midday on Inauguration Day, which is January 20 of the year after the election. ... For other persons named William Howard Taft, see William Howard Taft (disambiguation). ... Presidential electoral votes by state. ... Harts Location is an town in Carroll County, New Hampshire. ... The Balsams, a resort hotel in Dixville Notch and the site of the famous midnight vote Dixville Notch is an unincorporated small village in the Dixville township of Coos County, New Hampshire, USA, which is known for being one of the first places to declare the results in Presidential elections. ... This article is about Bellwethers in general. ...

Kennison State University

Kennison State is a fictional university in Iowa that was used as the setting of a bombing in the beginning of the fourth season. For the community in Florida, see University, Florida. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ...

Foreign

While several real-world leaders exist in the show's universe, most foreign countries have fictional rulers. Some real persons mentioned in The West Wing include Muammar al-Gaddafi, Yasser Arafat, Fidel Castro, Queen Elizabeth II, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, King Carl Gustaf, Thabo Mbeki and Osama bin Laden. However, when a peace accord was worked out between Israel and the Palestinian Authority at the start of the show's sixth season, the Chairman of the Palestinian Authority was the fictional Nizar Farad, not Arafat. (By that time, Arafat was dead, and a successor had been elected, Rawhi Fattuh.) Muammar Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi1 (Arabic:   ) (born c. ... Not to be confused with Yasir Arafat (cricketer). ... Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz (born on August 13, 1926) is the current President of Cuba but on indefinite medical hiatus. ... Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor; born 21 April 1926) is Queen of sixteen sovereign states, holding each crown and title equally. ... The Chakri dynasty has ruled Thailand since the founding of the Ratthanakosin era in 1782 after king Taksin of Thonburi was declared mad and the capital of Siam shifted to Bangkok. ... Bhumibol Adulyadej (Thai: ; IPA: ; Royal Institute: Phumiphon Adunyadet;  ) (born Saturday,December 5, 1927 in the Year of the Rabbit), is the current King of Thailand. ... Sweden is a constitutional monarchy with a representative democracy based on a parliamentary system. ... Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden (Carl Gustaf Folke Hubertus; born 30 April 1946) is the current Swedish monarch and head of state of the Kingdom of Sweden. ... Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki ,KStJ [2][3] (born June 18, 1942)[2] is the current President of the Republic of South Africa. ... Osama bin Muhammad bin Awad bin Laden (Arabic: ‎; born March 10, 1957[1]), most often mentioned as Osama bin Laden or Usama bin Laden, is a Saudi Arabian militant Islamist and is widely believed to be one of the founders of the organization called al-Qaeda. ... The West Bank The Palestinian National Authority (PNA or PA) is a semi-autonomous state institution nominally governing the bulk of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip (which it calls the Palestinian Territories). It was established as a part of Oslo accords between the PLO and Israel. ... The President of the Palestinian National Authority is the highest-ranking political position (equivalent to head of state) in the Palestinian National Authority (PNA). ... Rawhi Fattuh (روحي فتوح, also transliterated as Rauhi Fattouh) (born 1949) is the current Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council and was the interim President of the Palestinian Authority, following the death of Yasser Arafat on November 11, 2004 until January 15, 2005. ...

Entire countries are invented as composite pictures that epitomize many of the problems that plague real nations in certain areas of the world:

Qumar

Qumar, is a fictional oil-rich, terrorist-sponsoring Middle Eastern state is repeatedly a source of trouble for the Bartlet administration. According to maps on the show, Qumar appears to consist of a small part of southern Iran, including the important Strait of Hormuz. After the September 11 attacks, it became the main venue for the show's terrorism subplots. A map showing countries commonly considered to be part of the Middle East The Middle East is a region comprising the lands around the southern and eastern parts of the Mediterranean Sea, a territory that extends from the eastern Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf. ... Historical map of the area (1892) Map Of Strait of Hormuz Satellite image The Strait of Hormuz (Arabic: ‎, Persian: ‎) is a narrow, strategically important stretch of ocean between the Gulf of Oman in the southeast and the Persian Gulf in the southwest. ... The World Trade Center on fire The September 11, 2001 attacks were a series of coordinated terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001. ...

Jabal Nafusah (also the name of a real-life Libyan city) seems to be the largest city and the capital, according to maps shown of the country. Qumar is an absolute monarchy, ruled by a sultan and his family. The country is a former British protectorate. The nation was first introduced in the third season where it was mentioned as a close ally of the United States. Qumar continues on the show to be a U.S. ally, though the Sultan and other officials were extremely troubled by the assassination, bombing campaign and invasion. As a result of the air strikes, gas pipelines were damaged, leading to economic troubles for the country and its European allies. Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      Absolute monarchy is a monarchical form of government where the monarch has the power to rule his or her land or country and its citizens freely, with no laws or legally-organized direct opposition in force. ... For other uses, see Sultan (disambiguation). ... The Women of Qumar is the 52nd episode of The West Wing. ... Assassin and Assassins redirect here. ...

Equatorial Kundu

Equatorial Kundu is a fictional African nation blighted by AIDS and a civil war resembling the 1994 Rwandan genocide. A world map showing the continent of Africa Africa is the worlds second-largest and second most-populous continent, after Asia. ... For other uses, see AIDS (disambiguation). ... The Rwandan Genocide was the systematic murder of the countrys Tutsi minority and the moderates of its Hutu majority, in 1994. ...

When Kundu was first mentioned in season 2, it is led by President Nimbala. In January 2003 of the series' timeline ("Inauguration, Part I"), the Arkutu-run government of President Nzele (described as a "sadistic madman") begins an ethnic cleansing campaign against the Induye in Bitanga, killing 200 people. The violence soon spreads outside Bitanga and into the countryside. In President Josiah Bartlet's second inaugural address ("Inauguration Over There"), he announces the new Bartlet Doctrine for the use of force: America shall intervene whenever there are humanitarian interests at stake. With that new doctrine, Bartlet sends a brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division, the 101st Airborne Division, and a Marine expeditionary unit, a force of 11,000 troops in total, to Kundu ("The California 47th"). As of the episode "Twenty Five," US forces are still operating in Kundu. In This White House is the 26th episode of The West Wing. ... Inauguration Part I is episode 79 of The West Wing. ... Federal courts Supreme Court Circuit Courts of Appeal District Courts Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Local Government Other countries Atlas  US Government Portal      For other uses, see President of the United States (disambiguation). ... For the signatory of the Declaration of Independence, see Josiah Bartlett. ... An inauguration is a ceremony of formal investiture whereby an individual assumes an office or position of authority. ... Inauguration Over There is episode 80 of The West Wing. ... United States Presidential doctrines are key goals, attitudes, or stances for United States foreign affairs outlined by many Presidents that were subsequently dubbed their doctrines during the 20th century. ... The 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army was constituted in the National Army as the 82nd Division on August 5, 1917, and was organized on August 25, 1917, at Camp Gordon, Georgia. ... The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)—nicknamed the “Screaming Eagles”—is an airborne division of the United States Army primarily trained for air assault operations. ... The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is a branch of the United States armed forces responsible for providing force projection from the sea,[1] using the mobility of the U.S. Navy to rapidly deliver combined-arms task forces and is one of seven uniformed services. ... The California 47th is episode 81 of The West Wing. ... Twenty Five is episode 88 of The West Wing. ...

In its original appearance, Kundu's location is somewhat ambiguous. President Nimbala and his aide appear to speak Setswana, a Bantu language spoken in South Africa and Botswana, which would imply a Southern African setting. The Season 4 appearance seems to more firmly place the country in West Africa, near to the Ivory Coast and Ghana. Its capital city is Bitanga, which contains a major airport, TV station and a radio station. Tswana, also known as Setswana, is a Bantu language. ... Map showing the approximate distribution of Bantu (light brown) vs. ... Categories: Africa geography stubs | Southern Africa ...  Western Africa (UN subregion)  Maghreb[1] West Africa or Western Africa is the westernmost region of the African continent. ... Côte dIvoire (often called Ivory Coast in English; see below about the name) is a country in West Africa. ...

Presidential elections

Timeline skew

Leo McGarry (left) asks Josh Lyman to consider joining then New Hampshire Governor Bartlet's 1998 presidential campaign

The last real president who is known to have existed in the show's universe is Richard Nixon. Presidents who served between Nixon and Bartlet include one-term Democrat D. Wire Newman (James Cromwell) who was the last Democrat in the White House before Bartlet and two-term Republican Owen Lassiter. Also in the second-season episode "Galileo," a portrait of Bill Clinton can be seen hanging on the wall of the Situation Room, when President Bartlet is being briefed about the Russian missile silo explosion, although Clinton is never mentioned at any time in the series. Image File history File links Westwing_recruit_josh. ... Image File history File links Westwing_recruit_josh. ... Leo Thomas McGarry is a fictional character played by John Spencer on the television serial drama The West Wing. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... See also New Hampshire Province of New Hampshire List of Colonial Governors of New Hampshire I am a doodlebug Categories: Lists of United States governors | Governors of New Hampshire ... For the signatory of the Declaration of Independence, see Josiah Bartlett. ... Nixon redirects here. ... President Bartlet (front left) and former President D. Wire Newman pay their respects at the state funeral of former President Owen Lassiter in 2004. ... For Doris Dukes first husband, see James H.R. Cromwell. ... Owen Lassiter is a fictional character on the television serial drama The West Wing. ... William Jefferson Bill Clinton (born William Jefferson Blythe III[1] on August 19, 1946) was the 42nd President of the United States, serving from 1993 to 2001. ...

Leo McGarry is mentioned as being Labor Secretary in the administration that was in office in 1993 and 1995 - directly prior to Bartlet's, suggesting a Democratic administration. However in the first season, an outgoing Supreme Court Justice tells president Bartlet that he had been wanting to retire for 5 years, (1994) but waited "for a Democrat." In the series four episode "Debate Camp", we see in flashback to the days just before Bartlet's inauguration, as Donna Moss meets with her Republican predecessor, Jeff Johnson who makes it clear that the outgoing Republican administration has been in office for eight years and in the sixth season Leo says the Republicans have been "out of power for eight years" and Republicans at their convention say "eight (years) is enough", making it clear that the President before Bartlet was a Republican, but it was never disclosed if this President was President Lassiter. Donnatella Donna Moss is a fictional character played by Janel Moloney on the television serial drama The West Wing. ...

The passage of time on the show relative to that of the real world is somewhat ambiguous when marked by events of smaller duration (e.g., votes, campaigns). Sorkin has noted in a DVD commentary track for the second season episode "18th and Potomac" that he has tried to avoid tying The West Wing to a specific period of time. Despite this, real years are occasionally mentioned, usually in the context of elections and President Bartlet's two-term administration. DVD (also known as Digital Versatile Disc or Digital Video Disc - see Etymology) is a popular optical disc storage media format. ... A major selling point of DVD video is that its storage capacity allows for a wide variety of extra features in addition to the feature film itself. ... 18th and Potomac is the 43rd episode of The West Wing. ...

The show's presidential elections are held in 2002 and 2006, setting them off by two years from actual presidential elections in the United States (e.g., 1996, 2000, 2004, etc.). The election timeline in The West Wing matches up with that of the real world until early in the sixth season, when it appears that a year is lost. For example, the filing deadline for the New Hampshire primary, which would normally fall in January 2006, appears in an episode airing in January 2005. The New Hampshire primary is the first of a number of statewide political party primary elections held in the United States every four years, as part of the process of the Democratic and Republican parties choosing their candidate for the presidential elections on the subsequent November. ...

In an interview, John Wells stated that the series began one and a half years into Bartlet's first term and that the election to replace Bartlet was being held at the correct time.^[34]

In the season 5 episode "Access," it is mentioned that the Casey Creek crisis occurred during Bartlet's first term, and network footage of the crisis carries the date of November 2001. Access is episode 106 of The West Wing. ...

1998 presidential election

Bartlet's first campaign for president is never significantly explored in the series. Bartlet won the election with 48% of the popular vote, 48 million votes, and a 303–235 margin in the Electoral College. Bartlet faced three debates with his Republican opponent. It is mentioned that Bartlet won the third and final debate, which was held eight days before election day in St Louis, Missouri, and that this helped swing a close election in his favor. Josh Lyman said in the days prior to the election "Bartlet was punching brick walls" as the result seemed too close to call, before the result broke his way. Leo McGarry said the same thing in "Bartlet for America" when he said "It was eight days to go, and we were too close to call". This article is about Electoral Colleges in general. ... GOP redirects here. ... The Gateway Arch, shown here behind the Old Courthouse, is the most recognizable part of the St. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Leo Thomas McGarry is a fictional character played by John Spencer on the television serial drama The West Wing. ... Bartlet for America is the 53rd episode of The West Wing. ...

The campaign for the Democratic nomination is extensively addressed. In the episodes "In the Shadow of Two Gunmen" and "Bartlet for America," flashbacks are used to tell how Bartlet defeated Texas Senator John Hoynes (Tim Matheson) and Washington Senator William Wiley for the Democratic nomination. The flashbacks also reveal how Leo McGarry persuaded Bartlet, who was then governor of New Hampshire, to run for president and how Bartlet ultimately selected John Hoynes as his choice as running mate. Bartlet for America is the 53rd episode of The West Wing. ... John Hoynes is a fictional character played by Tim Matheson on the television serial drama The West Wing. ... Tim Matheson, an American actor, was born Timothy Lewis Matthieson on December 31, 1947, in Glendale, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. ... This article deals with the U.S. state. ... For other uses, see New Hampshire (disambiguation). ...

2002 presidential election

Main article: The West Wing presidential election, 2002

The West Wing's 2002 presidential election pits Bartlet and Vice President John Hoynes against Florida Governor Robert Ritchie (James Brolin) and his running mate, Jeff Heston. Bartlet faces no known opposition for renomination, though Democratic Senator Stackhouse does launch a brief independent campaign for the presidency. Ritchie, not originally expected to contend for the nomination, emerges from a field of seven other Republican candidates by appealing to the party's conservative base with simple, "homey" sound bites. This article or section contains a plot summary that is overly long. ... James Brolin in The West Wing episode Game On Robert Ritchie (June 5, 1950-) is a fictional character played by James Brolin on the television serial drama The West Wing. ... James Brolin (born July 18, 1940) is a two-time Golden Globe Award-winning and Emmy Award-winning American television, film, character actor, producer, and director. ...

Bartlet's staff contemplates replacing Vice President John Hoynes on the ticket with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Percy Fitzwallace (John Amos), among others. After it is clear that Ritchie will be the Republican nominee, Bartlet dismisses the idea, declaring that he wants Hoynes in the number two spot, "Because I could die." The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is by law the highest ranking military officer of the United States military, and the principal military advisor to the President of the United States. ... For other uses, see Admiral (disambiguation). ... Admiral Percy Fitz Fitzwallace was the fictional Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on the television series The West Wing, played by John Amos. ... John Amos (born John Amos Jr. ...

Throughout the season it is anticipated that the race will be close, but a stellar performance by Bartlet in the sole debate between the candidates helps give Bartlet a landslide victory in both the popular and electoral vote.

2006 presidential election

Main article: The West Wing presidential election, 2006

Matt Santos and Leo McGarry at the 2006 Democratic National Convention.

A speed-up in The West Wing's timeline, in part due to the expiration of many cast members' contracts and a desire to continue the program with lower production costs, resulted in the omission of the 2004 midterm elections and an election during the seventh season. The sixth season extensively details the Democratic and Republican primaries. The seventh season covers the lead-up to the general election, the election, and the transition to a new administration. The timeline slows down to concentrate on the general election race. The election, normally held in November, takes place across two episodes originally broadcast on April 2 and April 9, 2006. The U.S. presidential election of 2006 is a fictional event portrayed during the sixth and seventh seasons on the American television show The West Wing. ... Image File history File links John Spencer as Leo McGarry and Jimmy Smits as Matt Santos on NBCs The West Wing. ... Image File history File links John Spencer as Leo McGarry and Jimmy Smits as Matt Santos on NBCs The West Wing. ... Matthew Vincente Matt Santos is a fictional character on the American television show The West Wing, played by Jimmy Smits. ... Leo Thomas McGarry is a fictional character played by John Spencer on the television serial drama The West Wing. ... Featured at the Democratic National Convention are speeches by prominent party figures. ... is the 92nd day of the year (93rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 99th day of the year (100th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Congressman Matt Santos (D-TX) (Jimmy Smits) is nominated on the fourth ballot at the Democratic National Convention, during the sixth season finale. Santos was planning to leave Congress before being recruited to run for the presidency by Josh Lyman. Santos polled in the low single digits in the Iowa caucus and was virtually out of the running in the New Hampshire primary before a last-ditch direct television appeal vaults him to a third-place finish with 19% of the vote. Josh Lyman, Santos's campaign manager, convinces Leo McGarry to become Santos's running mate. However, John Spencer, the actor portraying Leo McGarry, died on December 16, 2005. Matthew Vincente Matt Santos is a fictional character on the American television show The West Wing, played by Jimmy Smits. ... For other uses, see Texas (disambiguation). ... Jimmy Smits as President Matt Santos on The West Wing. ... Featured at the Democratic National Convention are speeches by prominent party figures. ... Type Bicameral Houses Senate House of Representatives President of the Senate President pro tempore Dick Cheney, (R) since January 20, 2001 Robert C. Byrd, (D) since January 4, 2007 Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, (D) since January 4, 2007 Members 535 plus 4 Delegates and 1 Resident Commissioner Political... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Since 1976, the Iowa caucus has been the first indication of which candidate for President of the United States would win the nomination of his or her political party at that partys national convention. ... The New Hampshire primary is the first of a number of statewide political party primary elections held in the United States every four years, as part of the process of the Democratic and Republican parties choosing their candidate for the presidential elections on the subsequent November. ... Leo Thomas McGarry is a fictional character played by John Spencer on the television serial drama The West Wing. ... For other persons named John Spencer, see John Spencer (disambiguation). ... is the 350th day of the year (351st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Senator Arnold Vinick (R-CA) (Alan Alda) secures the Republican nomination, defeating Glen Allen Walken (John Goodman) and the Reverend Don Butler (Don S. Davis), among others. Initially, Vinick wants Butler to become his running mate. However, Butler does not want to be considered because of Vinick's stance on abortion. Instead, West Virginia Governor Ray Sullivan (Brett Cullen) is chosen as Vinick's running mate. Vinick is portrayed throughout the sixth season as virtually unbeatable because of his popularity in California, a typically Democratic state, his moderate views, and his wide crossover appeal. Vinick, however, faces difficulty with the pro-life members of his party as a pro-choice candidate, and criticism for his support of nuclear power following a serious accident at a Californian nuclear power station. Arnold Vinick was a fictional character on the television series The West Wing played by Alan Alda. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... Alan Alda (born January 28, 1936) is a five-time Emmy Award-winning, six-time Golden Globe-winning, Academy Award-nominated American actor. ... Glen Allen Walken (sometimes spelled Glenallen or Glen Alan Walken) is a fictional character on The West Wing played by John Goodman. ... For other persons of the same name, see John Goodman (disambiguation). ... The Reverend is an honorary prefix added to the names of Christian clergy and ministers. ... The Reverend Don Butler is a fictional conservative televangelist from Virginia, played by Don S. Davis. ... Don Sinclair Davis, born August 4, 1942 in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, is an American actor. ... Official language(s) none (de facto English) Demonym West Virginian Capital Charleston Largest city Charleston Largest metro area Charleston metro area Area  Ranked 41st in the US  - Total 24,230 sq mi (62,755 km²)  - Width 130 miles (210 km)  - Length 240 miles (385 km)  - % water 0. ... Ray Sullivan is a fictional Republican governor of West Virginia, played by Brett Cullen. ... Brett Cullen was born August 26, 1956 in Houston, Texas. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... This article is about the social movement. ... Issues of discussion Pro-choice describes the political and ethical view that a woman should have complete control over her fertility and pregnancy. ...

On the evening of the election, Leo McGarry suffers a massive heart attack and is pronounced dead at the hospital, with the polls still open on the West Coast. The Santos campaign releases the information immediately, while Arnold Vinick refuses to use Leo's death as a "stepstool" to the presidency. Santos emerges as the winner in his home state of Texas, while Vinick wins his home state of California. The election comes down to Nevada, where both candidates need a victory to secure the presidency. Vinick tells his staff repeatedly that he will not allow his campaign to demand a recount of the votes if Santos is declared the winner. Josh Lyman is seen giving Santos the same advice, although the Santos campaign does send a team of lawyers down to Nevada. Santos is pronounced the winner of the election, having won Nevada by 30,000 votes, with an electoral margin of 272–266. Heart attack redirects here. ... The West Coast States. ... Arnold Vinick was a fictional character on the television series The West Wing played by Alan Alda. ... For other uses, see Texas (disambiguation). ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... This article is about the U.S. State of Nevada. ...

Santos organizes his administration, choosing Josh Lyman as Chief of Staff, who in turn calls on former colleague Sam Seaborn to be Deputy Chief of Staff. In need of experienced cabinet members, Santos taps Arnold Vinick as Secretary of State, believing the senior statesman to be one of the best strategists available and respected by foreign leaders. The United States Secretary of State is the head of the United States Department of State, concerned with foreign affairs. ...

President Bartlet's final act as President of the United States is pardoning Toby Ziegler. The series ends with Bartlet returning to New Hampshire. Having said his goodbyes to his closest staff, former President Bartlet tells President Santos, "Make me proud, Mr. President", to which Santos responds, "I'll do my best, Mr. President."

According to executive producer Lawrence O'Donnell, the writers originally intended for Vinick to win the election. However, the death of Spencer forced him and his colleagues to consider the emotional strain that would result from having Santos lose both his running mate and the election. It was eventually decided that the last episodes would be rescripted by John Wells.^[35] Other statements from John Wells, however, have contradicted O'Donnell's claims about a previously planned Vinick victory. The script showing Santos winning was written long before the death of John Spencer.^{[dubious – discuss]} John Wells is a theater and television producer and writer. ...

Similarities between the fictional 2006 election and the real-life 2008 U.S. presidential election have been noted in the media. Specifically, it has been noted that a young minority Democratic candidate (Matthew Santos on the show, Barack Obama in real life) has a grueling but successful primary campaign against a significantly more experienced candidate (Bob Russell on the show, Hillary Clinton in real life), whereas the Republican contest is determined early in the primary season with an aging maverick senator being the nominee (Arnold Vinick on the show, John McCain in real life).^{[36][original research?]} Presidential electoral votes by state The 2008 United States Presidential election will occur on November 4, 2008. ... “Barack” redirects here. ... REDIRECT Hillary Rodham Clinton   This is a redirect from a title with another method of capitalisation. ... McCain redirects here. ...

See also

• List of The West Wing broadcasters and home video releases
• Big Block of Cheese Day
• Commander in Chief, an ABC series about a female President that has drawn comparisons to The West Wing
• Sports Night, Aaron Sorkin's first television series. Many of its storylines were recycled in The West Wing.
• Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schlamme's latest television series collaboration
• Yes Minister, 1980s satire of British government
• Politics in fiction

List of broadcasters and home video releases of The West Wing. ... Big Block of Cheese Day is a fictional workday on the television program The West Wing. ... Commander in Chief is a television drama focusing on the presidential administration and family of Mackenzie Allen (portrayed by Geena Davis), the first female President of the United States(Higly unlikely), who ascends to the role after the previous chief executive, Teddy Bridges (played by Will Lyman), dies in office... The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) is an American television network. ... This article is about the American television series. ... Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip is an Emmy Award winner and Golden Globe Award nominated American television Comedy-drama series created and written by Aaron Sorkin. ... Thomas Schlamme (born May 22, 1950) is one of the leading directors of television. ... Yes Minister is a satirical British sitcom written by Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn that was first transmitted by BBC television and radio between 1980 and 1984, split over three seven-episode series. ... The United Kingdom is a unitary state and a democratic constitutional monarchy. ... This is a list of fictional stories in which politics features as an important plot element. ...

References

is the 22nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 43rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 344th day of the year (345th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 283rd day of the year (284th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... is the 346th day of the year (347th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 202nd day of the year (203rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ... is the 346th day of the year (347th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... For the in-memory database management system, see In-memory database. ... is the 347th day of the year (348th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... For the in-memory database management system, see In-memory database. ... is the 347th day of the year (348th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 209th day of the year (210th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 350th day of the year (351st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 127th day of the year (128th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 139th day of the year (140th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 206th day of the year (207th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... is the 266th day of the year (267th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 346th day of the year (347th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ... is the 108th day of the year (109th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 301st day of the year (302nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 60th day of the year (61st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday. ... is the 254th day of the year (255th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday. ... is the 344th day of the year (345th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 134th day of the year (135th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 344th day of the year (345th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 358th day of the year (359th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ... is the 33rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 261st day of the year (262nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 7th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 346th day of the year (347th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 344th day of the year (345th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 344th day of the year (345th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 310th day of the year (311th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... is the 358th day of the year (359th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ... is the 152nd day of the year (153rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 93rd day of the year (94th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 304th day of the year (305th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 268th day of the year (269th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 286th day of the year (287th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 100th day of the year (101st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

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Official websites

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• Japan: NHK Official Homepage of The West Wing - Season 1, Season 2, Season 3, and Season 4
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• Sweden: SVT
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General

• The West Wing at the Internet Movie Database
• The West Wing Transcripts or Fan Transcribed Scripts
• The West Wing Episode Guide
• The West Wing Episode Guide with consumer ratings
• The West Wing Wiki
• White House Museum: "The West Wing of The West Wing" with layout, pictures, and reviews comparing the TV West Wing to the real West Wing

Articles

• PBS Newshour Special Report on The West Wing
• National MS Society's The West Wing page