Drought Conditions (23 Feb. 2005)

Back in Washington briefly, Josh visits the White House and is surprised to discover that as a campaign manager he is no longer part of the inner circle in an administration that wants to ... See full summary »

Director:

Alex Graves

Writers:

Aaron Sorkin (creator), Debora Cahn,

Stars:

Stockard Channing, Dulé Hill, Allison Janney

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Stockard Channing	...	Abbey Bartlet (credit only)
Dulé Hill	...	Charlie Young
Allison Janney	...	C.J. Cregg
Joshua Malina	...	Will Bailey
Mary McCormack	...	Kate Harper
Janel Moloney	...	Donna Moss
Richard Schiff	...	Toby Ziegler
John Spencer	...	Leo McGarry
Bradley Whitford	...	Josh Lyman
Jimmy Smits	...	Matthew Santos
Martin Sheen	...	President Josiah 'Jed' Bartlet
Kristin Chenoweth	...	Annabeth Schott
Mark Feuerstein	...	Clifford Calley
Lily Tomlin	...	Deborah Fiderer
Sam Robards	...	Greg Brock

Storyline

Back in Washington briefly, Josh visits the White House and is surprised to discover that as a campaign manager he is no longer part of the inner circle in an administration that wants to remain neutral in the Democratic primary. Toby is the focus of some concern after being more withdrawn than usual and also because he is nursing a cut on his face that he doesn't want to talk about. Charlie tells Kate that a guy at his gym has been asking about her, but she's unsure if she's ready to date again. A multi-state water rights fight pitches C.J. against lobbyist Cliff Calley, who proves to be both infuriating and intriguing. Josh and Donna are both suspicious when far-left Senator Rafferty joins the race, obviously as a spoiler candidate.

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 February 2005 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Stage 23, Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Quotes

Leo McGarry: You are no longer the guy who picks losing candidates and ushers them to their principled end. You're the guy who takes good men and makes them great. You and Josh, you still think you're terriers barking at the heels of the party. You are the party. Rafferty's a spoiler, shouldn't be in the race.
Toby Ziegler: I'm not sitting this one out, Leo.
Leo McGarry: Don't. But don't pretend you're still an outsider with a ponytail and a dream, you work in the White House... Your brother didn't have any more fight in him. You ...

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Connections

References Meet the Press (1947)

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Soundtracks

"Alison"
(uncredited)
Written and Performed by Elvis Costello

User Reviews

Got any of those White House M&Ms?

The campaigns make a stop in Washington. Toby's sick brother has committed suicide. Josh has a hard time getting into the White House, and his conflicts with Toby come to blows, over a dark horse candidate (Mel Harris - THIRTYSOMETHING) stealing Santos' thunder. Many people who never got into WEST WING claim the dialogue was too fast, and this is the only time i ever agreed with them; it took more than one viewing to figure out exactly who Harris is. But a verrrry funny episode - that Cahn magic is back. Shoring up the evaporating staff at the White House, C.J. hires Cliff Calley (Mark Feuerstein - ROYAL PAINS). He's condescending, and funnier than ever. Charlie tries to set up Kate with a guy from his gym who was asking about her. Her flip-flopping is hysterical, then she realizes the fellow is her ex, and that Charlie misunderstood the inquiry.