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Storyline
Senator Arnold Vinick easily wins the Republican nomination on the night of the New Jersey primary, but has difficulty picking a running mate. Choosing Reverend Don Butler would virtually guarantee him the presidency, but their differing views on abortion and religion would make it a political union rather than one based on shared ideology. The Democratic nomination is a toss-up between Santos and Russell; Hoynes is running a distant third. With no clear nominee going into the convention, the Democratic party risks appearing unsure about both Santos and Russell - a position that President Bartlet does not want the Republicans to be able to exploit. Written by
Murray Chapman
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Quotes
Sen. Arnold Vinick:
If you can't drink their booze, take their money and then vote against them, then you're in the wrong business.
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Soundtracks
"West Wing Main title"
(uncredited)
Written by
W.G. Snuffy Walden
Performed by
Pete Anthony See more »
There are a couple almost-lulls, but the great stuff is undeniable. Left- leaning Vinick wins the republican nomination, while the dems are undecided going into the convention. Wanting to pick a veep candidate quickly, he offers it to Rev. Don Butler (Don S. Davis - BEST IN SHOW, STARGATE: SG1), whose pull with the far right would sew up the election. Don is great, but Don passes. The irrepressible Bruno Gianelli (Ron Silver!) shows up, telling Vinick he can lead him to a fifty-state win. Vinick picks Gov. Ray Sullivan (Brett Cullen - SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT, FALCON CREST), who would be spot-on in five episodes. All of those are just the hor d'oeuvres to a scene between Alda and Sheen, working out a bill compromise, eating ice cream, and talking about the separation of church and state. A non-believing republican debating a devout democrat. It's scintillating, and brilliant.