Running Mates (8 Jan. 2006)

Leo's preparation for the Vice Presidential debate is going badly; Santos makes his last trip home before the election; Will and Kate continue to flirt.

Director:

Paul McCrane

Writers:

Aaron Sorkin (creator), Peter Noah

Stars:

Alan Alda, Kristin Chenoweth, Allison Janney

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Alan Alda	...	Senator Arnold Vinick (credit only)
Kristin Chenoweth	...	Annabeth Schott
Allison Janney	...	C.J. Cregg (credit only)
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 (credit only)
Janeane Garofalo	...	Louise Thornton
Teri Polo	...	Helen Santos
Patricia Richardson	...	Sheila Brooks
Brett Cullen	...	Governor Ray Sullivan R-WV

Storyline

With the Vice Presidential debate only days away, Josh and his team are in a near-panic over Leo's dreadful performance. Matt Santos makes his final trip home to Houston before the election and learns of the stress and impact of the campaign on his family and friends. Will continues to press Kate for information on the Kazakhstan situation, while trying to interest her in a date.

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

8 January 2006 (USA)

Filming Locations:

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

Company Credits

Production Co:

John Wells Productions, Warner Bros. Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

42 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

This episode was shot before but aired after John Spencer's December 16, 2005, death.

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Connections

References Apocalypse Now (1979)

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Soundtracks

"West Wing Main Title"
(uncredited)
Written by W.G. Snuffy Walden
Performed by Pete Anthony

User Reviews

red thong undies

An episode of high water marks. Will and Kate flirt their way into a charming first date. The greatest episode for Matt & Helen fans, as he returns home for the last time before the election (and her red thong undies get snapped by paparazzi). The greatest Chenoweth episode, as she preps Leo for the vice-presidential debate. Her flirtations are darling. She gives sexy a whole new slant; it's disturbing to be served apple pie with this much cherry in it. It's neither her fault nor Spencer's that they don't have better chemistry. It's also a shame they were never able to get more screen time for Santos staffer Ronna (Karis Campbell). She's a constant delight.