The West Wing: Season 7, Episode 7

The Debate (6 Nov. 2005)

TV Episode  -   -  Drama
8.4
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Ratings: 8.4/10 from 179 users  
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A live debate between Santos and Vinick, performed once for the east coast and once for the west.

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Cast

Episode complete credited cast:
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Forrest Sawyer ...
Himself - Moderator
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Annabeth Schott (credit only)
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C.J. Cregg (credit only)
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Kate Harper (credit only)
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Leo McGarry (credit only)
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Josh Lyman (credit only)
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Storyline

In an episode originally broadcast live (there are two versions, one for the Eastern and Central time zones; one for the Pacific time zone), Santos and Vinnick square off in a debate with TV newsman Forrest Sawyer (as himself) moderating. Halfway through the debate, Vinnick departs from the "script" and begins delivering statements while pacing the stage; Santos joins in. Other cast members appear briefly in backstage film segments, and Ellen DeGeneres hosts (also on film) from an adjacent sound stage. Alan Alda (Vinnick), an accomplished stage actor, seems much more comfortable with the live format than Jimmy Smits (Santos) who blows several lines during the East Coast hour. Written by Peter Harris

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live broadcast

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Drama

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6 November 2005 (USA)  »

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Matt Santos mentions a quote he made about having voted for a bill before he voted against it. This is a reference to John Kerry's infamous gaffe in which he commented that he voted for a spending bill before he voted against it. See more »

Soundtracks

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

 
An Original, Perceptive, and Accurate Debate
15 March 2011 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

This episode is original, perceptive, and accurate. It is remarkable how each side portray their viewpoints on different political issues – health care, education, dependency on foreign oil, etc. The West Wing has always been a great show examining a vast array of political issues – while remaining fair to both Democrats and Republicans.

This episode is not like conventional episodes. It is literally a passionate debate between two sides. While watching the debate, I felt very engaged, it reminded of the first debate between President Obama and Senator McCain in the sense that an underdog is able to stand toe-to-toe with his competitor and debate with authority.

I highly recommend this episode because it felt like the old West Wing episodes that only Aaron Sorkin could deliver. Like many people that love the West Wing, I will agree that the show took a turn towards dull and uninspiring after Aaron Sorkin stopped writing, but this episode restored itself confirming that it is the best political show television has ever seen.


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