The Mommy Problem (2 Oct. 2005)

Despite vigorous campaigning, the Santos campaign still struggles to articulate its message and keep the focus on domestic issues rather than gossip and trivia. Although Santos served ... See full summary »

Director:

Alex Graves

Writers:

Aaron Sorkin (creator), Eli Attie

Stars:

Alan Alda, Kristin Chenoweth, Allison Janney

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Alan Alda	...	Senator Arnold Vinick
Kristin Chenoweth	...	Annabeth Schott (credit only)
Allison Janney	...	C.J. Cregg
Mary McCormack	...	Kate Harper (credit only)
Richard Schiff	...	Toby Ziegler
John Spencer	...	Leo McGarry (credit only)
Bradley Whitford	...	Josh Lyman
Jimmy Smits	...	Matthew Santos
Martin Sheen	...	President Josiah 'Jed' Bartlet (credit only)
Janeane Garofalo	...	Louise Thornton
Marlee Matlin	...	Joey Lucas
Sam Robards	...	Greg Brock
NiCole Robinson	...	Margaret Hooper
Renée Estevez	...	Nancy
Matthew Del Negro	...	Bram Howard

Storyline

Despite vigorous campaigning, the Santos campaign still struggles to articulate its message and keep the focus on domestic issues rather than gossip and trivia. Although Santos served decades in the military and remains in the reserves, Vinick still appears the stronger candidate on national security issues due to stereotypes about Republicans and Democrats. The White House's decision to halt their own investigation into the leak is a savvy legal move, however it could prove to be costly politically: while Vinick can slam the President for this decision, it's not so easy for Santos to do so. Josh reluctantly recruits help with running the campaign when it becomes obvious that he's trying to do too much himself.

---

Genres:

Drama

---

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English American Sign Language Spanish

Release Date:

2 October 2005 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

John Wells Productions, Warner Bros. Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

42 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

The "Santos For President" aircraft used in the beginning of the episode is a windowless freighter. It's common for Hollywood production companies to rent freighters for daytime shoots as they normally are flown overnight.

---

Quotes

Congressman Matthew Santos: There is no way that bed was steel reinforced.

---

Connections

References Meet the Press (1947)

---

Soundtracks

"Jet Airliner"
Performed by the Steve Miller Band

User Reviews