BEST Political Takedowns! | West Wing | Warner Bros. UK

Whether you’re a long-time fan of the award-winning series or haven’t yet ventured into the world of Aaron Sorkin’s presidential drama, you’re in for a treat with our round-up of the best political takedown from The West Wing. Brilliant writing, fascinating characters and an incredible cast are just some of the reasons the seven seasons have stood the test of time. Enjoy these moments that showcase the best of The West Wing, and tell us your favourites in the comments below!
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[@stacym735]

All these years later, and as far as I'm concerned, the "Two Cathedrals" episode is still the best hour of television ever produced.

[@nolajasper]

The opening scene of newsroom comes close

[@GuerillaWelder]

@@nolajasper is newsroom like West wing? I'm planning on giving it a try but I'm afraid it'll be less than

[@thatnorwegianguy1986]

@@GuerillaWelder Written by Aaron Sorkin who also wrote this show ;) highly reccomended.

[@clairebishop9835]

@@GuerillaWelder They are both outstanding shows

[@addiw8015]

That episode for sure, and another one of my favorites to watch is “The Shadow Of The Two Gunmen.” Although it is quite depressing, it is so well written it is one of those that jus doesn’t get old. Same with the “Two Cathedrals.”

[@gofoats]

You notice when Bartlet asks for coffee, he says "may I have some coffee, Mr. Lewis"; and when he gets the cup, he thanks him for it. Bartlet treats the coffee guy with respect.

[@itsjuanderful]

I will NEVER understand Martin Sheen not winning an Emmy for this show!

[@ryujin8842]

EXACTLY, his performance for was beyond phenomenal

[@Yankeeapple13]

Its Juanderful as good as he was as Bartlet he was up against the greatest television lead character of all time in James Gandolfini playing Tony Soprano every year

[@johnmckenzie4639]

@@Yankeeapple13 You hit the nail on the head. From 1999 to the mid 2000s, with The West Wing and The Sopranos, we were treated to, in my opinion, the two best TV dramas in history.

[@Yankeeapple13]

John McKenzie not to mention The Wire and ER as well. The top two network dramas and the top two cable dramas were of all time were on simultaneously.

[@johnmckenzie4639]

@@Yankeeapple13 Well said. We sure were spoiled.

[@flankspeed]

The relationship between Leo and the president is fascinating: guys who were friends and equal beforehand, but now it's all "Sir," and "Mr. President," and Leo has to course-correct while remaining in the boundary. Utterly fascinating.

[@jimkavanagh1293]

The best TV that I have ever seen. The writing, the acting, the to-and fro's, the humour, the sorrow, the information, the rousing speeches, the rows. It is just art in the form of a TV show.

[@janisthibodeau3861]

Are there videos of West Wing available to purchase?

[@cconnors]

@@janisthibodeau3861 It's on DVD on amazon

[@vignesh0208]

16:46. That Moment when Bartlet says " He's my Son" The way Martin Sheen's voice breaks is just so heart stopping.

[@sandih29687]

Understand that Sorkin had priests and ministers and rabbis watching as they filmed Martin Sheen cursing out God. Had the impression that he thought they were on equal footing.

[@SlimThrull]

@Mark Railton I ask solely out curiosity, but what made you uncomfortable about it? Feel free not to answer if you'd rather not.

[@BlackDiamond2718]

I get a bit of the Frank Underwood vibe when he speaks to god.

[@JohnLutherable]

and then Josh gets thrashed by him more than any character in the serie XD

[@microfoneman]

@@BlackDiamond2718 Bartlett has way better standards than Underwood. This is more a outburst of anger from a confused guy. Underwood probably thinks he's an equal to God. Bartlett doesn't

[@jamesklekowski1824]

After 9/11 John Wells gifted his Chicago ER crew with the task of producing a complete episode of The West Wing, "The Long Goodbye." I had the privilege and pleasure of working behind the scenes on that episode and, I can tell you, while television production work can be extremely difficult, it was one of my best experiences in a more than 30 year career.

[@Itsmytest]

Is that why there's that hospital scene that looks a lot like the ER set?

[@TanmaiKhanna]

I love that the line is "when The President stands, nobody sits", and not "when I stand, nobody sits". In another episode he explains that he refers to himself as the president as thinking of it as the office helps in making the tough decisions, as opposed to the individual.

[@joevile240]

It takes a massive ego to decide to become the leader of a country, but it takes humility and respect towards the office to keep that ego in check. This show should be required material for becoming an elected official.

[@jeffcollins9995]

Excellent point

[@formerlybernard6460]

Yes. I think that has to be a mindset required in order to be able to separate the individual from the function. Trait sorely lacking today.

[@djtexas4993]

He explained it well when the priest visited in the Oval Office- paraphrased: “Do you really want me to call you Mr President?” “Yes, and it’s not because of ego, it’s to remind myself of the office I hold and the place from which I have to make decisions.”

[@fayesouthall6604]

Great scene

[@Loveoldies50]

The best TV show ever written. Brilliant scripts. Great acting. When it went off the air, I bought the entire series, though it was very expensive. Never regretted it. A big THANK YOU to all involved. Aaron Sorkin is a brilliant writer. I loved The Newsroom, too. Never understood why it was cancelled. One that should be included here is the Presidential debate, and the comment of Bartlett saying, "Can we have it back?" Just hearing this music gets my attention, though it’s played too much on my DVDs of the show.

[@phishfearme2]

The Newsroom is very comparable - and West Wing was only good for the first four years - then the writer left

[@samrcat4077]

So many wonderful episodes. Outstanding writing and acting. Loved John Goodman as temporary president. Was heartbroken when the actor playing Leo died. Still binge watch series at least once a year.

[@aitorgonzalez4657]

I'm on my fourth time binge-watching this show. :)

[@laurathompson4458]

samrcat4077 I binge ever summer

[@mercuryrulz]

I’m working on my third watch through...it’s seriously my favorite tv show of all time

[@briane5706]

Time I binge watch the series again now the winter is almost with us. Also, the music is fantastic.

[@DesertSingerAZ]

We watch it every political election season... I have the DVDs (pre-netflix era) and we still watch it almost every year.

[@buuubble_gum]

The rant at God is such a perfect moment of television. Brilliant writing (thank God for Aaron Sorkin), brilliant acting (thank God for Martin Sheen). I am in awe every single time I see it.

[@conniekimble1782]

I would like to have it translated.....

[@sandranorman5469]

Martin Sheen was going to be a priest and he identifies himself as a “practicing Catholic “.

[@allpraisestothemosthigh4671]

It is misconstrued view or understanding of the scriptures.

[@edwardharrison1471]

Ironic

[@susandeason1356]

Makes me cry every time I see it

[@andywals]

"C.J. show these people out" "I believe we can find the door" "Find it now"

[@nata3467]

I love how Josh is the only one to keep his cool. Toby and the President about blow a gasket

[@bornicks2]

My favorite scenes "Two Cathedrals" rant and the Bible Schooling. That whole series was extraordinary well written and well delivered.

[@annemariestein7491]

Aaron Sorkin deserves all the accolades for his writing.

[@markdiaddario6398]

Yes he is good but he had some great people around him as well.

[@JustJack327]

"In this building, when the president stands, nobody sits"

[@flthunderdigginwrob3162]

great, great line! BUT, my favorite part is Sam going over and taking the crab puff off her plate and walking away with it!!!

[@Tazdingo01]

@@flthunderdigginwrob3162 Exactly!

[@andromedafan]

Does that also include those who are old, infirm and confined to a Wheelchair like the late Christopher Reeve??

[@flthunderdigginwrob3162]

I sincerly doubt that was the meaning of the line. And...on this show, I believe this President would have walked over to Mr Reeve and shook his hand before anyone else's in the room!

[@Dave1955ist]

@@andromedafan - It js interesting to note that there are many a retired service member who are wheelchair bound who when in the company of the President try to stand or are embarrassed that they can't. I can't believe that any real President would expect that and are probably embarrassed by it.

[@Alcagaur1]

How many actors could deliver a rant at God with fluid, heartfelt Latin at its core?

[@fezzik7619]

Several.

[@Alcagaur1]

@@fezzik7619 I'm trying to think of mainstream names other than, say, Meryl Streep, Daniel Day-Lewis or Chadwick Boseman who could pull it off.

[@JMeLuNez]

What is he saying?

[@allanwillner17]

Maybe Morgan Freeman.

[@PythiaHiereia]

@@allanwillner17 oooh, that would be nice!

[@cindymartha1696]

“Andrew Jackson had a big block of cheese. The block of cheese was huge.” You’ve got to love Leo McGarry.

[@stephenh.8336]

"And a wheat thin the size of Lake Tahoe" - Josh

[@texaskc]

My mom told me that she had macular degeneration. And then after a second of letting that sink in she tells me "it's ok, it the good kind." And my mind went straight to when Bartlet telling Leo about his MS.

[@vijaysinger6034]

@@texaskc what is a name of MS Full name

[@texaskc]

@@vijaysinger6034 Multiple Sclerosis

[@vijaysinger6034]

@@texaskc Correctly Answer to thank you

[@Ozefan2580]

Donna: "I want my money back." Or how about... Toby: "Ginger, get the popcorn! Sam's getting beaten up by a girl!"

[@allanwillner17]

Don't forget when President Bartlett does Charlie's taxes and after he finishes the 1040A and Charlie owes money the president wants it back.

[@JaneDoe-cs9nh]

I laughed so hard when Toby said that!

[@TsterMr63]

Or Ainsley saying, "I got the 14th Amendment, I'm fine."

[@billmuir4897]

Wonderful, astounding craft. Brilliant acting, superb wordplay and killer combinations. Should be essential viewing.

[@varianschirmer9375]

A 2 term president keeping a chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, and a press secretary 6 years... Rather than 6-8 weeks.

[@ryuhitsuya21]

One guy never started his job officially.

[@faeriedragon348]

what a concept

[@vivianmoreland797]

It was tv

[@LuisMartinez-rw2lj]

Vivian Moreland I mean bush had a chief of staff for five years

[@concordep2504]

Yes how odd someone actually vetting their staff properly before giving them a job!

[@melindaconolly9260]

Some of my all-time faves, love that Josh "turns out I was fine" scene

[@THEBIGREDAPE]

Why are the TV Presidents always a massive upgrade on the real guys.

[@Dabhach1]

Because on TV, there's always a right answer.

[@rebeccasabet2802]

Not always now definetly

[@andymattson7065]

Because they don't answer to the idiots who make up the actual electorate.

[@merlin9943]

because it is easier to write a fictional president then it is to create a real one.

[@MrJamberee]

I'm not surprised you think this is real. You are clearly a libtard in fantasyland.

[@h-m00212]

Can we just agree that cj is the most badass female character of all times ?

[@Tkanyike]

the walrus yes without a doubt

[@SirShanova]

“They call me the- j a c k a l”

[@briane5706]

The most badass AND hot at the same time!

[@harperhm08]

Yes, 100%, never a doubt in my mind.

[@grantgebauer5918]

@Random L3vel I was thinking the EXACT same thing.

[@lindak8664]

That first scene, with him ripping that radio PHD a new one, is my most favourite television scene of all time. Once in a while i pull the dvd out just to watch that 5 minutes

[@jimspink2922]

That one and the one that starts at 2.20 concerning the Lambs of God. Also at 10.09 the press secretary schooling the report on how a veto works.

[@paulsutton729]

What I found ironically great about this series was that most of the guest performers playing serious roles were all comedians, or comedy actors. Lilly Tomlin, David Graf, John Larroquette, Katheryn Joosten, Matthew Perry, John Goodman, Oliver Platt, Gerard McCraney, John Amos to name a few.

[@phyllispetras3369]

LOVED Roger Rees!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@user-ou3dm6th3x]

Comedians are the best actors.

[@TrulyMadlyShallowly]

People underestimate the acting chops it takes to be good at comedy. Comedy is hard.

[@kissfan7]

"Crime... Boy, I don't know." I've never hated a fictional person so much after just five words.

[@michaelreppenhagen736]

"Eskimo Poetry" is what pushed me over the edge with him.

[@Mukation]

All he had to say was something like "i'm sorry to hear that". Even IF he didn't really care, that's what you do. Bartlet knew at that moment (politics aside) that he was a person who was not fit to be president. I mean. A guy just told you somebody he knew was shot and killed moments ago. It doesn't matter if you hate that guys guts, it's just common sense to say you are sorry for their loss.

[@lukethompson2714]

Am I the only person who thinks Ritchie looks like Guy Feare

[@LordInter]

"that was the moment I decided to destroy you", the pen is mightier then the sword! NEVER apologise for being the smartest person in the room 😄

[@vijaysinger6034]

@@LordInter listening Lord . Brooks and Bartlet talking for destroy to Crime ... Boy

[@glennzanotti3346]

Man, I do miss that show. Great writing. Great acting. If anyone at the studios are monitoring this discussion -- give us another show like this.

[@ClayLoomis1958]

The studios really can't do anything. They require a genius writer like Aaron Sorkin. The great ones are few and far between.

[@floydhenderson2384]

They did give us one pretty close in quality writing, plot lines and actors capable of stellar performances: Madam Secretary. Unfortunately, most political dramas must be planned and delivered within fairly rigid term limits, and if they are to last past those time frames, they have a necessity to move along with current societal/political questions/crises.

[@SPECTREStudioN7]

​@@floydhenderson2384watch "The Newsroom". Honestly, it's standard Sorkin, which is 1000x better than most writers in Hollyweird, but it's also incredibly well cast, including Jeff Daniels.

[@irony78]

Best. Series. Ever. Thank you Mr. Sorkin, writers, actors and everybody involved!!!

[@RansomeStoddard]

It may be time for Mr. Sorkin to get back to work. We could use a show like this now more than ever.

[@marylynnneill1958]

Oh,I miss The West Wing!

[@vijaysinger6034]

Hello mr Sorkin i won't to West Wing Series My favourite series just to my mom and dad not to worst iam very angry 😡 just to my favourite series thanks for mr.Sorkin this President Series

[@vphiameradisogaarwa]

The greatest political drama every scripted on tv. The first three seasons, were the best TV I every seen - past, present and I imagine future.

[@TheLibran38]

actually, the first four seasons are great. then Sorkin left, and it took them a year to steady the boat...

[@TFOL61]

Could not agree more. I just don’t enjoy the episodes after Sorkin left but I truly enjoy the first three seasons.

[@digital_gravity]

The last two seasons were great as well. Jimmy Smits and Alan Alda hit it out of the park.

[@pedropalmer1670]

So agree with you...it was amazing!!!

[@barbarawalsh2875]

All these years later and that is still Two cathedrals the single best hour of the television that was ever written. I’m actually going through the series again and watched it the other night and it’s been a long time and I know it’s gonna happen and all that but it still makes your heart ache. Several people have said they don’t know how Martin Sheen didn’t get an Emmy for that performance and for the life of me I don’t know either. I am the mother of a son who has an Emmy and I am very very proud of him, but I still don’t understand how Martin Sheen didn’t get an Emmy for that performance.

[@djshotty]

My copy of that episode has the translations of Martin's Latin words as subtitles. Do your own translation, it's much more poetic.

[@janrobnettwordweaver2227]

I really enjoyed "Let Bartlett, Be Bartlett" too. I got up and cheered when I first saw that episode.

[@tokyworld]

You throw the word "liberal" as if it was an insult. I pick it up and wear as a badge of honor. A true moment of pure badass of Obam... I mean Santos.

[@heather8374]

Lawrence O'Donnell wrote that diatribe. he quoted it in his show on MSNBC.

[@cardsfanboy]

@@heather8374 it's actually a paraphrase of a Kennedy speech. “If by a "Liberal" they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people-their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights and their civil liberties-someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a "Liberal", then I'm proud to say I'm a "Liberal.”

[@feliciab2]

Such a brilliant quote. I often find myself using it in discussions on Social Media when someone talks about how "liberals" or "lefties" are destroying our society.

[@sillygoose635]

@@feliciab2 huh, me too.

[@graemestarkey7524]

@@feliciab2 I use it too. Often the people dishing it out add terms like 'hand wrining', 'namby pamby', and 'do gooder'. I also point out it beats being the alternative. Normally by the time they've realised what has been said they are a long way away.

[@rkstevenson5448]

One of the best shows of all time. It may have been liberal fantasy at times, but it reminded us what the government, and our President, *could* be.

[@josiahdesarro-raynal3361]

100,000 Airplanes shows this

[@pazil888]

As one said " A Republic if you can keep it " . Presidents and governments would be if voters knew better how to keep the Republic , is my opinion ...

[@murderhill1947]

I believe "one" is Ben Franklin

[@pazil888]

@@murderhill1947 That's right .

[@Dinosaurianationazation]

Or more accurately SHOULD be

[@joemama7163]

Sadly no real President will ever hold a candle to JB. Makes me sad to know that no one of this intellect would ever make it to the top in my country.

[@Bariom_dome]

We got a black,liberal president. I like our chances of getting a Jed Bartlet as president someday.

[@dukethomas95]

Intellect is very important but his respect for the office and his desire to do good is still head and shoulders above the others.

[@joemama7163]

@@dukethomas95 Well said.

[@marysuesagor5187]

@@Bariom_dome Obama's intellect comes close...I miss that man!!

[@allanwillner17]

Jed Bartlett was the man.

[@tthom2459]

Oh God how I miss this show. Every few years I binge watch the whole series and every time it's just as good as the 1st.

[@rickrose5377]

Aaron Sorkin and a great cast nailing it one hour at a time. What happened to my country? When did literacy go away. And cease entirely to be recognized and respected?

[@kellercorrield7733]

You left out the best part. Where he lights a cigarette and mutters to God "you get Hoynes"

[@michaelreppenhagen736]

Also left out Sam taking Dr. Jacob's crab puff.

[@DiannaAtherton]

Yes, that encapsulated the moment!!!

[@kwasg3]

yes, and this was the best scene (so many runner-ups) in the series.

[@sandih29687]

That was in the 2nd Season Finale entitled “Two Cathedrals “. Especially love the ending when Aaron put “Brothers in Arms” as the musical Finale.

[@thomaswodarek1257]

Apparently it was a bit of a fight to get "Brothers in Arms" licensed for this episode, as the band had been unwilling to license it to anyone for TV use. I think they were convinced when the show put together a rough cut with their song and sent it to the band to prove that it was a good use.

[@ricf9592]

In the UK a politician called Edward Heath was once asked by the press why Margaret Thatcher hated him so much? He replied, "I've no idea. But then again, I'm not a doctor". Classic.

[@d.harrison1570]

I'm missing something. Is it because he though her hatred was pathological?

[@cholman4248]

The "Rant at God" is by far one of the BEST monologues you will ever hear! Martin Sheen was fabulous!

[@user-lt6cq2bd3c]

"Crime, boy I don't know". Brilliant scene, excellent script writing.

[@giselematthews7949]

Ah, the days of JFK

[@tokyworld]

A perfect Bush Jr stand in

[@vijaysinger6034]

@@tokyworld Stand for you JFK of president United States

[@gheller2261]

I love how Jeb and Leo get into it and Charlie is there quietly in the background, just part of the furniture until Leo refers to him. Imagine the book that Charlie could write but never will.

[@moviegal6000]

The “rant at god” is my favorite speech in television of all time. I honestly cannot decide if the writing or Martin Sheen is better but they both were phenomenal.

[@ninabriesch4184]

It's my favorite as well. Also one of the best scenes made in this show.

[@wahn10]

That was an epic monologue. He deserved an Emmy, but frankly there's no human award that can do justice to a performance like that. Divine.

[@SamaritanPrime]

Both. It was good writing, and Martin Sheen is an actor with few equals and fewer (if any) betters; you couldn’t have asked for a better performance of the writing.

[@paylmoffat3409]

Nice rant by Sheen, but a close second in my opinion to Al Pacino in Scent of a woman , Colledge rant, and my fave, Margaret Obriens monologue in the vines have tender grapes. Edward G was in absolute awe that a mere kid could come up with acting like that.

[@retiredusvet4396]

I'm constantly amazed that total disrespect and perhaps a touch of borderline blasphemy towards God is applauded here. I appreciate that Mrs. Habersham gently admonished Bartlett for his liberal "hissyfit" towards God. So many people today want God to just "steer clear" of their lives and decisions, but when something bad happens, "WHERE was God?" "God is so mean," and so on. I enjoyed much of "West Wing," though I am an unapologetic Conservative AND a Christian. For someone who has heard I'm too outspoken on my faith, I sure see and hear from a lot of "preachy liberals" today, fervently passionate about their cause. Well, my cause is reverence towards God and love for Him and respect for one another. I do believe that God is loving and forgiving enough to understand grief, as Barlett obviously had. Celebrating his grief and anger with verbal "fist bumps," however, is not the way I choose to remember that scene. If that belongs to others, maybe that's something they need to address. 🤔😎

[@camdenjenkins8818]

when he refers to josh as his son🥺😭 lost it in that episode 😭😭😭

[@tobygroves2112]

Two Cathedrals is quite possibly the greatest single episode of television ever made.

[@LoveWinsMovement]

Makes me cry my eyes out every time!

[@StealthMarmot_]

People know Aaron Sorkin's as being full of witty, clever dialog from a bunch of characters who are sardonic and clever and sometimes smug and self righteous but nonetheless admirable. But that last scene, and the whole episode "Two Cathedrals" is the best writing that Sorkin has ever done in his life. Not because they say witty things, but because Sorkin understands people, characters, pathos, setup, and payoff. The scene where the camera spins around and shows Jed Bartletts putting his hands in his pockets, pans up showing him soaked with an American flag flapping in the middle of a storm as he gives a silent grin, is a perfectly executed, directed, and written moment. The setup from the absolutely masterpiece acting from Martin Sheen in the scenes before and the flashback scenes featuring great moments, while having two seasons of events and struggles leading up to it. The perfect structure and execution of that background, setup, and payoff leads me to think that Zack Snyder needs to have Sorkin sit him down and teach Film 101.

[@laurenpurdy2694]

You're 100% correct.

[@BelfastBiker]

Yup.

[@sandih29687]

BRAVO Sir

[@stephenconway2468]

You used that word "pathos" which is behind every great scene humorous or tragic. Great comment.

[@dawneckert6622]

I also think the first Will McAvoy monologue in the Newsroom is his best one. Amazing!

[@damianwilliams5798]

I loved the rant at God scenes, so powerful and Martin Sheen was phenomenal

[@vijaysinger6034]

The rant at God scene very lovely scene Martin Sheen talking very so cute ❤❤

[@warrenglover6633]

The best series made in the USA of any genre. Martin Sheen was never better at his craft as he has been here. He was provided with an inspiring role that left nothing wanting and he responded with delivery to the screen of one of the best roles ever provided to any in his profession. I venture to say that no one could have done it better. This series represents some of the finest and interesting literature created in modern times in the USA. I'm not of the USA but The West Wing is very much how I would like to remember that country. It was a great example to the world. That ideal is being tested today. People want it to get better.

[@thomasmcginnis3783]

Principles!!! Principles from them that would be our principals!! *Whoa. What a concept!*

[@lethethirteen4072]

"No, let's not, CJ. These people won't be staying that long." Ouch!

[@Sierraomega1991]

That scene changed the plans for the whole show Bartlett was ment to be a bit piece character

[@markcognetti4875]

Impossible to summarize how wonderful & inspiring this entire series was,

[@bbeen40]

When Miranmar started to cast off it's military dictatorship and move towards democracy some of their new leaders were asked what they have been doing to prepare for this new form of government. One of them said "We have been watching The West Wing". Kinda crazy....

[@petebradt]

@@MuhammadAhmed-qh7ut OK Nazi.

[@jonmel]

Telecat Johnson how the miranmar democratic government have been complicit in a genocide

[@bbeen40]

@@jonmel Well, they did model themselves after Democrats....

[@platobach8309]

I have never heard of a country called Miranmar. Did you, perhaps, mean Myanmar?

[@jackgerig8910]

Sadly, it seems they’ll have to start from season 1 all over again

[@aveenburney7463]

John Spencer was incredible in this, RIP.

[@scribe56]

I miss him.

[@katebc9148]

The most important show ever that reflected the reality of life, how politics and its importance impacts life, and the critical need to pay close attention to the people you vote for, keeping them accountable, especially regarding money and who they get it from. LOVED this show. The dialogue is outstanding.

[@Bariom_dome]

Anyone else love CJ more as Press Secretary than Chief of Staff? I do

[@fayesouthall6604]

Yep

[@woohootrainiscoming]

She's got a crab broach on her jacket, in the same episode the president and Sam were arguing which type of crab were the best to devour... small things made this series great :)

[@Firan25]

And i think she was also eating lobster, or crab.

[@carolcrawford9137]

The most exceptional thing about this show was that it demonstrated The value of a President who actually had an advanced education and knew how to apply it.

[@DeltaElites]

Yes, by surrounding himself with people as smart or smarter than himself, regardless of political parties. Ainsley Hayes as their attorney was one of my favorite characters.

[@shaileshrana7165]

The first scene is my favourite and every Christian should watch it.

[@nigelft]

I am a Christian, but strongly concur ...

[@asecretone]

I'm a Christian and follow the teachings of Christ, not the teachings of the Old Testament

[@RansomeStoddard]

I think religion (any religion) is overrated. We don't need believe in an invisible vengeful imaginary super-being. It's really simple, just be good to each other. How hard is that?

[@lthompson6750]

@@ShaunSum49 my sheep hear my Voice. ask Him, and ask Him until you get an answer. Because one time, you will be sincere, and you will hear

[@thegardenofeatin5965]

Every Christian should forget about their imaginary friend and join us in the real world.

[@oliviafisher9214]

Aaron Sorkin is awesome! He wrote two of my favorite scenes in The American President. The first showing Martin Sheen's character toe to toe with Michael Douglas as the president. It was a foreshadowing of how great Martin would be in the role of Jed Bartlett.

[@kathyrae6754]

I love that movie

[@madeleineprice9645]

Olivia - It was a joy to see the seeds of TWW being sown in The American President, although seeing Martin Sheen as Chief of Staff to Michael Douglas feels utterly weird!!! Aaron Sorkin is my writing god and I want to be him when I’m a grown-up!

[@balung]

Who is watching in 2024?

[@kittykitty435]

I watched it earlier this year. I didn't want to watch it when it was first aired because politics wasn't MY thing. Since 2015 that's changed, big time! Watching it when I did, showed me how much of politics is run by the seat of the pants of the people involved.

[@generalsmite7167]

I need my political optimism from somewhere

[@reubenherrera9827]

Right here…Calabasas Ca

[@Johnny-Bhoy]

Still watching 😃

[@otrjustin]

I am in 2025

[@Puffdamgcdragon]

The magic of Aaron Sorokin. Makes this series one of the best in TV ever!

[@angelinabrown2931]

That scene with the 'doctor' is one of my favorites.

[@rickyric2773]

This is the best TV series of all time. Nothing has ever came close. Just wished Rob Lowe would have been on it the whole time.

[@SpontaneousAndStructured]

I enjoy watching the next generations rediscovering shows and movies I loved years ago like this one. I watch their KZbin reactions and watching them react feels like I’m rediscovering them all over again. But almost no one reacts to this show. I’m hoping I find some soon.

[@PerthTowne]

@@SpontaneousAndStructured You're right. No one reacts to this show. They should.

[@michaelreece2966]

There isn’t anyone who, in movies or television, who can make a “sigh” mean more than words. Just watch when he pauses, and then sighs. Brilliant actor.

[@bobklumpp8698]

Aaron Sorkin deserves A LOT of the credit for how badass this show is.

[@katharineray2258]

Such incredible writing, acting, material. What we all wish some of our politicians sounded like.

[@arunm.g.8136]

07:14 "everyone's waiting for you, I don't know how much longer"

[@laurathornton1456]

I wanted to slap James Brolin when he says, "Crime, boy, I don't know."

[@JnEricsonx]

Yeah. I would have just said, "God that's horrible, I'm sorry."

[@paulrose6359]

One of the best shows EVER.

[@RansomeStoddard]

I'd put it up there with MASH as having the best writing in TV history.

[@mikeburley8255]

Sopranos

[@sid.469]

@@mikeburley8255 the wire The sopranos Breaking bad The shield Westwing Twin peaks Six feet under These shows are top notch 😍😍

[@user-br5ou9vw2q]

Aaron Sorkin made a lot of money with "The American President" and "The West Wing." But he also gave us a peek into what a humane government might look like. It's fiction, but nonetheless we could all learn a lot from it. Hands down the best television series in history.

[@keithmiath]

One of the finest performances ever on television is Martin Sheen in “Two Cathedrals”

[@sandih29687]

TOTALLY AGREE!!! That he didn’t win the Emmy is a disgrace.

[@bobsteinzig]

The latin part is because the english could not gat by the sensors but Martin had to learn latin

[@sandih29687]

Bob Steinzig He was an altar boy when he was a kid. That was when the mass was said in Latin. So he would have had a nodding acquaintance with it. Also did Aaron send him to Notre Dame because he wanted to be a priest? Finest acting ever.

[@mcoleman6834]

For me, "The West Wing" comes down to two words: binge worthy.

[@GuerillaWelder]

I can't remember how many times I've watched this show. Started when I was a kid and have been reaching it ever since at least once a year. I just honestly love these people are it helps me pretend that there are important people in office that care

[@TheCoastrunnr]

'Dr. Jenna' obviously had no idea she was trying to diss a heavy weight who beat her down. LOL

[@philiphema2678]

THE best prescient political TV drama, bar none!!! Never missed an episode❤.

[@kapnerad]

Aaron Sorkin...master of the verbal mic drop.

[@dawndalessio5540]

There is NOTHING to not love about this show. Strong, smart characters that you can like and relate to. I know I'm not the only one to wish we had an Administration like this just once, ok, 3 or 4 times.

[@allanwillner17]

Agreed, and The West Wing according to Aaron Sorokin was not a political show, just a fictional tale about the White House and the goings on within it.

[@seanlauper7926]

That second scene is just perfect. It's the first time you meet Bartlett at the end of the first episode.

[@221BSam]

Best TV show ever!!!! But, I think CJ’s press conference post Rosslyn on gun violence should have been there.

[@moimeself1088]

It wasn't a put down though

[@marcovargas4483]

Nah, this is for righteous put downs.

[@cactupiguy8417]

Absolutely. Also, the episode where a girl's school in the middle east was bombed and CJ said she wasn't even surprised they hadn't been saved.

[@ascotberks2018]

I agree this was the best show ever and I watched it twice (all seasons) during trumps potus. But I would point to the existing press security for Biden named Jen P. Is stunning. Better than CJ. She should have her own show.

[@macbuff81]

I was in my late teens when it first came out. I also grew up and worked in the DC area for most of my life. This show really was quite well written and moving as well. The topics addressed in it are as current now as they were then

[@madeleineprice9645]

macbuff - Only ‘quite’ well written??? Talk about understatement ….

[@jamielancaster01]

You forgot “I will wait for you in the tall grass for you Congressman”.

[@Sparky1701]

That was awesome!

[@stephaniet.7272]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@VTX00128]

The only ones that does that these days is the progressive movement.

[@brockpernod3436]

“Find it now”. Cold AF, I’d vote for him

[@fayesouthall6604]

Becoming hard af.

[@jdax21]

Everyone on this show did an outstanding job, but my heart will always belong to Leo. He was my favorite character in "West Wing".

[@mamakotterkey8782]

Mine too.

[@eileenmurphy2019]

I can't decide on a favorite. I loved the relationships between the president and Mrs. Landingham, ( she was the person who formed him) Charlie and Leo. Loved the relationships between CJ, Toby and Sam, and Josh. Not to mention Josh and Donna.

[@lauriehollinger4540]

I loved Toby

[@madeleineprice9645]

@@lauriehollinger4540- Me too! Permanently idealistic. Always disappointed.

[@barbarawalsh2875]

Broke my heart when John Spencer died. Leo was my favorite character. I have a name my cat after him.

[@michaelheppler2193]

This has ALWAYS BEEN HIS BEST SCENE. Watched the whole series 4 times love it

[@jaspdx63]

The "let Bartlett be Bartlett" scene is the essence of good staff work. You only say the things Leo says to Jed if you trust and believe in the leader you support and the agenda they claim to serve.

[@RashBold]

Who is watching this in 2020?

[@RichardTScott-me2rm]

lots of wishful thinkers and romantics.

[@davepg2011]

I am great writing fine acting

[@barbaraslater1645]

It gets better and better every time I watch it.. One of the best tv shows ever made.

[@majadebij]

2021 even.. and not for the 1st time.

[@karebear9128]

Just got done binge watching

[@nnovahsjones82]

I love these clips and it makes me want to rewatch the show.

[@anniec.3834]

I just started rewatching

[@RJSAMCRO]

His Catherdrial speech for Ms Laningham was intense. What a scene

[@ladycatfern]

I always get chills. I'm not religious but the fact he did that speech in a cathedral was amazing.

[@trinaruth3789]

Brilliantly acted and written scene! Sorkin is a genius!

[@sorcha-lydiaantrim7998]

Just one of many great pieces of script delivered with authority and style. "That's how I beat him Toby!" That's how to beat zealots.

[@mljones655]

Just found out where Jen Psaki got here grit, with a softer edge. CJ is an awesome character!

[@daverhoden445]

I've been saying that for months.

[@Bariom_dome]

My family is tired of me and this show. I've watched it 8 times already. All 7 season.

[@melodylema3868]

It is because once you see great TV, it is hard to watch mediocre TV.

[@wahn10]

That's not nearly enough. Go for a 9th.

[@megtravers327]

Do it again.

[@deckhandsdaughter7395]

Uh, me too.

[@TopherOKeefe]

I love how Jed and Leo just so wholly and implicitly trust Charlie that they don’t even give a single thought to asking him for privacy while they throw down with each other.

[@keepgoing2506]

He is the president’s body man. He is invisible.

[@am5p8]

LOVE LOVE LOVE that first one. Puts the DJ right in her place.

[@theseageek]

I'd vote for Bartlet in a heartbeat.

[@robertchandler5055]

dont worry hot rod you will get the chance...their wives are doctors they are both hiding debilitating health issues both northeastern big catholic families

[@deborahdapo3210]

Oh so would I.

[@sphericalempirical9359]

Funny you should say that, during screening, in the show, for his second term, Americans in their droves were turning out at polling stations wanting to ‘vote Bartlett’ ........ greatest tv show I have EVER watched.

[@adamletschin7759]

Love Bartlett but I'm more in line with Haffleys politics..

[@marysuesagor5187]

He prepared us for Obama!

[@TheNerdForAllSeasons]

Leo paraphrasing Eisenhower never gets old.

[@gokulvaradan8781]

Leo going off on the president was by far my favorite

[@espen379]

How weird it must have been for Charlie! lol

[@thephantomeagle2]

Martin Sheen did the same thing to President Shepherd in The American President on his opponent for re-election.

[@yao052]

Gokul Varadan Let Bartlett Be Bartlett.

[@ReelMeurik]

@@thephantomeagle2 The American President, was in many ways a pre-cursor of The West Wing. Besides Sheen, there were several actors who ended up on The West Wing, including Anna Devere Smith (Nancy McNally), and Joshua Malina (Will Bailey). Both the movie, and The West Wing were Sorkin creations.

[@thephantomeagle2]

@@ReelMeurik they also used some of the same names for senators and world leaders

[@ce3586]

Truly some of the most amazing snapshot segments of the most brilliant tv series ever written.

[@Master_WannaBe_]

Me and my parents just finished the series today. These takedowns were always the best.

[@dukedematteo1995]

John Goodman episides were awesome. Your relieved!

[@nv8227]

I love how the third scene between Bartlett and Leo has Charlie in thr background. Awesome reflection of what use to be a norm before the last one.

[@darrellfisher6307]

How about the debate opening? My favorite show ever. Watched the series 7 times. Now you got me headed back to Netflix.