ITSOTG2 - Jed and Josh at the airport

[@Mozart1220]

Ringo Starr tells a touching story of the last time he saw George Harrison. George was so sick from cancer that he could not even sit up. Ringo visits and at the end says he has to leave for NYC Because his own daughter was facing brain surgery. George, barely able to move, says "Do you want me to come with ya?" Supporting his pal to the end.

[@tigersfan14]

This is such a sweet story. Until I saw the Get Back documentary, I didn't realize that Ringo truly was the glue that had kept The Beatles together. It was clear from that doc... everyone loved Ringo. It's easy to see how George, years later, would say this and mean it.

[@TheNerdForAllSeasons]

John never deserved the rest of that band.

[@jimmy2k4o]

“I’m tired of being Ringo when I know I was John” “Everybody loves Ringo” 🤷‍♂️

[@johnmh1000]

It's a year on and I suppose that I could google it, but was Ringo's daughter okay?

[@craighanson-rc1md]

who cares about any of them especially 60 years after they were hatched by the devil lol. Nothing special about any of the beatles or anyone else in Hollywood or music.... Last time I checked none of them in music or films & tv had remotely cured anything or solved any world or international or interstellar issues. Paul nor yoko certainly haven't & compared to today's musicians no one on the butters remotely could play or sing let alone write music. Paul sure loves to act & think that he made the beatles & that he is something special but again what has he done let alone for others be it his bandmates or civilization? What did john or even ringo contribute? George was a good guy before my time though but he seemed even after some fame the most down to earth & the only one who didn't seem to get caught up in the egos of fame & celebrity but he still did nothing special. lol

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

When he says "You want me to go with you?" Aaron Sorkin says he wrote that specifically to be the moment when Jed became the Jed we know from the show.

[@Elise3016]

Bradley Whitford can do so much with his face, especially his eyes--what expression! Great great actor that can hold his own with Sheen. This show had such a deep bench.

[@googoo-gjoob]

a FANTASTIC non-verbal actor..... among the best.

[@annehajdu8654]

Absolutely true. A very very fine actor.

[@cawsnallthis]

Fantastic actor, total froot loop.

[@googoo-gjoob]

"your name wouldnt have come up, by the way..."

[@fencius]

There’s a scene in The Handmaid’s Tale where all he does is lock eyes with Elisabeth Moss and hold her gaze, and manages to convey a ton of emotion and meaning. He’s incredible.

[@lancer525]

After all these years, it still amazes me that it was Martin Sheen doing the PA announcement for the flights in the background. And that everyone misses it. His voice is so distinctive...

[@carycimino7699]

but why?

[@brendastepp5896]

I never paid attention to that!

[@bligaderski]

Read the comment and then immediately heard it 👌

[@alexvaughan2679]

WTF just realised!

[@grandpa1687]

Son of a b…h! I never picked up on that. Kudos Mr Lancer!

[@JeffreyGillespie]

That’s called leadership.

[@jon_warburton]

The way he reaches for his wallet when he says he could buy a ticket for the flight is just a great little touch.

[@cryofpaine]

@Patrick Hudson And yet one of his very next lines is "I'm ready"? Seems to me it was less about quitting, and more a show of support for Josh.

[@jimmylyu4714]

@@cryofpaine interesting theory, it could go both ways. Bartlet could still have residual doubt about running, the act of reaching for pocket could be to show support for Josh, but if Josh has agreed, Bartlet could very well consider to abroad the plane since he never was motivated to run in the first place. But Josh's decline augment Bartlet's decision to run bc he saw Josh's trust in him, and that cement his confidence to run not just for himself, but also for people that supports him. Very interesting to think about given the backstory of original storyline that never got utilized.

[@fayesouthall6604]

No wallet at this point.

[@djtexas4993]

Yeah - accurate to detail! he reached for a wallet, and then had to turn to, Leo or SS or someone, for an actual wallet , because he wouldn’t have had one. Not sure on when it’s taken but by that specific night, for sure not anymore. The chances of SS actually letting him get ON a commercial flight that night were slim to none anyway, having become the DNC Presidential nominee earlier in the evening. Amazing scene.

[@shrews12001]

One of those scenes that give you no choice but to love Jed.

[@khalidmiah9334]

"Tonight, what began at the Commons in Concord, Massachusetts as an alliance of farmers and workers, of cobblers and tinsmiths, of statesmen and students, of mothers and wives, of men and boys, lives two centuries later as America! My name is Josiah Bartlet, and I accept your nomination for the Presidency of the United States!" I'm British, I work for the EU, but these words, this scene, the applause, gives me goose bumps every time... I would feel so proud working for Jed Bartlett

[@moraksbamdo4102]

Brilliant writing.

[@moraksbamdo4102]

I'm British too. At times the show made me want to be American.

[@randallbanks1589]

As a US citizen with a clown as Pres. agree completely.

[@richarddarlington1139]

Randall Banks I often watch these clips of this great series just to gain a little perspective of what America should be, rather than what we've become. It breaks my heart to see this great nation of ours being dismantled by this current administration. This country is rapidly becoming the very definition of unfulfilled potential.

[@pault1964]

Unfortunately this is not the democratic government they rented out west wing bedrooms for vast amounts of money

[@botanicalspotlight]

Love how casually you see the secret service step into the scene

[@jimgeiser1570]

After the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy (D-NY) in 1968, it has been the policy of the United States Secret Service to protect all those who are running for the Offices of President, and Vice-President. But, whoever on the Democratic Party does not get nominated for the Democratic ticket, loses Secret Service, unless he/she runs as Independent, or any other party.

[@terrygracy8345]

Agreed. I loved that touch too.

[@ernesthill4017]

That's what they do

[@terrygracy8345]

Agreed. I’ve always enjoyed that little touch

[@allendracabal0819]

@@jimgeiser1570 Not "all those", but only candidates identified as "major candidates" (by the Secretary of Homeland Security and an advisory committee). And it's not a Secret Service policy, but rather designated by federal law. Finally, I don't know why you singled out the Democratic Party in your final sentence; the same caveat would apply to candidates of any party.

[@albertgaspar627]

a boss becomes a leader, when he or she realizes loyalty goes in both directions.

[@alexreid4131]

I love this. I have had so many bosses who I wish had got this. I try and do this for those that I serve who I manage. Thank you.

[@albertgaspar627]

@@alexreid4131 you're welcome. I've seen when Loyalty is a two-way street. It creates a stronger bond than one that is forced or demanded.

[@davidcombs3617]

A rare quality in a boss these days.

[@albertgaspar627]

@@davidcombs3617 sad yet true. I'm sure they teach it in some manager school someplace, but either you know it as a person, or you don't.

[@Facetimer864]

@alexreid ..Very well said..Thank You

[@ChadsMedia]

The writing of Aaron Sorkin is unmatched by anything being produced these days. This scene is just perfect.

[@cryofpaine]

I've said before, if there is anyone even remotely close to a modern day Shakespeare, it's Sorkin.

[@Ratboy2004]

Sheen nails it.

[@Nancy-xg9nc]

@@Ratboy2004 Yes! Josh too...such fine acting.

[@solomonaerospace5932]

@@cryofpaine Never heard someone say it better! Sorkin was amazing at writing this.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

I don't think so. No politician would be this way. They are focused on one thing. Winning. They might have compassion for a staffer, but they'd be on that podium in a heartbeat. Sorkin is a great writer, but he does not know politicians.

[@danip3270]

My favorite part of this begins at 3:06 when Josh stares directly at Jed, and then does it again at the gate. How many actors ever hold eye contact like that? I truly respect that honesty in Bradley’s acting here. It really is Bradley ensuring we see him like a kid looking up to his dad, as Jed steps in now, with compassion, as Josh’s father substitute.

[@MPDLR]

Yes - it's like Josh had reverence from him. And Bartlett sort of adopted him.

[@djtexas4993]

In a later episode, Jed was talking to God, and did call Josh his son.

[@danhuff8446]

I have probably watched this 100 times, truly, and this was the first time I noticed as Leo and Jed walk into the distance, multiple people stop to shake his hand, say Hello, and Congratulate him. It is those tiny touches, that sometimes go unnoticed, that make this show brilliant.

[@davidhardwick3816]

One of the best shows, if not the best, ever on television.

[@andrewgundy3045]

Couldn’t agree more

[@themripley]

And then In Two Cathedrals Bartlet calls Josh his son. "What was Josh Lyman. A warning shot? That's my son"!

[@yahulwagoni4571]

"This is my Son, in whom I am well pleased".

[@graceskerp]

That moment in the airport is when Josh became his son.

[@zacharias7284]

That last scene in Two Cathedrals gives me chills every time. No matter how many times I watch it and know exactly what’s going to happen, it’s just as powerful seeing him get soaking wet in the rain and walk up to that podium and pause for seemingly forever and put his hands in his pockets just like Mrs. Lanningham said. Sorkin’s writing ain’t subtle but it’s fucking powerful.

[@jaketadlock892]

Don’t forget that when he does that and just smiles the flag is waving in the background through a dark and stormy night.

[@eviloverlordsean]

@Megan Ripley that moment was completely epic. thanks for remembering that

[@qhsperson]

And then there was the time in real life when Martin Sheen was sitting in an airport waiting for a flight. A man walked past him and, without stopping, said, "Air Force 1 in the shop, Mr. President?" and kept going.

[@andrewroberts8139]

Is that true? Fabulous if so.

[@maclover1524]

@@andrewroberts8139 Heheh In some ways it doesn't even matter if it's true or not does it? It's just imagining that happening that is such a cool thought. And BTW I bet it really is true. :) . Love West Wing!

[@DavidHeffron78]

I bet Sheen hates that kind of shit.

[@helipeek2736]

The gift shop?

[@JoelJoel321]

@@DavidHeffron78 I imagine the pay cheques and international critical acclaim take the edge off.

[@TheBrizz71]

One of my favorite scenes in the history of this great show. Sorkin and co. made it feel like these people were real, and that we knew them. I've never seen any show do a better job at that.

[@Tigerman1138]

TheBrizz71 My girlfriend once razzed me that I talked about these characters like they were my friends. Great show.

[@dspf68]

TheBrizz71 agreed. brilliant.

[@jerodast]

And now they're still your friends and she's not, amirite? Just kidding, hope things are good with you two :P

[@Agent_1701-D]

Tigerman1138 All good television shows accomplish that.

[@ezrismom]

Many, many scenes in the show. I really miss it.

[@fishbone3333]

At the end of this scene, when Josh says, "It was nice of you to ask"...it may very well have been translated to "I will run through a wall for you".

[@acolytetojippity]

0:40 is probably my favorite part of this clip. Bartlet went all the way to the airport to see Josh, and realizes at this moment that he didn't think this through. He didn't have a plan or know what to say, just that he had to be there.

[@ernesthill4017]

Sometimes..... Just being there is enough

[@philippneumann1351]

The scene reminds me of the later scene with Gov. Richie: "Crime, boy, I don't know." Only Bartlet decided to give Richie hell for it ;-)

[@whywelovefilm7079]

Nice catch…

[@Lepidopray]

"You gotta be a little impressed I got those names right just now". Some of the WW actors have talked about how Sheen isn't good with names in real life. This is probably one of those touches Sorkin added because of observing the actors.

[@ningenJMK]

At this moment, Bartlet realizes through his fatherly concern for a staffer the reason he got into public service to begin with...a desire to help people at their lowest.

[@galileo228]

And THAT's what allowed Bartlett to become "ready." He needed that reminder, and you can see him transform in this scene.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Silly. A politician is 100% not like that. I know, I used to work for the California legislature.

[@mouse1216]

@@scottslotterbeck3796 not silly at all. Politicians aren’t like this , but some public servants are. Unfortunately, they too often don’t last long. This is television, it’s make-believe, and a gifted writer reminding us of the kind of people we should be putting in office

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

@@mouse1216 Politicians are not normal people. They are... different. Narcissists tending toward sociopaths. Pres Bartlett is not a real politician, lol. The guys in there have huge egos, few scruples, and generally the minds of teenaged bullies.

[@peterhjortshj7319]

Thank you for writing this comment. I might just have done something very special for me and the world.

[@colinbaker3916]

Sheen, Whitford, Spencer, and the writing of Aaron Sorkin. Unbeatable.

[@andrewgundy3045]

Couldn’t agree more

[@RogueBlackOp]

I was already tearing up this scene, but the next one? God that was emotional. Josh waking up after the surgery and seeing Jed there once again in his time of need. President Bartlett was really that father figure for his entire staff.

[@spasticnapjerk]

What did he say? He said, What's next?

[@aaronstein1480]

just realized, "it's a pulmonary embolism, it's a blod clot" is the same dialogue that Josh has with the surgeon after Donna is injured in Palestine. superb writing and really smart and humble callback

[@DGNYY27]

Nothing from season five was superb. Recycled hackery.

[@ashwinoashwin]

Yes! Great catch!

[@theolamp5312]

3:20 the moment Josh knows for sure he's working for the right man, and the sacrifices are all worth it.

[@DesertStreams002]

And the music… just perfect.

[@dweir2584]

I love Bartlett's nomination speech at the end of the sequence. The way it rises in passion, stirring the audience. Perfect.

[@bsgtrekfan88]

the man just won the primary and he is at an airport with a senior aid....wanting to help the man out and go with him. Jed is a Legend!!!

[@disastertom]

This show is just plain amazing.

[@1rugbynutter]

“They’re calling your flight”…why is this wonderful…because Bartlett knew what Josh’s flight was. Because he took the time to find out!❤

[@flyboy152]

Yeah, Donna would have told the Secret Service which flight Josh was on. Jed isn’t going to wander around O’Hare looking for flights to the tri-state area. 😀

[@heisdeadjim]

Martin Sheen also did the tannoy calls.

[@LoudestHoward]

Josh told him they were calling his flight like 45 seconds earlier :P

[@bgdancer100]

This, right here, is when Josh really becomes Bartlett's man. His speech about why he voted down the milk price bill or whatever it was is what got Josh onboard, but this is what made his loyalty to Bartlett personal, almost feudal. From here on until he went to run Santos' campaign as far as Josh Lyman was concerned Jed Bartlett was the President, and he was the President's man.

[@AbhishekMande]

Man, Sorkin's speeches are something else. This one at the end. The other one 'the streets of heaven are crowded with angels tonight' What amazing writing,

[@thomasstengel7356]

One of the very best scenes in the entire series and it encapsulates why people loved it as they did. Humanity.

[@Tigerman1138]

This was one of my most favorite scenes. The subtle way the governor's guards (or perhaps SS protection for a candidate at this point) come and secure the area is great. The talk they have is great, Bartlett telling him how he knows Josh's father was already proud and him offering to go with him to the funeral (I fully believe he would have done so), and winning Josh's trust and devotion fully. Lovely scene and is so well acted you'd swear it is just real.

[@heleneschenbacher8512]

Uh Yeah! Only Secret Service does it this perfectly! The Law is that all candidates get protection within 120 days of the general election. HOWEVER for President Barack Obama, they began protection 6 months earlier as there were so many racist threats. God Bless America!

[@skontheroad]

@@heleneschenbacher8512 That is incorrect. Once a person receives the nomination as the party's candidate, they are then eligible for protection. The candidate's spouse and family at 120 days, but also at their discretion, so often sometimes earlier. Obama had nothing to do with it. It was after Bobby Kennedy was killed that the law was then changed.

[@Mozart1220]

@@skontheroad It is still a fact that Obama got racist threats.

[@PlanetHouston]

I'm not going to lie. They secure the area so subtly that I didn't actually realize they had walked up the first time I saw this scene. As Jed was leaving, I was like, "Where did all those guys come from...?"

[@vidurbutalia2130]

People tend not to use that acronym for the Secret Service - for somewhat obvious reasons.

[@tlightning8383]

Obviously Bartlet is a fictional character, but man it’s just absolutely incredible that he’s willing to give up a pivotal moment of his career, of his life, sacrificing his future, all so that a friend of his wouldn’t have to be alone during a difficult time. Actually scratch that; Bartlett and Josh weren’t even friends at this point! But he was willing to pause his entire life just to be there for someone. He’s a fictional character, but there are people out there who are equally incredible and selfless. Bartlet represents those people.

[@chrissegee]

Bartlett was all about loyalty

[@MrCCollins1993]

He's the idea. Bartlett might be fictional but the idea of kindness and compassion, leadership and courage, lives in the hearts of so many people. That's real, and that's what I see when I watch the West Wing.

[@chrissegee]

@@MrCCollins1993 I agree he is the ideal president that the candidates should try and emulate

[@atomicsquirrel6457]

And he’s flawed. He makes mistakes, he gets angry, he can be arrogant and rude. He’s not a plaster saint. He’s just a very good man.

[@mikemartin5749]

To turn around and see that the person you are leaving is still there watching you is very powerful. When people leave my home, I stand in the driveway and wave until they are out of sight.

[@tracytimberlake6588]

2:59 Josh realizes he's one of the few. Josh: Well, I feel bathed in the warm embrace of the candidate. Leo: He's very easy to like, once you get to know him. Josh: How many people get that far? Leo: Not that many. Josh: Okay.

[@cathyshaw-kalloo237]

Also the moment when we hear Martin Sheen himself making the boarding announcement. 😁

[@peterkierst2744]

That is beautifully acted by those two guys.

[@tracycullenberg5654]

One of the best scenes, not only of this show but of all tv shows.

[@DJ_LP_ViBE]

In a great scene between Bartlett and Josh, what I'll remember is the smile that grows on Leo's face when Jed says "I'm ready". John Spencer was just amazing.

[@moraksbamdo4102]

The hand on Leo's shoulder as they walk off. So subtle but says so much.

[@tracytimberlake6588]

I'll go out on a limb and say this is one of the best scenes in the history of television.

[@gooddypm]

Tracy Timberlake yes and no. This show had so, so many “best scenes” that to pick one would be nigh on impossible.

[@isragat]

This show Man!!! The writing & acting is unbelievable. So many seances can make me tear up so easy....

[@pchiare]

People of planet earth, the amazing artistry of this show on display here. Thank you to all those involved.

[@kenepperson904]

The best show I ever watch. Never get tired of this show. So sad when it ended.

[@lightlantern]

All These Years Later I Still Cry & Get Goosebumps ❤

[@vietkutie001]

The fact that he was genuinely willing to fly with Josh… 💛

[@Inproject12]

Watched this scene probably 100 times and I still get a lump in my throat when He says "He was already. Trust me I'm a father. He was already. " No truer words as a parent.

[@zerotolerance5581]

SO many, were SO excellent, on this show.

[@kafan439]

I was already so on board with this show, and where it began in the timeline. And then they had this amazing, how they got to this point, story arc, that blew me away and was so enjoyable and well done. I really miss the two episodes every morning on Bravo they did for a while, Each episode was so rich that I'd watch them all, no matter how many times I'd seen it before.

[@jinsungkim4024]

No doubt, best scene ever in the history of political drama. Just love the way Bartlet apologizes to Josh for his reckless jackass-ing, sincerely comforts Josh by saying his father has already been proud of him, and more than that, I just can't forget the smile of Leo when Bartlet says "Leo, I'm ready"!! Damn miss the drama.

[@thedr00]

This scene chokes me up like no other. What a wonderful moment in a wonderful show. Bartlet for President!

[@sushimmukerji515]

What a display of loyalty with so few words.

[@MPDLR]

From a Right of Center fellow who usually votes Republican.... I love this show so much, and I get chills and tears to this day. One day I can't wait to write-in Jed Bartlet on my ballot.I wish this crew...was truly in charge. More than anything - I love the intellectual curiosity, the camaraderie ....and the decency. Our whole nation .....in every corner needs examples of decency.

[@susanweber6861]

This is the America we want to believe in…patriots who make hard decisions and weigh the cost carefully, who don’t always get it right but put country above self. I’m a registered Democrat who for most of my life voted the person not the party - I’ve voted for Republicans, Democrats and independents…and I’m appalled by what people will do/excuse

[@MPDLR]

@@susanweber6861 Thanks for sharing - I hear you. These days - I feel like I'm tuned out. Haven't watched Cable news in 3 years. Used to love discussing/ mud wrestling these topics and I stopped that too. I keep up with headlines and trends just to know which way things are going. But honestly I'm to the point - I feel myself opting out of the system. I feel flummoxed because the decency and open mindedness we discuss - would be *rejected* by primary voters on both sides. So I've sort of accepted - this will be 20/80 country at best. 20% doing great - 80% Hunger Games. Do what I can to establish my kids properly and that's that. I think I watch clips of President Bartlet, Palmer, Kirkman..... more than I watch real news now lol. Oh well the world of make believe is nice. People tell me to be "realistic" and I look around and say - no thanks - :)

[@tomservo4299]

God I absolutely agree.....however there are those both on the right and the left who feels this show skewed some of the standards by which we asses our elected leaders and the legislative and administrative the bring with them.....I have more than once been rebuffed with that argument or simply that it created an unobtainable or more frankly a Pollyanna-ish view of geopolitics and more importantly domestic governance......but to that I say.....OK whatever you want but you can't deny it was a smart kickass show

[@turtlemayhem39]

Get help. Jesus fucking Christ

[@MPDLR]

@@turtlemayhem39 What am I getting help for? As far as your message for Jesus, me and him don't chat so sorry, I can't help you there. Thought if he ever comes around I'd happily treat him to a Whopper and fries - way better than that bread and fish shit we gave him before supposedly beating the crap out of him while Daddy did nothing.

[@alanmusicman3385]

There were so many great scenes in this series - everything about it was top-tier. I wish I could watch it all again for the first time - in reality I have already watched the entire series 2-3 times.

[@retired42002vz]

I binged watched the entire series this year, thanks to HBOMAX. I was kinda sad as I got down to the last several episodes. I so understood now people rewatching the series. I know I will. Love reminiscing with KZbin videos and reading FanFic stories.

[@dweir2584]

A defining moment for Bartlett in the series. The moment he finds his place as the fatherly leader of his team.

[@kenhenderson7999]

Josh's family is Jewish (although in the series it was obvious that Josh himself was non-practicing). It was imperative that Josh get back home as soon as possible because, in the Jewish tradition, the funeral and burial would be held right away.

[@blastermasterguy]

Which isn't always possible, especially for government workers working on the other side of the planet.

[@CodaMission]

Someone has to guard the body.

[@goldboy150]

@Simulation algorithm traditionally, family members perform this role - although if not possible for logistical reasons, others in the community will do it instead. Performing this function is what’s known as a mitzvah - a good deed - and so usually people wouldn’t need to be paid to do it (although they can if need be).

[@tigersfan14]

The cinematography of how this scene was shot has always stood out to me as one of the best in tv history.

[@googoo-gjoob]

The *GREATEST* show in the _HISTORY_ of television.

[@yukizboy3046]

My 2nd fav scene in all of West Wing. I especially love the part at the end where you hear Jed's dem nomination acceptance speech in the background... goosebumps every time.

[@KevinPlayingGames]

I think it's completely impossible to choose favorite West Wing episodes. There are just too many of them...I re-watch the show from beginning to end every couple or three years, every episode, and despite knowing all the dialog, and everything that happens in each episode, I still get goosebumps at the same places, I still tear up uncontrollably at the same places, even though I can anticipate what's about to happen. Somehow, Sorkin's writing and the cast's unmatched ability to deliver it hits me hard, regardless of how many times I watch it. Some of my favorites that come to mind: Thanksgiving episode with the carving knife. Another tear-jerking moment that shows how deeply Jed Bartlett cares about the people around him. Josh and Donna's "anniversary" episode, where Donna tells Josh that if he were in the hospital she wouldn't stop for red lights. The Stackhouse Filibuster There are so many...and tomorrow, a whole different group of episodes might register in my mind and heart as my favorites.

[@kirk8429]

A lot of humanity in this show and some of the best acting ever done on TV.

[@adequatebus8280]

Aaron Sorkin knows that lifelong bonds are made and broken in life's deepest lows, not at life's happy peaks. -C

[@ianboyle1026]

OMG what a scene. Two decades on. Timeless.

[@FinchelFan728]

I love how much Bartlet cared for Josh, Sam and Charlie.

[@sandywaddell4303]

Jed is the father of daughters, as we know. Those three boys are the specific balance, the sons of his heart.

[@josephacevedo2937]

This is the type of leader I aspire to be. Even with something important pending, you take the time to take care of your team.

[@jimbronson780]

This is one of my favorite scenes in the entire series. The compassion and downright decency of the man running for President is so incredible. I doubt any of the candidates today are like that. I wish they were, but I doubt there are any candidates like Jed Bartlett.

[@gchild1286]

God! This was just plain and simple a really good tv show.

[@omore]

When Jed tells Leo he is ready, look at Leo's face. Leo half smiles but looks like he's thinking "it's about damn time Jed!"

[@gangster125]

God. What. A. Show. An absolute masterclass from Aaron Sorkin.

[@LoisLane22]

A beautifully touching scene in a series that was full of them. So many episodes would have me teary eyed by the end credits. (Don't even get me started on In Excelsis Deo.)

[@dspf68]

LoisLane22 Mrs Landingham.

[@lughildana]

dspf68 MRS LAND INGHAM?!

[@pac401]

Admit it, how many of you smiled along with Leo when Jed said, "I'm ready" at 3:50?

[@RandalBauer11]

pac401 Jed finally becomes the man that Leo envisions who'd be a great president. Beautiful.

[@sandih29687]

Sniff!!

[@dspf68]

+pac401 The cocktail napkin lol

[@TheAudioman15]

And how many noticed the hands in his pockets moment? You know, the one Mrs. Landingham says about noticing much later on.

[@mytmyt]

I just noticed, near the beginning of the clip, all the extras in the background doing double-takes at the presence of a presidential candidate at the airport.

[@stephen2583]

ITSOTG2 is the best episode in the best tv show of all time.

[@zacharias7284]

These are two of the best characters in television history. And this is one of the best scenes in television history.

[@irishkcguy]

Greatest show in the history of network television, especially the first four Sorkin seasons.

[@alcro1978]

God i miss John Spencer

[@brainwasher9876]

my throat tightens still when I think of him sometimes.

[@ezrismom]

A devastating loss. I'm about the age he was ... Makes you think.

[@bizlaw8241]

Miss him

[@georgegretser2178]

The more I watch TWW the more he becomes the anchor for the whole show.

[@jpshipwash6240]

So do I…still.

[@NerdWithLaptop]

I borrowed that moving repetition of, ______ and ______, ______ and ______, ______ and ______ for my economics paper. Talk about your chickens coming home to roost. Thanks for the inspiration, Toby!

[@easwarsankar]

He became the Father figure for everyone watching, in this scene. Great touch. Amazing writing and great execution!

[@colinmerritt7645]

Yeah, this would never happen in real life, but it was awfully nice of Sorkin to let us dream.

[@Laudon1228]

I am watching this two decades plus later, in the midst of an administration that is so far beyond a train wreck, that is destroying the very fabric and foundation of America, while killing off its citizens through what amounts to negligent homicide. I find myself in tears, oddly not for what has been lost to the nation, but who has been lost to me. This scene means so much more to me today than it did when it first aired, and it was powerful then. Watching this today, knowing now the loss of my father, and mother as well, just grabs my heart and squeezes.

[@stevenbennett3805]

Best damn television program ever PERIOD!

[@m24213]

I think this is the moment when Jed came to see him in the airport and even offered to go with him to his father's funeral irrespective of his campaign is when josh decided he will run into the fire if Jed asked him to. He decided to get him victory after listening to him, but this is the moment when he decided he will jump of the cliff for him

[@ellie4328]

I know it probably wasn’t planned this way but when Donna is in the hospital in season 6 and develops a pulmonary embolism I always think that Josh’s dad’s death added to Josh’s panic

[@Danny-ks1pb]

Nice catch.

[@shelleyking8450]

This one scene showed Jed to have the heart and compassion of a man that needed to be President. The job MUST ALWAYS belong to someone who cares like this.

[@fayetaylor919]

It's now 2024 and I am still looking for a candidate who is even close to a fictional TV character 😢

Those were the days. What an amazing show.

[@kylenielsen5341]

Back before 9/11, you could go all the way to the gates like this without a ticket. You still had to go through security, but no ticket required. It was nice to be able to greet your loved ones right as they came off the plane.

[@retired42002vz]

I use to enjoy watching the planes come & go. My local airport had some great viewing spots. You could be on the grounds right by the fences, up close & personal. I won’t even talk about be able to go eat & shop in the airport.

[@whitediamondize]

The end when Martin Sheen is walking off, I'm reminded of when he played General Robert E. Lee in Gettysburg. What a fantastic actor!! Let's not forget our past and teach it in its entirety, (the good, the bad and the ugly) to future generations so that they learn from the past and don't make the same mistakes!! I once heard a quote on a TV series about the Revolutionary War that said something like: Thankful to those who fought so that their children could live.

[@Michael-cf9cj]

I always think of him as those two parts, President Bartlett and General Lee, and I'm not sure which I liked him better as. Having read biographies of General Lee, he nailed that part so well. And President Bartlett is such a wonderful character, so well-written. I guess maybe that's why I'd go with General Lee because he wasn't written. He was a real person.

[@rex290]

Jed building quite a bit of loyalty here.

[@barbarawalsh2875]

I just watched something that ranked the West Wing as the 20th the best show on television. Apparently someone doesn’t know how to do the math. I read the shows that they listed ahead of it. I can’t tell you how many times I said I didn’t see it didn’t see it didn’t see it didn’t see it. Maybe I watched an episode of some thing here and there because I walked into a room when it was on. But I’m sorry 20th. You are sadly mistaken. The writing was first rate. The acting was outstanding from Martin to Bradley to everyone else, but mostly to my beloved John Spencer, God rest his soul Leo was everything. There is a time in the series when Jed says “Leo, it should’ve been you“. When I see clips like this, there isn’t any other television show series movie whatever that reached the human heart on such a consistently high level as the West wing dead every week

[@katebc9148]

Best written, produced, and acted show, ever! It speaks to humanity, the messiness of it, and the core of what we, as humans, are supposed to be doing-helping one another. TWW reminds us how far off-track we are in 2020. Thank you Aaron, et al.

[@seanwebb605]

It's a fun guilty pleasure, but let's not get carried away.

[@HellHammerThrash]

definitely my favorite tv series of all time. hands down.

[@hanscombe72]

"Your going to open your mouth and lift houses off the ground - Whole houses clear off the ground!". I love when you hear the speech someone actually cries out just before the applause starts. I'd react that way too of I was hearing Bartlett deliver a speech written by Sam or Toby or Martin Sheen delivering Aaron Sorkin's writing!

[@lindab.716]

I want this type of President.

[@gunrunnerification]

I remember watching this scene when it was first broadcast almost 24 years ago! “Your name wouldn’t have come up. MY SON won the Illinois primary” still makes me laugh! I just noticed Leo’s little smile when Bartlett says “I’m ready”. We were robbed when John Spencer died so young 😢.

[@danielquinn6934]

The last 30 seconds of this clip gives me goosebumps. Every. Single. Time.

[@philbranagan3137]

What a great scene, 2 actors at their very best. Not that I would ask Sorkin to change anything but if I did, I often think that in this scene there is a small window in which Bartlet is neither a Governor (he's a full-time candidate) nor the Democratic candidate (he has not claimed the nomination yet). So when Josh turns to get on the flight, in my head he says, "thanks Jed"...

[@zacman1226]

I’m a staunch conservative, and I would vote for Jed Bartlet everyday of the week and twice on Sunday

[@pbdye1607]

The flight announcement at around 3:00 seems to be in Sheen's voice. I guess he just felt like doing that. Also, this is the moment that ties into Bartlet calling Josh Lyman "his son" in the National Cathedral after Miss Landingham's service.

[@ericness]

All of the flight announcements for Josh's flight are Martin Sheen....

[@chrissegee]

This show should be mandatory viewing for every political science major in the nation

[@lordofentropy]

The good old days when non-ticketed people could actually go to the gates.

[@yahulwagoni4571]

We give the TSA alot of money every year. What does it do for us? What has it done to us?

[@BodaciousWench]

I think he had some pull as Governor.

[@sparkymahoney4343]

@@BodaciousWench No, that actually used to be a thing.

[@SaiSivakumar]

@@BodaciousWench Remember in Friends when Ross and Phoebe chased down Rachel to the gate? Ross was no Governor.

[@valenceli6547]

It's because this is tv...

[@TeeKJay]

The look on Josh's face as he turns away to get on his flight. It says, "I will run through the fires of hell for you."