The West Wing 2.5 (And Its Surely To Their Credit) "my president is your president"

[@MisterGaryCooper]

Words fail to describe Allison Janney's STRONG performance here. She's a testament to the art.

[@somebodyelse6673]

That woman is a stone cold savage when she needs to be.

[@AnnetteWarren]

„Defending itself against a country that can’t bake bread“. As someone born in the Soviet Union, I have to say this line is brilliant 😂

[@stevechance150]

Is it true that Russia doesn't have an interstate highway system? That if you want to travel across the country you have to do it by train?

[@christophercaldwell6888]

I'm an American ... I *LIKE* Russian bread. I liked Soviet bread. The thing is, I'm an American, over there on business ... I suspect I wasn't getting what the majority of the local population ate. I'm getting the impression I should be thankful.

[@wessexdruid7598]

@@stevechance150 The 50 states of the USA cover six times zones (that's including Alaska & Hawaii). Russia covers _eleven_ time zones, in comparison. It borders 14 countries. It doesn't have 'states'.

[@bgold2007]

But as we see they can still throw bodies at Ukraine

[@wessexdruid7598]

@@bgold2007 Even if they're Korean.

[@haroldgeorge892]

Wearing a medal you didn’t earn is a death knell for ANY military officer/service member. That’s a line you *DO NOT* cross.

[@frederickstibbert7389]

Indeed, ADM Michael Boorda killed himself in 1996 as a result of wearing 2 'V' devices on his service ribbons - distinctions for valor in combat that he had been verbally, but not officially, authorized to wear.

[@stevekight1955]

@@frederickstibbert7389 And it turns out that the newsman that hounded him about it was also wearing a medal that he was not authorized to wear.

[@markc7440]

In the UK we've just (about four weeks ago) had the Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police dismissed for exaggerating his previous military record; he did 2-4 years as a Royal Navy rating, not 12 as an officer, and he was caught wearing the Falklands Conflict Medal, but he would have been only 15 at the time. No future, no pension, no allies.

[@Kerry0101]

@@frederickstibbert7389I was in the Navy when I knew if Admiral Borda, was not lucky enough to have a site visit. He was the Navy from what I understand either E-1 or E-2 all the way up to CNO. It crushed me to hear he took his life over the V’s. Such a big loss for this country.

[@doctorderpage2848]

It's extraordinary that this mans position was completely brought down by his own hubris. Wouldn't it be sweet if this was our real life?

[@mobiz711]

CJ's response to being called Kitten is PRICELESS. Like she had to hold back punching him. I got your kitten right here general.

[@FaithPvP]

"DON'T CALL ME GIRL, SIR!" also one of my favorite Sorkin moments.

[@bb22602]

Always remember that kittens have claws, General.

[@susiedupuy9532]

That's why he called her that. He wanted her to lose her cool.

[@jwdickinson643]

yup, Ms. Kitten clawed his balls to shreds at the end with the stolen valor point she raised. 👍👍

[@anjaplushenka5995]

*Kittens are lionesses and tigresses too, (little) sir.*

[@ghostn9ne]

Over and over I keep coming back to this scene. Might be my favorite of the whole series. The writing and especially Allison Janney's delivery, exceptional.

[@np100]

The CJ character is one that broke ice for many women. Best drama of my lifetime.

[@joshmccollen700]

Can't you just imagine Sorkin ranting to himself to himself while in the shower and imagining every comeback possible? Then putting that rant to paper and handing it in for a script?

[@madcapmagician3130]

And he does like his showers when he has trouble writing difficult scenes....this is a distinct possibility lol

[@StealthMarmot_]

Yes. I too, have written. Writing is simply putting the madness of arguing voices in your head on paper.

[@GuruJudge21]

Yes, because everything that Sorkin writes sounds like Sorkin.

[@yaust14]

no and i don't want to. :)

[@AjeethRajesh]

All while he’s downed 3 lines of coke

[@SpydeyDan]

2:15 Hears the misogyny, doesn't take the bait, and owns the fuck out of him all the same. CJ is a boss.

[@Serai3]

Yeah, that shit was disgusting.

[@paulwagner688]

"He never even served and he presumes..." "Yes, because that's how the constitution was written. A CIVILIAN is your boss and orders you around".

[@nudist0885]

and so far 12 of 45 Presidents have never served and we still seem fine and dandy......(8^)

[@joelfinch2471]

@@nudist0885 well, not lately.

[@varunhebli]

@@joelfinch2471 and what's wrong?

[@casmatt99]

@@varunhebli just the fact that the guy in office is a draft-dodging fascist who thinks the entire US government is a corporation he can use to enrich himself and his friends and do his corrupt bidding. Other than that everything is hunky dory.

[@JacobLantz]

@@brenda3251 Hey there, dude from Sweden here just jumping in. I'm very curious, why did you choose to talk about the Clintons when nobody mentioned them? Is Trump automatically a benevolent and competent leader because of someone elses flaws? If you choose to discuss the assessment of mr donald, wouldn't it be far mor relevant to present counter arguments against the specific claims? Again, just curious =). Hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas 🤗💛

[@theolamp5312]

CJ is badass. CJ and the whole ensemble cast were always made better by Sorkin's dialogue. And, the cast always made Sorkin's dialogue better. A rare marriage.

[@billmasters385]

CJ rocks. I think I love her.

[@janswimwild]

It remains the best tv series ever for me, sublime writing and acting. It also never dates, not necessarily a good thing when many of the issues remain current but it makes it a superb historical drama.

[@ConnieGordon]

@@billmasters385 I'm a straight female and I think I love her too. But if she's happier with you, I'll bow out. *grins*

[@ScorpiousDelectus]

You can hear the stress and almost fear in Janney's voice while speaking with the General, keeping it together and portraying an authority but being terrified under the surface. Amazing stuff

[@jczeigler]

ScorpiousDelectus It is not terror. It is rage.

[@maryschmidt6128]

@@jczeigler Rage, yes. You can witness her body breathing hard for keeping the rage contained in this exchange between 2 powerful people exercising their power under different nuances of valor. WOW.

[@theoutlook55]

I don't know if she was terrified, I think it was more exasperated.

[@vickystefanik4901]

I think the fact that we all noticed that is a credit to her superb acting. The breathing... the tiny shake in her voice, but she stood tall. I not only miss this show, I miss this Administration!

[@lewisforemanmusic]

CJ is pure class. She calls him Sir all the way he's attacking, General when he storms away and then "is there anything else Sir?"

[@Madcat221]

He doesn't so much storm away as meekly leave with thinly veiled impotent anger because she's got him by the stolen valor blackmail balls.

[@theunknowndarkpassenger5632]

I love that his argument for not being a coward is talking about how many other soldiers he sent to war zones lol.

[@jamesgoines7663]

SENT!

[@martinszoke8558]

YOU DO REALIZE A LIBERAL WROTE THIS TRASH, OR ARE YOU THAT PATHETIC, OR LIBERAL, AS REDUNDANT AS THOSE TWO THINGS ARE....

[@martinszoke8558]

@Howard Pearcey Not for the left, those men are military heros, and Republican, they know what it means to die for a cause the "left" only sees that as killing 25 republicans votes, a win win for them.....classless anti American pieces of shit they are....

[@mrchilli5618]

@@martinszoke8558 classless perhaps describes you much more than those you rant at.

[@mrchilli5618]

I love how quickly conservatives jump on perceived slights. She called him a coward for waiting until he did not have to deal with the consequences of his actions and called him out on the fact that he was wearing a medal he was not entitled to.

[@lysechrist1947]

Nose to nose CJ Craig goes! The character was certainly a force to deal with. Such memorable scripts and such memorable characters make this show worth watching over and over. I never tire of it.

[@India.H]

When CJ said 'how does that usually go over with the boys?' my face dropped and I felt a little shiver go through me. It's not often CJ blackmails people into doing/not doing things so it gave me a kind of... I don't know. It just showed how tense the situation was.

[@JnEricsonx]

It's called, "having no more patience for bullshit." Obama honestly needed to hit that point a few times in his 8 years.

[@gdavis2038]

That scene showed me the love respect and honor felt for the man president and office. As well as the branch of service and those serving

[@Helbinor]

It's not blackmail so much as showing she has the better hand. If the general trashes the president, then CJ will have to trash the general as part of her job. She's showing him just how well she'll be able to do so.

[@howardtreesong4860]

As a flag officer he should know better than to display honors he did not earn. Any officer worth his spit should flat out refuse to accept an award like that.

[@gatorfan3783]

@@Helbinor: Later on in that episode, the President instructs CJ to recall the dogs and let the general off the hook. I guarantee, however, that the general will never forget that C.J. and the President know that he shamelessly attempted to claim military honors he never earned.

[@mindya1799]

Don't get into a pissing contest with C.J. Especially with stolen valor. Her aim is sniper accurate. And, just as deadly.

[@VineKey51]

Unless you're in prank war with Charlie...

[@mrsmelons5553]

Charlie wins everything!!! He and CJ are my favorite characters. If i HAD to pick... It’s a very hard thing to do, though-so many greats!

[@jaycorbin5361]

@@mrsmelons5553 "Just how long do you make someone your bitch?"

[@mrsmelons5553]

@@jaycorbin5361 Never. I resort directly to ad hominem insults. I'm just not clever enough (breaks down in sobs, hiding face). Fuck, I love Charlie!!!

[@jaycorbin5361]

@@mrsmelons5553 That was my favorite line from the prank war episode. Just when you think it's over, CJs desk collapses and she immediately responds with that good line.

[@NahualliUoxtitla]

Ha! I love it. Angry general had a quiet moment of realization - he realizes this isn't going how he planned. He tries to appeal to her emotions. Soft music starts playing. A redemption seems inevitable. **screeching record sound** "Is there anything else, sir?"

[@MalakianM2S]

How quick he drops the act and shows his actual repulsion for the president when facing the fact that he is screwed.

[@markdiaddario6398]

A hypocrite

[@tomtagliente1464]

Revulsion.

[@MalakianM2S]

@@tomtagliente1464 That was actually a typo, I meant what I wrongly typed. Repulsion. Already corrected anyways.

[@3kylajsmith]

Notice she addressed them properly and they did not give her the same respect.

[@punknhead23]

Because you don't get down in the grass with a snake.

[@redbaron779]

@@punknhead23 She never had to. Because she doused the grass in gasoline and lit a match.

[@torte519]

@@redbaron779 So this is why those california fies keep happening?

[@imcallingjapan2178]

@@punknhead23 I hope you've grown up in the last three years.

[@Kate-lk6tw]

⁠@@punknhead23Someone who calls you out is not a snake. The president is your CinC. End of story. This guy is toast.

[@vphiameradisogaarwa]

Shakespearian, absolutely a stunning cast - from top to bottom. Where are the great dramas like this.

[@nemo227]

I loved that episode and that encounter. You don't mess with C.J. if you're not fully armed. She was a formidable adversary.

[@NotTheSweat]

CJ’s reaction when the General calls her “Kitten”, such superb acting!

[@Ohm_mega]

The "kitten" has sharp claws.

[@lancer525]

@@Ohm_mega I read recently, that Tom Bower, the actor who portrayed the General (and who recently died) was uncomfortable with the lines being so sexist and hateful toward CJ) Kind of speaks to the amazing talents of the actors who played these roles, even the minor ones. Great show.

[@benitacassell4297]

I still miss this show. Great writing and great acting.

[@esverker7018]

Love how she says "with all due respect", because it never clarifies how much respect that actually is. Could be none lmao

[@julieenslow5915]

Actually, I felt it showed exactly how much respect was due him. She respected the rank, not the man.

[@tomryberg9650]

@@julieenslow5915 exactly. Showing respect to him is about who she is, not who he is.

[@ered203]

Barking down a four star general. CJ Craig is so damn smoking hot.

[@DramaticChick]

Isn't she though?

[@TheStuport]

+ered203 I was at Attention during that whole spirited diatribe......and I Saluted when is was over! At Ease everyone......stand down.

[@joe2401]

Its fiction you slobbering idiot Liberal. Trump 2020!

[@AegisNova]

If we live that long...

[@jeffreygannon8208]

ered203 monster hit Monster high

[@papasquat355]

WW seasons 1-4 are my go-to sick day binge watch. I think I'm getting the sniffles.

[@MaxWelton]

Claudia Jean womansplaining a mansplainer in his own field is the highlight of the show every damn time

[@alexforce9]

I feel sorry for people who use words like "mansplaing". C.J is great character - dont ruin it with thinking that is coz she is a woman. We are a lot more than our genders.

[@txa1265]

@@alexforce9 It is a correct and accurate description- the general uses misogynist terms like 'lady' and 'honey' to talk down to her due to gender. It is a typical male move to assume their voice is more valid because of their gender. Get educated - misogyny is real, racism is real, and the impacts look like this. You don't have to go far to find examples.

[@AAAAAAA66879]

What about she is just amazing. Why do you need these idiotic words…

[@AAAAAAA66879]

@@txa1265 I’m sorry but calling someone honey might be a way of trying to shut a girl up but there are equivalent things you can tell men. I know you will disagree but I just wanted you to know that we are many out there thinking It’s not the end of the world and that your way of thinking is building trenches in society not bridges.

[@kw7807]

@@txa1265 you are spot on.

[@dogkungfu8510]

Last time somebody got this housed, the witches legs were the only thing sticking out.

[@darthvadersith514]

Oh good lord. 🤣🤣

[@topcat2935]

Way to pick a reference that everybody knows. That image popped into my head instantly.

[@carolcrawford9137]

"hosed"

[@robertbarnes4666]

The best part is she had that bomb from the first word yet saved it until she needed to drop the Mic splendid

[@bradleybrown8399]

Even though CJ knew about the general's medal, that moment when she looks at his ribbons on his chest, and blinks in relief when she does see it there, is a beautiful moment of acting.

[@stevepan50]

What West Wing does not want you to know is that General is being played by John Spencer who plays Leo Mcgarry. Relook at the scene, look how they have the generals face covered almost in shadows and light and then go and pause at 2:59 , put your hand covering above the eyebrows so you do not see the top of his head, and then you will know. Listen to the voice, that is John Spencer trying to change his voice but you could tell its him still...Either your mind will be blown or you will think I am just a nutjob...Look with unbiased mind

[@bradleybrown8399]

@@stevepan50 I vote for nutjob

[@LuLu-xs4sh]

@@stevepan50 Agreed!

[@stevepan50]

@@LuLu-xs4sh The funny thing people think John Spencer and Tom Bower are two different actors John Spencer still lives now with the name Tom Bower...Only in Hollywood

[@dennissvitak148]

I served on active duty for more than 20 years. I had a nice assortment of pretty colored ribbons, representing the totality of my career. My dad was also career military, and when he died, my mother asked if I could arrange my dad's funeral, and to have him buried in his service dress uniform. It took the local VFW, and efforts of a LOT of people to organize his ribbons correctly. I had no clue where the US Army Occupation of Japan medal was sequenced...but others did. Right now, I have a ribbon rack all set up, including the Legion of Merit I received on the day I retired. I had a rack rebuilt AFTER retirement, just to have one available....for when the time comes. I retired 26 years ago, and hope to live another 20, and this won't be a concern for my family. They'll have enough issues.

[@annek1226]

I thank you Sir for your service and that of your father’s and your families!

[@bluekitty3731]

Thank you for your service and I'm sure you did your father proud.

[@goconnor0304]

Thank you for your service on defending our country and our constitution.

[@fayetaylor919]

A HUGE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE to you sir, to your Father as well. ❤

[@jms3spinoon]

CJ has been and will always be my favorite character from the West Wing.

[@Jman7133]

"You think I have the time and inclination..." definitely shades of A Few Good Men, which Sorkin also wrote.

[@brenda3251]

There is a youtube video where they have put together all of Sorkin's dialogue from many different projects. It is excellent!

[@tosaye]

The loyalty and dedication of CJ, Leo, Josh, Charlie, and Toby is very admirable. How can a non-fictional politician inspire this?

[@kirk001]

Jeebus CJ is amazing. And Alison Janey's delivery is breathtaking. But as well as this scene is written, I wish the clip included the final resolution where CJ meets with Bartlett and he tells her to let the General go on air, saying something to the effect that whether Bartlett likes him or not, he's served his country well, and has the right to speak his mind. --Protecting his critic's right to free speech.

[@JPF941]

I agree, that is the best part of the whole storyline, the fact that Bartlett can quietly honor a man with respect and giving him his due when Bartlett did not have to.

[@douglasthomashayden2566]

But the general *wouldn't* have the right to say it as a serving officer. UCMJ. I think somebody said Article 88.

[@williammassey911]

@@JPF941 This is part of what made WW the best show ever.

[@bigbrowntau]

@@douglasthomashayden2566 Absolutely right! Which is why he was planning on resigning the moment after saying his bit. By the time the military moves on it, he'd be a civilian. Senior military officers have pulled this stunt before in real life. CJ called it "ring and run" at 1:00

[@Tara_Li]

If he’d been honorable, he’d have done it the day after he retired, not the day before. But he felt being able to say “As a serving officer…” would let him win the public opinion fight. If he’d gone on the air before, I’d have suggested his resignation be denied, and he be held over for a Court Martial. This shit is one of the reasons I never liked Colin Powell.

[@lysechrist1947]

I could, and have, watched this numerous time. CJ Craig delivered it flawlessly. Great scripts allowed for great acting!

[@briane5706]

Remember, CJ is the Jackal.

[@acolytetojippity]

Medals have requirements. If that Gen. didn't fulfill said requirements, then he didn't earn that medal. Hell, a few medals it is a federal felony to wear it without it being earned.

[@josephoutram3019]

I'm sure they do, and he may have qualified for it through other actions. But the fact that he wasn't there for the event that it *was* awarded for would probably rankle a few people I'm sure.

[@TairnKA]

"You can leave now" CJ remarks in an authoritative tone.

[@AloisiaSedai]

I LOVE the acting here. After he calls her kitten, she takes a deep breath and keeps coming. Then as he really goes at her and she gets ready to drop her bomb, she starts to breathe fast. So good.

[@suemay2114]

Loved it when CJ kicked ass like this. Absolutely loved this show. Must be time to rewatch the DVD’s

[@pbdye1607]

2:43 is the moment he realized he mistook a lioness for a kitten. It's also the moment when you knew C.J. was going to make a great Chief of Staff when she was tapped for it. That's a Leo-level dunk she just laid down, even *before* she went nuclear with the False Valor threat.

[@gtrmagic]

More brilliant writing, more fabulous execution! Viva The West Wing!

[@Buzzbar94]

This scene, and Sam standing up to those worms Joyce Brookline are my favourite scenes in this episode. Dont get me wrong I loved the entire episode but those two scenes always got me. Power to you, Claudia Jean!

[@jedinxf7]

I love the fear on the messenger's face when he realizes he has to call his boss a coward.

[@almostfm]

And that was CJ throwing down. She knew exactly the kind of response she'd get from the general.

[@tomtagliente1464]

That wasn't fear. The messenger was pissed off at her for her coward remark.

[@Caladuun]

One of my favorite back and fourths during the show's run. Well written, well acted = win

[@almostfm]

One thing I didn't catch when the show originally aired--at the end of the scene, CJ is standing at attention (or at least a good civilian attempt at it)

[@andreghouse6069]

This is why she has class - she is berating a senior staff officer but doing it respectfully. Class act

[@KasbashPlays]

@@andreghouse6069 Respectful indeed. She never resorted to petty insults although he did. She never barked at him although he did and she sure as hell barge into his office bellowing.

[@falseprophet1024]

She blackmailed him and agreed to keep his dirty little secret as long as he wasn't mean to the CiC. Not exactly classy..

[@NT-fo3me]

@@falseprophet1024 She never once threatened him with anything. She merely pointed out that he had himself decorated with a medal he never earned.

[@bradleybrown8399]

She's just standing, guy.

[@Yorktown48]

When he sent his aid, that showed CJ that he didn’t want to waste his time with her. That’s what pissed her off.

[@kwasg3]

Could you imagine the military's attitude if he was a draft dodger and called casualties losers and suckers....

[@levalpat]

it is hard to respect Trump as president when he cannot even be respected as a human being!

[@bamascubaman]

A tiny bit of research will reveal that the bias against Trump goes up with rank. Kind of like how the lower education is valued in an area, the more support Trump has there.

[@bamascubaman]

@tim murray It's always entertaining to read the bat shit crazy of the cult.

[@levalpat]

@@bamascubaman . Alot of people thought trump would remodel and restructure government as one could do major work on a house... but found out he is more of a person you would call in to demolish an existing building. Not all Trump supporters are deplorable or not even half as Clinton stated... its more like 25%.... it is curious how the lesser educated support trump.... some of the real deplorables support him because they are assholes and hence identify with trump... we tend to like people we can identify with.... even better, assholes can then convert their assholeness into a quality by saying stupid comments such as "I just tell it like it is" .... which I have learned that if someone says this alot, they are assholes. Whats sad is that Trump does not tell it like it is.... he just lies consistently and is uncivilised rude creature.

[@ferdinandimposter691]

@tim murray your guy paid Russians to piss on him. What a hero

[@bradleybrown8399]

I love how CJ's assistant stands by, cuz she knows that an ass kicking is coming.

[@seanjenkins6947]

Another good point about the c4 readiness rating to make is that it's part of the military's task to have the units prepared for war. The military, in part, need to find a way to improve their rating without breaking the bank. Although you could counter argue that improving them with such fiscal constraints would require a much larger reorganizing of the armed forces which in turn could end up costing money. I believe the answer to that would be partially in reorganization and re-tasking of the armed forces (such as outfitting the military with newer technology) but also recognizing the fact (as C.J. said) that were not under the threat of a country that can't bake bread.

[@tomtagliente1464]

When CJ took out her bazooka and blasted him over his fraudulent medal, I felt great.

[@RozitaVideo]

Love how she destroys General Stolen Valor. I especially love that Sorkin had the General hiding out on Naval vessel! 🤣🤣🤣

[@cz2165]

And the most interesting part of this is that no one else in the leader ship, including the president, would know that she did this. She went to battle all on her own.

[@wskylar21]

Everyone needs someone like CJ watching their backs.

[@cz2165]

Allison Janney is one of Hollywood’s GOATs.

[@Graciiifdp]

I remember watching this for the first time and when KITTEN came out of his mouth I said out loud “fucking wreck him CJ”

[@CountofBeretania]

That checkmate when CJ saw on this heavily decorated General a single ribbon he didn’t earn.

[@MarcusLeepapi]

I miss this show a lot.........

[@TomHaney]

this is the clip that made me fall in love with CJ Craig

[@andybusuttil818]

"I've ordered many men on assignment...I've SENT them everywhere" I notice he didn't go himself.

[@TheStuport]

+andy busuttil That's the same with many high ranking officers sadly.....

[@Tahkaullus01]

To play Devil's Advocate, Generals may be needed to oversee more than one Theatre. They can't in good conscience leave homebase because they may be needed for advice or strategy on other fronts. I don't think for a second that there is any General alive today that wouldn't wish to be on the ground fighting alongside their troops but the fact stands they do more good off it. We shouldn't assume what we see of generals in TV and movies as factual of the real world, that way lies distortion. It's why I have issues with shows that depict politicians as cowardly bureaucrats that only care about the expenditure and appearance of an act rather than the act itself. If they were like that then I couldn't possibly like this show could I?

[@esgaril]

Tahkaullus01 I don't think anybody expects him to go to combat as a general, rather to do so before he was promoted. there's quite some time before a person makes it to general and I don't think it's unreasonable of the soldiers to expect from the person sending them to danger to know what it's like.

[@Serai3]

Yeah, I noticed that too. Fucking chickenhawk, this guy. Everyone else can die for his decisions, but he gets to sit on his fat ass. Yeah, real brave.

[@LordOfNothingreally]

Nobody joins the military at a general's rank. If he rose that high he *had* to have seen action himself. He might be acting petulant because the CiC didn't serve but it would be folly to assume he hadn't risked his life for his country

[@FrozenHero2010]

One of Alison Janney's best scenes. I could see CJ was nervous, but she stood up to the general firmly, factually and calmly. She looked like she needed a stiff drink after that. The general also seemed to think that the president was elected by the military and not the people, and clearly believed that the Commander in Chief must be a military man to hold the title.

[@JustMe-gh7ib]

Man they hate it when women are smart and have done their homework.

[@JoePedo]

The general was right though and acting out of genuine concern. She had to threaten him with character assassination to get her way. Pretty weak.

[@Studentofgosset]

@@JoePedo Ha, it's like you stopped listening to the dialogue at all after a while

[@forcryinoutloud]

@@alexandermarquardt597 Oh honey, when an sexist asshole calls a woman in power "kitten" - it IS about fucking gender and a man hating a woman in power. Don't pretend otherwise. Sure, he was pissed that a civilian was in charge of the military but him being an asshole about that too, doesn't change that he's a sexist asshole that disrespected the press secretary because he thought him being a MALE general in the military made him more important than her, a lowly woman.

[@Ohm_mega]

@@JoePedo It wasn't "character assassination", she just pointed out a simple fact to him.

[@Ohm_mega]

@@alexandermarquardt597 Would you prefer that the entire civilian population of the USA lived under military rule? There is a bloody good reason why the US military is under civilian leadership.

[@markkostka6897]

Allison gives a stellar performance and Sorkin writes the president with heart and self confidence as President Bartlett tells CJ to let him say what he wants to in his retirement. It's too bad with social media now no one cares about people with humility who don't bully others.

[@timmullens9479]

ha ha -she had a card to play that the general didn't know of -love it!!

[@jamietodd2560]

She rebutted _every one_ of his arguments, and still he was going to repeat them in public. It wasn't until he was about to walk out that she played that card. She gave him every opportunity to back down with some dignity. Now he knows that she knows that he is dishonorable.

[@ellenfisher5750]

Well-armed for that conflict!!

[@SuperSparrow45]

I was with the general until CJ dropped the bomb that he never was under fire, and wore the medal for being so. That's disgraceful. You should never lie about your service. I've served 12 years in the Air Force, never seen anything close to action. Doesn't take away from the gravity of my service. I don't pretend like I'm some sort of immortal war hero. I served my country but never endured combat. Not that hard. Don't pretend like you know combat, when you've never seen it.

[@flayremoon]

CJ's restraint was shown so well. She gives the General the proper respect due to his title while he calls her pejorative names. If someone that I had shown respect called me, "Kitten," I'd be MUCH less polite about his BS. She even says, " ...with all due respect..." and he responds, "SHOVE YOUR RESPECT, I DON'T WANT IT!!" My response would have been, "Well, alright, since you don't want my respect, let me give this to you straight up--no tact: what you pulled by going on that show was BS, you knew it was BS, and now I'm calling you out as a coward because you could have had a discussion with the President about this, but you were afraid the end wouldn't benefit you. So instead you decided to malign a man you didn't meet with on an issue you didn't bring up. Wow. You were so brave to sit that interview and just try to disappear!" She could have moved straight into, "Well, 'sir,' I rescind any attempt at respect as you clearly are not aware of what that means. Also, you're a fake, so if you open your mouth on record for anything other than what you ate for breakfast today, I'm sinking your entire career to the bottom of the Mariana trench. Mmmkay? Glad you agree."

[@stevemorrill1524]

Generals are welcome to express hostility towards their commander in chief - AFTER they retire and are no longer in uniform. Also, decorations are not "won". They're earned.

[@seamusbenn2967]

steve morrill the point was he never “won” or earned. Also C.J. was never in the military and probably wouldn’t have known that:

[@Shockwave33]

@@seamusbenn2967 unless she did her due diligence and read up on medals. Remember her job is to answer any question the press might have. And I'm certain there must have been a numbers of off camera situations where she had to read up on medals. But most likely she did her research on the general, compared medals to time frames and postings etc etc.

[@RebeccaPaige]

Semantics

[@effyleven]

CJ is a superb character, played superbly by Allison Janney. It was hard to have a favourite in WW, but CJ was close to the top for me. On a serious note, do you ever find yourself wondering if The Child in Chief ever watched West Wing? Do you think he would have understood it if he had?

[@mikebronicki6978]

I'm guessing he didn't and he wouldn't understand.

[@joelfinch2471]

Not enough attention span...no gold toilets...Fat Nixon wouldn't have watched.

[@missyquill5709]

I think it would be too fast paced and intelligently written for him to keep up with even if he tried (which he wouldn't have because a democratic president even on TV would bug him too much).

[@WarmasterJoshmaul]

Probably not, considering one of the people involved in the production of this show was Lawrence O'Donnell, who's now a host on MSNBC, and he has nothing good to say about them.

[@lysechrist1947]

Definitely not. He doesn’t have the vocabulary or the mind for that kind of political dialogue.

[@scottphelps6387]

A rare slip-up from Aaron Sorkin in this scene. CJ would never had said "a medal you never won". She would have known you don't "win" military awards, you earn them and they are awarded to you. But still, what a scene. Allison Janney knew her role so well, and played it flawlessly here. Her slight reaction when the General called her Kitten was where you could actually feel her make up her mind, gloves are off now General! Still rewatch the DVD set every year, this show was the best television ever.

[@salvation122]

Actually two; that LT is at least thirty-five, which is just very much not a thing.

[@Nekulturny]

lol Pissant lost the argument as soon as he stormed into the office and began with "I've ordered many men on assignment..."... Oh well aren't you so brave? You sent OTHER PEOPLE into harm's way. Let me get you a Medal of Honor, I'm sure I have one laying around here somewhere.

[@Jonty-1944]

My all-time favourite scene.

[@Penguin_of_Death]

4:20 ...the General leaves without his lunch money...

[@MarcusLeepapi]

I miss this show so much!!!! It was great!!!

[@heisdeadjim]

I think this incident would have been well remembered. Once CJ made CoS I think no one, not even the Join Chiefs, would dare have crossed swords with her!

[@kronosbot5]

CJ hits below the belt with a sledgehammer and doesn't quit.

[@marksomers8126]

What West Wing does brilliantly and was Sorkin's aim, was to show that nobody is evil or corrupt they are just doing what they think is right from their viewpoint. Everytime someone says their passionately held view even we agree, then the opposite view is expressed and sounds just as convincing. But politics for a president or PM is not debate school, they have to decide. And every decision has consequence. This show puts that nuance and moral dilemma over so well. The Trump admin was obviously an exception.

[@anyaepstein9024]

this scene will always stick with me. it is incredible!

[@tychoman]

This is why CJ got COS

[@kirstenpaff8946]

It's impossible to win against CJ, because she always does her homework.

[@robjustaguy]

So wish CJ and Bartlett were actually in politics

[@skippypiano365]

I recognise that guy from somewhere. Another movie or TV show. I'm not gonna sleep for three weeks!

[@groundcontrol436385]

"Bring all the boys home" - a whimsical idea but the reality is threats are rarely if ever going to be "here." If properly defended they will never be here or even at our doorstep. So we have to go "there" and sometimes already be "there." As an Army brat I love this clip. What is unconscionable is a Lt General wearing a medal of valor he never earned, a court martial offense with penalties from incarceration to loss of rank & forfeited retirement. CJ did the painfully right thing.

[@TheStuport]

CJ...."You're Dismissed Sir"

[@bradleybrown8399]

"he never served, not once..." Pretty sure this general in real life would be a synchophant of agent orange, the impeached...

[@raggedcritical]

In real life, in these times, the fact that the General was wearing a medal he'd never earned would just get snowed over as "fake news" and he'd have walked right into a job as a pundit on Fox News.

[@MichaelMiller-bs3tz]

"Impeached" which means precisely dick. He's still our president.

[@WarmasterJoshmaul]

Not for much longer, God willing.

[@atcguy01]

Rent free, eh?

[@bradleybrown8399]

@@MichaelMiller-bs3tz oh yeah?

[@MKucheran]

“He wears his uniform, and he SERVES the people of this country, every single day… is there anything else, sir?” -my head canon script

[@Matuse]

"I've ordered them", "I've sent them"...yes, those are acts of cowardice when you don't go yourself.

[@gyleake]

Matuse - Based off your comment I am going to assume you never served in the military nor were you ever in charge of anyone while in the military. Believe me when I tell you and others reading this comment, sending folks into harms way is harder than going yourself. Been there, done that...and lived on both sides of this coin.

[@gheller2261]

Imagine if real people could be as quick and articulate as CJ.

[@mindya1799]

"Never served in uniform. Not once' What would Gen. Barrie consider of a multiple draft dodger?

[@wendysnelgrove5870]

I hate the "never served in uniform" line (in general, not in this show). Is there a suggestion that military service is mandatory for some highest rank of citizenship? No, all citizens are equal.

[@mindya1799]

@@wendysnelgrove5870 What do you think of a multiple draft dodger deciding who is fit to serve?

[@wendysnelgrove5870]

@@mindya1799 A draft dodger is different than someone simply deciding not to serve (legally), like Bartlett. Trump is so horrible I can't talk about him in the same context as a fictional character like Bartlett or Vinnick.

[@decadencewhimsyandsarcasm]

I really wish CJ had made more out of him saying 'your president' . that felt like a good potential sorkin speech moment. love how respectful she stays throughout

[@storyarcher8125]

"My President is your President too." Rings as true today as it did then.

[@guinnesstrail]

Hahaha, Donald T. Rump! Hahaha.

[@billtoscano5750]

i am a cad carrying east co liberal, and i agree with you

[@majorevangelism]

He is indeed the president, just an awefully shitty one. Don't bother writing fanfic of him being portrayed positively since Sorkin openly mocked and criticized Trump repeatedly.

[@tomtagliente1464]

"DON'T INTERRUPT ME LADY!!"

[@TheStuport]

The General literally was told by a Civilian to "STAND DOWN"

[@williamhogan3118]

Damn, I miss this show.

[@dangeroreilly2028]

I loved that show! Of course, in a fictional show created and controlled by left-leaning people, any character arguing for a left-wing cause will win the argument 99% of the time, that's how it's going to be written. But that's ok, it was brilliantly written and brilliantly acted.

[@BoonesFarm50]

Huge fan of the West Wing and I'm right in line with 99% of the arguments/themes/points of view taken by the show, including this one. That being said, in the hypothetical General's defense, the large silver and blue badge on top of his awards on the left side of his chest is the Combat Infantry Badge ("CIB"). This badge is not "won", it is earned. In order to be eligible one must be an infantryman (or SF) engaged in "active ground combat" and "personally present and under fire" (among other criteria). My point is that in this hypothetical scenario it seems to be implied that the General was never in combat and was "faking" or representing to lower enlisted that he had been. The fact that no objection was mentioned in reference to the CIB would contradict that argument. On the other hand, it is important to distinguish between engaging in direct contact with the enemy and receiving an award for valor in said engagement. Nevertheless, this is a fictional situation in a TV show and should be viewed in that light.

[@tbeller80]

Sorkin never did much research when he wrote military scenes. Having a 2LT be the General's aide and smugly talking trash to a senior member of the White House staff and disparaging the president inside the White House - would never happen.

[@musicguy595]

And also wouldn't have been going on TV to criticize while in uniform.

[@LillikoiSeed]

I believe I already made comment on this one, but it’s worth while to go back and revisit. There is not much more that I can say except that it’s true, and makes one happy on a lot of fronts. I like to re-watch her in almost anything when I’m feeling punky. Go CJ and Go Allison Janney.

[@AndreAFirenze]

I love this woman.

[@MarcusLeepapi]

The General became a little more calm....