The West Wing: President Walken answering questions

[@thewab1974]

He truthfully DID give some solid answers to those tough questions and did so without the slightest hesitation or pause.

[@lancer525]

It was in the script that way...

[@thewab1974]

Well……. Yeah. All of the great scenes of this seven season series are “….in the script that way.”

[@MattFyrm]

​@@lancer525​Wow i sure do love Beethoven's fith, it really is great music. nobody: it was on the sheet music that way...

[@johnnotrealname8168]

@@lancer525 So all hesitations or pauses as well then?

[@thewab1974]

Meaning what? We aren’t allowed to admire the actor’s delivery of his lines from a well-written script? Seriously, why are people taking umbrage at my innocuous comment?

[@RajaKhan-ym4rp]

I’d like to believe that the look on Bartlett’s face was an indication of gratitude that Walken was truly doing his best to get his daughter back. That he (Walken) has his back.

[@romulusnr]

Bartlett has a vibe that he respects good leadership even if he disagrees with every act of it.

[@donkeyears4704]

i think the expression of bartlett's face is meant to convey a man on the precipice of losing everything. his daughter is facing horrors beyond death and while he is lost in that sea of torment he sees another man assume his role in the country. bartlett is in crisis.

[@travismoore7938]

I have always liked the fact that President Walken did not shy away from defending President Bartlett's decision to assassinate Sharif. He easily could have blamed it on the last / current administration, but did not. I do not know if he would have been on the "Gang of 8" and had a hand in the decision, and that could have played a part in his defense of President Bartlett, but I like the fact he kept a unified front. This story arc and John Goodman were really good.

[@dunstvangeet1500]

The Gang of 8 are the speaker/minority leader of the House, Majority/minority leader of the Senate, and the chairmen/ranking members of the intelligence committees of each one. He is part of the Gang of 8.

[@travismoore7938]

@@dunstvangeet1500 ... Thanks! I thought that was the case. I appreciate the information.

[@johnnotrealname8168]

@@dunstvangeet1500 True but he was only informed. There was only a duty to inform not to get consent or anything. He could have still shooed the matter away.

[@michaelrchan]

@@johnnotrealname8168 Yes, his spontaneous answer on the fly as to how much he agreed with the decision from Bartlett and the staff was evidence to his whole point when talking with C.J. that the stuff that unites is far more than what divides us. It doesn't obviate the idea that he approves of the rule of law. He declared that specific evil thing must be ended. And if it were personal, he would have done it over again.

[@1780scottie]

I agree it was a great story but it is something that would never happen in real life today. There is nothing left of a Republican Party that believed in democracy.

[@brianleap5830]

"The things that unite us are far greater than the things the divide us." I miss the days when that was true.

[@UNIT294]

I think the last day we felt that as a nation was when SEAL Team Six whacked bin Laden. Zawahiri was killed a day or two ago and hardly anyone batted an eye.

[@jimmy2k4o]

@@UNIT294 zawahiri’s death was a glowing moment for American military, it was a ray of good news amidst a din of economic doom and Xino/russo aggression. And I’m not American but zawahiri killed my countrymen too. God bless America and the living corpse of a president. Even a man in early dementia knew smiting zawahiri from the map was the right thing to do.

[@JnEricsonx]

@@UNIT294 Living in NY that day.....everyone was cheering, I was cheering.

[@UNIT294]

@@JnEricsonx I heard it on the car radio on my way in to work. I cheered too. My first drink that night was to NYC.

[@dieseljester]

Same here. I miss it when Republicans and Democrats actually worked together rather than bickering across the isle, vying for supremacy.

[@nittany272]

“My only regret is that we only got to kill the bastard once.” Best line of the post-Sorkin era, IMO.

[@willieboy8798]

that is what torture is for !

[@ianbutler8776]

So ignoring international law and looking tough is the best line post-sorkin?

[@Mark-ke1rj]

@@ianbutler8776 he did neither. As he said international law was not violated in taking down a terrorist, and that's not "looking tough," that's looking confident. As opposed to the smug, condescending tone of Bartlett.

[@gregh7400]

@@ianbutler8776 TV show = not real.

[@varianschirmer9375]

@@ianbutler8776 Didn't you hear Walken's take on international law... it has no law against taking out enemy command & control centers. And the deceased was a "walking command & control center". Blunt... but sometimes blunt works.

[@hamcakes1990]

John Goodman absolutely crushed this cameo.

[@LordOfNothingreally]

One of my favourite West Wing characters

[@emameyer]

I'm from Uruguay and quite happy they didn't declare war on us...

[@Waltham1892]

+Emmanuel Meyer We are only up to the "I's". Its going to take us a while to get the the "U's".

[@emameyer]

+Waltham1892 nice one. once we had the USSR before us in that list so it was kind of reassuring you had to get past them

[@Waltham1892]

Emmanuel Meyer We had them under "R" for Russia. We skip around the list a bit. I think its due to our short attention span...

[@RobFieldFlorida]

The West Wing was fictional.

[@v19d]

I doubt any country wants to attack a tiny country unless they instigated the attack on another country.

[@23Miok]

it doesnt matter which clip or how many i watch.....this will always be the best show ever....

[@elliotsaunders7445]

Absolutely

[@Span91423]

Agree 100%

[@docmagnus]

You have no taste.

[@david-daniel7370]

That and ER- 15 seasons, love that show.

[@stevekru6518]

Try Sopranos, The Americans, Billions, Homeland and “ever” may become shorter than you expected

[@kenhenderson7999]

At first John Goodman agreed to do only the brief cameo at the end of season 4. But he enjoyed that so much that he agreed to reprise that role for the first 3 episodes of season 5 - all for scale and with no credit. Goodman also guest starred in "The Stormy Present" later in that season.

[@finessegod2]

The amount of cameos on this show.had me announcing each actor and reciting their other work to my family and friends even though I know they didn't care 🤣

[@baileyjones4379]

How were they planning to structure the first episodes of the 5th season if he wasn't going to be in the role

[@MrStGeorgeIllawarra]

I swear he's in the credits on the dvds.

[@Richman-iw4tv]

@@baileyjones4379 Just guessing but it wouldn't be hard. Just advance time. Say 3 weeks later and show Bartlett back in the Oval Office immediatelly after Walken (off screen) leaves. You can do a lot with "3 Weeks Later" if you write it well.

[@johnnotrealname8168]

@@Richman-iw4tv I find it hard to believe, they made such a hullaballoo about Zoe and then nothing?

[@AJBfc]

Man john goodman radiated power as the president, too bad we didn't get to see more of him

[@TVgeinus90sSim]

I'd gladly vote for Goodman in a heartbeat

[@m.q.7149]

I like that they were able to show Republicans as politicians who want good too. There is good and bad on both sides. He was only on for a few episodes but he dominated his scenes and he really did radiate power! I was really impressed by his acting! I also liked Vinick and Calley they were awesome!

[@johnosman3550]

Goodman has presence, doesn't he?

[@chiefofsages]

M. Padilla I consider myself a hardcore liberal. I've never voted Republican (other than in local, nonpartisan elections). My sister is the same way. After watching the debate between Santos and Vinick, she and I were looking at each other saying "holy crap, I'd consider actually voting for him". There are good people in both parties, and horrible people in both parties. It's a shame we can't focus on those that are good instead of what letter is next to their name. :(

[@JavierRodriguez17565]

AJBfc a debate between Walken and vinick would’ve been great

[@snidelywhiplash]

Walken is a principled Republican. Wouldn't mind a few more like him.

[@kettle_of_chris]

I was just thinking that exact same thing...only we need a lot more like him

[@maxschon7709]

In ALPHA HOUSE he Twisted that a Little but the figure of a "principled Republican" stayed.

[@TerranGuy93]

Is he though? The show only displays him for a tiny sliver of time compared to a real world politician. I bet you could take a sliver of most real world politicans (of both parties and across the spectrum) and absent all other reality make them seem principled and likeable. I love the West Wing but it's a fictional work where the world is molded by the writers. The real world is far more complicated.

[@BradyPostma]

I wonder how John Goodman would do as President. Not the character, Walken, but the actor, Goodman.

[@maxschon7709]

@@BradyPostma In ALPHA HOUSE he played a good hearted Republican presidential canditate ...

[@ah1106onps3]

I realize the top comment is from a year ago but John Goodman's career is currently going stronger than ever. He's not a leading man but he's one of the most sought after actors in the business

[@SonicNavigator1]

Missed opportunity for a season full of President Walken

[@jonnnyren6245]

2:33 OMG that is the best response to a question I have ever heard. Adore John Goodman to bits!!!

[@mlc2005]

I LOVE this show! Every scene is a tour de force, just incredible.

[@flea10x6]

“The things that unite us are far greater than the things that divide us.” Used to be able to say that about Democrats and Republicans.

[@marvinmeeker5765]

Yeah, but, this being a product of show biz, it DID portray a Republican President calling our republic a democracy. Clearly this show, as entertaining as it was, was still a mouthpiece for Leftist ideology!!

[@grogery1570]

@@marvinmeeker5765 That's usually Republican code for taking over and establishing a communist government. Can't get more conservative than that!

[@kereminde]

Both sides are "tangibly evil", when they decide cooperation is a lost cause. It means nothing gets done, and both sides get to blame the other for why.

[@cryofpaine]

@John McCloy We have no left. We have a Democratic party that is as conservative as the Republican party of the 80's (listen to Biden talk about Social Security vs. Reagan). And we have a Republican party that is nothing more than a cult devoted to a narcissistic sociopath.

[@TerranGuy93]

Ironically, people used to complain about how the parties were too similar.

[@AdamJayTechnoElectro]

One of the best post Sorkin episodes. Helped that it was also the first post Sorkin episode.

[@thomaspower8168]

I would like a President like Walken any day and all the time

[@pbdye1607]

The scene I've always wanted to find but never have is the one where Josh confronts the newly-appointed Speaker of the House in some bathroom (can't remember if it's at the White House or in the Capitol Building) and tries to admonish him because he worries the Republicans are going to take advantage of Walken's tenure to fast track legislation through what I believed in the show at the time was a GOP-led House and Senate. And I love the reaction Steven Culp (the actor who played the Speaker), deadpanning at Josh and looking *insulted* before telling him how awed the Republicans were of Bartlett for having the courage to trust the opposition party with the responsibility of his office, and how it would be political suicide to take advantage of a grieving father. I could spend another fifty lines bemoaning both sides of the political aisle, but as much as I love(d) this show, watching it makes me so sad when I see the state of affairs in which we live and persist. We deserve so much better.

[@nilesyensel7516]

pbdye I actually don’t think it was Haffley, but Walken’s “Chief of Staff” that he was talking to.

[@josephligue]

It was the chief of staff, the same chief of staff on madam secretary. Can't remember his name. Great actor himself.

[@nilesyensel7516]

Joseph Ligue Does Željko Ivanek sound familiar?

[@seandlax9]

I mean, Josh was a massive asshole who represented the absolute worst of his party. The cherry on top being played by an actor with an extremely punchable face and who plays sleazy characters extremely well.

[@yao052]

@@seandlax9 Josh is Chief Political Advisor. Its literally his job.

[@twirlingtulles]

The things that unite us are far greater than the things that divide us. - they don't make shows like they used to.

[@stevematda976]

The thing that makes this scene so interesting is if you remember, back in the early days it was Jed Bartlett pounding the table in the situation room wanting "unproportional response" and got talked down.

[@Tigerman1138]

Steve Matda I was behind him at that moment. Reminds me of the “Swordfish” doctrine: a response 10x grater. At some point people will stop cooperating, harboring, and otherwise not care. What good is a terrorist agenda if your land and family are destroyed? At what point does one’s sacrifice, as a non-jihadist, make them wish they never cooperated? We’ll find out.

[@romulusnr]

"Civus Romanus."

[@charlesmaddison212]

​@@Tigerman1138

[@RedForeman301]

Its cause Jed Bartlett could b talked down. He was weak when it came to these decision, Walken exuded strength.

[@TomalakGeretkal]

@@Tigerman1138 Literally the sort of approach that causes terrorism in response but go on ;)

[@kazimierzgarshin3924]

"The things that unite us are far greater than the things that divide us" . It is the tweet version of Beethovens ninth symphony.

[@MarcusLeepapi]

Man!!! I miss this show..

[@Serai3]

INORITE? I so wanted to see Santos's administration.

[@alestorcrowley]

What a great character Walken was and a performance by John Goodman, a truly underrated actor I love Alan Alda as Vinnick but I wish Walken had been the GOP candidate in season 7

[@Alan_Smith]

Santos would have won in a landslide. Walken would have been too conservative for the nation. He would never have carried California which was the deciding factor in a 2-vote margin to a 58-vote margin or more. Vinnick was and is the only logical choice to compete against Santos.

[@charlisantini3403]

@@Alan_Smith only way Santos beats Walken is the same way Biden "beat" Trump....voter fraud

[@宋庆礼]

Exactly, A Latino Dem candidate from Texas, you would need a Republican from California. A very close race. Santos was much younger, that is why he barely won. One of reason of Carter won in 1976 was he is from Deep South.

[@KenFehling]

It would have been cool to see more about the Republican primary with Vinick and Walken.

[@johnnotrealname8168]

@@宋庆礼 I find it difficult to believe that Texas could have been won by a Democrat in 2008.

[@shanekilpatrick3378]

Gotta love a true Republican! “Couldn’t kill the bastard twice!” What a statement from the Commander in Chief.

[@JnEricsonx]

I'm a Democrat and I had the exact same view point.

[@skygazer858]

Damn it! I watched a damned clip and now I have to go and watch the whole episode and then I'll watch another and another ... This always happens to me.

[@c.c8752]

Sooooowhat do you think

[@JediSwordZAM]

that isn't what I pictured in my head when I read "President Walken" XD

[@danielpack7675]

JediSwordZAM John Goodman rocked, but Christopher has more cowbell.

[@MaxMckayful]

Don't be shocked by tone of my voice Check out my new weapon, President Walken

[@ArtemisScribe]

Tommy Schlamme and Aaron Sorkin had a joke that is was either going to be President Walken played by John Goodman or President Goodman played by Christopher Walken

[@Slopmaster]

@@danielpack7675because he has a prescription for that fever.

[@Vesperitis]

I just realized. Walken didn't take CJ's advice. He looked at the reporters, the people he was talking to, instead of the cameras. He was a President his own way.

[@DoctorXander]

Imagine this kind of unity in modern politics. Your political opponents extrajudicially killed a terrorist and your reaction is "Fuck yeah we did and I'd do it again"

[@Elthenar]

As much as the right and left dislike each other, we are like brothers. When someone outside of the family attacks us, it usually unites us. Look at post 9-11. I don't think the country had been that united since right after Pearl Harbour. Nothing unites Americans like a legitimate reason to go kick the shit out of a third party.

[@partyguy101ify]

@@Elthenar Except the American People were lied to about that "legitimate reason" by a certain Republican, and we ended up invading Iraq and occupying Afghanistan for 20 years.

[@Elthenar]

@@partyguy101ify Ahh, that old chestnut. I didn't know you guys were still trying to sell that one.

[@moimeself1088]

@@Elthenar errr... cos it's true? Or do you deny that the Iraq invasion was unlawful and based on a lie?

[@mattstiles9591]

@@Elthenaror after we killed Osama. Everyone, red or blue, was celebrating our nation and supporting what the government did.

[@varianschirmer9375]

We live in the real world. Our moral values system only works if we all play by the same rules.

[@gregh7400]

"Terrorists aren't nations, and the neutrality act doesn't give a free pass to people who support the murder of women and children".

[@TheCmascagni]

Great answer

[@terrygracy8345]

This is a great scene between CJ Walken. When she gives him advice on what to do in the room.

[@seekercpt]

who came looking for this clip, after the events of the last couple of days?

[@Heckleburger]

Precisely, it was splash of water on my face after the current news cycle.

[@Comic576]

Truth or fiction Which came first?

[@chadtopia]

me o/

[@MotorCityPhoenix313]

Rewatching this show is like therapy

[@bovnycccoperalover3579]

John Goodman was great and Presidential. They should have elected him President after Bartlet.

[@JavierRodriguez17565]

bovnyccc operalover I think he would’ve been a great Secretary of State in the santos administration

[@joshuawells835]

Walken vs. Vinnick in the primaries, and then Walken vs Santos. Overall, if our Congress had more Santos and Walkena or even a Bartlet or two than what we currently have

[@Mark-xh8md]

That was never going to happen in a show written by democrats.

[@LeaveChildrenAlone]

They can't. He would have had to run on the Republican ticket and would have been a logistical nightmare. He had full secret service detail for life after a few days of taking over. He also had to resign as speaker of the house plus his district. It's why it's set this way. President, Vice, Speaker of the House for succession. Once he became president his political career was over. He could technically ran for president 2 times.

[@dwest10]

Ainsley Hayes served in that role during the 2nd and 3rd seasons as well.

[@adhair]

Great writing, perfect casting with Goodman. (Though the comments now have me thinking "My only REGRET... is THAT we only GOT to KILL the bastard ONCE." Yes, that's my internet Walken impression.)

[@donaldkelly65]

If zoe was dead, I would say that would the dogs of wars and put super large bounty on their heads. And anyone could collect.

[@Grahf0]

Eight-year-old comment, and you already have me thinking of Dave Grohl's Walken impression. "Ladies and gentlemen... Foo FIGHTERS!"

[@fredvance7612]

@@donaldkelly65 j.jùuùuu

[@cherylannemason]

@LestatandBerial I've long enjoyed the irony--that Walken and Bartlett were polar opposites yet brought equal dignity to the office.

[@Erin-Thor]

Woah... "You know I'm not the enemy. The things that unite us are far greater than the things that divide us. We both believe in democracy, preservation of American values, protection of our citizens, of the sometimes hostile world, life liberty and the pursuit of happiness." This would/could not be said in todays political climate where PARTY comes before COUNTRY.

[@JohnBonini]

President Glen Allen Walken. Our generation's William Howard Taft, in a parallel universe.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Taft weighed 300 pounds.

[@partyguy101ify]

@@scottslotterbeck3796 ... Yeah, and?

[@davidkeller2208]

Man, WW rightly decided to keep Walken away from an election storyline, because my goodness, I don't think WW could have written a legit way for Bartlet to win reelection.

[@bmacfar2]

The Walken storyline was after Bartlet won reelection. Walken would've faced Vinick in the primary and Santos in the general.

[@TigerDriver66]

Your timeline is all messed up so that would have had nothing to do with it.

[@Meanie74]

I know it couldn’t have worked but it would have been cool if two of the most underrated yet amazing actors of all time (Sheen, and Goodman) had battled out an election

[@samuellancaster6487]

@@Meanie74 Well, Smitts v. Alda was a decent substitute.

[@EsquilaxM]

Love love love John Goodman. Owned this, so hard.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Remember he just speaks the lines the writer's wrote.

[@Mark-xh8md]

@@scottslotterbeck3796 - He didn't "just speaks the lines". He ACTED (hint: He's an actor, that's what he does). And he acted extremely well.

[@chewy739]

His closing statement was a hit out of the park.

[@Sashi_Mee]

President Walken: Two mice...fell into a bucket of cream

[@martinborchers4495]

Sashi_Me I got it and that was hilarious

[@heldover]

I like that CJ gave him the tip to look at the cameras

[@v19d]

Now we can see Zoey and Josh Lyman on the Handmaid's tale.

[@Waltham1892]

If Obama has one weakness in his leadership style, its that he is too measured and deliberative; to professorial. Sometimes Americans just want a short, sharp answer.

[@Waltham1892]

Ras Fiend There is no such thing as a "leader." Different people follow others for different reasons. If Obama isn't the kind of guy you'd follow, OK. Not everyone's style meshes.

[@Waltham1892]

Ras Fiend Steve Jobs was a terrible leader, people detested him and he made their lives miserable. He was a visionary however. There are different kinds of leaders, not every leader works in every situation or for everyone. Hell, some people are self motivating and don't need leaders at all.

[@Waltham1892]

Ras Fiend No, my definition of a leader is someone who builds a team, achieves goals with that team and still has a team afterwards. I was in the military and I've served under officers who either couldn't lead period, or achieved their objective but so alienated their soldiers they couldn't do it twice. Then, I've met officers who build units that not only achieved, but made men stronger for the experience and grateful for having been there. There is difference between using people and utilizing them.

[@Waltham1892]

Ras Fiend Do you want a good leader I've experienced or one on the national stage?

[@Waltham1892]

Ras Fiend Off the top of my head, Generals Marshall and Eisenhower. Admirals Spruance and Halsey. Presidents Lincoln, T. Roosevelt, F. Roosevelt, Eisenhower and Bush (the elder). Moral leaders, lets say MLK, Ghandi and President Carter.

[@markgraham2312]

The things that unite us a far greater than the things that divide us. We both believe in democracy, preservation of American values, protection of our citizens in the sometimes hostile world, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

[@trajan74]

I think this show tricked people into thinking that it wasn't a Platonian dialogue by including a lot of drama and current events-based situations.

[@ryanfisher4213]

You have to enjoy the fact that everyone wanted to know what was in his statement that he had his staff write without help from the White House staff, and no one has noticed all these years that he never gave a statement. 😂

[@trevornott2488]

He "Trump'd" it.. Don't need prepared lines when you speak the truth

[@ryanfisher4213]

@@trevornott2488 He needs note cards to remember his kid’s names and still forgets 20%.

[@johnkloosterman6277]

@@trevornott2488 lol. We talking about the same guy now claiming he never said "lock her up"? The one convicted for falsifying business records and for financial fraud?

[@coreychristoffersen1143]

"We both believe in democracy." Who would have thought in 2022 that statement almost seems quaint?

[@jonnyswiftquest207]

Keep Hope. American people clearly decided that they didn't like election deniers in the midterms. It was a great moment in US democracy

[@subboid]

@@jonnyswiftquest207 I expect your definition of “democracy” is incredibly shallow

[@caliscribe]

LestatandBerial I remember when Republicans weren't the "enemy" -- just people with a different view of how to solve the problems that this country confronted. And they could even join together with Democrats in a common cause, such as the Watergate hearings. A sane opposition is necessary to help keep the checks and balances in balance. Not sure if we've got that sane opposition though.

[@rishabhanand4973]

+caliscribe funny thing is that compared to the time when the nation was first founded, differing parties are less hostile towards one another. Back then, the goal was not just to win the election, but to absolutely destroy the other party, make sure they do not nominate anyone else afterwards. it was absolutely brutal.

[@Rimasta1]

When the Soviet Union went away, the pressing need for bipartisanship and that ugly word, compromise, started to go away. The Clinton years saw the beginnings of the polarized political climate we find ourselves in, were the parties are more like warring tribes than Americans with different views. I guess we really may need a common foe, something that forces us to work together.

[@EsquilaxM]

That's because there were only two parties. Remove one of them and finally america is free from partisan fighting! So destroying the other one could be construed as protecting the young fragile union.

[@MrJamberee]

No, we don't. The current Dem party is pure evil and needs to be crushed.

[@MrJamberee]

Rimasta1 Clinton also started the era of ignoring the will of the people. It got worse thru Bush and Obama, which is why we got Trump.

[@Elthenar]

This was a show about liberals and liberal values, written by a liberal. Yet, Sorkin represented the conservative side very well. In particular, Walken and Vinnick were both awesome and measured up very well to Bartlett. I'd have killed to have seen Barlett have to run against Walken instead of Gov Ritchie. At least we got the Santos/Vinnick debate.

[@petergould9174]

Vinnick although good character screamed moderate. But Walken was a Republican that the Republican Base would of loved. He also would have bitch slapped trump all across the primaries. No the WW would have been better off to have offered Walken inplace of Vinnick and had him beat Santos. It would have drawn a a fresh audience and put a defibrillator to the scripts and plot line.

[@jerichojosephthomas204]

Love this scene, this show, and its fans. Crazy that this is the first episode Sorkin didn't have a hand in writing.

[@davepullin8572]

When did "there's more that unites us than divides us" become "we are against everything that you are for"?

[@murderhill1947]

How remarkable Sorkin was to display the differences in the way that republicans and democrats behave when they are genuinely in charge of a bad situation. I have been watching Lincoln Project video and have to admit that those former republicans are badass and good at what they do. They do not pussy-foot. I might counter, however, that Adam Schiff in his handling of rowdy congressional representatives was also strong throughout the intelligence committee hearings. Creeps like Nunes, Gomert, Jordan or Stefanik got patiently pushed back and aside. His summary at the conclusion of the impeachment hearings was also badass and one for the ages as they say. Compliment to Goodman, he played the part well.

[@charlisantini3403]

You think Schiff looked "bad ass" for pushing a lie in which he helped push with ZERO evidence to support it? Jim Jordan thoroughly and ruthlessly torn Pencil Neck apart and exposes him for the weasel he is Just remember, when a Embassy was under attack, Obama went to bed. When an Embassy was under attack, Trump sent in the Marines, and Airborne division, then killed the terrorist who organized it

[@jjrockjon8610]

Accept Sorkin left at this point. The other writers get the credit for season 5 on.

[@MidasStorm]

Ainsley Hayes was a decent Republican back in season 2.

[@DotBone89]

"Fellas; what this Presidency needs is more cowbell!"

[@veralenora4033]

I don't know why I'm watching these. clips. I bougtht the whole series. Havve to get it out.

[@Afalstein]

Convenience. I'm the same way with Futurama.

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

Walken would have been so awesome as a recurring character in the first 4 seasons. I mean he was Speaker of the House, it’s weird that he never showed up til Bartlet’s 2nd term.

[@TheLibran38]

wasn't there someone else who played Speaker of the House - the one who caused Bartlet to shut the govt...

[@anthonyle3803]

@@TheLibran38 when Walken ascended to the acting presidency, he had to resign his speakership and his House seat, so the House had to elect a new speaker in his place, who continued as speaker even after Bartlet came back to office (tough break for Walken). This new speaker was the one who caused Bartlet to shut down the government

[@varianschirmer9375]

@@TheLibran38 There were several Speakers of the House. The first was played by "Roger Dorn" Corbin Bernson (L.A. Law vet... like Jon Spencer, Jimmy Smits... the 7th season Democratic ticket was an L.A. Law ticket) Apparently... that Speaker retired. His successor was Glenallen Walken. When Walken became acting President... he to resign from Congress to not be part of two branches of government simultaneously. So... we get Haffley... who was the young Speaker that Bartlett had to square off with in the Shutdown episode.

[@AngryitNerd]

@@TheLibran38 yeah clayton webb actor from jag was speaker of the house..

[@ryanfisher4213]

The best part of this scene is he never gives a statement.

[@AnthonyJK1982]

"He's molting?" LMAO!!!!!!

[@LestatandBerial]

This marked a big change to the show. No longer were Republicans out and out the bad guys. We got guys like Walken and Vinnick, guys who were Reuplican, yet were as committed to America and its people as anyone inside the West Wing.

[@stevegoff420]

Like a BOSS

[@walstib4945]

The writers of this show is why I have hope ❤️👍

[@dangurney1042]

Yes in fact, this was the very first episode which he had no involvement in.

[@rickyray2794]

Did this show take a nose dive when Sheen was put on the backburner or did it stay good?

[@ErisRising]

Richie was based upon George W. Bush, who (despite his electoral success) already had that reputation. And Bartlett was an idealized president, but an idealized president is necessary for a show regarding an a idealized look at government service.

[@dirdib69]

I love the moment when CJ gives him the advice about looking at the cameras. She's changed her mind about him and shows it right there.

[@nolansaylor7710]

She is just being professional. He just told her he wasn't going to be talking about bipartisan supporting American values. After comparing her to a stripper and expecting her to automatically serve him and fix his tie. She even sighs to show she's tired of him.

[@romulusnr]

Nah, she's just committed to the job.

[@TheJuris1973]

@@nolansaylor7710 i think he messed up his tie on purpose. wanted to spend a few seconds getting her on his side.

[@surfk9836]

0:50 "..we both believe in Democracy...." Not anymore!

[@djcfrompt]

Republicans like the character of Speaker Walken have abdicated their duty or been ousted from their party. It's sad to see, but that's what happens when you don't vigorously refute extremism; given a spot to grow, it ensnares the entire garden.

[@Myr3390]

whether you like republicans or democrats, they need to serve the people. that might sound cliche but that means all the people, not just the radical left or the radical right. todays politics are filled with intolerance and that goes for all corners of the world not just the US.

[@markdunham9634]

Walken for Speaker

[@mattgreven7615]

I only recently learned that Lawrence O'Donnell was a writer/exec producer on this show! No wonder I like him on MSNBC.

[@trevornott2488]

Yet he supports a guy like Biden, and not a guy like Walken (Trump). Says everything about you and your ignorance

[@heisdeadjim]

Would've loved to have seen a Goodman / Alda (Walken / Vinnick) GOP ticket in season seven against Jimmy Smits / John Spencer (Santos / McGarry) and have the plot.still turn out like it did. Wouldve seen more of John Goodman.

[@michaelthrasher3760]

No way Santos and McGarry would've won! Lol

[@bigbob1699]

John Goodman is worth his weight in Oscars and Emmys . I hope he gives lessons to all the want a bees .

[@davejmanning]

The only one part of non- completed direction in this scene was if that The Speaker had walked in and deliberately loosened his tie just so CJ could straighten it while he gave her the home truth.

[@mchjsosde]

@Gail Patrice Lockert Anthony I agree. Obviously the president knows how to tighten a tie. We know from the get-go it's not about the tie.

[@ErisRising]

If you're asking if they have some similarities, then there's a case to be made. If you're asking if one is based upon the other, then that's doubtful, as Gov. Christie was elected three years after this show went off the air.

[@cholman4248]

John Goodman was excellent in this role. He was a terrific choice.

[@snidelywhiplash]

"My only regret is we only got to kill the bastard once" [CUE 'THUG LIFE' STINGER]

[@Nighthawk-8050]

Ladies and gentlemen that right there is a president

[@mattwho81]

If they ever did a West Wing Republican show, Walken would be perfect to play a rational, principled President

[@jimmy2k4o]

Bartlett stressed over Shariffe so much and in the end it was a republican that took the heat for it.

[@WilliamHogan-v1b]

Like him or not, Walken is a statesman.

[@penboyasgod6103]

The two best 'Republicans' that American Republicans today need to learn by: 'Walken' and (especially:) 'Vinick'.

[@Mark-ke1rj]

I would watch a Westwing style series with Goodman as a Republican president. This clip alone he conveys far more trust than Bartlett ever did.

[@TheCoolProfessor]

When I saw this pop up in my recommendations I was expecting Christopher Walken to be announcing his presidency.

[@mirinbrah739]

I know Republicans criticized this show a lot, calling it "The Left Wing". But this episode shows there's talent on both sides, and unreasonable suspicions too. The White House staff learned they weren't right about Walken. They aren't right all the time. Just humans, like the rest of us. We have differences, but we need to see the talent in each other.

[@romulusnr]

Ainsley was clearly a paleocon expy.

[@broadjumper1]

When did Dan Connor become President?

[@dmcrun3572]

No, King Ralph became President

[@nyazn57]

awesome! I've been looking for clips of Walken for a long time! Do you have the clip where he says something to the effect of he'll bomb whatever person/country is holding zoey bartlet?

[@robertschmidt7879]

OK, I totally and completely and freely, freely, freely, concede this point, CJ was being gracious here. However, as an old dog think Walken would’ve known that little tidbit of advice

[@romulusnr]

He wouldn't have had to do that at that scale before. Even Speaker's PCs don't have that kind of gravity, triply so in the case of crisis and imminent military incursion. Except in the case such as this as when the Speaker must take the reins. Which incidentally has never happened (David Rice Atchison stories notwithstanding)

[@oogrooq]

My favorite one-off character.

[@AFN2750]

This show generally showed republicans as reasonable humans, which I like. I’m very, very liberal, and the right in TWW (except that bastard Hafley) is shown as having the same goal but different approaches to it. I love that

[@c.c8752]

King Ralph was what made me like John Goodman

[@mosesmosestv]

She released the story?

[@JetBlackIris]

Prior to this scene, CJ told Danny Concannon to publish his story, which he had been working on for months, “right now,” so that he would get the scoop for all his hard work. We now discover that he did indeed publish it - five minutes before the Walken team issued a short statement confirming the assassination.

[@alfe1402]

Walken was speaker, should be the vice president who takes command in case of 25 amendment??? Somebody help please.

[@MrOccyc]

The problem was Bartlett dragged his feet when Hoynes resigned and there was no VP. So Walken became POTUS.

[@brinkeguthrie]

“My only regret is that we only got to kill the bastard once.” Bravo.

[@MrOccyc]

I thought that was a great line.

[@JnEricsonx]

Every NY'er myself included would have cheered even more if that had been said when Bin Laden took lead.

[@TheRyman25]

@nyazn57 just uploaded, sorry about the wait

[@Hesitatedeye]

So John Goodman went from King of The United Kingdom and Commonwealth to President of the United States that's impressive on your CV if you ask me

[@louthegiantcookie]

King Ralph! I loved that movie. Honestly, John Goodman is one of those guys who just makes anything better. He's one of the most charismatic actors around. He was amazing here as President Walken.

[@scottowens7033]

A principled democrat would be a change

[@blank_stare_productions]

Thats no president, thats John Goodman =]

[@GopherBaroque61]

Too bad there are no principled Republicans irl today like how Glen Allen Walker and Arnold Vinick were portrayed in The West Wing.

[@charlisantini3403]

Walken didn't mess around when it came time to take the fight to the bad guys; neither does Trump. The Dems however need a more moderate like Bartlett, instead they give us Biden

[@GopherBaroque61]

@@charlisantini3403I guess you don't understand what the word "principled" means, huh? Because Trump is the furthest thing from it.

[@curtd2741]

One could say the same about today’s Democrats . . .

[@KikoJonesUSA]

My favorite fictional Republican POTUS.