Top 5 Memorable Speeches | The West Wing

[@2legit64]

Let's not forget about Mrs. Landingham talking about her boys killed in Vietnam. That one gets me every time.

[@michaelmuldowney8]

Agreed it’s a powerful scene. But it’s not a speech, which is to a group of people. It’s just Dolores and Charlie in this scene.

[@Nina-sp5nk]

Never fails to make me cry

[@tmitch1950]

Mrs Landigham speaking of her sons and the funeral for the homeless vet both reduce me to tears. I watch all 7 seasons at least once a year

[@kevinnelson4359]

Please, let's not forget his dressing down of God after Mrs. Landingham's funeral.

[@michellecoleman2657]

Some may not call it a speech, but I will definitely always ALWAYS sob hysterically and quietly when I watch that scene. I avoid that scene as often as I can.

[@shaungillam6596]

Hands down, in my opinion, THE best written show in American TV history.

[@gotkeith]

This one and "The Newsroom"

[@Karma-qt4ji]

@@gotkeith Same writer (as though you didn't know that already lol). Man is a freaking genius!

[@lindamarie55]

And I would like to think we had men of character even if this is fictional I know there are men out there. We need a real leader now more then ever. Not crazy old men...

[@AaronGardner98]

It could at moments be a bit pretentious, but overall, you are absolutely correct.

[@TheAndesteg]

@@gotkeith Yes, I agree but also Band of Brothers.

[@thomasstengel7356]

Allison Janney was and is an absolute powerhouse. Effing brilliant.

[@2legit64]

Amen.

[@georgiasmathers4503]

"The streets of heaven are too crowded with angels tonight" was a tear jerker!

[@lyswatkins9321]

And continues to be true...

[@creativetennJosh]

Its my tattoo.

[@mjedge808]

“When did you write that last part?” “In the car” “Freak.”

[@elizalagonia1049]

Love that speech. Love it. Gets me every time.

[@stevehilbert7619]

@@mjedge808 Best part of the whole scene

[@margaretbaldwin4416]

watching this after the election and absolutely sobbing about the state of our country

[@aspetty]

I'll be watching this show for the next four years so I can live in that works even if only a few hours a week

[@rickcrna]

Tears were coming down my cheeks while watching these speeches again.

[@mktruancy]

I came here to say something very similar.

[@susanb4481]

@@aspettyI did that the last time this country went off the rails, and will do so for the next 4 years.

[@aspetty]

@@susanb4481 it's time for a revival of the series Seaborne/Young 26

[@joepafjiga9015]

Aaron Sorkin one of the best writers and producers we've seen ever. The newsroom and west wing are just two examples of his masterpieces

[@kathleencoleman6125]

Sports Night was also a great show by Aaron

[@VLind-uk6mb]

@@kathleencoleman6125 And don't forget the movie A Few Good Men. ("You can't handle the truth!").

[@0prayus]

Every single year I regret not being able to vote for President Bartlett 😢

[@petermcclenaghan5735]

I'd get American citizenship if I could vote for Bartlett - right now Australia needs him

[@jamesjohnston1935]

Ive said this every election since I became of age during the Clinton Administration.

[@AloisiaSedai]

It only works if Aaron Sorkin writes everyone’s lines

[@cathyjohnston7940]

Joe Biden has the same moral compass

[@BG-mw5pt]

genius people with amazing staff do not appeal to the american public. america is a show and the majority would prefer a showman entertaining them rather than someone who stands up for what's right, faces the consequences of doing what's right and faces them with integrity. no leader on the face of the planet qualifies by these high standards.

[@crustyescaped]

My favorite of those is the Saudi Arabia rant, because (1) she exercises extraordinary restraint in the beginning and professionally sets up those road blocks between herself, POTUS, COS, and State, and (2) when she finally does go off the leash, she still keeps her cool and her rant does not unfold quite the way you expect it would. That's peak CJ right there.

[@williamdiehl117]

Also the fact that she address the names of 3 male reporters in the room directly as well, drives the point home even harder.

[@amberx578]

And the fact she knew it was coming. Without the scene in her office, you could have believed she wasn't as prepared as she actually was for those questions and how she would navigate the questions that were peppered at her.

[@TheJohnnyCotts]

Tranquil fury.

[@jeanhutchinson6198]

Gosh, how I loved that show. When John Spencer died, it nearly broke my heart.

[@raywellswork]

as life long conservative and an atheist I would vote for a man this honourable and stand beside Claudia Jean.

[@jamessimmons3645]

Both conservative and athiest? You must trigger A LOT of folks😂

[@raywellswork]

@@jamessimmons3645 Oh Yes. Fortunately I`m English and we are not quite blessed with the Rabid Christian Right that the US is but I have managed to cause quite a few meltdowns by the statement of forthright opinions

[@bobina05]

Just the fact that any human being can conceive of these words gives me hope. Yes, it's fiction but it doesn't have to be. We can be better. We must be better.

[@zylosmom]

Exactly. When I despair about the ways things are in politics today, I watch this show and I think "We have this in us. It's there. We just have to expect it and demand it and reward it." The contrast is so hard sometimes though.

[@ilovemylife5]

@@zylosmomI love what you wrote here.

[@crazyaces4042]

we NEED HOPE now more than ever. I can feel it. I wonder how many others have noticed just how much we not only need but MUST have hope.

[@steves9250]

If I was a political speech writer I’d be annoyed a Sorkin for using so many great lines that can’t be used now in both the West Wing and in The American President

[@kevinstatler6190]

Most Favorite Scene - Leo tells story about a guy in a hole. Doctor walks by; guy asks for help. Doc writes a script. Priest walks by and writes a prayer. Friend shows up and jumps in the hole. Our guy says are you crazy? Friends reply: I’ve been here before and know the way out.

[@KZ1211-t2q]

As a Josh lover, that is my favorite episode, and I get teary-eyed every time I hear Leo tell him that story.

[@gypzs9]

And we love and always will remember John Spencer bringing Leo to us. West Wing is just the best.

[@janswimwild]

That speech made me cry and I have repeated it myself a few times. Such profound compassion.

[@cathyjohnston7940]

Best moral tale of the whole show.

[@PhilRead-cf6vg]

I have told, and sent the link to the video, to many of my friends. I would not be here today were it not for my friends who jumped in the hole with me.

[@KZ1211-t2q]

I know it's rather long, but Bartlet's rant to God in Two Cathedrals was, by far, the best speech ever. Of course, as west Wing was the best-written show ever on TV, it's very hard to choose just 5.

[@crazyaces4042]

it made me cry and still does. Lighting the cigarette in the cathedral and stomping it out on the floor was more than a million words with one act. I understood it 100%! I absolutely loved it even if it made me cry like a baby and still does.

[@Frankdfn]

Bartlett speaking to the dairy farmer is one of my favorites. But i love the Vet in audience that as soon as Bartlett leaves the podium he turns back to his jello.

[@denheels]

I love the guy with the jello! Noticed him from the get go. 😊

[@jameyst.peters4678]

This show is stunning. Even 25 years latee.

[@harveykitzman9083]

Yes it is! And during W's tenure, I was wishing for Bartlet!

[@TonyHouse]

If there were a top 7, I would've hoped to see CJ dressing down the general who was retiring, or Bartlet in the cathedral.

[@ashwinoashwin]

General Ed Barry who sent Lieutenant Buckley :) Best dressing down i have seen on TV

[@JustynLee]

2 of my favorite

[@cubswin3838]

Turns out the General was right. We DID have to execute two wars post 9/11. One of the issues was we weren't adequately prepared.

[@Penn_chill]

Two Cathedrals! I’m the one who was/is quite willing to argue for & thus offend everyone who dares to say it was too much. So proud that it aired and on American TV no less.

[@alexlee4708]

THIS!

[@annemariealmond5992]

The nod after “ran INTO the fire” ❤️

[@heisdeadjim]

"Freak!"

[@sandranorman5469]

“They ran INTO the fire” as Jon Stewart said.

[@Oldleftiehere]

I could watch TWW forever. Neither it nor the phenomenal cast will ever be beat.

[@dianaott]

After everything fell apart in November 2016, I binge watched this stuff for weeks.

[@TheRealJamesMWhelan]

Re-watching and still remains the best TV drama ever. Never to be bettered IMHO

[@rottingcorpse6002]

I still quietly weep at this shows ability to tug ever so gently at my emotional core.

[@smudolinithegreatdragobear2433]

Bruno: When did you write that last part? Sam: In the car on the way over here. Bruno: Freak.

[@Helen_Magnus_]

The fact that Bartlet cursing out god in the church in Two Cathedrals is not on this list is a travesty.

[@Gilgamezsh72]

In a show full to the brim with incredible dialogue it must be hard as hell to whittle it down to a small selection of gems like the creator has.

[@louisemcmillan]

it's in their newest video, 10 Unforgettable Moments from the West Wing

[@henryboleszny359]

What the United States President ought to be like. That writing team were amazing and the actors exceptional. This was an America the world could believe in.

[@maxsteinerfan]

Well said indeed.

[@nancysexton545]

I think it's time for me to watch West Wing again....for the third time!!!

[@carriedoss2723]

3rd time? Newbie. 😂

[@GinnyRamone]

Third time?? Lightweight. I've rewatched that show, what, ten times? =P

[@jeremybr2020]

This list should easily be 50 strong. And that's probably still cutting it short.

[@wulflife3]

Absolutely love CJ threatening Hoynes about his book!!

[@terryg4415]

Brilliant writing. Amazing acting. These speeches move me every time.

[@gypzs9]

Inspired, inspiring, motivating, brilliant.

[@haroldgeorge892]

“In this building when the President stands, *nobody* sits.” And then Sam takes her crab puff. 💀🥀🪦

[@williamdiehl117]

IMO - this was the best.

[@jeanhutchinson6198]

I'd forgotten the bit about the crab puff! LOL

[@gluckmac]

The best.

[@andyrandle2167]

Oh the humiliation 😁😁😁😁😁

[@ianhammock4564]

I love that Josh looks up from his crossword when Bartlett just admits he screwed over his constituants. I think its the moment he started to believe.

[@RC-yw3dc]

Sam taking the crab puff…priceless

[@Thechoppersofcardiff]

CJ Cregg - the best female character on TV history

[@timhill4087]

I would have put Leo's monologue in "Let Bartlet be Bartlet" in the top 5

[@PGoodmanCOG]

To be fair, it's *really* hard to narrow it down to just 5 to start with....

[@raywellswork]

My Favourite Leo scene. kzbin.info/www/bejne/apeqY32JbLeMf7s

[@brysimm404]

“I didn’t want it to be harder for people to buy milk.” The kind of direct, big picture honesty we should have a lot more of 👍

[@timbushell8640]

Missing Toby's rant ending with "You knew, there were 17 people."

[@gypzs9]

Best tv production ever. Full stop.

[@Knickerson]

“You get Hoynes” is in my top 5.

[@aconsideredopinion7529]

It’s sickening to have to endure the lies and down right dishonesty of trump after watching a show like this. In this show speeches are crafted by experts not ripped of from movies, the character expressed by the actors is inspirational not cringeworthy like trump’s behavior, the issues being confronted are noteworthy not the sizes or crowds or grifting.

[@crazyaces4042]

Was a great show and VERY inspiring! WE sure NEED inspiration in these uncertain times don't we? I know I do! And yes I agree with you.

[@adamfiliatreault3393]

The 20 Hours in America speech was missing the best part: "When did you write that last part?" "In the car on the way over" "Freak"

[@pdoylemi]

The Santos speech in the black church after a black child had been shot by a Hispanic cop is a favorite of mine.

[@justjim1215]

Please add one more: the cathedral scene gives everyone chills

[@cwcody2364]

For some reason didn't register w me like it did everyone else - I prefer Santos at the Dem Convention

[@hordori]

Honestly, when my children come of age to understand the depth of the meaning in these speeches I will want them to watch them. Thank you Aron Sorkin and all...

[@israelcm7246]

My Favourite speech is with the so called Doctor 😊😊. Bible verses were been quoted.

[@TheMelbournelad]

Yep. I always get a giddy feeling when he dresses down religious hypocrites

[@katiewillison2730]

I give a little giggle when ever I see that!

[@nancycarpenter5093]

the first time I saw it I stood up and cheered!

[@tomlawson5655]

I know that these characters are fictional but can you imagine how much better the United States and the world would be if people like that held office?

[@crazyaces4042]

In my dreams! If only.. guess we can only hope and look for a BETTER future and try not to go back to the bad!

[@maxsteinerfan]

very easy to imagine and wish for now more than ever......

[@ResonanceSD]

When did you write that last part? "In the car" Freak.

[@Jason-vn5xj]

I hope someday we have the privilege to vote for a real President Bartlett.

[@maxsteinerfan]

me too.

[@sandracfitzge]

Someday VERY soon would be nice.

[@borg304]

Last one was great . Binge watching this again

[@dr.davidenglish778]

For me it is always far and away going to be his Two Cathedrals rant in English and Latin. I like 20 Hours in America, but it is a distant second.

[@sandranorman5469]

AMEN AMEN AND AMEN. Have I displeased you-you feckless thug? ?

[@Duncangafney1]

If a man as honorable, erudite, intelligent, moral and charismatic existed and they got on the ballot for President, they would win with the largest vote share ever recorded. I only wish all politicians would aspire to be Jed Bartlett.

[@ScorpiusZA.]

the "20 Hours in America" one is probably the best in this video for me

[@annemarsh353]

I'm just sorry the exchange between Bruno and Sam was cut.

[@ScorpiusZA.]

@@annemarsh353 Yes. That bit was funny, but technically not part of the speech, so i get why they cut it. "When did you write that last part" "In the car on the way over" "Freak"

[@PaulWilliams-h7v]

Too bad Bartlett can't run this year. We need him more than ever.

[@senordingdong4827]

"Ran into, the fire". That line will always get me!

[@dawnbaker9274]

That last speech was always my favorite.

[@gatorfan3783]

The show's combination of keen writing and excellent ensemble acting was, and remains, unparalleled in the history of television. At times, the story lines made you want to weep. At other times, the intelligent humor and affectionate comraderie of the White House colleagues made you laugh with joy. At still other times, the characters' ethics, principles, compassion, dignity, and genuine patriotism simply made your heart swell with pride. May we please have some of these politicians in real life?

[@fooman2108]

Then, sadly, TERRIFYINGLY, we have to listen to.......

[@explosivtarknas1996]

"...when the President stands, nobody sits." Yeah, so Abdul Shareef was not his first assassination.

[@debbiehughes6205]

UK fan here. Im just about to start my 21st re-watch. Really wush they woyld bring a sequel out with Charlie as POTUS. The incidental music is always spit on. The Brothers in Arms scene is one of my favourite pieces of television of all time.

[@kriso6122]

I want to be able to vote for the team of West Wing. ❤ Even if I disagree with the decisions, it was obvious that the intent was clearly to take care of people. I freely admit to being a sap, but the "streets of heaven are too crowded tonight" speech always makes me cry.

[@maryphelps7381]

Absolutely Top of Every Category & Level. Actors, writers, producers, Crews & Tech Support, , Kinda wish it was " Required Viewing " at High School & University . 😊

[@maxsteinerfan]

I definitely share your wish. Why not raise the bar a bit for the next generation?

[@ElaineCarr-w6h]

I simply cannot get anywhere near enough of CJ's remarkable ability to illustrate Saudi Arabia's intractable hypocrisy.

[@Padfoot1985]

The part that always gets me, is that Sam wrote the eulogy for swimmers during the car ride there. This is a time for American heroes indeed. Bruno, rightfully calls Sam "freak" when learning this. Because Damn.

[@PaulSmith-gc2my]

Awww, they left out Sam saying, "I'm just going to take your crab puff". I always thought that was the crowning touch for that scene.

[@jorgerobles297]

I love "When did you write that last part"? In the car..."Freak"...

[@lisakaufman7366]

When the president tells the radio doctor off is my all time favorite scene.

[@OlafProt]

10:09 aww they missed off the bit where Sam says "I'm just gonna... take that crab puff"

[@KittiesofEvil]

Can't believe they didn't have Two Cathedrals... One of the best speeches in the show.

[@neilchristopher3734]

Amazing writing

[@janwatson7981]

Miss this show!

[@gizmoflyslow9854]

What is so sad and disheartening is how little things have changed, other than the intensity of the stench of the rancid spew that now comes from our current governor of Florida.

[@johndavidwolf4239]

Disappointed that there was no mention in the video of Aaron Sorkin who wrote most of those speeches.

[@trevorberridge6079]

Watching those clips gave me goosebumps. A stark reminder of why I loved this show so much. Does it get any better?

[@zemaria847]

This episode caters to the viewers emotion and aims at convincing the viewers to give up their guns. There is a reason why governments do not want you to own guns!

[@mistybethune9116]

a mistake from the first episode the 3rd ammendment is not honor thy father and mother thats the 5th ammendment

[@maryellenyates1457]

Went to syracuse university with aaron many years ago and have followed his career since. The social network and the newsoom were mt favorites

[@Ikarus1776]

Best trained armed guards in the world hits a little differently now....

[@Gerryfinn56]

The scene in the first episode when Bartlet says - Now I love my family, and I’ve read my Bible cover to cover so I want you to tell me, from what part of holy scripture do you suppose the Lambs of God drew their divine inspiration when they sent my twelve-year-old granddaughter a Raggedy Ann doll with a knife stuck through its throat? You’ll denounce these people, Al. You’ll do it publicly. And until you do, you can all get your fat asses out of my White House. C.J., show these people out

[@nancycarpenter5093]

I can't imagine how different their jobs must be, comparing Bartlett to trump.

[@Ikarus1776]

@@nancycarpenter5093 Well... physically, one's a smaller target.

[@rhodynne]

Donna smacking down Josh and Toby for being assholes for 20 hours.

[@rheredia9931]

This one is one of the best, but the clip cuts off at the end when Sam helps himself to a shrimp roll on the holy roller's plate. That clinched the scene in my opinion.

[@ameliapond1916]

No one writes power speeches like Aaron Sorkin.

[@KurtBagelmann]

Episode 1...where Bartlett is first introduced at the end of the episode and finishes his scree with get your fat asses out of the white house.

[@johnchamberlin2077]

SPORTS NIGHT was Sorkin's warm-up for WW. And i assume the same director/camera people shot both shows...in fact, might have pioneered the walk/talk shot?

[@carltontaylor6500]

9:50 Bartlett: Hey Yo Toby?! Toby: Yeasir Bartlett: That’s how you talk to your son 🎤 👊✋

[@andreghouse9192]

This collection of amazing speeches is the best evidence that Aaron Sorkin is a modern day Shakespeare. Which writer in the last 30 years can write like this? Maybe Steven Bochco, maybe. When I watch new TV shows, i enjoy them, but I am not moved like these. These bring tears to my eyes. Thank you Aaron.

[@pauletteandriaHamilton]

This needs to be on a streamer somewhere right now .

[@thederpstormchannel1361]

Best line in series freak lol

[@joerock8705]

Where’s the part where Jed Bartlett exacts retribution to the people on his enemies list?

[@santaclaus9069]

What is the name of that song that's playing as the President is talking about angels on the streets of heaven?

[@Pww642]

“When did you write that last part?” “A few years ago, for an Academy Awards speech.” “Frea- oh that makes sense.”

[@mocsaiorsolya5292]

Tha last one is my fav🥰😃

[@johnfnoone3164]

Welcome 😂the smack down

[@barbk8780]

I liked Ainsley's speech about ERA

[@jermaf]

Aaron Sorkin is pretty good with words (-:)

[@cwcody2364]

Flip you for real

[@maggiesmith480]

The streets are too crowded with angels tonight…

[@KathyMacDonald-im3sv]

No one writes like Aaron Sorkin.

[@johnfnoone3164]

Wow a politician who answers the questions

[@scottcraig5484]

Sorry ... but how can the "Joy cometh in the morning" speech not be included?

[@Scoots1994]

No way CJ would have all those crime stats the next day.

[@abzzeus]

Stackhouse is missing

[@candie1230]

I’m sorry but where is 2 Сathedrals???????? That one should always make any WW speech list.

[@ElaineCarr-w6h]

Kamala Harris should have hired the script writers from this show to write her campaign speeches.

[@thederpstormchannel1361]

Tell me why I don’t like mondays great choice