West Wing - When Ainsley Hayes meets President Bartlett

Ainsley Hayes is a Republican but she agrees to work in a Democrat White House because of sense of duty. She's a very interesting character, very funny too... Enjoy!

[@hoisonsauce]

"Is your father proud of you?" What an amazing thing to say to someone who has spent her life dedicated to her work and dreams. Her smile gives away her appreciation for having been asked.

[@charlessanders4337]

The way she smiled…

[@pattygioffre2366]

This was seriously the very BEST show on TV. I was so sorry to see it end.

[@willieboy8798]

you and me both!

[@pamelaoconnell6723]

I agree 100%!

[@KKG51]

"They won't let me smoke inside but you can pee in Leo's closet" one the funniest lines ever on this show!!

[@nakedfaves]

Yeah, but that's only because she's "just in her own little Euripides play over there"....(8^P

[@samiam619]

I seem to remember seeing Toby with a lit cigar (Oh the horror!) at a staff poker game, once...

[@op3129]

it is. but what makes it sorkin: "is your father proud of you?" (and ainsley smiles)

[@davidcombs3617]

@@op3129 Yup. She peed like a good girl in that closet. #swoon

[@jefffawcett]

One of the funniest lines ever on any show. This entire clip has me crying laughing. Funnier than any of the comedies on TV right now

[@Grenn1471]

"Don't you have to absolve yourself of the humiliation visited on your family and the House of Atreus?" I wish Sam never left.

[@dayana1269]

That last “Yes, Sir.” and the smile that came with it was probably the sweetest thing ever recorded on film.

[@philbertphettbart7930]

"You are just in your own little Euripides play over there, aren't you?" is definitely one of Sam Seaborn's greates lines.

[@scottmedwid1818]

This little short had me laughing so hard. And I laugh at it every time it comes up again!

[@fishbone3333]

Bartlett knew exactly what button to push when he asked Ainsley, "Is your father proud of you?" (Damn, Sorkin is a hell of a writer.)

[@derrickstorm6976]

Nah he was a father himself he knew what the children care and worry about

[@cdjhyoung]

Martin Sheen is a hell of an actor when he has material this good to work with.

[@watsonsd1]

Man, I wish they'd made her a staple on the show. She was consistently hilarious.

[@darrellfrazier8785]

The look on her face when he asks her about her father gets me everytime!

[@wobblyashes9102]

Me too.

[@jacquelinemadden1794]

And when Leo says The President is asking you to Serve...Oh the writing!!!

[@snidelywhiplash]

Totally disarmed her.

[@miguelencanarias]

I remember in awe Leo's first interview with Ainsley. What a wonderful piece of writing and delivery from start to finish. This will remain in my heart as the best series in TV history, Game of Thrones or no Game of Thrones. Sorkin is an absolute genius.

[@wheresrain]

Goddamn it, it just did it to me

[@pac401]

"I didn't know we had a nightclub down here." Classic!

[@randallbanks1589]

That sounds like it was completely and totally ad-libed by Martin himself.

[@samiam619]

pac401, Just one of thousands!

[@reubenherrera9827]

JFK put it in. Clinton upgraded the stereo system. Bush put in a better bar. Obama got a new disco ball. Trump put in a pole and upgraded screens. Biden got a new sofa.

[@mfisher1952]

Aaron Sorkin is brilliant! Adding Ainsley Hayes was a stroke of genius. A very capable, principled, but very, very human and likeable character.

[@sarahmccoy1941]

The West Wing was the best show ever on television. The writing, directing, and acting was superb. Whenever I feel low about our current real life president, I watch a few hours of The West Wing and it lifts my spirits. The West Wing is what life should be. The Wurst Wing is the legacy of our present president and his people.

[@cdjhyoung]

I've wished for 3 1.2 years that Aaron Sorkin would would join the Biden Administration as a speech writer for our current President. President Biden is doing OK, but his speeches could use some polish.

[@jimreily7538]

The Wurst Wing ? Is that the Currywurst Wing ? The Worst Wing ? Or the Worst Wing ?

[@1tishhead]

"ok, well now i am, too" may be my favorite line from the whole series.

[@davidrendall7195]

The Presidents soft - why? - gives it a run for its money

[@davidrendall7195]

She's is the closet Mr President. Why? She thought it was a bathroom. (beat) Why is she still in there? Thats kinda hard to say Sir. I love the approach to honesty in Aaron Sorkins work. Its ok to mess up, ok to enjoy a mess up, and when faced with an awkward question its ok to fess up to not having the slightest idea. Honesty cuts both ways it can build you up for glory or set you up for a prat fall. If you can embrace both with equanimity when they are upon you, you can be trusted.

[@darrellfrazier8785]

+David Rendall Quite right...

[@FireLineStudios]

It's a true story that Dee Dee added to the script

[@ruk2023--]

Really smart people know that it's OK to admit you don't know something and that fucking up is part of life.

[@Balin93]

The first minute of this video is the most adorable minute of television ever.

[@DoggosintheHouse]

"Tell her it's going to be fine" "Your skirt's on backwards." Every time I see that I laugh.... every time....

[@Other299]

This girl just blew me away. She was so adorable!.I hated that they didn't keep her around longer.

[@darrellfrazier8785]

+Other299 Me too!!!

[@jbar3762]

+Other299 any idea why?

[@WinstonTheFrog]

+justin bartelen She went on to CSI: Miami after the third season, at least I think that's why

[@jbar3762]

Hated her in that, then again I hated that show but I imagine they paid a lot better so I can hardly blame her.

[@TheRevanSentinel]

+justin bartelen sorkin wished he had signed her on fulltime and I can't agree more. She and Sam had such great chemistry and she was so witty and fired off lines lightning fast

[@TheStuport]

I always laugh at Ainsley's remark about "erasing the humiliation" .....yet not fully realizing that President Bartlett could never...nor would he ever want to.....erase that dancing and singing of the Bossa Nova.....Cheers All

[@zugrook101]

And she honors her father.

[@yokie52]

"..you're really in your really own Euripides play over there, aren't ya?" God, such writing...

[@EvetsZerimar23]

Such a daddy’s girl. Love it! Just the thought of her dad Seems so genuine. Love this show

[@sce2aux464]

"Yeah Ainsley, I wanted to say hello, and to mention, you know, uh, a lot of people assumed you were hired because you were a blond Republican sex kitten, and well, they're obviously wrong..."

[@brown_town_]

+SCE2AUX2 ironically, that's exactly why the character was created and Emily proctor was cast. ;)

[@davidcombs3617]

She did look good though...

[@trevorwoerner8211]

Ainsley was gorgeous, smart and strong, a very good character, the interactions between her and Sam were amazing.

[@JohnSmith-zw8vp]

At least she won't get accused of being a boring teetotaller! :D

[@kandisnz]

Laughed until I cried. I love West Wing. Brilliant!

[@Bayougirl78]

"What's up?" That cracks me up every time...

[@ReelMeurik]

Bayougirl78 He walks in so smoothly before saying the line. Classic Sheen :)

[@melchiorvulpius4799]

"You are just in your own Euripedes play, aren't you?" HA!

[@YourLoyalDeserter]

Her scream is one of the funniest things I've ever experienced.

[@ScarlettM]

I love Leo's sense of humor!

[@haroldgeorge4412]

“That could’ve been worse.”.............”No. probably not.” 🤣🤣🤣

[@JohnSmith-zw8vp]

Yes...if it went VIRAL!!!! :D Luckily KZbin was still a few years away.

[@davidweihe6052]

Well, picking up a prostitute, sleeping with her, and accidentally switching pagers would come close. Sleeping (euphemism, there) with TWO barely legal fans and getting caught by the gossip mags might have made it even worse.

[@Gregdevopitts]

One of the best!!

[@cards0486]

Anyone else struck by “my assistant went to get me clothes”? Where in the world does her assistant work? Does she use stacks of document boxes in the hall as a desk? I love every scene with Ainsley Hayes. But meeting President Bartlett is the best since her meeting with Leo.

[@jimmy2k4o]

In the Eisenhower executive office building EEOB or formally (and sometimes informally) as the Old executive office building OEOB I would guess. That’s where all White House staffers work when there isn’t room for a desk in the WH.

[@williammassey8514]

I remember when this originally aired, I thought this was hysterical. Many years later and I'm still laughing. Ainsley Hayes characterwas precious.

[@cameltanker1286]

This best part is when president asked if her father was proud of her and the smile on her face when she answers yes.

[@dayana1269]

She should have been given a far more important role during the whole show; she is so bright and funny, and these are well among my favourite funny scenes of the best TV series created ever. :)

[@o0pinkdino0o]

They were going to offer her a main part, but she took CSI Miami instead (which totally under utilised her comedic talents). There is one episode when a spark of Ainsley crept in in which her character accidentally got dosed with cocaine which was the highlight of season 1. But hey... she got to use a gun in CSI...

[@dayana1269]

@@o0pinkdino0o too bad for us :(

[@elayan333]

"Tell her it's gonna be fine." "You're skirt is on backwards." LMAO

[@MrBraddles3128]

*Your

[@martialme84]

*your It´s *your* fucking skirt. How the fuck are you old enough to be on a computer and yet you fail to understand such a simple, basic thing?? You´re a disgrace.

[@erwannkermanach6090]

Take it easy. It's just a typo.

[@MrBraddles3128]

Erwann Kermanac'h, fuck you with your “take it easy” bullshit. Never once has saying “take it easy” or “calm down” done anything but piss people off more. The amount of idiots that weren’t taught the difference in Primary School, or just simply don’t care, gets me SO fucking angry.

[@martialme84]

@@MrBraddles3128 Agreed.

[@Tigerman1138]

I liked at the end when she finally relaxes and just accepts being human, happily admits she is proud, and knows her is too. That of course follows two of the funniest scenes in the series.

[@danieldickson8591]

I have never seen Emily Proctor look so adorable.

[@m.j.luckett6770]

I guess no one picked up on the greatest bit of acting ever shown on the planet. BAR NONE. That's when at the last, when asked about her father, the same smile given by very daughter who loves her Dad came over her face. Oft times it isn't the prose or the costume that should draw our attention, but the one universal language that is before us all. Facial expression.

[@darrellfrazier8785]

You expressed my exact feelings far more eloquently than I ever could! Bravo!

[@heleneschenbacher8512]

She looked the EXACT same way when she talked about gun ballistics with Horatio Caine. She is NOT THAT good!

[@miguelencanarias]

@@heleneschenbacher8512 I beg to differ. That kind of acting (and I am talking about her entire run in the series) is not a coincidence. You have to be a talented actor to deliver like that. And she doesn't kill her pets, either!

[@graceskerp]

The first time the WH walls were splashed with pink squirrel. Then, you pee in the chief's of staff closet. You made history, Ainsley.

[@JohnSmith-zw8vp]

President's initial thoughts: Oh that glass is soooo coming out of your next paycheck...

[@jackster1212]

This damn show... so good, so brilliantly written, paced and acted... and so different from the White House right now. Every now and then, I go watch these clips and tell me our current nightmare will -- with all luck -- be over in 2020. Or sooner.

[@miguelencanarias]

Hopefully sooner. But yes, this TV series is like an opium pipe to help us forget that orange buffoon soiling the Oval Office, making us dream of how things SHOULD be.

[@MrJamberee]

Why do you have to drag your shallow ideology around with you? The show is a fantasy, but I guess it suits clowns like you who live in fantasyland.

[@miguelencanarias]

@@MrJamberee As opposed to the deep, grave and well thought-out ideology of president Trump, who is totally not a clown and lives in a fact-based, truth-honoring land of reality, I suppose? Interesting.

[@warrenwintrode3698]

"That could have been worse.... No, probably not." Said with a straight face. Simply amazing.

[@jerodast]

Sam tends to be pretty wordy, so it's always great when he lands a moment with a shrug instead

[@wesleytong9557]

Thanks for putting this together. Ainsley was always hilarious

[@frankteunissen6118]

That dancing scene made me fall in love with Emily Proctor as an actor. She completely reversed the character she’d been playing up to then. That was great work.

[@timweaver7826]

I watched the entire series at least 5 times and still laugh more than any sit-com.

[@haroldgeorge892]

“That could’ve been worse. *pause No. probably not.” 🤣

[@pleappleappleap]

Bartlet: What's *up*.

[@miguelencanarias]

Oh man, this video brings so many memories! I'm hitting my DVD collection hard tonight!

[@ericbecker3099]

"I'm not the teetotaler you think I am." God that show had great writing.

[@MRantzWI]

Oh my God.... this made me pee on the carpet ! LOL... I forgot how good of a show this was !! I never watched this show when it was on TV, but checked out season 1 from the library years back, and I was hooked after 2 episodes. Finished one episode and couldn't wait to start the next !

[@rishabhanand4973]

i love how in the first meeting, the president says exactly what sam tells him to, and did not consider changing it up based on the context.

[@keepgoing2506]

If there were a real president Bartlett, Trump wouldn’t be qualified to shine his shoes.

[@James7995]

I love how they always had some kind of weather going on in background. The rain reminds me on my visit to DC.

[@xypaddy1]

For being the smartest show it was also one of the funniest !!

[@Awfulwriter]

If only Republicans and Democrats could get along as well as they do in this show.

[@moxnewswatcher1680]

When it comes to bombing other countries, they seem to get along very well.

[@Ailuj234]

Every time I hear more ‘stuff’ regarding our current administration I watch ‘WW’. It cleanses my soul and in some way gives me hope for a future that will renew the pride of our beautiful USA.

[@jimgeiser1570]

After so long, I had forgotten why Ainsley Hayes was wearing a bathrobe at all, and in the basement of The White House no less.

[@jareid82]

She sat on a freshly painted bench if I recall correctly but it's been a while.

[@Dowdye47]

I loved her character. I wish she had been in even more episodes. I'm a lifelong Democrat but Ainsley Hayes was so charming, intelligent, cute, vulnerable, accessible, bright, and able to speak so clearly for the other points of view that she almost made me wish I a Republican!.........almost. :)

[@jimmy2k4o]

Your always welcome over here in the enemy camp lol I’m not American but if I was I’d be a republican. But like ainsley I would be honoured to serve a good president like Jed Bartlett, or Jack Kennedy.

[@cdjhyoung]

She depicted a Republican before the age of MAGA Republicans. Republicans were once just a party that had a different idea about what America's goal should be and how to get there. They weren't yet the party of endless lies and a threat to our democracy.

[@Ellis_Hugh]

Ainsley Hayes - one of the all-time greatest characters in television history... and pretty easy on the eyes as well.

[@sandman19822]

why oh why did they let sam and ainsliey's characters go? they had so much chemistry.

[@theapparatus]

Rob Lowe didn't like the attention on Martin's character. Not sure about the girl.

[@db4a]

theapparatus The girl, Ainsley Hayes, played by actress Emily Proctor, left to take a starring role in CSI: Miami.

[@theapparatus]

db4ip, wasn't really worried about it but thank you. I was just trying to help sandman out. :)

[@LyrielleMoon]

If I remember correctly, it's because of an accident with her dress...

[@MrJamberee]

Rib Lowe wanted a lot more money. They should have paid him.

[@michaelhunt7494]

Sam: that could have been worse. Sam: no, probably not

[@BBoC]

Ainsley Hayes was just one of many incredible characters this wonderful show just couldn't find a place for because it was bursting at the seams with incredible characters. When I see people say they wanted more of her, I always wonder who's spot they would have her take.

[@LeoDomitrix]

"your own little Euripides play"... I miss intelligent TV so much.

[@RS8XB]

I've this scene prolly 50 times. love it!!

[@AstonPYKwok]

I just like that fact that they referred to Euripides in this segment.

[@samiam619]

Aston P Y Kwok Great! Now I have to look up Euripides. Know the name, but that’s all. And I was having so much fun watching these clips...

[@Snowy123]

Sam: tell her it’s going to be fine Leo: your skirt is on backwards What a troll lol

[@Madison-rk5is]

For a split second at 1:24 you can see Sam's reaction and it's just that kind of "OH NO" face because he knows what the president is about to say and how ironic and sarcastic it's going to sound

[@user-mo7ck7nc8z]

One of the best moments in tv history

[@davidcombs3617]

A Joey Heatherton pull. Nice.

[@nemo227]

"Why were you in the closet?" . . . "I had to pee." I burst into laughter years ago when I watched the series and again today. And if I watch it again tomorrow . . . I'll bet at least half of the viewers laugh too.

[@edotcabalo5217]

I love Ainsley Hayes and all that scene in meeting the President

[@Wherethehellarewegoing]

I don't think Rob Lowe gets enough credit for his comedic acting. He's brilliant when dead serious but his reactions when caught off guard (blond republican sex kitten) followed by wooden movements and tripping over his words always makes me laugh

[@TheBroz]

You mean the same Rob Lowe who’s acted in plenty of comedic roles: Wayne’s World, Austin Powers and Parks & Rec? Oh no, no credit at all…

[@robrosier9797]

Love this show

[@yvesrn]

I need to re-watch West Wing. It’s like political detox. Ainsley was the GOAT.

[@gregaj7]

I forgot how sarcastic this show was. LOL!!

[@solezuroleman8892]

I was sorry to see her character written out of the show. She was GREAT!

[@lancer525]

President Seaborn and the First Lady...

[@jamielancaster01]

One of my favorite moments of the show

[@JohnBrown-no4od]

The Ainsley Hayes character would have been ideal wife material had she been real. She was amazing in so many ways.

[@annoyedbysignups]

I always wished the show would've focused more on a romance between these two rather than always being about Josh and Donna. That got boring so fast. Sam and Ainsley were always interesting, especially since they clashed so much but obviously had chemistry!

[@dbdonahue]

I went to watch this and discovered that this is really "THE WEST WING S02E13 Bartlet's Third State of the Union - Season 2 - Episode 13"

[@Barbarous_Wretch]

There's a goldilocks point where it's nicely sentimental but doesn't stray into cheesy. The makers of this show struck that mark accurately and consistently.

[@James00151]

This was back when president was spelled with 2 t’s. Those days are gone, I’m afraid.

[@vovozacodmobile3659]

I love these scenes...

[@gheller2261]

"Jumping around like Joey Heatherton." How's that for a dated reference even back then?

[@jmcquown]

It's a hilarious scene from a great series. Too bad they don't write things like this anymore.

[@brontewcat]

I love Ainsley's scenes, She is one of my favourite characters

[@petereisenstadter5389]

It seems the appreciation of talent and expertise are gone. Those were the days, eh?

[@MichaelNeville]

Season 2, Episode 13 - Bartlet's Third State of the Union

[@97texascat]

One of the best characters in the show!

[@michaelmiller4105]

What’s up? - Jed Bartlett

[@dx7689]

So adorable. She should've stayed and been a main cast member.

[@cdjhyoung]

TV budget. There was no budget to keep her as a regular guest star on the show. A real shame.

[@dx7689]

@@cdjhyoung Honestly they could’ve left Will out after Sam left and then had Ainsley stay.

[@pigs18]

​@cdjhyoung Not a budget issue. She chose to leave because CBS was offering her a main cast role on the CSI spin-off. Maybe over time she would have made it there on West Wing, but they weren't ready yet.

[@MrDavesf]

I never get tired of the patented (or should be) Sorkin variations of "OK."

[@Tigerman1138]

*Clinton would have danced with her. *Bush would have cheered and encouraged her *Obama would have looked around awkwardly to see if Michelle was there. and... Trump would have likely said that it was good, but to start it again and he’ll dance and show her how it’s done. He has a good sense of humor, been on SNL, a bunch of tv shows, and his own moves.

[@YourLoyalDeserter]

Her scream is one of the funniest things I've ever seen.

[@jerrybobteasdale]

That's just about perfect.

[@95bochamp]

This is a great clip, but there's an important piece missing. That is, in the lead up to the scene in Ainsley's office, Sam asks the President to say a few encouraging words to Ainsley when they meet. Sam used the same phrases that the President used, which meant that the President was mocking Sam, too. This clip would be even funnier with that earlier scene.

[@LyrielleMoon]

I agree indeed... My mistake.

[@jonnnyren6245]

Ainsley is such a cute character here.

[@30secondstomarsMBH]

Without a doubt, she's one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen in my entire life. And I don't care about the actress, I'm legit attracted to Ainsley. Yeah, I'm attracted to a Republican, who'da thunk it.

[@97texascat]

great scenes!

[@robertkess9907]

Her character was typical of many on The West Wing, they'd be there for a few episodes and then you 'd never really see them again, with no explanation as to where they went or if we'd ever see them again. One day you'd be watching and realize hey, what ever happened to this one or that one. Funny scene though.

[@LyrielleMoon]

It happens with all the TV series: the actors/actresses who don’t have a contract for x years are free and if they have a better offer... they leave. Emily Procter left for CSI Miami.

[@DrAldobaglio]

Bartlett: What's up?