I hope that all the Presidential wannabes watched the West Wing

[question everything]

Oh, how it came close to home, too close, when the Jeanine Garofalo character was talking about lack of clear, iconic message?

Her demand to paint a clear image of the nominee (Jimmy Smit) to take a stand, even if in opposition to the White House (same party).

Interesting demonstration of the "daddy issues" and the "mommy issues."

Still a great program.

[SeattleGirl]

1. I wish they hadn't moved it to Sunday.

I wonder if they're trying to kill it or something?

[mcscajun]

4. The show is winding down, period. The network wants the Wed.

night time slot for something new.

If this isn't the last season for West Wing, I'll be flummoxed.

[FreedomAngel82]

16. Same here

I loved it on Wednesday cause then I could watch this show on Wednesday and "Charmed" on Sunday. Now I just tape "Charmed" and watch it later. ;)

[Greyhound]

23. The show died when Sorkin left. This is just getting a few more paydays

before it is canceled.

[Gloria]

2. I was thinking the same thing! The word "spine" came up in the

dialogue spoken by Garofalo's character....

[rwenos]

3. Undeniable Truths

Campaigns have to boil down to a few words. The Garafalo character knows that, Josh is resisting it. Josh's ego is writing checks his communication skills can't cash.

The lesson I got was that Democratic candidates have to think as much about communicating clear, unified messages as the Pubs do.

I sort of like Sunday nights. Broader audience.

[question everything]

11. Was OK today, when "60 minutes" started and ended on time

Most of the time, football game spill over. Last week it started an hour later and then we - at least in the East Coast and the Midwest, have to decide what to watch, or what to tape.

I would say that there is a lot of overlapping in the audience of both shows.

[deadparrot]

5. *sigh* This is why I love DU.

As a big WW fan, I frequent several WW message boards. The people there don't seem to realize that Sorkin isn't writing the show anymore. And also, they're a bit nuts, but that's beside the point. I agree that the show isn't what it was in its first four seasons, but considering that Wells is writing the show, I think it's doing okay for itself. It's stil written for people with a higher-than-average IQ, it doesn't revert to the cheap laugh like stupid sitcoms, and even in its deteriorated state, it's still one of the best shows on TV (at least in my view).

By the time I wade through one of the damn threads, I just feel depressed. It's nice to hear that some people DO enjoy it.

I just wish they weren't postponing the elections until March! After the real life campaign next year, the thought of another whole season of campaigning makes me feel a little queasy.

[SeattleGirl]

8. I love this show, but stopped watching when the campaigning

started, because I just couldn't take it after the second "selection" we had just been through. And I love the show, and the cast, especially Martin Sheen. And having Jimmy Smits and Alan Alda as candiates -- OMG! But I just can't watch right now. Hopefully by summer reruns, I'll be able to watch again.

And I agree, it is a smart, well-written show, though better when Sorkin was still writing.

Thank goodness for DVD sets!

[deadparrot]

12. Amen to that!

I miss Sorkin horribly (there are rumblings of him returning to write the series finale)! But still very good. I'd watch this any day over some of the crap they throw at us now.

[SeattleGirl]

13. It's definitely better than a lot of shows.

n/t

[FreedomAngel82]

18. Yep

Now days there's only a few shows that I enjoy watching. "West Wing" and "Charmed" are at the top of my list and a few sitcoms and the "Daily Show."

[FreedomAngel82]

17. Speaking of DVD sets...

when are they going to have the other seasons out? I got up to four. I love the campaigning! Even if it brings back sad memories it's fun and gives you an inside glimps and as a political junkie I love this type of stuff! Plus, I love the canidate Santos. He's such a firey person and you can tell he wants to not just follow orders ala Bush. He's a real canidate who truly cares about everything. And Alda as the republican canidate is awesome too. He's a great actor. I grew up watching M.A.S.H. (my grandfather was a huge fan and that was his favorite show and got me into it) so I'm glad to see him again acting on a show (Aldan was one of my favorites on MASH too).

[cynatnite]

6. Louise wants to hit back at the Vinnick campaign...

Josh sees it as going negative.

They are already there, IMO, and it's past time. She was right. If they are going to win, they need to hit back hard punch for punch.

She's a real nice addition to the cast and I hope we see her going toe to toe with JOsh.

[question everything]

9. And what a difference when Santos put on his flight suit

and climbed into his aircraft, like a real reserve that he is. Though in reality, I think that he is too tall for a fighter jet.

Santos fought in the first Gulf War while Vinnick was drinking champagne?

[napi21]

10. I think you've already seen some of the toe to toe stuff.

When Smitt said he convinced her to join the campaign, but she answers directly to ME, that was the first step. Then he said that Josh was right on one point and she was right on the other.

I love the idea that SOMEBODY is putting out the message that you've got to fight punch for punch and if it's negative...TS! I sure hope our Dem candidates are watching!!!!

[napi21]

7. It's a GREAT show! I hope they were all watching too!

I know it's only a TV show, but I think they really protray most of the stuff the way it really is! The way the unexpected always affects everything in running the WH or running a campaign.

The thing that impressed me the most tonight was Smitt more or less telling his handlers he was going to do what HE though was right, wether they agreed with him or not!

I actually think THAT'S what the next Dem candidate has to do! Seems to me, if the handlers were so all knowing, wouldn't THEY be running themselves?

[Oeditpus Rex]

14. Best of all, it has

Janeane. :loveya: :loveya: :loveya:

[Jane Austin]

15. TiVo

If you don't have it yet, ask for it for your Birthday or Christmas.

Then you get to watch whatever you want, whenever you want.

Best of all, if the phone rings or the dog barfs, you can run it back and get the part you missed - - even if you're not recording it.

Get TiVo.

It'll set you free.

[question everything]

19. Doesn't TiVo prevent you from skipping a commercial?

We still use our 10 year old Proscan tape recorder. It automatically label a commercial and when we watch it, instead of fast forwarding through the commercials we see a blue screen for a few seconds.

Still, I think that they are getting smarter and more and more do make it through. sigh

And.. there is always this feeling that "someone" keeps track of one's viewing habits.

[Jane Austin]

20. It records everything, but you can fast forward through it a lot faster

than you can with a tape format.

Nothing to it. Also, because it is digital, you can see clearly when the content comes back on; you don't have to guess.

[Pithy Cherub]

21. Loved it. (still miss Sorkin) It also showed the craveness

of consultants and the way they all really were there to get money NOT help the party. Future candidates would be remiss if the fail yet again to get the point about message communication and not running scared. Josh was killing the campaign by trying to make it safe and stay away from the stuff that mattered. Sound familiar? But best of all was a fully engaged candidate that made a final decision and didn't rely on one voice.

The one thing that the West Wing doesn't have the time to show fully is the personal power issues of those who surround a candidate. But hey, I like it. I think I will also check out Geena as the Commander in Chief too. :popcorn:

[Greyhound]

24. C in C is OK, but Rod Lurie is not even in the same in the same sport as

Sorkin. What he lacks in talent he makes up with ego and bombast.

[MsUSA]

22. Was that her?? Jeanine Garofalo??? I thought it was, but

then I've never seen her in a character like that and thought, nah, that's not her. She did just an outstanding job. I think this West Wing is going to have a great season.

[IkeWarnedUs]

25. Live presidential debate coming this season

Alan Alda said in an interview (don't remember which one - he's making the rounds) that one episode will be a live debate between Vinnick (Alda) and Santos (Smitts). They will do one live show for the east and midwest and another live show for the west coast. Asked if it will be scripted, Alda said "I certainly hope so."