The West Wing- He shall from time to time

[UncleMikeNJ]

That jiggle-the-handle joke was taken for Dana Carvey as Daddy Bush on a 1992 episode of SNL.

[westsideworldwide101]

This is also one of my favourite scenes, but there are many. Just as with the magnificent pre-credits scene in 17 people, the tone of the orchestra beuatifully accompanies Leo's reaction. And, as always, the writing is breathtaking. Bartlett does not ask him 'Who would be your Chief of Staff?', he just asks him, 'You gotta best friend?' - the synthesis of emotive language and politics-speak that Sorkin incorporates is majestical. As you say, Jed, people have phenomenal capacity.

[TheDoomArt]

Wouldn't it be amazing if something did happen and he becomes the President? SPIN OFF SHOW! :D

[VegasRolo30]

One of many moments, do truely miss this show. It's a good moment with got a best friend, he smarter than you, do you trust him with you life....and then with the giggle of the bathroom handle, LOL. Wish Aaron Sorkin would do another show.

[streetcrazykenny]

1. We haven't had a president since Cleveland to actually care for, admire, and execute the U.S. Constitution. 2. Our presidents tend to use appointments as political gifts and not as serious positions. You think President Obama trusts Jacob Lew with his life? No. 3. Most people don't understand why Bartlett is talking to some guy about being president...I would know even if I never watched this show. Many people in this country don't know their own government, what it can do, and how.

[Z7TomC7Z]

I truely great scene. But I don't recall this I have watched every episode as well more than once, whats happening in this scene? :)

[bphantom64]

@Z7TomC7Z Bartlett is on his way to deliver the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. With almost every official of the US govt. in one place, someone in the line of succession has to stay behind just in case, say, the building burned down with everyone in it. The other character is that someone--the Secretary of Agriculture, IIRC.

I like the "That's your Chief of Staff" line--as I recall, Leo was facing a rough ride over the revelation of his substance abuse at the time.

[Z7TomC7Z]

@bphantom64 cheers :)

[paxpaul]

The best TV president and the most evil TV mayor, together in one scene. :)

[TheNinthDoctor]

"That's your chief of staff." Oh, Leo. <3

[mscottveach]

yeah... i consider mysef a pretty big fan of the show and i had forgotten about this scene... daaaamn.

[bensmith13]

Secretary:Can you translate?

Bartlet looks at him as if to say:"Bitch please"

[chrisbrown456]

the other actor (Roger) in this scene,was also in Star Trek Voyager lol

[hansellius]

@chrisbrown456 Which episode is that? Roger is also the Mayor in Buffy, season (I think) 3.

[chrisbrown456]

@hansellius he played that clown in Harry's dream world in Star Trek Voyager,although i forget what season of the show its from

[GuyLoki]

When did they start keeping the Oval Office pumping full of helium?

[BehindTheHarleyShop]

THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE TOP10 BEST SHOWS EVER. . . .

[youresoshain]

WATCH OUT! HE WANTS TO KILL BUFFY AND THE ENTIRE TOWN OF SUNNYDALE!

[ShortStackB5]

That's your Chief of Staff. How many of us can say "That's our Chief of Staff?"

[Peter24601]

There are some good shows on TV these days, but none of them come close to the level this show was at. It won Best Drama at the emmys for five straight years for a reason! Why Sorkin isn't given the keys to a network and allowed to make whatever show he wants is beyond me, the man makes great television.

[pepsibookcat]

Such a sweet, sweet scene.  So touching.

[Ovrkyl]

Leo's reaction to Bartlett's statement about the Chief of Staff choked me up. Leo was the best part of that show.

[grumpytosnowwhite]

Oh man, Mayor Wilkins? He's gonna go Giant Snake Demon and attack the Capitol!

Joking, but really -- this is one of my favorite West Wing scenes ever (and that's saying a lot). The friendship between Jed and Leo was something for the ages.

[andyt2k]

@grumpytosnowwhite I like the fact that for a scene of that importance they use such an experienced actor for such a small role

[grumpytosnowwhite]

@andyt2k Yeah, the West Wing did that quite a lot actually. Having good actors in all roles is one of those things that seems unimportant — after all, they're minor characters with few lines and little development — but it really makes a difference to the quality of the scenes.

[Kaalec]

@andyt2k For many actors, there are shows that you just want to be in. So they'll take even a small role just to be able to say they were in a classic. That's how they get an actor of that calibre to take a role that is smaller than he ever takes. That's how quality writing and production drive quality directing and acting which drive quality writing and production and so forth.

[largetalons22]

"you'll do fine; people have phenomenal capacity"

it's probably a bit cheesy but the amount of times this phrased has entered my mind in times of despair, doubt and uncertainty is probably an indication of the calibre of The West Wing, especially Sorkin's writing, and the effect it can have on people lives.

[MrSatireTube]

Leo's reaction was the scene maker I think....

[hanscombe72]

Was there or has there been anything better on TV than this?

This show got me through the first half of this decade. I was watching it Sydney Australia the night of 9/11. A priceless piece of television.

[tonkacaptain]

Thanks for uploading this. Earlier I picked this vid as a fav befor and it was removed. This scene touches me, I consider my best friend smarter than me, and a person I trust. I am lucky to have his friendship, and I a value it with all my heart.

[jj1967ful]

other then the parking tickets best scene ever

[LordChocIce]

This is easily one of my favourite scenes from the whole series - but there are so many others...

[ffoxton]

Thanks for uploading this bud, a much unappreciated scene from a truly great show.

[cameron120587]

I think that Agriculture Secretary is a good guy. I think he would have made a good President.