While the staff debates Speaker Haffley over the federal budget, Toby enlists the help of Joe Quincy to persuade Chief Justice Roy Ashland to retire after recent health problems. Meanwhile, Josh watches as the rest of the staff negotiates with Congressional Republicans over the budget; and C.J., as well as President Bartlet, worry about Zoey's television interview with a reporter who's known for being able to expose raw emotions.

Episode Viewers and Ratings

Season 5 Episode 7 of The West Wing resulted in a 0.00 rating in the 18-49 demographic.

The West Wing Season 5 Episodes...

• s05e01 - 7A WF 83429
• s05e02 - The Dogs of War
• s05e03 - Jefferson Lives
• s05e04 - Han
• s05e05 - Constituency of One
• s05e06 - Disaster Relief
• s05e07 - Separation of Powers
• s05e08 - Shutdown
• s05e09 - Abu el Banat
• s05e10 - The Stormy Present
• s05e11 - The Benign Prerogative
• s05e12 - Slow News Day
• s05e13 - The Warfare of Genghis Khan
• s05e14 - An Khe
• s05e15 - Full Disclosure
• s05e16 - Eppur Si Muove
• s05e17 - The Supremes
• s05e18 - Access
• s05e19 - Talking Points
• s05e20 - No Exit
• s05e21 - Gaza
• s05e22 - Memorial Day

The West Wing Show Summary

In a unique glimpse of the inner-workings of Presidential politics, The West Wing takes viewers inside the White House and follows the lives of the staff as they help President Jed Bartlet make the crucial decisions that shape the nation and the world around it. Working closely with the President are close friend and Chief of Staff Leo McGarry; Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman; Josh's assistant Donna Moss; Communications Director Toby Ziegler; and his Deputy, Sam Seaborn; Press Secretary C.J. Cregg; First Lady Abbey Bartlet; and Charlie Young, Bartlet's Personal Aide.

As season 6 unfolded, the show shifted its focus from the current administration to the Arnold Vinick vs. Matthew Santos race for the presidency, presidential election, and transition to the new administration from the Bartlet administration.