Shutdown Summary

Bartlet and the Speaker of the House continue to disagree about the budget, and the fiscal crisis results in the federal government being shut down. Opinion polls show that Americans blame the Democrats for the halt within the government, damaging the administration's approval ratings. Josh, Leo, and Toby send the rest of the staff home while Bartlet unfolds a bold plan to challenge the Republicans and get the administration up and running once again. Meanwhile, Abbey emerges from her brief self-imposed hiding for a state dinner that she may have to cook for.

Episode Viewers and Ratings

Season 5 Episode 8 of The West Wing resulted in a 0.00 rating in the 18-49 demographic.

The West Wing Season 5 Episodes...

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.

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