Christmas spirit has once again returned to the White House, and the entire Bartlet family comes together for the annual White House tree-lighting ceremony. But everyone's spirits soon fall when Bartlet learns that Christian relief workers have been imprisoned in Islamic northern Sudan. Later, Bartlet is surprised when his son-in-law informs him of his Congressional ambitions. Elsewhere, Toby tries to keep the administration out of a controversial debate when the licenses of some Oregon are suspended after they order drugs in an assisted sleeping.
Season 5 Episode 9 of The West Wing resulted in a 0.00 rating in the 18-49 demographic.
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.