The Stormy Present
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“The Stormy Present” | |
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The West Wing episode | |
Episode no. | Season 5 Episode 98 |
Guest stars | John Goodman James Cromwell Michael Hyatt Stephen Tobolowsky Terry O'Quinn Allison Smith Ron Canada Diana Douglas Steve Ryan Maz Jorbrani Bellamy Young Ryan Cutrona David Andriole |
Written by | John Sacret Young (teleplay) John Sacret Young & Josh Singer (story) |
Directed by | Alex Graves |
Production no. | 176060 |
Original airdate | |
Season 5 episodes | |
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List of The West Wing episodes |
"The Stormy Present" is episode 98 of The West Wing.
[edit] Plot
When former President Owen Lassiter dies, the three remaining ex-Presidents fly on Air Force One with Bartlet to attend the funeral. Onboard, Bartlet's two historic guests partake in a lively debate about their administrations. Their past mistakes haunt the current administration including a recent event — protestors have surrounded a Saudi Oil headquarters, taking 200 hostages, including 50 Americans. Meanwhile, C.J. investigates claims that DARPA is conducting experiments on mind control. Leo discovers his ex-wife is engaged to be married. And Josh referees a debate between representatives of Connecticut and North Carolina, concerning an original copy of the Bill of Rights.
Much of the episode centers on this quote of Abraham Lincoln, from which the title is taken: "The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present."