Running Mates (The West Wing episode)
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| “Running Mates” | |
|---|---|
| The West Wing episode | |
 Leo prepares for the debate |
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| Episode no. | Season 7 Episode 142 |
| Written by | Peter Noah |
| Directed by | Paul McCrane |
| Guest stars | Janeane Garofalo Teri Polo Patricia Richardson Brett Cullen Stephen Root David Barrera Ramón De Ocampo Matthew Del Negro Karis Campbell |
| Production no. | 2T6210 |
| Original airdate | January 8, 2006 |
| Season 7 episodes | |
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| List of The West Wing episodes | |
"Running Mates" is episode 142 of The West Wing. It begins with an introduction from Martin Sheen, who pays tribute to John Spencer, the actor who played Leo McGarry. Spencer had died of a heart attack in December.
The Vice-Presidential debate approaches, and there are concerns over Leo's performance in the preparation sessions. Leo calls Josh to ask how the tapes looked: Josh lies that he didn't see them. He and Lou are very concerned. Annabeth tries to get him to stop "smirking." Someone has leaked the information about Leo's poor performance to the Republicans who start an internet blog.
Meanwhile Matt Santos goes home for some time with his family, however, the secret service and the entire Santos campaign come too. The children have colds, and Matt is reluctant to catch it. Further, a photographer manages to reveal to the world that the potential First Lady has a lower-back tattoo and is wearing a thong. Helen feels deeply humiliated, and Donna tries to reassure her. She tells her "maybe you should think about what kind of First Lady you want to be" But Helen's not even sure if she wants her husband to be the President. The intrusion, even now, is getting to her.
Matt Santos advises Leo to head off and get some rest before the VP debate. Josh and Lou are very nervous that he won't put in one more rehearsal, but when it's time for the real debate, Leo sails through it, much to their relief. Leo reveals to Annabeth that it was he who leaked the information to the Republicans about his weak performances in the practice runs.
