I just discovered West Wing last year and have been a huge fan - mostly of the shows prior to last season. No, this episode didn't really inspire me. Other than the beginning when they tossed out the rules, it was a little TOO realistic. Democrat talked about lofty dreams of a better American society. Republican talked about about bad stuff he didn't like, such as higher taxes for rich people, in a very superficial way. Neither one came off as truly evil or truly great, although Santos actually said things. The best thing that could happen to the show is for one of them to get elected and then be assasinated so the VP takes over. I don't know who the Rep VP candidate is and Leo's a sort of LBJ-ish Dem, but I've always liked the character.

They seem to be milking the campaign process for everything it's worth and then some. It seems like they're afraid of what happens next.

Then again, I think they need to come out with a Jimmy Smitts Matt Santos action figure.

Ths is a trip: they're broadcasting two different versions, probably due to time differences. One for east and one for west. It'd be interesting to hear the westies' take on it.