Joe, other than the whoole Republican agenda thing, Vinick IS pretty respectable. A major point of the show, to me, is to demonstrate how neither party is all good or all evil. They're just about two different ways of standing up for beliefs. Vinick did good when he decided not to 'take the pledge' on ethanol. Santos caved.

I'd be interested in hearing what Republicans think of the show. Tarheel says he's been a fan for a long time, and I don't think he'd feel that way if the program demonized conservatives. The guy they have (or 'had'?) for Speaker is pretty scummy, but John Goodman turned out OK as stand-in Prez and they've had a few sleazy Democrats.

Next idea for reviving ratings: Abbie Bartlett wakes up, takes shower and realizes the past 4 years were a dream. No major MS episodes, General Fitz is still alive, Leo never had a heart attack, Sam never left, etc.

Still another idea: Matt Santos wakes up and takes a shower. That's it. That's the whole show - just Jimmy Smitts in the shower. Works for me.