Ep 6. Game On

In the fourth season of the political drama The West Wing, episode 6, titled "Game On," the reelection campaign for President Bartlet heats up as he faces off against Republican senator Robert Ritchie in a live, televised debate.

The episode opens with the senior staff preparing the President for the upcoming debate. Press advisor CJ Cregg schools him on how to answer tough questions without being disrespectful, and chief of staff Leo McGarry reminds him to stay focused on the economic policies that got him elected in the first place.

Meanwhile, deputy chief of staff Josh Lyman is dealing with the fallout from a recent scandal involving the Vice President. Josh grapples with how to spin the situation in a way that won't tarnish Bartlet's campaign.

As the debate approaches, tensions run high in the West Wing. The President confides in his staff that he's nervous about facing off against Ritchie, who he views as a bumbling idiot. But Leo reminds him that he can't underestimate his opponent, and that every word he says during the debate will be scrutinized by millions of viewers.

The debate itself is a tense affair, with both candidates exchanging barbs and vying for control of the conversation. Bartlet manages to maintain his composure and stick to his talking points, but Ritchie scores points by appealing to voters with his folksy charm and simplistic rhetoric.

Back at the White House, the staff watches anxiously as the debate unfolds. They're particularly concerned about how the public will react to Bartlet's quip about Ritchie's intellect – a comment that could come across as condescending.

As the episode concludes, the results of the debate are still up in the air. The staff frets about how to spin the President's performance, and Leo warns them not to get too caught up in the horse race of the campaign. He reminds them that the real goal is to govern, and that they can't lose sight of that in the quest for reelection.

Overall, "Game On" is an intense and engaging episode that captures the high-stakes world of presidential politics. The debate scene is particularly well done, with both Martin Sheen and guest star James Brolin delivering powerful performances. The episode is a reminder of why The West Wing is considered one of the best political dramas of all time.