Ep 6. The Al Smith Dinner

The West Wing season 7 episode 6 is entitled "The Al Smith Dinner." This episode revolves around the President and the First Lady attending the Al Smith Dinner, an annual event in New York City that honors the late governor and is attended by politicians, journalists, and other VIPs. The dinner provides a platform for the President to deliver a humorous speech, showcasing his wit and cleverness. However, this year's speech is causing quite a bit of anxiety for the President's staff, particularly his speechwriter.

The President's speech contains a controversial joke about abortion, which the staff fears may backfire and offend those in attendance. The speechwriter is torn between wanting to uphold the President's wishes and wanting to protect his reputation and image. Meanwhile, the First Lady is grappling with her own set of problems as she delivers a speech at a women's health clinic.

As the night progresses, tensions rise, and the team tries to parse out the potential fallout from the speech. The staff is also keeping a watchful eye on the opposition party, who are also attending the event. There is also a subplot about a fundraiser event that is taking place simultaneously, which puts Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman in a tricky situation.

Overall, "The Al Smith Dinner" is a tense and sophisticated episode that highlights the complexities of politics and power. It skillfully weaves together multiple subplots to create a captivating narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. With its sharp writing, excellent performances, and intricate plot twists, this episode is a highlight of the series and serves as a testament to the show's enduring popularity and critical acclaim.