Ep 6. The Lame Duck Congress

In The West Wing season 2 episode 6, titled "The Lame Duck Congress," the White House is gearing up for the upcoming midterm elections as President Bartlet's approval ratings continue to take a hit. The episode opens with press secretary CJ Cregg being grilled about the president's gun control legislation, which is facing major opposition in Congress.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman is tasked with convincing a lame duck Democratic congressman to switch his vote in support of the president's bill. But the congressman, who is retiring at the end of the term, is hesitant to go against his Republican colleagues, who hold a majority in the House.

As Josh works to persuade the congressman, he also juggles a potential scandal involving the Defense Department and must navigate tensions with his new Republican counterpart, Ainsley Hayes.

Elsewhere, the president's personal aide, Charlie Young, is dealing with a family crisis and enlists the help of communications director Toby Ziegler to navigate the legal system.

Throughout the episode, the theme of political power plays and the difficult decisions faced by politicians is explored. The White House staff must navigate delicate negotiations and make strategic choices as they try to push through legislation and maintain support from both the public and their colleagues in Congress.

Overall, "The Lame Duck Congress" offers a compelling look at the inner workings of American politics and the challenges faced by those in power. With a strong ensemble cast and intricate plot lines, the episode stands out as a highlight of The West Wing's second season.