The Debate
Encyclopedia
"The Debate" is episode 139 of The West Wing
. The episode was broadcast live
with the NBC watermark
on screen. Because of this, there are actually two versions of this episode; one performed live for east coast audiences and a second performed a few hours later for west coast broadcast. Only the west coast version appears on the season seven DVD.
and Matt Santos
, the two
presidential candidates, with Forrest Sawyer
serving as moderator.
This is the only episode of the series which does not feature any of the original cast members. Aside from Bruno Gianelli, none of the characters in this episode were introduced before season 6. The set used for the debate was the same as used in the nonfictional 2004 NBC Presidential Debate between incumbent President George W. Bush (R) and Senator John Kerry (D).
The West Wing (TV series)
The West Wing is an American television serial drama created by Aaron Sorkin that was originally broadcast on NBC from September 22, 1999 to May 14, 2006...
. The episode was broadcast live
Live television
Live television refers to a television production broadcast in real-time, as events happen, in the present. From the early days of television until about 1958, live television was used heavily, except for filmed shows such as I Love Lucy and Gunsmoke. Video tape did not exist until 1957...
with the NBC watermark
Digital watermarking
Digital watermarking is the process of embedding information into a digital signal which may be used to verify its authenticity or the identity of its owners, in the same manner as paper bearing a watermark for visible identification. In digital watermarking, the signal may be audio, pictures, or...
on screen. Because of this, there are actually two versions of this episode; one performed live for east coast audiences and a second performed a few hours later for west coast broadcast. Only the west coast version appears on the season seven DVD.
Plot
The episode features a debate between Arnold VinickArnold Vinick
Arnold Vinick is a fictional character on the television series The West Wing played by Alan Alda.-Biography:A Republican senator from California and Republican presidential nominee, he is narrowly defeated by Democrat Matt Santos in the 2006 presidential election, with Vinick winning the popular...
and Matt Santos
Matt Santos
Matthew Vincente "Matt" Santos is a fictional character on the American television show The West Wing, played by Jimmy Smits. His initial appearance is as a Democratic U.S. Representative from Houston, Texas. According to West Wing writer and producer Eli Attie, Santos was based on the then...
, the two
presidential candidates, with Forrest Sawyer
Forrest Sawyer
Forrest Sawyer is an American broadcast journalist. Sawyer worked 11 years with ABC News, where he frequently anchored ABC World News Tonight and Nightline and reported for all ABC News broadcasts...
serving as moderator.
This is the only episode of the series which does not feature any of the original cast members. Aside from Bruno Gianelli, none of the characters in this episode were introduced before season 6. The set used for the debate was the same as used in the nonfictional 2004 NBC Presidential Debate between incumbent President George W. Bush (R) and Senator John Kerry (D).