The West Wing Thing

Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc, in which the left wing gets screwed, the delightful friendship of Sam and the sex worker continues, and a very bad thing happens.

In episode 3, "A Proportional Response," the president of the United States wants to kill a lot of people and the White House becomes less white.

In episode 4,"Five Votes Down" we get to see the exciting mechanics behind passing a gun bill that no one seems to think is good. And Josh Olson finds the greatest visual in the history of television. 

In Episode 5, "The Crackpots and These Women," Josh melts down over something he shouldn't meltdown over and we experience the worst ending yet.

Dave and Josh discuss Episode 6, "Mr Wills of Ohio."  Awkward moments dealing with race.  Very awkward.

The State Dinner takes a dive into American exceptionalism, Sorkin's take on unions, and the weirdest hurricane ending possible.

In episode 8, "Enemies," we experience the joy of the White House trying to pass a banking bill through a Congress that can attach amendments.  It is griping. 

Dave and Josh discuss Ep 9, "The Short List." A Supreme Court justice is picked! He's a Federalist! And in West Wing style, the pick seems to have little to do with issues that the left in America would actually care about. 

Dave Anthony and Josh Olson discuss Ep 10, "In Excelsis Deo," in which the show tackles the serious problem of veteran homelessness in the most shallow fashion possible. 

Episode 11  "Lord John Marbury" The West Wing tackles the complex issue of Pakistan and India in the most simplistic way possible. 

To discuss the situation, we are joined by our first guest ever - Writer, journalist, and producer of Four Lions, Faisal-Azam Qureshi.

We take a mid-season break with a wrap up.  We've struggled through 11 episodes of The West Wing and are joined by activist Susan Saxe to discuss neoliberalism and how the West Wing infected the politics of the Democratic Party.

It's a brand new season of The West Wing Thing, and Dave and Josh are back! We kick things off with Episode 12, "He Shall, From Time To Time." Everything you ever wanted to know about the State of the Union address! Plus - why CJ has trouble keeping a man. 

Dave Anthony and Josh Olson discuss Ep 13, "Take Out The Trash Day," in which several men explain homophobia to CJ. 

On Monday - It's a very special West Wing Thing with a very special guest who did a very special thing that we're too chicken to do ourselves. 

Dave and Josh are joined by Chris Wade - Chapo Trap House producer, and co-host of And Introducing to discuss his experience witnessing Aaron Sorkin's version of To Kill A Mockingbird. 

Episode 14. "Take This Sabbath Day"

In which the West Wing kids tackle the death penalty in the most West Wing way imaginable, it is discovered that sometimes women have names for commonly associated with men, everyone enjoys the great Karl Malden's final performance as a priest, and Dave finds his happy sound. 

Episode 15. "Celestial Navigation"

Josh relates the events of a typical day in the West Wing, which includes the introduction of a new West Wing tradition - white people explaining to non-white people the best ways to handle racism. Plus, a shout out to the standard bearers of our industry, Pod Save America. 

Episode 16. "20 Hours In LA"

The gang flies West and finds that California does funny things to ladies and their lady brains. Plus, Bartlett lectures them gays on why pragmatic idealism is more effective than actually doing things. 

Episode 17. "The White House Pro-Am"

This one's got it all - from NAFTA to child slavery. Listen to find out why Dave considers this "the most vile episode of the West Wing that has ever existed”