For the past eight years, President Josiah Bartlet (series star MARTIN SHEEN) has led the most powerful nation on earth. Directly descended from one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, New Hampshire Democrat Bartlet exudes a country-lawyer charisma that complements his brilliance, his deep conviction and his devotion to what he believes is right for the country...despite what the special interest groups demand. A brilliant academician in her own right, first lady Dr. Abigail "Abbey" Bartlet (series star STOCKARD CHANNING) staunchly supports her husband but does not hesitate to keep him in line when necessary.Now, as Bartlet's time in the White House comes to an end, two formidable men vie for the Presidency: Arnold Vinick (series star ALAN ALDA), a Republican senator from California, and three-term Houston Democratic Congressman Matthew Santos (series star JIMMY SMITS).
After suffering a heart attack and stepping down from his previous position, professorial Advisor to the President Leo McGarry (series star JOHN SPENCER) resolutely serves as Bartlet's political and emotional right hand--as well as Santos' vice presidential running mate, assisted by Annabeth Schott (series star KRISTIN CHENOWETH)--while former Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman (series star BRADLEY WHITFORD) keeps his highly regarded political mind in overdrive in his new position working for Santos.
Chief Strategist and Senior Counselor to the Vice President Will Bailey (series star JOSHUA MALINA) worked on his boss' failed Presidential campaign, aided by Josh's former assistant, Donna Moss (series star JANEL MOLONEY).
Chief of Staff C.J. Cregg (series star ALLISON JANNEY), Bartlet's former press secretary, and stoic Toby Ziegler (series star RICHARD SCHIFF), the rumpled and sleepless communications director, stay focused on the numerous tasks at hand. Deputy National Security Advisor Kate Harper (series star MARY McCORMACK) continually rises to the occasion, as does the President's brilliant young deputy special assistant, Charlie (series star DULÉ HILL).
Josh is caught off guard when political commentators are critical of Leo as a running mate for Santos. White House Counsel Oliver Babish (recurring guest star OLIVER PLATT - "A Time to Kill") discusses a leak investigation with C.J. And Donna approaches Josh for a job.
