Episode Number - 207
Original Airdate - November 15, 2000
Story by - Paul Redford
Teleplay by - Aaron Sorkin
Directed by - Paris Barclay

While President Bartlet and some of the staff are en route overnight to Portland for a major education speech, Leo remains behind to monitor a tense situation in the Persian Gulf when a foreign tanker is suspected of smuggling contraband oil and fires on U.S. Navy helicopters sent to investigate. Elsewhere, Josh is on a tight deadline when he debates with an opposing party's congressman, Matt Skinner (Charley Lang) - who happens to be gay - the merits of a bill brought before the President that would prohibit same-sex marriages. On the plane, Toby tries to re-work Sam's questionable speech on education while Charlie offers a novel idea that would result in more teachers. In addition, new hire Ainsley is content to perspire freely in her overheated office while secretary Margaret (NiCole Robinson) worries that her boss, Leo, might be tempted to take a drink after he signs his divorce papers.

Screen Caps
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Quotes
Donna: "I have an excellent sense about these things!"
Josh: "Actually, you have no sense about these things! You have no vibe, you have terrible taste in men, and your desire to be coupled up will always and forever drown out any small sense of self or self-worth that you may have."
Donna: (smile fading) "You're a downer, you know that? I'm calling you Deputy Downer from now on!"

Bartlet: "You know why late flights are good? Because we cease to be earthbound and burdened with practicality. Ask the impertinent question. Talk about the idea that nobody has thought about yet." (to Sam) "Put it a different way." Sam: "Be poets."

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