S6E20 · In God We Trust

Senator Vinick, now the Republican Presidential nominee, receives advice from former Bartlet political consultant Bruno Gianelli on how to win all 50 states in the general election, and more specifically in the near term how to present his religious views to the public and pick a running mate. Meanwhile, Bartlet wrestles with getting a minimum wage hike passed by attaching it to a bill necessary to raise the debt ceiling, and with how to unify his party in the face of a three-way race for the Democratic nomination.

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The story

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Plot summary

Senator Vinick wins the Republican nomination for presidency and begins working on his campaign. He gets political advice from campaign manager Bruno Gianelli ( Ron Silver, reprising his recurring role from seasons 3–4) about choosing a vice president and how to deal with the latest controversy of Vinick's church attendance, or lack thereof. Meanwhile, the Democrats are stuck in a three-way race for enough delegates to win the Democratic nominations; Russell barely leads Santos and Hoynes is a distant third. Bartlet tries to show unity in the party by wrangling the candidates. Note: Alan Alda submitted this episode as an Emmy nominee for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Also submitted as Emmy Nominee for Outstanding Drama Series.

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