La Palabra

"La Palabra"

"La Palabra" is episode 128 of The West Wing.

Plot

As Super Tuesday approaches, the three Democratic nominees battle it out to win California as the state legislature passes a controversial anti-immigrant bill.The Latino voters are expecting Santos to condemn the bill that will ban illegal immigrants from carrying a driver's licence. But he wont get drawn in, he wants education and health care as his key issues. However, financially, he's in trouble, and is considering a remortgage on his house to carry on, as least until Texas. Josh feels terrible about this development.

Donna senses all is not well in the Hoynes camp, and insists Russell's campaign move to California instead of remaining in New York. Santos has been there for three days trying to make headway on the important issues. Sure enough, Hoynes becomes engulfed in another sex scandal. Santos and his team can't believe they could definitely come in second now that Hoynes is out. Russell wants the Governor of California to endorse his campaign, but now the Hoynes scandal has erupted, he's not endorsing anyone. However Santos comes up with a move that vetos the controversial bill, without him having to say a word condemning it. The press are full of questions for the Governor,but he tells them "Ask Matt Santos about his health policy". It's as good as an endorsement.

Amazingly, Santos wins the California primary.

In this episode, Will appoints Donna as the spokesperson for the Russell campaign. He does this by thrusting a statement into her hands and telling her to read it to the rapidly approaching herd of press. Initially fazed, she very quickly gets into her stride.

Goofs

When Russell is flying to California, the external shot is of Air Force Two but the internal shots are taken in Air Force One as referenced by the steps leading up to the second level of the boeing 747.

External links

• The West Wing Episode Guide