5.07: Separation of Powers (with Michael Hyatt)

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The Supreme Court is looking at a case that relates to Korematsu v. United States, while the White House starts to make their moves towards appointing a new justice. But ai yai yai, we aren’t talking about last month’s headlines—we’re talking about “Separation of Powers,” from November 2003. And this week, we’re joined by special guest Michael Hyatt who plays Angela Blake. She gave us a wonderfully candid interview about how she got the role—and why Angela didn’t stick around for longer.

footnotes —
Legal Rasputins? Law Clerk Influence on Voting at the U.S. Supreme Court
The Supreme Court was right to overturn Korematsu. Now it needs to overrule Hirabayashi
Inside the White House’s Quiet Campaign to Create a Supreme Court Opening
Korematsu, Notorious Supreme Court Ruling on Japanese Internment, Is Finally Tossed Out

5.06: Disaster Relief (with Alexa Junge and Lauren Schmidt Hissrich)

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We're joined this week by Alexa Junge and returning guest Lauren Schmidt Hissrich. They co-wrote "Disaster Relief," and together, we try to propulgate the backstory of this episode onto the frontstory. Like President Bartlet in Oklahoma, you'll never want to go back to work!

5.05: Constituency of One (with Jennifer Palmieri)

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What is a “Constituency of One”? You know, it’s all about that boss, ‘bout that boss, those troubles. It’s all about that boss, ‘bout that boss, those troubles. Toby and POTUS. Will and Bob Russell. Amy and the First Lady. Plus, we speak with Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri, whose list of bosses includes Secretary Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama.

footnotes —
Dear Madam President by Jennifer Palmieri 
Lorem Ipsum
Bingo Bob: Incumbents Look Out For No. 

5.04: Han (with Paula Yoo)

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Listener beware - like the episode we're discussing, Han, this installment of The West Wing Weekly has more sad piano music than all previous episodes combined. When they're not lost in a sadness so deep no tears will come, Josh and Hrishi interview Paula Yoo, the writer who came up with the story of a would-be North Korean defector who visits the White House.

footnotes —
Frédéric Chopin - Prelude in E-Minor (op.28 no. 4)
Paula Yoo - Books / Music / Blog
Paula Yoo's Violin Version of “The West Wing” theme
Foghorn Leghorn
HITCHENS ON MOTHER TERESA – Interview By Matt Cherry
The Missionary Position: Mother Teresa in Theory and Practice

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I’m guessing Ryan Pierce was made a descendant of President Pierce for two reasons:

1) POTUS Pierce is the only actual president from New Hampshire.

2) POTUS Pierce had no grandchildren, so the character of Ryan can’t offend anyone.@WestWingWeekly @HrishiHirway @JoshMalina

— doubtingapostle (@doubtingapostle) June 9, 2018

5.03: Jefferson Lives

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Jefferson lives, but the President's dreams for a strong VP die—killed by committee. But Josh and Hrishi, pilgrim detectives, are on the scene to investigate. PS: Jefferson is also dead.

footnotes —
Gary Cole and Tim Matheson in "A Very Brady Sequel"
Gary Cole in "Brady Bunch in the White House"
Thirteen Days