The West Wing · S5, E7
Separation of Powers
The President's staff wrangles with new Speaker of the House Jeff Haffley (Steven Culp) over the pending federal budget. Meanwhile, Toby dispatches former Supreme Court clerk and personal friend Joe Quincy (recurring guest star Matthew Perry - "Friends") to check on the condition of stricken Chief Justice Roy Ashland (Milo O'Shea), an elderly Supreme Court icon who has Washington wondering if he will finally resign. With the budget deadline quickly approaching, aggressive advisor Angela Blake (recurring guest star Michael Hyatt) faces a mighty challenge as she tries to work out an agreement that could compromise Bartlet's campaign promises. But the President is also focused on a crucial national television interview that Zoey (recurring guest star Elisabeth Moss) has agreed to tape with a well-known newswoman, Diane Mathers (Kathrin Lautner), who has a knack for exposing raw emotions.
