The Short List

"The Short List"

"The Short List" is the 9th episode of The West Wing. The episode introduces recurring characters Roberto Mendoza and Gail the goldfish and a story arc concerning potential congressional investigation of a White House staff members history of substance abuse.

Plot

When a liberal Supreme Court justice retires, President Bartlet and his staff are energized by the opportunity to improve the president's approval ratings with a politically "safe" nominee, Peyton Cabot Harrison III (Ken Howard). The retiring justice (played by Mason Adams), who is strongly liberal, is not impressed by Bartlet's choice and urges him to consider instead Judge Roberto Mendoza. When Bartlet returns to the office, he asks Toby Ziegler, his communications director, to review their choice. Toby is uncomfortable with the prospect of losing the easy confirmation, but complies.

Toby's deputy Sam Seaborn learns that Judge Harrison once argued against a guarantee of privacy in an unsigned research note. Sam and Toby reluctantly agree that Mendoza should be vetted as a possible replacement nominee. President Bartlet agrees to interview Mendoza (played by Edward James Olmos), and holds a meeting at which staff members question him closely on his views on the right to privacy. When Toby asks Mendoza about mandatory drug testing, Mendoza replies strongly that such tests are unconstitutional invasions of privacy. The staff is convinced that he is the right choice, and the U.S. has its latest Supreme Court nominee.

In subplots, Press Secretary C. J. Cregg continues to fend off nomination questions and date invitations from reporter Danny Concannon, and Josh Lyman investigates a claim from a congressman that one in three White House staff members regularly uses illegal drugs. During his investigation, Josh learns that chief of staff Leo McGarry, in addition to being a recovering alcoholic, once attended rehab to overcome an addiction to pills. Josh and Leo realize that Leo is the congressman's target, and Josh promises to fight to protect Leo. The issue of drug use is echoed in the questioning sessions for Harrison and Mendoza, who are asked about their views on the right to privacy.

External links

• The West Wing Episode Guide