Here's the thing- Sorkin went Triple Doogie Houser, MD on this episode- CJ, Sam and Josh are all writing emails to their parents to provide the narration for the episode.
(CJ, writing a happy birthday email to her dad on his 70th Birthday)
(Sam, writing a Dear Jackass email to his dad)
(Joah, writing a thanks for the shoes email to his mom)
Of course, all of these emails start with their own stories; CJ broke a statue of a cat and is in big trouble, Sam got totally schooled by a 19-year old intern named Winnie, and Josh wore his new shoes.
The filibuster in question is by Howard Stackhouse, who spends around 10 hours reading a book of recipes, "David Copperfield" and the Rules of Cards- out loud, without a sip of water, a restroom break or the freedom to lean on anything. Why? He wants 47 million for autism care and research attached to an huge health bill aimed at addressing health issues amongst children. Stackhouse, it turns out, has a grandchild with autism, but doesn't want to use his family member for political purposes. However, the cynic in me is always somewhat painfully aware at how quickly everyone moves to act once they realize that there was a familial connection to autism, and that was the reason behind his filibuster- it seems to reinforce that he should have used his family member for political purposes: not the idea I'd like to leave this episode with.
Anyhow, in a wonderful moment of art imitating life, the fictional "Family Wellness Act" that Josh Lyman got passed is modeled after the Children's Health Act of 2000; a very real law that actor Bradley Whitford was involved with in its advocacy. Whitford encouraged Sorkin to include autism prominently in the episode, as it was the center of the real bill, and Whitford was at the time very involved in the group "Cure Autism Now"- an organization that in 2006 joined with and became known as "Autism Speaks."
So, why does all this leave me in tears? In the end, Donna is still doing her job when everyone else is writing personal emails on their work computers (government accountability, anyone?) and not only realizes that Stackhouse is filibustering because his grandson is autistic, but knows how to get him some help. According to Senate rules, Stackhouse could yield the floor for a question without yielding the floor- allowing his filibuster to continue while he gets to lean on anything he likes, get a drink of water or go to the restroom. So, everyone is trying to get some Senator on the phone to enact the Donna Plan, then they're in the bullpen rooting for Stackhouse to yield for a question, and when he does, the celebration ensues- because they did the right thing. How often is that celebrated in politics, or even just on a tv show? Our three emailers do a fine job of summing it all up:
You're buried under a black fog of partisanship and self promotion and stupidity and a brand of politics that's just plain mean... tonight I've seen a man with no legs stay standing, Dad, and a guy with no voice keep shouting, and if politics brings out the worst in people then maybe people bring out the best, 'cause I'm looking at the T.V. right now and damned if 28 U.S. Senators haven't just walked onto the floor to help."
And that's why I'm choking back some tears on the couch. You got me again, Sorkin... you got me again.
What's Next? S2e18- 17 People
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