The fallout on the Hill from Carrick's switch to the Republican party exiles Josh deep into a White House doghouse, so C.J. gives Donna some tips on how she can support him; Jed gets a harsh reality check from C.J. when he lingers too long in a small Oklahoma town devastated by a deadly tornado; in Jed's absence, Leo juggles an impending war between Albania and Greece, a visit from the German chancellor, a tussle over tax cuts, and an over-reaching Secretary of Defense; Josh and Toby are less than thrilled when Leo brings Angela on board to assume some of Josh's responsibilities.
Spoilers ahead. Coverage follows the scope labeled below.
Complete story — includes the ending
Toby is angry that Will left his post to work for Vice President Russell. President Bartlet flies to Oklahoma to lend support after tornadoes devastate an area, but stays for much longer than planned. C.J. is not impressed with his actions and lets him know he is not doing the job he was elected to do. Leo has to deal with plans for a visit by the German Chancellor, a brewing conflict in the Ionian Sea, and the latest of the Secretary of Defense's over-reaching actions. Josh's reputation is damaged when Senator Carrick follows through on his plans to switch parties, abandoning the Democrats, and Leo takes away Josh's budget responsibilities.