Vinick and Santos (Alan Alda, Jimmy Smits) talk shop (debate issues, actually) during a chance encounter in an Iowa coffee shop at the end of a long, cold day on the campaign trail, in which each is followed separately, as is Vice President Russell (Gary Cole). They all must speak before a farm group, and each must decide whether to take “the pledge” to support ethanol subsidies. Meanwhile, Will orders Donna to find fringe candidates to “pack the stage” at an upcoming debate.