As acting chief of staff, Josh calls Leo in for backup when the news about Jed's health hits; the staff follows the progress of an asteroid headed for earth; Jed struggles with his relapse as C.J., Kate, and Toby handle the repercussions of his illness on the progress of the China summit; Josh is outraged when Will uses Jed's paralysis as a political opportunity for Russell; Donna resorts to extreme measures when Josh avoids her repeated attempts to sit down for a personal discussion; after receiving some wise advice from Leo about the future, Josh makes a decision about the man he'll support in the upcoming presidential election.
Elenco: Martin Sheen , Dulé Hill , Bradley Whitford , Alan Alda , Allison Janney , Janel Moloney , Jimmy Smits , John Spencer , Joshua Malina , Mary McCormack , Moira Kelly , Richard Schiff , Rob Lowe , Stockard Channing .