While the nation’s political interests certainly spike during each presidential election season, NBC’s “The West Wing” kept government on the mind of viewers through a mostly fantastic seven-year run. Telling the story of fictional President Jed Bartlet and his senior staff, the show presented an idealized view of how government should operate. Though not always demonstrative of how politics actually works, “The West Wing” was frequently stirring and served as a constant reminder of the standards to which we should hold our politicians. In a time when it is easy to become cynical about politics, here are a few of the show’s most uplifting moments.
5. The Stackhouse Filibuster
Hoping to leave early for the weekend, the members of the senior staff find their plans ruined when the aging senator, Howard Stackhouse, enacts a filibuster. After Josh Lyman denied the senator’s request to add aid to a bill for children with autism, the senator spends hours preventing the bill from quickly passing. However, unable to sit or take a drink, the senator’s strength is fading. When the staff realizes they can exploit a loophole in how filibusters operate, they send him a last-minute reprieve, and hope he will recognize their aid.
Watch it here (38:30 in for just the final scene, or 36:00 for some understanding).
4. Sam Seaborn on education
Though born out of one of the show’s many romantic storylines, Sam’s stance on education is a reminder of how steadfast these characters could be in their convictions. Sam’s impassioned speech signifies how not just he but the entire staff are involved in politics to better the country, even if they haven’t quite figured out how to accomplish that.
Watch it here.
3. “The streets of heaven are too crowded with angels tonight.”
Born out of tragedy, President Bartlet’s speech about the deaths of students at Kennison State University is a beautiful insight into the courage some display despite imminent danger. A well-crafted speech, it is a reminder that even in the face of national and local tragedies, we are not to let those who perish die in vain but rather, we must honor their memory and strength.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKIu0tjaL78
2. Leo’s allegory
Though a less politically-charged moment, “The West Wing’s” season two Christmas episode put the spotlight firmly on deputy chief of staff Josh Lyman. Suffering post traumatic stress disorder from season one’s shooting, Josh fears losing his jobs as his anxiety reaches a new high. Leo McGarry reassures Josh that he is not going anywhere with a powerful parable that demonstrates how strongly this staff cares about one another.
1. Let Bartlet be Bartlet
As the first season neared its end, the senior staff had endured nearly an entire year of struggles and obstacles. Compromising too often and not holding to their desire to affect real change, they worried more about politics than about governing. Leo used their dejected spirits as a moment to rouse both the staff and president to remember why they first fought to make it to the White House.
Watch it here.
Jonathon Dornbush is a senior editor. Email him [email protected].
