Aaron Sorkin Says Joe Biden’s Decision To Withdraw Was A ‘West Wing’ Moment As White House Honors Show On 25th Anniversary
deadline.comCast members of The West Wing emerged from the real Oval Office this afternoon for a White House Rose Garden reception recognizing the show’s 25th anniversary.
Speaking to a couple hundred attendees, First Lady Jill Biden said that President Joe Biden wanted to make sure that “President Bartlet and his staff had a chance to see the Oval Office again,” while she cited the show’s inspiration to “so many to step forward and serve our country.” Martin Sheen, who played Bartlet, thanked the first lady for getting the opportunity “to morph once again into the wonderful character that changed my life and lot of the others as well.” He then made a soaring statement from the Rose Garden steps, reiterating an Irish story themed to the idea of “something worth fighting for.” Creator and executive producer Aaron Sorkin pushed back on the cynicism that the show was an impossibly idealized version of the White House.
In fact, he said, “The show was idealistic, aspirational and romantic. Over the years, I’ve noticed that during times of peak political tension, pundits will warn us not to expect a West Wing moment.
They need to expect the selfless act of statesmanship, not to expect anyone to put country first. Don’t expect anyone to swing for the fences or reach for the stars.
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