In a thought-provoking opinion piece, Aaron Sorkin, the creative mind behind "The West Wing," delves into the realm of political fiction with a retrospective glance at President Josiah Bartlet's tenure. Sorkin muses on how the beloved fictional leader, portrayed by Martin Sheen, navigated the turbulent waters of a reelection campaign while grappling with a serious illness during the show's second season. The scenario prompts Sorkin to ponder alternate realities where Bartlet faces not just any opponent, but one described as a "dangerous imbecile" with white supremacist support and contempt for legal norms.
Sorkin's hypothetical raises questions about moral courage and political strategy in times of crisis. He suggests that had Bartlet been pitted against such an adversary, the moral high ground would have led him to step aside for a candidate better positioned to win. This imaginative leap serves as a springboard for Sorkin to address current political dynamics, notably proposing an unconventional solution to what he perceives as a dire situation: nominating Republican Mitt Romney as the Democratic candidate to ensure defeat for Donald Trump.
The article goes beyond mere speculation, touching on themes of self-sacrifice and unity against perceived threats to democracy. Sorkin envisions this act of crossing party lines as embodying the spirit of Barack Obama's calls for unity, potentially transforming it into an unprecedented television moment and, more importantly, a safeguard against Trump's return to power. This bold proposition underscores Sorkin’s belief in storytelling not just as entertainment but as a vehicle for exploring complex issues and inspiring dialogue on matters of national importance.
