Why The West Wing?. It doesnt rely on action-scenes to bring in viewers (24 – not that it’s a shit show..). It doesn’t rely on stupid cliffhangers (Lost), or sex (Desperate Housewives). It’s not stupid (any ‘reality tv’ program), and it’s actually educational (see footnote.tv). It’s smart, it’s witty. Brilliant scripting, a talented ensemble cast, and innovative camera work set it apart in the early 2000s. It does not aim at the lowest common denominator demographic (uhh..the OC). It’s optimistic. The politicians portrayed on the show make you wish they actually ran the White House (and not the idiots in there now).

Yes it’s very liberal , but earlier this year, Conservative British polticians outwitted Blair in Parliament. How? They were inspired by tactics Democrats on the show pulled.

It’s not scared to tackle real issues. Oil-dependence and supply, Israel/Palestine, Taiwan-China relations. Universal health care, forced prostitution, abortion (RU486). It was the first drama post 9/11 in the US to handle the issue in an intelligent way (albeit somewhat preachy).

This article on yourtv.com.au this week sums it up:

But The West Wing still holds a unique position in Hollywood that sets it apart from almost every other program, with the opportunity to take an alternative look at American government policy. Its depiction of a White House tirelessly working to do right by the people who elected them into office, while idealistic, offers a break from the cynicism of real-life White House spin.

…Abbey Bartlet explains the age-old conflict of Arabs and Jews in this clip (6mb, M4V).