Hollywood perfects politics

Most would agree that Jack Stanton, a southern governor, Andrew Shepherd, a history… Most would agree that Jack Stanton, a southern governor, Andrew Shepherd, a history professor, and Josiah Bartlett, an economist, are an eclectic group. They all, however, became American presidents. They all sat behind the desk in the oval office and spoke behind the seal of the president. Of course, the desks were all props, oval offices all Hollywood sets and their staffs very talented groups of actors.

Last week as I sat in the theater, enjoying the latest political satire “Man of the Year,” it occurred to me that Hollywood creates a political fantasy over and over again. It’s a political arena that is very different from the reality we usually observe. But one that I believe can exist, where there are no attack ads, no hidden agendas or individuals afraid to stand up and voice their opinion.

A political fantasy complete with characters that not only allow us to believe that a good man or woman can get elected but also encourage it. It is complete with movies or television that reinforce that someone with ideas and the ability to make a difference can actually win an election.

In “Primary Colors,” “The American President” and NBC series “The West Wing”, politics come to the forefront of entertainment. Stanton, Shepherd and Bartlett are actors playing the president of the United States.

As much as I enjoy the faux politicians, I am left comparing what exists behind a studio set and what actually exists in Washington.

Why can a Hollywood director produce politicians that seem more real than anything the American electorate has to elect? How do Aaron Sorkin and teams of writers create language that presidential speech writing staffs have not done in decades?

There are moments in “Primary Colors” where Jack Stanton is another typical politician — a womanizer and master manipulator. But then you realize that behind the southern charm and lush behavior, the character is a decent man.

In “The American President,” a team of writers including the chief architect of “The West Wing,” crafted a speech for President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas) that could have sent an educated group of voters to the poles to vote for the fictitious candidate. Rhetoric that is honest and invigorating. Words that make the audience believe in the American political process.

Perhaps, if these two characters were really politicians, we would discover that they aren’t the great men I believe them to be. But I don’t think that would be the case.

For seven seasons the cast of “The West Wing” dared to offer insight into the world of the president of the United States. The award-winning drama captivated audiences each week with its portrayal of a president actually working for the people. There are moments in episodes of “The West Wing” that blur the line between fiction and reality. Times when you stop for only a second to think — what if Josiah Bartlett were really president?

In one of my favorite episodes, the senior staff is gathered in the oval office at the end of day when everything that can go wrong does. They are tired and frustrated but willing and ready to accept the challenges of tomorrow. In the words of Chief of Staff Leo M*** “If we’re going to walk into walls, I want us running into them at full speed. We’re going to lose some of these battles, and we may lose the White House, but we’re not going to be threatened by the issues. We’re going to bring them front and center. We’re going to raise the level of public debate in this country and let that be our legacy.”

These men are characters created in the imagination of brilliant teams of industry professionals. They allow us to see what politics can look like and at times does.

I’m not willing to accept that integrity and idealism in politics only exists in the movies and on television. I want to watch a candidate and listen to them speak about America and issues that affect Americans. I want them to use words like “legacy.” I want to be certain that behind an expensive suit and American flag lapel pin is someone who actually gives a damn. I want to know that they have the courage to say what they believe to be right and the conviction to stand by their decisions.

Love Sorkin? We do. E-mail Kimberly at kns12@pitt.edu.