The West Wing - My Favourite Characters!

I'm not a political person, I choose not to talk/comment on politics because of one thing and I have no shame in saying this but the majority of it I don't understand. I understand the basics, I'm not stupid but I just don't talk about it because I know I'll be seen as one thing - Stupid. So as I began watching The West Wing I knew I would pick up a few things that would bring on a fuller understanding to what happens among government. (if that's even the right way to say it) but you see I still have a problem, how am I supposed to write a blog post about a political genre TV show, well I can because guess what, it's a television show with characters, so yes I'll be telling you my favourite The West Wing characters, so take a sit, have a sip of your chosen beverage and welcome to the White House.

 C.J. Cregg

 

First of all I need to start with CJ, yes a woman in the White House, now for some a woman in the White House means one thing 'The First Lady' but this show is full of great female roles including that of the first lady, but for me second to her you'll find CJ Cregg she is the White House Press Secretary. I wouldn't describe her as drop dead gorgeous women but she is a beautiful one, why? because is is strong, among a mountain of equally strong men in the White House she comes along stronger. She isn't afraid to come toe to toe with anyone, she stands up equal with everyone she works alongside and that finds her respected and a valued member of the West Wing. 

My favourite CJ moment has to be her rendition of the Jackal. Epic, one word, Epic!

Charlie Young

My second favourite character is Charlie Young, this came to a surprise to me as nearly the entire first season he came across very shy, quiet and hard working, after the first season he opens up a little and becomes more bold. Though the reason Charlie Young is one of my favourite characters is because of his bond with the president which turns very father-son relationship. Charlie is the presidents personal aide, now things got a bit rough at the end of season one because the president and Josh get shot, after they find out the target was Charlie because Charlie is black, oh and Charlie is dating Zoey the presidents daughter, which the shooters didn't like either.

There's a moment between POTUS and Charlie where the president is looking for a ceremonial (if you will) knife to carve the thanksgiving Turkey with, Charlie asks why doesn't he already have one, the president reveals he already does and it was the knife his father gave him, and his father to his before him. the president gives that knife to Charlie with the words 'I'm proud of you.'

Now you see Charlie could've quit after the shooting knowing the reason the president got shot was because he was black but he didn't and I think there is an important message there. 

The President of the United States

Josiah 'Jed' Bartlet, the President of the United States, a democrat who if not in a suit will be seen sporting his Notre Dame sweater, his as cut-throat as the show itself. He knows what he believes in and is confident to rise above and stand for his beliefs, he is bold and carries a kind of wit that has you chuckling after many of his dialogue. He never lets anyone tower over him unless it's his wife who knows how to bring him down a peg or two (oh and Plutonium is a mood killer) 

Now if I could imagine what a president would say, how he'd say it and in which nature he'd say it, this fictional president will be what my imagination would create.

President - 'I like your show, I like how you call homosexuality an abomination.'

Dr Jacobs - 'I don't say homosexuality is an abomination, Mr President, the Bible does.'

President - 'Yes, it does, Leviticus.'

Dr Jacobs - '18:22.'

President - 'Chapter and verse. I wanted to ask you a couple of questions while I had you here. I'm interested in selling my youngest daughter into slavery as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. She's a Georgetown sophomore, speaks fluent Italian, always cleared the table when it was her turn. What would a good price be? While thinking about that, can I ask another? My chief of staff Leo McGarry insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly says he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or is it okay to call the police? Does the whole town really have to be together to stone my brother John for planting different crops side by side? Can I burn my mother in a small family gathering for wearing garments made from two different threads? Think about those questions, would you? 

I'm only in the middle of Season Two so my favourite characters may change but by far this is my favourite thing said. Now if you are hesitant to start watching this show please don't, dive head first because it is awesome and I have Katie to thank for getting me hooked into The West Wing.

X