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So, how close is The West Wing to how things look/happen in the WH?
Posted on 11/17/16 at 9:32 am
Posted on 11/17/16 at 9:32 am
I know it's a few years old. But does it give a good idea of the types of personalities, etc. and the structure of how things work?
(I would love if this thread stayed politics-free. I'm more interested in things like personality interplay and mechanics. Probably not much chance of that though).
(I would love if this thread stayed politics-free. I'm more interested in things like personality interplay and mechanics. Probably not much chance of that though).
6
Posted on 11/17/16 at 9:52 am to Methuselah
The politics/legislation is pretty much all made up. The human stories however are pulled from actual events from sources who worked in the White House. They aren't faithful re-tellings, but used as the base for a plotline.
For example: Ainsly Hayes hiding in a closet comes from a story from David Gergen.
For example: Ainsly Hayes hiding in a closet comes from a story from David Gergen.
Posted on 11/17/16 at 10:26 am to jcole4lsu
Not sure about the personal interactions, but me and my family were able to get a West Wing tour right before Bush Jr left office. A relative of ours was on his staff. I was actually surprised at how narrow the hallways were in that part of the WH. Nothing like what you see on TV. We could look in all the rooms,go in some of them. The Oval Office was really neat but we could only poke our heads in. The rose garden and press room were also very cool, but small.
Posted on 11/17/16 at 10:38 am to Methuselah
Iirc on the bonus info on one of the early seasons Sorkin would have a question about how a certain part of government works and then make an episode about that issue.
Posted on 11/17/16 at 12:45 pm to TIGERSTORM
my bet is that it is different for every president.
I would bet on a much smaller head count.
I would bet on a much smaller head count.
Posted on 11/17/16 at 1:48 pm to voodoodawg
quote:
I was actually surprised at how narrow the hallways were in that part of the WH. Nothing like what you see on TV.
Pretty cool website on the TV West Wing vs. the real one
Posted on 11/17/16 at 2:18 pm to Methuselah
They used a ton of real presidential aides on the writing staff. Toby's character always reminded me of Pat Caddell, who was a consultant.
In general, I think it presents idealized versions of the kinds of people who do those jobs. You're seeing them as they see themselves: snappy, ultra-witty, fast talking intellectuals who see every moment of their lives in the context of history.
The structure probably varies some by president, in terms of who he trusts and utilizes. For instance, it's been said that junior speech writers have had way more influence over policy in the Obama administration than they would have in others.
In general, I think it presents idealized versions of the kinds of people who do those jobs. You're seeing them as they see themselves: snappy, ultra-witty, fast talking intellectuals who see every moment of their lives in the context of history.
The structure probably varies some by president, in terms of who he trusts and utilizes. For instance, it's been said that junior speech writers have had way more influence over policy in the Obama administration than they would have in others.
Posted on 11/17/16 at 10:59 pm to Wally Sparks
quote:
Pretty cool website on the TV West Wing vs. the real one
Good find. Thanks all.
One thing that's struck me about the series is how many actors some with small parts went on to bigger roles. I've just started binging it and already I've seen Gus from Psych, Peggy from Mad Men, Ron Swanson from Parks & Rec, and I think one of the guys from a Silicon Valley.
Posted on 11/18/16 at 6:32 am to Methuselah
I bet VEEP is more realistic. 
For example I have several attorney friends that have independently told me the most accurate representation of courtroom proceedings ever put on screen is My Cousin Vinny.
For example I have several attorney friends that have independently told me the most accurate representation of courtroom proceedings ever put on screen is My Cousin Vinny.
This post was edited on 11/18/16 at 6:35 am
Posted on 11/18/16 at 6:58 am to Methuselah
I love the West Wing, but I hope that the real life WH isn't as melodramatic as the tv show.
Posted on 11/18/16 at 11:43 am to GetCocky11
quote:
I love the West Wing, but I hope that the real life WH isn't as melodramatic as the tv show.
Nothing is as melodramatic as how it is portrayed by Sorkin.
Posted on 11/18/16 at 12:43 pm to Methuselah
If Hilary had won it would have been more like House of Cards.
Posted on 11/18/16 at 2:58 pm to StarkRebel
(no message)
This post was edited on 5/4/23 at 7:44 am
Posted on 11/18/16 at 3:52 pm to elprez00
quote:it really is
I bet VEEP is more realistic.
Posted on 11/18/16 at 8:27 pm to elprez00
quote:
For example I have several attorney friends that have independently told me the most accurate representation of courtroom proceedings ever put on screen is My Cousin Vinny.
The early episodes of Better Call Saul presented run of the mill criminal practice fairly realistically.
Posted on 11/19/16 at 1:04 am to Methuselah
Toby is my fav character of all time
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