Aaron Sorkin says Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw was a ‘West Wing’ moment

Cast Members West Wing I stepped out of the real Oval Office this afternoon to attend a reception in the White House Rose Garden celebrating the 25th anniversary of the NBC show.

Speaking to a crowd of several hundred, first lady Jill Biden said President Joe Biden wanted to make sure “President Bartlet and his staff had a chance to see the Oval Office again,” while citing the exhibit that ran from 1999 to 2006 and inspired “so many to step up and serve our country.”

Martin Sheen, who plays Bartlet, thanked the first lady for the opportunity to “become once again the wonderful character who changed my life and the lives of so many others.” He then made a soaring statement from the steps of the Rose Garden, repeating an Irish tale about the idea of ​​”something worth fighting for.”

Executive producer and series creator Aaron Sorkin responded to the mockery that described the show as an impossible ideal version of the White House.

In fact, he said, “The show was idealistic, ambitious, and romantic. Over the years, I’ve noticed that during times of heightened political tension, experts warn us not to expect West Wing They need to expect selfless behavior from statesmen, not expect anyone to put the country first. Don’t expect anyone to wave the fences or reach for the stars. But the truth is, people don’t expect to act that way. West Wing “Moments do happen. We saw evidence of that on the morning of July 21st, Dr. Biden. This is the kind of thing we write stories about.”

As pressure mounted on Biden to withdraw, Sorkin published an op-ed in The New York Times. The New York Times On the morning of July 21, Obama recommended that Democrats nominate Mitt Romney in a show of unity—a crucial step. West Wing Wait. After Biden endorsed Kamala Harris, Sorkin said he endorsed Kamala Harris.

Also in attendance were director and executive producer Thomas Schlamme, and other cast members Richard Schiff, Dule Hill, Janel Moloney, Emily Proctor, Melissa Fitzgerald, and Mary McCormack, as well as representatives from Warner Bros. When guests arrived in the East Wing, they were greeted by a representation of a large block of cheese — a reference to the Andrew Jackson tradition that became the source of an episode of The West Wing.

Sorkin said Rob Lowe, Bradley Whitford and Allison Janney had work commitments on set and were unable to attend.

“The rest of us are apparently unemployed,” Sorkin said.

“Not yet,” Jill Biden said.