The Great West Wing Rewatch: 1.21 "Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics"

Joel: This episode is largely framed around the forty-eight hours that it takes to put out a national poll. I love how everyone in the episode is trying to act optimistic about what they think will surely be bad news (save CJ who ends up being right) and at the same time still have a whole country to run. I think that might be my favorite recurring theme in the show. There’s never just one thing to address. No matter what there are always more fires to be put out than there are staff members to do so. But that people just start rolling up their sleeves and facing the impossible tasks anyway. And that’s worth a boost in the polls. I also want to point out that Charlie is the very definition of taking the high road in this episode. He clearly has very strong feelings about Cochran and they aren’t positive ones, yet he does nothing to hurt the man or his reputation even though he is clearly in a position now that he could if he wanted. Getting to see somebody you hold in low regard get what’s coming to them when you’ve been taking the high road the whole time has to feel great, especially when that judgement is delivered personally by the President of the United States.

Chris: Welcome to the true nature of politics. You’re only doing good things if the public perception is that you’re doing good things and that’s why polling is worth politicians getting obsessed with. Sure, one could make the argument that the people elected you because they trust that you will lead with their best interest so you needn’t worry with polling after you’ve been elected. However, the vicious truth of politics is re-election so every decision a politician makes is made while they’re looking over their shoulder to make sure the crowd is still cheering for them after said decision. The people are then left with a political system that’s made up of individuals more worried about their public appearance rather than doing any sort of good. If you haven’t noticed, I’m not exactly a big fan of such polling being done. It’s one thing if it’s being done to keep yourself updated on the pulse of the country but it’s another if it’s done solely to try to spin yourself some political cover. Also, I can’t remember if I’ve said this on the previous episode but Aaron Sorkin really likes going out of his way to raise to the defense of prostitution and avoid any sort of offense being given. I’m sorry but if you possess enough intelligence to get through law school, I’m sure you possess enough intelligence to be hireable for a job that isn’t illegal activity. I’m sure the paycheck for Subway isn’t as good as prostitution but nobody associated with that sandwich shop has ever done anything unsavory or illegal...ah crap, I just realized what I just said. Never mind, Laurie, you’re better off being a hooker, stay far away from Subway.

A good president does something for prostitutes once in awhile.