Westminster's West Wing watching
James Forsyth 12:17pm
Mark Lawson inveighs against the influence of the West Wing in his Guardian column today, arguing that the whole desire for TV debates between the party leaders comes from the British political class’s obsession with the show. Lawson is right that the show has had a huge influence on British politicos; on a small level, I think the whole fashion for pedeconferencing can be dated to the show’s arrival on our screens.
But having been in the States for two campaigns worth of presidential debates, I suspect that their importance is slightly exaggerated. Reagan Carter moments are rare. Indeed, the Bush Kerry debates didn’t change the contours of the race and nor did the McCain Obama ones. It is rare that a candidate knocks his opponent out or even sends him onto the canvass. Moments like this only happen on the West Wing
PS This moment from the 1988 Vice-Presidential debate is the nearest there has been to a West Wing moment in an actual debate, but it is worth pointing out that Quayle’s side still won the election by a massive margin.
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TrevorsDen
July 31st, 2009 12:58pm Report this comment"the show has had a huge influence on British politicos; "
Huh? Some dumb soap opera by a wishy washy lefty liberal Democrat TV channel about a wishy washy trendy lefty liberal Democrat President ?
And your influenced by that? Pathetic.
Andy
July 31st, 2009 1:46pm Report this commentThat article was the biggest load of rubbish I've ever had the misfortune to read.
And I ENJOYED The West Wing.
Nigel F
July 31st, 2009 2:04pm Report this commentThe BBC's late and lamented "On the Record" held debates for the Deputy Leaders and contenders for the Chancellorship - so Brown has done a debate. It's worth digging out clips to see Ken Clarke brushing him aside.
Sheila
July 31st, 2009 2:08pm Report this commentIt seems to have influenced American politics even more.
The media class over there almost has a reverse McCarthyism for anything Republican. Look at how they all bandied together for Obama - another man whose 'achievements' are pure fiction.
As to the staged photos on the lawn with Gates...
Ray
July 31st, 2009 2:23pm Report this commentOne reason why a leadership debate is less important over here is because we still have Prime Minister's Question Time each week in the Commons.
Bill Brinsmead
July 31st, 2009 2:36pm Report this commentWhere's the evidence Mark?
More like an urban myth.
Never watched it once - on principle - as it was wish fulfilment for left liberal types.
Andy Carpark
July 31st, 2009 2:50pm Report this commentNext.
Nick
July 31st, 2009 3:28pm Report this commentMuch as I enjoy watching the West Wing I am always surprised at how much those of the left admire it. Although they talk a good talk about progressive ideals the West Wingers achievements in two administrations don't seem to amount to much more than putting an Hispanic judge on the Supreme Court and engaging in numerous military adventures.
Shep
July 31st, 2009 3:39pm Report this commentInteresting: I thought you'd pick Governor Reagan asking, into the silent auditorium, "Are you better off now than you were four years ago?" I've never quite understood the power of this moment.
Craig Strachan
July 31st, 2009 4:25pm Report this commentA US-style debate, with the neat little podiums and all the typical restrictions on format, would be a cakewalk for British pols used to PMQs. Or even the BBC's Question Time.
Robert Eve
July 31st, 2009 4:27pm Report this commentMy politics are very right wing but I really enjoyed The West Wing from start to finish.
Kevyn Bodman
July 31st, 2009 5:55pm Report this commentThe West Wing was a superb drama series, for the first 5 seasons at least.
Appealing and complex characters, and tense story-lines, both short-term and long-term.
But that's all it was, a drama series.
Uncle Bob
July 31st, 2009 6:02pm Report this commentI don't want 'The West Wing', I'm happy with 'The Thick of it' in all it's vulgar glory!
Still think there should be a leader's debate though.
Jeremy
July 31st, 2009 6:41pm Report this commentMay I say how pleased I am not to have learnt about politics from witless and banal American soap operas?
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