The End Of An Era

The final episode of The West Wing aired tonight. Through the last 7 years, Jed Bartlet and his fictional presidency have been an escape from the cold reality of real-life politics. This was what we all wish politics would be. People are generally good - even most on the other side care about the country. It was funny, it was idealistic, and it was the height of what government could be. It is going to be different without the alternate reality of Jed Bartlet's America around anymore.
Idealism doesn't have to be a dream. The idea that issues should be presented front and center doesn't have to be a foolish fantasy. That Aaron Sorkin was able to create a universe where the President and his staff were great Americans who genuinely wanted to do good, and it was completely believable and realistic, not to mention one of the greatest television shows of all time, is a wonderful achievement.

But does it speak to something about America? We want more out of our politicians. We aren't all cynical, are we? We all wish we had someone like Jed Bartlet to lead this country, but is it simply a dream meant for television and movies? Will we ever have a truly great leader again, or are we destined for more mediocrity? I hope that 2008 yields something that is quite different from the bitter divisiveness that has plagued the Clinton and Bush terms. I want to believe that a great leader is somewhere in the Democratic Party. I hope that he or she comes forward soon.