McElvaine: Abandoning His Own Beliefs

The most pressing issue the President faces in the pilot episode of The West Wing is the battle over his own beliefs. The President, along with his team, must find a way to govern their country without allowing their own beliefs to cloud their judgment. In the pilot episode we see that it is very difficult for many of the team members to stifle their opinions. For example, when Josh makes controversial statements during a TV interview or when Toby argues with Mary Marsh and the other christian leaders about the intent behind their actions and words. Even though they were both well aware that it may have been more beneficial to hold their tongues, their beliefs about an issue were so strong that at that moment nothing could censor them.

The President and his team members struggle to find a balance between leading the country and tempering their opinions. They struggle to lead a government that is separate from church while still honoring the requests and beliefs of the christian group with whom they are dealing. Obviously, the President will strive to lead the country according to his beliefs of what is necessary but the presidency also has a moral obligation to aim to appease everyone's demands and to consider each person's beliefs.
The episode ends with an inspiring speech from the President reminding his staff why they do the jobs they do and refocusing them. We are reminded at the end of the episode that despite contrasting beliefs in the government and in our country, the President has the citizens' best interest at heart. However, it is made clear by this episode that opinions cannot simply be disregarded when making decisions that affect a large number of people and government leaders struggle each day in trying to find a way to express their opinions safely.