Palmer The West Wing

The most important political issue that the President must deal with involves public communication and perception. This becomes very apparent when Josh, an aide to the President, lashes out on Mary Marsh, a Christian activist, on a morning television show. He says that the god she worships is "too busy being indicted for tax fraud." This one comment sets off a fire storm and has many calling for Josh's resignation. Because of Josh's position in the President's administration, the many people try to distance Josh and his comment. They fear that it can be a reflection on the entire administration.

As the pilot progresses, a meeting is arranged between Mary, Josh, and a few other members from both parties. Josh apologizes to Mary and the other attendees. In my opinion, Josh plays the role of your average politician or celebrity. He has said something that he felt in his heart and continues to feel, but after seeing the backlash that arose, he decides to tell people what they want to hear. Unfortunately for Josh, Mary and her friends have some alternative motives for coming to this meeting. Mary also plays a familiar role as the victim in the situation, but the President comes in and ends the discussion.

The President chooses not too continue to give into public pressure. The last scene is where public communication and perception is most evident. His administration has done its part by formally apologizing, but when other begin to take advantage of the situation, he promptly stops it. Also, throughout the pilot, public perception was called into question when Sam realized that he slept with a call girl and when the group was trying to decide the best way to handle the large migration of illegal immigrants.

The President has a duty to maintain this balance of public communication and perception.