There are many political issues that are brought up in the pilot (series premiere) of The West Wing. The more notable issues arise in the area of religion and politics. The first area of conflict is made clear when Josh Lyman, the Deputy Chief of Staff for the White house, makes a slip on national TV when talking to a christian activist named Mary. He says “Lady, the God you pray to is too busy being indicted for tax fraud.” The President of the United states is then called on to make an important decision; whether or not to fire Josh. The President, played by Martin Sheen, decides to let Josh keep his job, but not after much debate. I think the main issue that is revealed here is the separation of church and state. Even though it is clearly written in the constitution that both institutions must remain apart, they still pop up as one in the same in todays society. Even though Josh worked hard for the president for many years, his job still came under fire with his slip up on TV. This issue also calls upon the idea that the president has a job to keep a good relationship with his people. The Presidents public image is a very important part of his job and he risked this when he decided to keep Josh as his Deputy Chief of Staff of the White House. This episode shows the tension that can ensue when religion is brought into politics.
Good point about separation of church and state. You might also add that Josh should not have accepted the invitation to be on the show. Further, you might add a sentence about why you think the religious issue is more important than any other raised in the pilot.
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