White House Salutes Television's 'The West Wing’s' 25th Anniversary
White House Salutes Television's 'The West Wing’s' 25th Anniversary
Jill Biden pays tribute to the creators for inspiring others to serve.
Twenty-five years ago a television series about the good in government first riveted viewers for seven seasons. On Friday, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden saluted the work of the creators, cast and crew of the politically idealistic drama The West Wing from the Rose Garden where they celebrated the program’s 25th anniversary.
In attendance from the series included Aaron Sorkin, creator and executive producer; Thomas Schlamme, director and executive producer; Martin Sheen, Richard Schiff, Dulé Hill, Janel Moloney, Emily Procter, Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack.
President Joe Biden was away hosting the leaders of Australia, India, and Japan in Delaware, the Dr. Biden noted.
The first lady, an educator herself, drew specific attention to the role educators played in one particular episode where the fictional character Donna Moss, who played chief of staff in the Office of the First Lady, is on the phone with her former high school teacher who was retiring.
“Tell her where you are,” said the show’s President Josiah “Jed” Bartlett, who was portrayed by Martin Sheen.
“Mrs. Morello, I’m in the Oval Office with the President of the United States and it’s because of you,” said Donna, played by Janel Moloney, in the scene.
For the entire episode, said Dr. Biden, Donna had been trying to find a way to recognize her high school English teacher, Mrs. Morello—who went above and beyond for her school in Wisconsin. Jill Biden, since 2009, has taught English at nearby Northern Virginia Community College.
“I want to thank Aaron and everyone who contributed to that episode for that beautiful tribute to educators everywhere,” Biden said, thanking all the cast members for attending. “Your work inspired so many to step forward and serve our country—maybe even some of the people here today: working in Congress, at non-profits and on political campaigns, or at the White House.”
Biden went on to acknowledge that the work in the real life West Wing “is hard and the days are long.” She added that “there are times when the weight of all we have before us can feel too heavy to carry. But that’s where the heart lies, where the future is created, side by side with our family of true believers—hope pushing us forward each step, each day, until the world is as it ought to be.”
Sorkin, who also spoke, noted that actors Rob Lowe, Allison Janney and Bradley Whitfield weren't at the White House because they were on-set.
“The rest of us are apparently unemployed,” Sorkin said.
“Not yet,” the first lady quipped.
“West Wing moments do happen and, Dr. Biden, and we saw proof of that on the morning of July 21st,” Sorkin also said, referring to the date President Biden dropped out of the 2024 race.