KING RALPH

I don't know why, but I've always been able to separate my political beliefs from my entertainment. If the entertainer is liberal, but I like what they do, I don't let the politics prevent my enjoyment of the entertainment. This explains why I am able to enjoy R.E.M., even when they are performing Ignoreland. So, I still like The West Wing, despite it's left-wing idealized president who is played by left-wing headline addict Martin Sheen.

The West Wing is at its best when it is exploring the processes of the presidency (dealing with Congress, the press, etc.) and the nature of presidential power and its exercise, or, as in last night's episode, it's lack of exercise. Political junkies who boycott the show because of Sheen's presence are really missing out on an interesting exploration of Constitutional issues, such as last night's invocation of the 25th Amendment and the elevation of the Republican Speaker of the House (John Goodman) to the powers of the presidency. Good television.