Chief Citizen Analysis

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PRESIDENTIAL ROLE: Chief Citizen PRESIDENT: Bartlett GRADE: B RATIONALE: In episode seven of the West Wing, created by Aaron Sorkin, directed by Thomas Schlamme, Bartlett exhausted all peaceful forms of contact between the government and the People in Iowa. He was also later concerned about the health and well-being of the man who was sent into compromise after he was shot. Bartlett wanted to not only make sure he tried to save as many lives as he could, he was also concerned about the well being of the man he sent in, without even knowing him personally. In the same episode, Bartlett’s wife, Abby Bartlett mention he had such a hard time because he wanted to fix everything, but was unable to. Bartlett showed empathy and compassion for all areas …show more content…

He knew that as the Commander in Chief he was responsible for their lives and wanted to talk to anyone on the ship, even if it was just to comfort them, just as he did with the signalman. In episode three, Bartlett acts out asking for an unproportional response to an terrorist attack, yet later comes to a proportional response after listening to his military advisors. The reason he wanted an unproportional response is because he upset that America is unable to protect its citizens like the way the Roman Empire did. Bartlett is wishes that he and the military would be able to protect everyone in their country, but is unable to because, it is simply not possible in today’s world. Instead of continuing to be upset over this fact, Bartlett makes the right decision by taking proportional action to the terrorist attack, rather then attacking an airport and having unnecessary citizen deaths just to prove a point (West …show more content…

I gave Bartlett an A for his role, because throughout the three episodes, Bartlett acts with respect and understanding towards his party. For example, instead of acting out towards Josh Lyman like everyone expected him to do, he allowed Josh a second chance because Bartlett knew that without him, he would have not been able to become president. Also, along with accepting advice, he treats his party with a respectful manner, knowing that they all played a key role in his presidency and that they will always be there to help him when needed. Bartlett does a great job of being the Chief of Party because he knows that he is dependent on everyone in the party and needs to treat them with the same respect they give to