The West Wing/ Martin Sheen/ Aaron Sorkin/ Jill Biden/ White House events/ TV anniversaries/ Newslooks/ Washington/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ With President Biden away, First Lady Jill Biden hosted the cast of The West Wing at the White House to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the iconic TV show. Martin Sheen, who portrayed President Jed Bartlet, gave a passionate speech in the Rose Garden, urging the crowd to find purpose and service. Show creator Aaron Sorkin also addressed the gathering, reflecting on the show’s enduring impact and referencing recent political events.
White House Hosts ‘The West Wing’ Cast for 25th Anniversary Quick Looks:
- First Lady Jill Biden hosted The West Wing cast for a 25th-anniversary celebration at the White House.
- Martin Sheen, who played President Jed Bartlet, delivered a stirring call to service in the Rose Garden.
- Show creator Aaron Sorkin referenced real-world politics, including President Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 race.
- Cast members in attendance included Richard Schiff, Janel Moloney, and Dulé Hill.
- Special party touches included bourbon cocktails and The West Wing theme music performed by the Marine Band.
‘The West Wing’ Cast Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Jill Biden at White House
Deep Look:
The White House became the backdrop for a real-life West Wing moment on Friday, as First Lady Jill Biden welcomed the cast of the beloved political drama The West Wing to celebrate its 25th anniversary. With President Biden away from Washington, Martin Sheen, who played the fictional President Jed Bartlet, stepped up to the podium in the Rose Garden, delivering a powerful speech reminiscent of his on-screen role.
Addressing the crowd, Sheen urged attendees to find a cause worth fighting for, saying, “When we find that, we will discover fire for the second time.” His voice and delivery were unmistakably Jed Bartlet, echoing the same gravitas that made his character a favorite for millions of viewers.
A Nostalgic Celebration
The West Wing, which aired from 1999 to 2006, has maintained a lasting influence, particularly among those who work in politics. The Rose Garden event was attended by a mix of Democrats and Republicans, including House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul and former Illinois Congressman Joe Walsh, who has become a vocal critic of Donald Trump. Walsh joked about his admiration for Sheen, saying, “I’m partial to Martin Sheen because I want to be president one day.”
The event was filled with nods to the show. As the cast and Jill Biden walked into the Rose Garden, the U.S. Marine Band played the iconic West Wing theme song. Waiters passed out bourbon-and-ginger ale cocktails dubbed “The Jackal,” in reference to C.J. Cregg’s memorable dance scene in the series.
Aaron Sorkin on ‘West Wing’ Moments
Aaron Sorkin, the creator of The West Wing, also took the stage, reflecting on the series’ impact and how moments from the show often find parallels in real-life politics. Sorkin drew attention to President Biden’s recent decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, following a difficult debate performance. Sorkin had previously written a New York Times op-ed calling for Democrats to consider a new path forward and suggesting a unity ticket with Utah Sen. Mitt Romney.
“The fact is, ‘West Wing’ moments do happen,” Sorkin told the crowd, addressing Jill Biden directly. “And Dr. Biden, we saw proof of that on the morning of July 21,” he said, referencing the day President Biden announced he would not seek re-election.
Sorkin also paid tribute to the cast members present, including Richard Schiff (Toby Ziegler), Janel Moloney (Donna Moss), and Dulé Hill (Charlie Young). Notably absent were Allison Janney, Bradley Whitford, and Rob Lowe, who Sorkin joked were “on set elsewhere.” He quipped, “The rest of us are apparently unemployed,” prompting a playful interjection from Jill Biden: “Not yet!”
The Enduring Appeal of The West Wing
For fans of The West Wing, the event was a nostalgic reminder of the show’s lasting appeal. The series, which depicted the idealized workings of a White House under a principled, liberal president, remains a favorite among political insiders and casual viewers alike. Its influence extends across the political spectrum, with both liberals and conservatives finding value in its portrayal of public service and governance.
While the cast reunion was a celebration of the show’s milestone, it also served as a reflection on the intersection of politics and entertainment, and how fictional depictions of government can inspire real-world actions.
