The Man Who Played President: A Look at Aaron Sorkin's Political Vision

Aaron Sorkin's "The American President" left a lasting mark on many, shaping careers and perspectives. The film introduced a president who was relatable, dealing with everyday struggles like forgetting to sign his daughter's permission slip. This president, Andrew Shepherd, was a widower who faced political challenges, including a stalled crime bill and a love life that became a scandal. The film's most memorable moment is Shepherd's powerful speech, where he calls out his rival, Senator Bob Rumson, for exploiting people's fears. This speech, delivered with conviction, stands out as one of the best presidential speeches ever. However, watching the film today, it feels like a distant dream, a stark contrast to the current political landscape. Sorkin's idealism in "The American President" seems almost fictional now, replaced by a reality of grievance, noise, and self-interest. The country has seen a shift from empathy to incitement, with a president who calls insurrection patriotism. Sorkin's vision of a president who fights for the people feels like a relic of a bygone era. In a recent interview, Sorkin reflected on the film and its impact. He admitted that he wished he could rewrite parts of it, especially the character of Bob Rumson. Sorkin felt he was unfair to Rumson, but he also acknowledged that the character fit the era of moral indignation and political strategy. The film's original draft was over 350 pages long, filled with details about Rumson and the president's personal life. Sorkin's research into presidential diaries gave him a unique perspective on the presidency, seeing it as a "temp job" that any regular person could do. This perspective influenced his portrayal of President Shepherd, who was both powerful and relatable. Sorkin's vision of the presidency has been influential, inspiring many to pursue careers in public service. However, the political landscape has changed, and the ideals portrayed in "The American President" seem far removed from today's reality. The film's romantic comedy elements and political issues, like guns and the environment, would be challenging to make today due to the polarized audience. Despite the changes in the political landscape, Sorkin's portrayal of a president who fights for what's right, even at the cost of popularity, remains inspiring. His idealism and romantic vision of politics continue to resonate, even if they seem like a distant dream in today's world.