Here's Who West Wing's President Bartlett Would Endorse in the 2016 Presidential Race
"Nobody is more prepared to take that position on day one."
By Scott Garfield/NBC via Getty Images.
The 2016 campaign landscape is a very confusing place. And if, for whatever reason, you've decided to sit back and let fictional television characters advise you on the country's political future, you're in luck: West Wing star Bradley Whitford has revealed which candidate he thinks the show's fictional President Bartlett would throw his weight behind.
That candidate: Hillary Clinton.
As Whitford, an outspoken Democrat, explained on MSNBC on Tuesday, "There's no doubt in my mind that Hillary would be President Bartlett's choice. She's—nobody is more prepared to take that position on day one."
He added, "I know this may be controversial. But yes, on behalf of Jed Bartlett, I want to endorse Hillary Clinton." (Martin Sheen, who played the Democratic president, has not responded to Whitford's statements.)
Whitford also endorsed Clinton on his own behalf. "With me, it comes down to a very simple case of Hillary being by far the most qualified candidate to run for president in my lifetime," the actor told host Steve Kornacki. "I have two daughters. For reproductive rights. As a senator, she sponsored eight pieces of legislation. She wasn't just a reliable vote, as Bernie was. She has been at the forefront of protecting our most vulnerable citizens. Fighting for health care. I think she's the most prepared person by far and I support her enthusiastically."
Earlier this year, West Wing's creator, Aaron Sorkin, chimed in about the surreal presidential-campaign landscape, telling the Late Late Show host, James Corden, "I think if the characters on The West Wing were watching a TV show about the people who are running for president, they'd say that this just isn't believable. This could never happen."
Whitford, who was also on the show, added, "If there is a God, she's a terrible writer. You could not make this up."
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Meet the Clinton Insiders Rallying Behind Hillary in 2016
By Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images.
The 42nd president of the United States remains a lion of the Democratic Party. Clinton is a master of politics, though he has at times proven a less capable supporting campaigner than candidate. Should the former president refrain from injecting any unnecessary scandals into Hillary's campaign, he'll be a welcome face in many parts of the country.