It inspired me, too! I think "The West Wing" has been really influential on a lot of folks in their '30s working in politics and advocacy now (even if they don't admit it). I like the show. But in so, so many ways, it hasn't aged well. Sorkin's writing has a lot of weaknesses. https://twitter.com/Venti__Poet/status/1309326408716636161

I hate that pop culture things like from the late '90s and early '00s have to fall in a good or bad bucket. Why can't they be both? Why can't Sorkin be an insufferable dickwad at times but also have a phenomenal talent for great turns of phrase?

Like... I'll watch the intro to "Molly's Game" and just be blown away by how he constructed it. So damn good. And then I'll see the episode of Ainsley Hayes lecturing Sam on why the ERA isn't needed and go to a place of simmering rage. Both things are possible with Sorkin!