West Wing: The American Presidency as Television Drama

This collection of essays translates visual language into on-screen politics. While the series The West Wing may be criticized as idealistic , its clever techniques of camera work, lighting, editing, and mise en scene reflect America’s best image of itself, and entertains a loyal audience that wants to believe in the nobility of the American Dream. It introduces readers to the sensibilities to appreciate the show’s nuances and the necessary knowledge to avoid any misreadings.