Aaron Sorkin Says Today's Republicans Are Not Reasonable

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Aaron Sorkin, the acclaimed creator of NBC’s *The West Wing*, expressed his belief that contemporary Republicans are no longer “reasonable.” He suggested that the fictional GOP characters he crafted for the show would appear alien to today’s audiences, reflecting a significant shift in the political landscape since the series aired from 1999 to 2006. Sorkin emphasized that viewers would find it implausible to see the Republican Party portrayed as reasonable, as was the case in his show. Sorkin's comments come amid ongoing political tensions, yet he notably refrained from addressing current Democratic policies, such as those under Vice President Kamala Harris, which have led to an influx of over 10 million undocumented immigrants receiving taxpayer-funded benefits. He also did not mention the Democrats' stance on issues like police funding and gender-affirming care for minors, which have become contentious topics in contemporary politics. The series, which featured Martin Sheen as President Josiah Bartlet, has maintained a nostalgic appeal for many Democrats, serving as a fantasy for some left-leaning individuals who admire the virtuous characters Sorkin created. One standout character, Ainsley Hayes, portrayed by Emily Procter, exemplified Sorkin's vision of a “good” Republican, often siding with Democrats on moral grounds, suggesting that the only reasonable Republicans are those who align with Democratic principles. Sorkin's reflections highlight a growing divide in American politics, where the portrayal of political parties in media may no longer resonate with the realities of today’s political climate.