Election Parallels

Having no gainful employment, I find myself watching a lot of West Wing. I was given seasons 4-7 for Christmas last year and have finally gotten to season 7, the final season and the one in which a new president is elected. I am amazed that this show, released in 2005-06, so accurately predicted this year's presidential election. This is what I mean. . .

Arnold Vinick - a southwestern Republican Senator who is older than the average candidate. He tries to distance himself from his conservative base, but chooses a running mate that appeals to the Christian right and fundamentalists. John McCain anyone?

Matthew Santos - a Midwestern Democratic congressmen who is younger than the average candidate. He started behind in the polls, but overcame the frontrunners and energized the Democratic party and many independents. He chooses a party veteran for his running mate with significant foreign experience. Oh, and he's the first presidential candidate who is also a racial minority. Barack Obama?

I just find it fascinating that a full three years prior to this election, the West Wing writers so prefectly mirrored what is happening now. Now, let's just hope that the Chinese-Russian conflict that the White House has to deal with doesn't come true!