Anatomy of political compromise

I have really been enjoying The West Wing (on NBC) this year as it focuses on a presidential campaign.

The live debate episode was just fascinating. Both men did a fine job of articulating issues that are important to the respective parties, without too much rhetorical crap and with more honesty and forthrightness than most real candidates ever do.

But I found the "abortion episode" the previous week to be more revealing about the political process. The way the issue impacts these campaigns shows how two decent men with great integrity are pulled in all directions by aides, political allies and interest groups. While the candidates have principles and good intentions, it's clear they cannot hold to these and still play the game to win. It was illuminating and ultimately rather discouraging.