For many years, I was glued to the West Wing television series. Its iconic opening music and setting captured the awe and prestige of its subject matter, the office of the President of the United States.

Martin Sheen excelled in his portrayal of Jed Bartlet, a wise and extremely knowledgeable leader who inspired his legion of advisers and who, by his conduct and nature, commanded and received respect from all around him, friend or foe.

As a young trainee politics teacher, I can recall using the series to explain aspects of American politics to A-level students and eagerly discussing episodes with family, friends and colleagues.

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I no longer feel the same way about the award-winning series produced by Aaron Sorkin, one of Hollywood’s most renowned writers and producers. Whilst it still provides many teachable moments, the core narrative is deeply misleading and propagates the erroneous belief that........

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