Barack Obama, meet Jed Bartlet

The Bravo cable channel has resumed showing episodes of "The West Wing" recently. No doubt, they are trying to capitalize on the frenzy surrounding the Presidential election.

Re-watching some of these episodes, I'm reminded once again that I'd love to be able to vote for fictional President Jed Bartlet. He's a liberal without being a wimp, able to take a stand and also admit when he's made a mistake, he's brilliant and yes, "elitist" without being ashamed of that, and he truly wants what is best for America and ALL Americans. I'd love to have a president with the wisdom like that.

Apparently, so would columnist Maureen Dowd. In her column in today's New York Times, she asked "West Wing" creator Aaron Sorkin to posit a conversation between Bartlet and Barack Obama.

BARACK OBAMA knocks on the front door of a 300-year-old New Hampshire farmhouse while his Secret Service detail waits in the driveway. The door opens and OBAMA is standing face to face with former President JED BARTLET.

BARTLET Senator.

OBAMA Mr. President.

BARTLET You seem startled.

OBAMA I didn’t expect you to answer the door yourself.

BARTLET I didn’t expect you to be getting beat by John McCain and a Lancôme rep who thinks “The Flintstones” was based on a true story, so let’s call it even.

OBAMA Yes, sir.

BARTLET Come on in.

Read the rest of the conversation here:

Aaron Sorkin conjures a meeting of Obama and Bartlet