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Josiah Edward "Jed" Bartlet, PhD., is a fictional character from the American television serial drama ''The West Wing'', portrayed by Martin Sheen. The role earned Sheen a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama in 2001, as well as two SAG Awards. Bartlet's tenure as a Democratic President of the United States is a preeminent aspect of the series. His origin as a recurring character evolved due to Sheen's acting finesse; creator Aaron Sorkin and fellow West Wing writers shaped Bartlet's role within the show accordingly. The first season depicts part of his first and second years in office and subsequent seasons flesh out the details of his administration, including friction between his policies and those of the Republican-dominated Congress, his tribulations with multiple sclerosis, his reelection, and the campaign of his successor. Characterized by manifest integrity, quick witticisms, a fierce intellect, and compassionate stoicism, Bartlet is widely acclaimed by critics and political commentators alike as the "most popular Democratic president in recent memory." ==Creation and development== Show creator Aaron Sorkin had not initially intended to feature the president at all, having envisioned the series as focused on the White House senior staff who execute and advise on major policy and political matters. "Then I felt that would become hokey," he said. "We'll constantly be just missing the president. As he walks around the corner, we'll see the back of his head." The character of Josiah Bartlet was then created as a recurring figure, and Martin Sheen was signed to appear in four episodes. Alan Alda (who went on to portray Senator Arnold Vinick), Jason Robards and Sidney Poitier were also considered for the role.〔Salem, Rob (January 25, 2005). (Decision '05 sure to shake up West Wing ). ''Toronto Star.'' Accessed on December 8, 2007.〕 After seeing Sheen's dailies, the producers were so impressed that they asked him to join the regular cast. "They realized that people might catch on that I'd be there only once a month, so they talked to me about a longer commitment," says Sheen. The actor said that part of the reason he took on the role of Bartlet was because of his involvement in social issues.〔Topping, Keith (2002). ''An Unofficial and Unauthorized Guide to The West Wing: Inside the Bartlet White House''. London: Virgin Books Ltd.〕 Sorkin's main interest in writing for the character was exploring the side of the president that the public does not generally see.〔Schlamme, Thomas (November 11, 1999). (Interview with Thomas Schlamme, Director and Executive Producer, "Sports Night" ). ''Directors World''. Accessed on December 13, 2007.〕 Sheen described the character as being drawn largely from Bill Clinton: "He's bright, astute and filled with all the negative foibles that make him very human," he told ''Radio Times''.〔 Sheen said elsewhere that he adored Clinton and was welcomed into the Clinton White House for visits during the period between the show's beginning in the fall of 1999 and the inauguration of George W. Bush as president in January 2001. Sorkin said he took some of Bartlet's characteristics from his own father, namely his "great love of education and literature () all things old," his "() in a genuine goodness in people," and his "'Aw, Dad' sense of humor."〔Sorkin, Aaron (May 22, 2002). (Interview with Aaron Sorkin ). ''The Today Show''. Accessed on December 13, 2007.〕 In the middle of the show's first season, it is revealed that Bartlet has multiple sclerosis. According to Sorkin, this was not planned; the plot came about because he wanted to write an episode in which the president was in bed watching a soap opera and the audience discovered that the first lady was a physician. "When I wrote the pilot, I didn't have any idea what was going to happen in Episode 2, much less 12," he says.〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Josiah Bartlet」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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