by Greg Walcher, E&E Legal Senior Policy Fellow
As appearing in the Daily Sentinel
Fans of Aaron Sorkin’s classic TV series “The West Wing,” marveled at how realistic some of the strategy sessions seemed. In one episode, the president is being investigated by a special prosecutor for failing to disclose his debilitating disease. Strategists gather in Press Secretary CJ’s office to discuss subpoenas White House staffers have received, and how CJ should handle the bad press. They can’t discredit the prosecutor because he is too well respected on both sides of the aisle. CJ decides they need someone else to lead the investigation, saying, “We need a different enemy.” She proposes impeachment hearings in the House of Representatives!
She explains to the chief of staff why an even bigger investigation would solve the image problem. “We need to be investigated by someone perceived by the American people to be irresponsible, untrustworthy, partisan, ambitious and thirsty for the limelight.” It has become one of the most popular strategies in Washington, diverting attention from any major failing by focusing attention on “a different enemy.”