The Rose Garden

“Tell her where you are.”

That was President Bartlet’s suggestion to Donna.

For the entire episode, Donna had been trying to find a way to recognize her high school English teacher, Mrs. Morello—who went above and beyond for her school in Wisconsin.

In the end, President Bartlet calls Donna into the Oval Office. Charlie has Mrs. Morello on the phone. And Donna doesn’t know what to say.

“Tell her where you are.”

And Donna says: “Mrs. Morello, I’m in the Oval Office with the President of the United States, and it’s because of you.”

Now, I teach writing at a community college not too far from here—so I might be a little biased in bringing up this moment. And I want to thank Aaron and everyone who contributed to that episode for that beautiful tribute to educators everywhere.

We just came from the Oval.

Because even though Joe is away hosting the leaders of Australia, India, and Japan in Delaware, he wanted to make sure President Bartlet and his staff had a chance to see the Oval Office again.

I often talk to my students about the power of good storytelling—because it can inspire and shape our world.

When The West Wing lights up our screens, every swell of the opening theme, every fast talking, fast walking journey through seemingly endless halls—every performance—changes how we see the public servants behind these white walls, striving for a better tomorrow.

Thank you to Warner Brothers for making today possible.

And I’m glad to have so many wonderful members of Joe’s Cabinet joining us.

I’m grateful to everyone on stage for taking the time to be here, because your work inspired so many to step forward and serve our country—maybe even some of the people here today: working in Congress, at non-profits and on political campaigns, or at the White House.

That’s the power of storytelling—to inspire the Donnas and Charlies of the world who know they have something to give to this country—and the Mrs. Morellos, who may not serve in Washington, but change us for the better all the same.

So anytime we begin to slip into cynicism or apathy—we just have to remember Jed Bartlet’s White House. A place where there are big blocks of cheese and everyone belongs.

Where you do good.

That’s the story The West Wing showed the nation: this family we create here, dedicated to a purpose greater than any one of us.

I see it every day.

It’s something that’s close to my heart, because, with every new hire, the Biden family grows too.

Yes, the work is hard and the days are long. Yes, there are times when the weight of all we have before us can feel too heavy to carry. But that’s where the heart lies, where the future is created, side by side with our family of true believers—hope pushing us forward each step, each day, until the world is as it ought to be.

Now, it’s my pleasure to introduce, President Bartlet—or as he’s sometimes known, Martin Sheen.

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