Four Days in Denver

New York Magazine tapped former "West Wing" writer Lawrence O'Donnell Jr. to write a script about a potential scenario at the 2008 Democratic Convention. Titled "Four Days in Denver," the piece is lengthy but quite entertaining and good salve for people who miss "The West Wing."

In a way, it reminded me of a guest piece I did for Paul Ryan's Daily Ramblings back in 2004. I should sue.

'West Wing' in real life?

OK, so this is nerdy but it's the Internet so you've got to expect some of that.

IF Barack Obama is the Democratic nominee and IF John McCain is the Republican nominee, then our election this year will be strikingly similar in tone and style to the "West Wing" fake election held during the last two seasons of that show. No, Obama isn't Hispanic and McCain is seldom mistaken for Alan Alda, but the dynamic is the same. Young rising political star pitching hope and unity vs. experienced maverick conservative.

In the show, the young hopeful guy won ... but only because the writers changed the outcome after one of the actors portraying a beloved character passed away. They believed the audience couldn't sustain the defeat of the liberal character in the fake election right after they buried "Leo."

Is it wrong to ask which Hollywood actor must lay down their life to ensure an Obama victory?

Don't answer that. I know. I'm just saying, life imitates art sometimes.