I think part of my love for “The West Wing” comes from the fact that I want to believe in the power of a good speech to change hearts and minds. I want to be moved. I want to be inspired.

The streets of heaven are too crowded with angels, but every time we think we have measured our capacity to meet a challenge, we look up and we’re reminded that that capacity may well be limitless.

• President Josiah Bartlet

And when you have done that, you can go back to Seattle, and Boston, to Miami, to Omaha, to Tulsa and Chicago, and Atlanta with your head held high, and say, “I am a member of the Democratic Party.”

• Rep. Matthew Santos

And that’s not what we have in today’s politics. Obama was the last one that could do it effectively. It’s negative vibes all the way down now. It’s depressing. And it’s stirring hate day after day after day.