I think that the West Wing deserves to be thanked for its effect on people. Day in day out Politics sucks. At every level you are thwarted, halted and diverted from your target. Then every now and again you get a day or a result that makes you feel like its all worth it. You've got to learn to celebrate those days and enjoy them because they don't come often enough.
West Wing gives you a similar feeling as it builds you up with its can-do attitude. Plus I agree with almost everything that Bartlett does. If only NUS uk had Sam or Leo, we won't be in any trouble.