The West Wing, Season Five

Josh:
You're campaigning in the middle of a national tragedy....

Atwood:
You don't get it, do you? The Republicans are in awe of Bartlet. He recused himself in the only way he could. In the way envisioned by the Constitution... The whole notion of the 25th Amendment is that the institution matters more than the man. Bartlet's decision was even more self-sacrificing because he willingly gave power to his opposition.

Josh:
The institution may matter more, but it's your guy protecting it, not ours.

Atwood:
A truly self-sacrificing act usually involves some sacrifice.

Josh:
So, now you're going to nail us to the cross.

Atwood:
No. You beat the terrorists at their own game. We're not stupid, Josh. We try to use this to our advantage, it will blow up in our faces. We'd seem callous and unfeeling. In contrast to Bartlet's extraordinary gesture of courage and patriotism. And anyone who thinks otherwise has a particularly craven way of looking at politics.