With memories of 2008 dancing in their heads, the writers of CBS’ The Good Wife have Gov. Peter Florrick (Chris Noth) going from having hopes of becoming Hillary Clinton’s vice president on the Democratic ticket to being the candidate for president himself. In the episode “Lies,” Peter becomes the latest challenger to Hillary from Illinois. Obama 2.0.
Why have Peter’s aspirations been elevated? The internal polling commissioned by the campaign shows a consistent rising in his poll numbers. When told, his wife Alicia (Julianna Margulies) asks her Chief of Staff Eli (Alan Cumming), now also working with Peter’s campaign manager, if Peter could really have a chance. Eli replies, “I thought Trump would self-destruct, so what do I know?” So, yeah, if that crazy guy on the Republican side can do it…
Counting on the email scandal to make “things go sour for Hillary,” Peter Florrick’s team jumps into action, trying to get endorsements from Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and working on optics. The best part? Peter’s announcement will be a very deliberate replica of Barack Obama’s announcement in 2008. From announcing in Springfield, to dressing Peter in the exact style of overcoat worn by Obama, Peter and Alicia are to be the new Barack and Michelle. Let’s make this happen, people!
Ruth: We’ve got the building, same as Obama. Gene, I want the same overcoat for Peter. I mean the exact same one that Obama wore-- and Alicia, too. The whole point, people, is to get the press to put the two photos side-by-side. Obama and Peter.
Peter: Sorry to interrupt. (Cheering) Thank you for your enthusiasm. Let's not jinx those polls. (Laughing) Okay, so, um, this race is in flux, and I can tell you that because I feel it out there on the trail, and it's because of all the hard work we've been doing, but now we have to double down. I want every voter in this country to see who I am, where I'm from, and why I'm doing this. Thank you again.
(Whopping)
Peter: No luck with Leahy or Durbin?Ruth: Uh, they're endorsing Hillary.
Will Florrick topple Hillary? Will Hillary’s email scandal and investigation torpedo her candidacy? Stay tuned. Either way, it sounds like Barack Obama’s third term, and a CBS writer’s dream.
