Walking and talking about walking
Here at Outliers, our favorite moments from the gone-but-not-forgotten TV series “The West Wing” were always the show’s famed “walk-and-talk” scenes. Whenever a horde of cast members would intently yet aimlessly circle the White House trading witty barbs, we assumed it was the show’s attempt at manufacturing drama and tension. Now it seems that creator Aaron Sorkin may have had loftier goals in mind.
Over at everybodywalk.org, there is a “West Wing” reunion of sorts with actress Allison Janney leading a cast of series regulars on a march to the Oval Office with a daring new initiative for President Jed Bartlet: Americans should walk more.
The video is part of the “Every Body Walk” campaign, which kicked off in 2011 and was started by Kaiser Permanente. The campaign is focused on promoting the benefits of walking and encourages people to walk at least 30 minutes a day. As the (fake) president will tell you, walking just 30 minutes a day can decrease the risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke while preventing depression.
Along with the video, the campaign is giving away a box set of “The West Wing,” an ipod and walking kits to promote the organization’s Facebook page and mailing list.
Outliers hopes a half hour of walking is the sort of initiative that can receive bipartisan support, whether you prefer your president a Democrat, Republican or a fictional character.