Washington insiders say this is the closest to the actual goings on in the Whitehouse

That's because they are a bag of shit.

They should show The West Wing to would-be politicians, up and comers, and go, "Be like these guys." They're a bit idealistic, but they're tenacious, they get the job done, and there's examples of excellence from Republicans and Democrats on the show. Whatever policies you want to enact, enforce, or back up, conducting yourself like the politicians on The West Wing would bring class, intelligence, and moral strength into the game.