In the fall of 2016, the American Broadcasting Company debuted the first season of Designated Survivor, a political based television series exploring the potential need of having a designated successor during important political gatherings. The popular drama portrays Tom Kirkman as an unexpected and unprepared leader who humbly takes the presidential position, serving his nation as effectively as possible. Driven by the influences of others and desire to help his people, Kirkman uses his position and circumstances to guide the United States in a time of hardship. Throughout the series, President Tom Kirkman defines his identity as a humble leader, taking the advice of respected colleagues but never sacrificing the integrity of the nation
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While listening to the concerns and suggestions of other leaders, officials, and supporters, Kirkman always puts the needs of the country first. By stating “I’m not talking about my Presidency, I’m talking about the country” (Designated Survivor), Tom Kirkman distinctly separates his personal goals from the objectives of the entire nation. One of the major goals of the country after the Capitol bombing was to determine the culprit of the attack; days after the assault, a small terrorist group from the Middle East takes credit for the action. As Commander in Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces, Kirkman has the authority to seek revenge; however, he decides to wait, knowing that an American citizen is nearby the group. In a similar instance, a general sent forces overseas to monitor the actions of the group without presidential permission. When Kirkman learned of this, he fired the general for risking the lives of Americans. Even though the President desired revenge on the terrorists, he withheld his own desires to ensure that the United States and all of its citizens were protected and secure. Tom Kirkman is driven with the will to serve his nation and people, taking whatever actions necessary to preserve their …show more content…
As racial riots arose in Michigan, Kirkman was determined to declare equality for all citizens. When the Governor of Michigan joined the protests and jailed innocent Muslims solely for their race, the President intervened. After several failed attempts at resolving the issues, Kirkman arrested the Governor for treason. Despite the desires of other governors and advisors, Tom Kirkman realizes that using his power is sometimes necessary to fulfill the principle beliefs of the nation. In the entire series, Tom Kirkman is motivated by the support and encouragement of his wife, Alex. As an immigration attorney, she works to promote and ensure freedoms for helpless immigrants entering the country. After several controversial issues with past and current immigrants, Alex seeks the support and authority of her husband, the newly-named president. However, Kirkman, with the help of the governors, had already prohibited new immigrants from entering the United States. Frustrated and disheartened by his immigration policies, Alex cried out to her husband, saying, “I’m disappointed in you, not in the president” (Designated Survivor). In this scenario, Kirkman resists the desires of his beloved wife, ignoring her cries of anguish in order to support his prior
While listening to the concerns and suggestions of other leaders, officials, and supporters, Kirkman always puts the needs of the country first. By stating “I’m not talking about my Presidency, I’m talking about the country” (Designated Survivor), Tom Kirkman distinctly separates his personal goals from the objectives of the entire nation. One of the major goals of the country after the Capitol bombing was to determine the culprit of the attack; days after the assault, a small terrorist group from the Middle East takes credit for the action. As Commander in Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces, Kirkman has the authority to seek revenge; however, he decides to wait, knowing that an American citizen is nearby the group. In a similar instance, a general sent forces overseas to monitor the actions of the group without presidential permission. When Kirkman learned of this, he fired the general for risking the lives of Americans. Even though the President desired revenge on the terrorists, he withheld his own desires to ensure that the United States and all of its citizens were protected and secure. Tom Kirkman is driven with the will to serve his nation and people, taking whatever actions necessary to preserve their …show more content…
As racial riots arose in Michigan, Kirkman was determined to declare equality for all citizens. When the Governor of Michigan joined the protests and jailed innocent Muslims solely for their race, the President intervened. After several failed attempts at resolving the issues, Kirkman arrested the Governor for treason. Despite the desires of other governors and advisors, Tom Kirkman realizes that using his power is sometimes necessary to fulfill the principle beliefs of the nation. In the entire series, Tom Kirkman is motivated by the support and encouragement of his wife, Alex. As an immigration attorney, she works to promote and ensure freedoms for helpless immigrants entering the country. After several controversial issues with past and current immigrants, Alex seeks the support and authority of her husband, the newly-named president. However, Kirkman, with the help of the governors, had already prohibited new immigrants from entering the United States. Frustrated and disheartened by his immigration policies, Alex cried out to her husband, saying, “I’m disappointed in you, not in the president” (Designated Survivor). In this scenario, Kirkman resists the desires of his beloved wife, ignoring her cries of anguish in order to support his prior