The National Journal has news graphics lovers oooing and ahhing today with an impressive interactive map of the West Wing. A 3D rendering that looks not unlike an environment in which your Sims avatar might install a Jacuzzi, the graphic allows users to hover over rooms to see their use and who occupies them. That tiny office near the first floor lobby, for example: that belongs to Deputy Communications Director Jen Psaki. Mouse over it and you learn that Psaki was spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign committee before she joined then candidate Obama’s campaign in 2007.
It’s a fun thing to play with for a couple of minutes over your lunch break, and kudos to news artist Brian McGill for putting it together—now we know The West Wing had it right. But don’t expect much in the way of depth or insight. It’s a toy for the politico set. For something more illuminating, see McGill’s interactive map of unrest in North Africa and the Middle East.
Joel Meares is a former CJR assistant editor.