# Political etiquette on tv shows

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-etiquette-on-tv-shows/927433>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Created:** [December 7, 2020, 6:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-etiquette-on-tv-shows/927433 "2020-12-07T06:11:58Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![LoneRhino](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lonerhino/32/1311_2.png) [@LoneRhino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LoneRhino)\
**Post date:** [December 7, 2020, 6:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-etiquette-on-tv-shows/927433/1 "2020-12-07T06:11:58Z")

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Most of what I know about proper etiquette in Washington I learned from watching The West Wing. I know that in the White House everybody is supposed to stand when the president enters the room.

I just started watching Madam Secretary and when she enters the room with her staff only the men stand up. Is this proper protocol? It seems weird to have different standards for men and women.

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**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\
**Post date:** [December 7, 2020, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-etiquette-on-tv-shows/927433/2 "2020-12-07T06:56:26Z")

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It’s customary for those in attendance (of any gender) to rise when the President enters the room. I’ve never watched _Madam Secretary_, but understand the Secretary of State becomes President. When she enters the room, everyone present should rise. If they don’t and there’s no other explanation, e.g., the sole other woman is in a wheelchair, then that seems like an error in the show.