Bob Russell, Vice President of the United States, is a fictional character played by Gary Cole on the television serial drama The West Wing.
Bartlet's first choice for Vice President was his Secretary of State, played by William Devane. His nomination was opposed by House and Senate Republicans, along with more than a few Democrats, most notably the Minority Leader. Bartlet appointed Bob Russell, with some reluctance, under the provisions of the 25th Amendment after Congressional Republicans make it clear that they will not confirm the appointment of a more viable candidates that would conceivably be nominated to succeed him. Russell was on the list of names given by the Speaker of the House, which included a lesbian. A Democratic Congressman from Colorado at the time of his appointment, Russell was initially derided by some of the senior West Wing staff as shallow and a tool of Colorado mining interests. Russell's nickname around Washington was "Bingo Bob", and he was often referred to as the "Congressman from the Western Colorado Mining Company". However, he soon established himself as an ambitious and shrewd politician with a wry awareness of his own shortcomings. In time, he vies to succeed Bartlet to the Presidency.
See also
