Aaron Sorkin very sticky about using precise language. It's in his contract: you have to use what he writes!
Martin SheenI was the last one to join the cast of the west Wing and when I started it was just a peripheral character - the focus was to be on the staff, not the First Family. When I did the pilot, my contract was for just three years and it was confined to maybe three or four episodes every season. The only restraint I had was that I could not play another President while the show was on the air. So, I kind of backed into one of the great events of my life and certainly my career.
Martin SheenThe key word about The West Wing is show. It is not a reality show. It has nothing to do with reality.
Martin SheenPeople, although having their own cross to carry, can minister to others through their own pain.
Martin Sheen