I try to watch only real things, which basically amounts to C-Span for me. I like real people in real situations. I learn from that.

And I have to credit David Jacobs with the opportunities he gave me. He was totally into sharing the creation of characters. David put together a show that told the story of people over many years' time and that was greatly enjoyable. Though nowadays that is frowned upon.

Networks don't want a show with a continuing story. There's no backend potential.

When you go to a movie, it's about what's not being said. I tried to bring that to Greg Sumner. It was always about what's not being said.

What I would have liked to do on that show was play a secretary of state who has huge personal business interests throughout the world. That, to me, seems to be more in synch with reality.

It worked well because Don Murray didn't want to be on Knots anymore.

The West Wing seems to be feeding the myth about how presidential politics are.