John Spencer on the 2000 Democratic Convention

In-Depth Coverage of the Democratic National Convention

(CNN) -- Actor, John Spencer, is probably best known for his role as Leo McGarry on NBC's "The West Wing." He got his start as an actor with a role on "The Patty Duke Show" in the early 60s. Having appeared on stage, screen and television, audiences may remember John Spencer from performances in "War Games," "The Rock," "Green Card" and "Presumed Innocent." He has won numerous awards for his talent including an Obie and a Drama League Honor.

Chat Moderator: Welcome to the Allpolitics Chat, John Spencer.

John Spencer: Hello, good to be here. This convention is very exciting, very crowded and very noisy!

Chat Moderator: In talking with some former and current White House staff members about their real life experiences. Would you like to be the chief of staff in the real White House?

John Spencer: Absolutely not. I love watching the political machine work. I've always been a political junkie, but I’ve never had any desire to actually participate in politics. You see, when I leave Warner Brothers and go home, I don't have to take the problems with me like a regular politician!

Question from BigFoot: John, have you learned anything about the ills of the Democrats while working with a good Republican?

John Spencer: Ha ha ha, Josiah is a Democrat. We, on "The West Wing," are a Democratic administration. But, let me tell ya, I think there are good and bad in both.

Question from Swift: Do you think that "The West Wing" will draw more needed attention to politics in general?

John Spencer: I think that has been the outcome. It certainly wasn't necessarily our intent. We are entertainment, and sometimes the lines become very fuzzy. Our main goal is entertainment, and the backdrop happens to be politics. But, we as actors, are one step above carnival performers -- hardly true politicians!

Question from BORING: Do you think that politicians are better actors than some of the people in Hollywood?

John Spencer: I think there are good and bad actors in Washington, D.C. and good and bad actors in Hollywood.

Question from Cathy-CNN: What have you learned about politics that has surprised you since working on the show?

John Spencer: One of the most amazing things I have been able to learn, through my own writing, is the art of compromise. It certainly would be frustrating for a politician. If you want "A," often you have to give up "B" and "C" to get it.

Question from Nanakat: How much research is done on the show as to the real goings on at the White House?

John Spencer: I think a lot of research is done through our advisors and our research staff about the true workings of the government and how political things go down. I think Aaron Sorkin will come up with some ideas, and then he will seek out the advice of the political advisers to make it true to government workings.

Question from Nanakat: Do you find it frustrating that the emphasis always has to be on what the political fallout would be, in reference to all decisions made by any president?

John Spencer: Absolutely. In fact, we covered that issue in an episode called "Let Bartlet be Bartlet," where the President had to ultimately decide that, instead of being elected to another political term.

Question from Gator: During the 1988 campaign, Helen Hayes, referring to Reagan, told us to never elect an actor as "we are paid to be convincing." Do you agree?

John Spencer: I couldn't agree more, although I didn't think Ronnie was such a great actor.

Question from Caps: How do you think interactive television could change a show like "The West Wing"? Perhaps, the public could decide what happened to a character for past drug use, for example.

John Spencer: Yes, I have a friend, actually my partner's brother, who is very involved in the inception of interactive television. I don't really understand it in detail. I think it, as an exercise, would be very interesting to have public feedback and have alternate endings. But then, I am a novice to the computer world, and I don't know how that would work out.

Question from Wiseone: What is your favorite political book?

John Spencer: "Profiles in Courage."

Question from JrTyD: Mr. Spencer, how many votes do you think Josiah Bartlet will get in this election?

John Spencer: Ha ha ha ha. Well in four years, if we are fortunate to run that long as a political series, we will find out, because we have another campaign to run for his second term. As we left the first season, Josiah's numbers had gone up. So, let's say the administration is on an upward swing.

Question from No: Do you think that Joe Lieberman's ideas and concerns of Hollywood are being taken seriously by those in the profession?

John Spencer: I can't honestly answer for a large group like those in the profession. I can give you my particular hit on it. I am not for censorship of any kind, not even for material I would have no interest in exploring.

I believe that censorship of any kind is the first step to fascism. I think, as a country and a people, we must keep both eyes open and defend everyone’s rights, even if we don't agree with it.

Chat Moderator: Do you have any final thoughts for us, John Spencer?

John Spencer: I have two thoughts about the Gore-Lieberman ticket vs. the Bush-Cheney ticket that I would like to share. I think people should realize that we are not voting simply for the president in this election. It seems to me that the office of the presidency takes care of itself. But, what we are voting for is the Supreme Court, which will last the rest of our lives.

The next president will probably appoint three to four justices. Mr. Bush talked about health and education bills and the budget. I think it will be very interesting if he’s challenged. If you mean these things, why not have Trent Lott introduce them in Congress, and President Clinton would certainly sign the bills. It's sort of putting your action where your mouth is. God Bless America!

Chat Moderator: Thank you for joining us, John Spencer.

John Spencer: Thank you for having me!