From Zircon: Why is Danny Concannon so completely oblivious to the conflict of interest when it comes to his relationship with CJ? For an intelligent and media-savvy character, he seems to have a remarkable blindspot here. Was there ever any discussion with Mr. Sorkin, regarding the way Danny justifies this blindspot to himself?

A: Danny wants C.J. C.J. wants Danny. C.J. works for the President, Danny works for the Washington Post. One is natural the other isn't.

From Katrina, Sydney, Australia: 1) Have you considered/been asked to direct an episode of West Wing? Do you have a preference for acting, directing, or producing? Or is it more a matter of where the job offers are?

A: I was offered episode 17 of the third year of TWW. I told Tommy and Aaron that I should stay with ED and make sure it gets to year four.

2) In an interview, Josh Malina said that you and he aren't 'pretty boys.' Do you think that has been a help or a hindrance in your acting career? Has it allowed you to play a larger variety of characters?

A: I think I'm much prettier than Josh. He's my brother-in-law you know? I think my looks have kept me from playing Indiana Jones and helped me to play Poindexter.

From ljd: 1) Has Danny run his course in the minds of that powers that be now at the WW?

A: Aaron asked me to be on The West Wing and I had a great time. You would have to ask John Wells if I'll be invited back. John may not be the fan that Aaron is.

2) Other than being the perfect romantic foil for Allison Janney/C.J. how do you see Danny's role? As the voice of the people, a foil for the Administration, a friend to other staffers?

A: I think Danny started out as a love interest for C.J. but ended up being a voice of the people. Certainly a friend to the staffers. A well respected writer and a fun character to hang with.

3) If you were to direct an episode of "WW" could we expect you to turn the lights on, what would your episode look like?

A: The lighting of the show is up to the Director of Photography and the producers, they decide the look of the show.

From soft lite: "Have you been told (or if not, would you please speculate) on why the character Danny (senior White House correspondent) has been away from the White House so much over the past three years? What has Danny been doing?"

A: The actor playing Danny (me) spent the last two seasons as Co-Executive Producer of ED. This season I'm the resident director of Las Vegas, and have also directed episodes of American Dreams, Joan of Arcadia, Miss Match, and Lyons Den. I won't speculate why the brilliant Aaron Sorkin does what he does, or writes what he writes, but I'm such a fan of his and feel so fortunate for our history that I'll follow him to the ends of the earth.

LBM, Actor NYC: 1) Will you be returning to The West Wing this season, and if not do you see yourself returning as Danny Concannon at any point during the run? (Because we love your work on the show. :)

A: Danny is a wonderful character to play. Made most wonderful by the brilliant writing of Aaron Sorkin. Aaron is gone, and I think Danny is as well. But, thank you.

2) As an actor your moments on screen show real back story and character. In a show like The West Wing how much is your own idea of the character and how much is Aaron Sorkin's since he worked without a bible. What kind of things did he tell you and how much is your own creation in respect to relationships not defined by words and objectives in a scene? For example, going back and watching the First Season DVD, I see a past relationship with Bradley Whitford's character Josh Lyman. What do we see under the lines?

A: Very smart on the Whitford connection. First of all Aaron's characters need no infusing of interpretation. It's actually all in the writing. I played Daniel Kaffee on Broadway in A Few Good Men. I brought Whitford (Revenge of the Nerds II co-star) to Aaron to play Smiling Jack Ross. Whitford replaced me when I went back to 30something. Connections?

From Lois, Tuxedo, NY 1) Danny has quite a loyal following among many fans of The West Wing, much more than many others who are only on once in awhile. Was that a surprise for you, or did you think going in that Danny was a great character and would be enjoyable (and missed when he's not there!)?

A: I came in for one episode and did more than 20. When that happens some audience will be attached to the character. I'm very fortunate. Thank you.

2) You said at one point that Danny is in love with CJ and that will always be his ultimate reason for returning. Are there any long term plans to bring you back for the end of the series, if not sooner? The show will have to end at some point around the end of the administration, so has there been any talk of Danny coming back to sweep CJ up and ride into the sunset? (Or something that isn't quite as cliche as that?) It's the closure a lot fans want, what about you?