I think Tim Matheson played such an excellent part. I'm not initimate with the real life politics of domestic America, but from what I have learnt the role of the VP is one of such secondary importance in the shadow of the president but its clear in The West Wing that Hoynes is a brilliant politician; intelligent, extremely loyal to the Democratic cause and wise to the realpolitik. I've just watched his resignation in series 4 and he came across as a man with ambition and ego but without cynicism. Its a nice interplay that Josh has with him,and with Josh's own personal conflict of loyalty that has moved on but remains in the background.
He could be a credible President.
In addition I'm not going to venture into the future, despite the fact that series 5 and 6 are playing out in the US. Its very frustrating seeing glimpses of thread titles, especially with spolier warnings!
I never really got behind the Hoynes character. He always seemed to never want to play ball as it were. And yes as VP he doesn't do much at all... unless there is a tie to break or the President dies... that is. I think his character left the show in the only way he could... that being negatively... I wont be surprised though if his character happens to pop up again... he always wanted to be the pres.
I thought Mathieson was brilliant as the Vice President. Yes, he didn't have much to do but he varied from being the nice guy (to Leo after his divorce) to the pissed off power hungry politician (with the President when he was angry about not playing a bigger role in the administration. I doubt, however, that he'll be back because any return will stretch the show's credulity, especially after Hoynes said that this would be his farewell to politics.
That happens in politics all the time lol... he may come back... I wouldn't be surprised. They always say they're going to do one thing... then do another.
WILDLY OFF TOPIC: The Jackal... I have to say I LOVE you SN! Wish I thought of it first! :lol: [Don't reply to off topic things!]
Yeah, I suppose they do. I'd like him to bring him back but I fancy Leo might be the one to move into a VP spot later in the series.