Other actors who were seriously considered included Alan Alda and Sidney Poitier for the President , Judd Hirsch for Leo , Eugene Levy for Toby , and CCH Pounder for C.J. Other actors were seriously considered for other roles , including Alan Alda and Sidney Poitier for the President , Judd Hirsch for Leo , Eugene Levy for Toby , and CCH Pounder for C.J.