The end of the Republican National Convention signaled America's metaphorical entrance into the lion's den that is a presidential election. Of course we all know the importance of this election - not only is this the first time that an incumbent president or vice president isn't running, but we have the choice of either the first black president or the first female vice president ever. But whichever candidate Americans choose, chances are they will not live up to the high expectations set forth by these fictional leaders of the free world. So, without further ado, here are the eight best (and two worst) fictional presidents of all time, as voted on by The Heights editorial board.
1. Harrison Ford as James Marshall in
Air Force One
Four simple words explain everything you need to know about one of Harrison Ford's most iconic characters: "Get off my plane." Ford plays a president with an intense military background, who is forced to use that knowledge against terrorists trying to hijack Air Force One. The stakes are high not only for the nation, but for his wife and daughter who are on board. He has a tough stance on terror. He is a family man. Let's be honest, he's badass. Maybe Harrison Ford should have been Barack Obama's running mate…
2. Martin Sheen as Josiah Bartlet in The West Wing
People never suspected that the White House could be so witty until Josiah Bartlet, an economics professor from New Hampshire, entered its grandiose doors. Sheen's presidential character became such an ingrained part of American culture that when Jay Leno held his hilariously scary "Jaywalking" segments, some people thought he was the real president. Now that's power. Add a super sassy and intelligent staff, and you have the most interesting president we've ever encountered - real or fake.
3. Dennis Haysbert as David Palmer in
24
When Obama became the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, there was one person taking credit for the historical achievement: Dennis Haysbert. He said that his character, President Palmer paved the way for Obama's acceptance. While that may be a stretch, no one can deny that they would feel better about the state of our nation if it came from a man whose voice melted our hearts like butter.
4. Bill Pullman as Thomas Whitmore in
Independence Day
Pullman's president threw everything but the kitchen sink at the aliens that invaded America during July 4 weekend - including himself. After one of the most stirring speeches a fictional presidency has seen, in which he exclaims the day that they take mankind back - a new "Independence Day" - Whitmore goes and kicks some serious alien behind. Would any real-life president do that? Maybe Thomas Whitmore has raised yet another issue in this election: Which candidate would get in a fighter jet and fight an alien attack for us?
5. Michael Douglas as Andrew Shepherd in The American President
Michael Douglas showed the heart of the president better than any other actor on this list. His romance with an environmental lobbyist brought us not only the first great political piece of entertainment from Aaron Sorkin, but a great chick flick. His name is Andrew Shepherd, and he is a great fake president.
6. Morgan Freeman as Tom Beck in
Deep Impact
Many of the great presidents on this list rose to prominence during a national crisis, and Tom Beck is no different, as he tries to save America from a giant asteroid. Freeman's voice is in practically every commercial, animated movie, and documentary we watch these days, so presidential authority seems like the next logical step.
7. Kevin Kline as Dave Kovic in
Dave
Technically Dave Kovic was a presidential impersonator, but so what? He cut the budget. He saved the homeless. He created thousands of new jobs. What more could we ask from a real fictional president?
8. Geena Davis as Mackenzie Allen in
Commander in Chief
If Haysbert can claim a part in Barack Obama's success, it's only fair that Geena Davis be given a stake in Hillary Clinton's proverbial 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling. Even though the ABC drama was canceled after a short first season, Davis gave the presidency a decidedly feminine touch, and began the campaign to make the American people see that a woman president is not a far-fetched idea.
And the two worst ...
Billy Bob Thorton as the U.S. president in
Love Actually
The fact of the matter is that even in the fictional United States, whether it be the one we watch on the big screen or the small screen, not every president can be a George Washington or an Abraham Lincoln. Some simply turn out to be a Richard Nixon. In the British romantic comedy Love Actually, Billy Bob Thornton plays the unnamed U.S.president, the foil to Hugh Grant's adorable prime minister. Thornton's president is as sketchy as they come - refusing to even listen to the demands of the prime minister and making passes at the office catering manager. One can only wonder whom that last action was supposed to evoke memories of…
Gregory Itzin as Charles Logan in
24
Television brought us an even worse leader in the form of Charles Logan. Gregory Itzin's character was originally vice president under David Palmer, until he supported a plan to assassinate the beloved Palmer for his own political gain. A twisted web of deception and stupidity ensued after the assassination, leading to Logan's indictment on thousands upon thousands of counts of conspiracy. Although we should have seen the last of Logan when his ex-wife effectively stabbed him in the jugular, rumor has it he's coming back again. How much worse shape do the creators of 24 want to put this country in?
is a member of the 
Be the first to comment on this article!