A Joe Biden-Donald Trump rematch this year hasn’t exactly excited American voters, at least if you believe early polls. On the other hand, a dramatic Jed Bartlet (Martin Sheen) vs. Janie Orlean (Meryl Streep) face-off could lead to record turnout at the ballot box and the box office.
RELATED: 10 Worst Fictional Presidents From Movies And TV Shows – Photo Gallery
Well, it would be if the scandal-plagued POTUS from Don’t Look Up hadn’t been eaten on another planet in the credits of the Adam McKay-directed satire. Then again, another West Wing reunion with Sheen back as the New Hampshire-born Bartlet would likely garner more attention than 2024’s real life New Hampshire primary.
America had one actor as president in Ronald Reagan. But we have had dozens of fictional Commander-in-Chiefs – some better than others, some impeached more than others. A few truly suspended our disbelief, for better or worse. As we head into this year of election, and the launch of our ElectionLine hub, we offer some suggestions for what some winning fictional tickets might look like.
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Jed Bartlet, “The West Wing” (1999–2006)
Image Credit: NBC / Courtesy: Everett Collection Martin Sheen as Jet Barlet in The West Wing
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Thomas J. Whitmore, “Independence Day” (1996)
Image Credit: Everett Collection Bill Pullman as Thomas J. Whitmore in Independence Day
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Selina Meyer in “Veep” (2012–2019)
Image Credit: HBO Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer in Veep
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Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Herbert, “Idiocracy” (2006)
Terry Alan Crews as Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Herbert in Idiocracy
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Dennis Haysbert, “24” (2001–2010)
Image Credit: Everett Collection Dennis Haysbert as David Palmer in 24
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President Orlean in “Don’t Look Up” (2021)
Image Credit: Niko Tavernise / © Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection Meryl Streep as President Orlean in Don’t Look Up
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James Marshall, “Air Force One” (1997)
Image Credit: Everett Collection Harrison Ford as James Marshall in Air Force One
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Tom Beck, “Deep Impact” (1998)
Image Credit: Paramount. Courtesy: Everett Collection. Morgan Freeman as Tom Beck in Deep Impact
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Bill Mitchell, “Dave” (1993)
Image Credit: Warner Bros./ Courtesy: Everett Collection Kevin Kline as Bill Mitchell in Dave
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Constance Payton, “State of Affairs” (2014–2015)
Image Credit: Michael Parmelee/©NBC/courtesy Everett Collection Alfre Woodard as Constance Payton in State of Affairs
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Elena Cañero-Reed, “Diary of a Future President” (2020–2021)
Image Credit: Christopher Willard / ©Disney+ / courtesy Everett Collection Tess Romero as Elena Cañero-Reed in Diary of a Future President
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Merkin Muffley, “Dr. Strangelove” (1964)
Image Credit: Everett Collection Peter Sellers as Merkin Muffley in Dr. Strangelove
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Andrew Shepherd, “The American President” (1995)
Image Credit: Columbia/courtesy Everett Collection Michael Douglas as Andrew Shepherd in The American President
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Claire Underwood & Frank Underwood, “House of Cards” (2013–2018)
Image Credit: Netflix Robin Wright as Claire Underwood & Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood in House of Cards
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Jackson Evans, “The Contender” (2000)
Image Credit: Everett Collection Jeff Bridges as Jackson Evans in The Contender
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Honorable mention – Olivia Marsdin, “Supergirl” (2015–2021)
Image Credit: Diyah Pera / ©CBS / Courtesy: Everett Collection Lynda Carter as Olivia Marsdin in Supergirl
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