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Celebrating President's Day With Our Favorite Film and TV Presidents

Celebrating President's Day With Our Favorite Film and TV Presidents
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Martin Sheen

Today is President's Day and what's a better way to celebrate than looking back at some of the best "presidents" to ever grace the big screen.

From The West Wing (1999-2006) to Air Force One (1997), film and television have witnessed some amazing faux politicians that we may wish were real-life leaders.


'The West Wing' - President Josiah Bartlet (Martin Sheen)

There is almost no argument that Martin Sheen's President Josiah Bartlet isn't one of the most well known fictional presidents to ever live. Even those who haven't watched The West Wing recognize Bartlet's face. Some say that he is the true vision of a "president" with grace.

One of Bartlet's most notable moments on the series came when he confronted Dr. Jacobs (Claire Yarlett) on her scowling of homosexuality. Challenging her, Bartlet gives the talk show host a taste of her own medicine using Bible verses to highlight the absurdity of the doctor using the Bible as a reason to hate on the LGBTQ+ community.

'Veep' - President Selina Meyer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus)

Julia Louis-Dreyfus plays the unapologetic Vice President in Veep (2012-2019) who turns President after POTUS resigns. President Meyer hilariously has no idea what she's doing and seems to honestly hate the people of America.

"Jesus Christ. You know, you do your best, you try to serve the people, and then they just f*** you over... And you know why? Because they're ignorant and they're dumb as s***. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is democracy."

'Scandal' - President Mellie Grant (Bellamy Young)

The Mellie Grant Presidency was short lived, however that doesn't take away from the fact that Bellamy Young's character was iconic. She was the image of a single, strong woman who picked herself up after being cheated on by Scandal's (2012-2018) Former President Fitzgerald Grant (Tony Goldwyn).

"It hurts until it doesn't. You think it will break you, but it won't."

'Designated Survivor' - President Tom Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland)

Kiefer Sutherland portrays Designated Survivor's (2016-2019) Tom Kirkman, a man who must claim the role of presidency after everyone else in the line of duty is murdered during an attack on Washington. The intriguing story follows Kirkman along his journey of presidency that nobody else seems to believe he can succeed in.

'24' - President David Palmer (Dennis Haysbert)

Dennis Haysbert portrayed the first African-American president in the America of 24 (2001-2010). Working alongside Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) President David Palmer was in the works of exposing a conspiracy within the U.S. government before being assassinated.

'Commander in Chief' - President Mackenzie Allen (Geena Davis)

The short lived Commander in Chief (2005-2006) followed the first female President played by Geena Davis is a center-leaning Republican who firmly believes in women and their power, without the help of any man.

'House of Cards' - President Claire Underwood (Robin Wright)

President Claire Underwood is the wife of Former President Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey). Played by Robin Wright, Claire takes matters into her own hands and completely flips the script of House of Cards (2013-2018). She is ruthless and determined, presenting an iconic character to the screen.

'Mars Attacks' - President James Dale (Jack Nicholson)

Jack Nicholson plays the adorably hopeful President James Dale of Mars Attacks (1996). President Dale hopes for a peaceful alliance with the alien invaders of Earth and the favor is returned by the killing of him and his family.

'Deep Impact' - President Tom Beck (Morgan Freeman)

Morgan Freeman portrays Deep Impact's (1998) President Tom Beck, a man hellbent on working with other countries to avoid the end of the world due to the coming of a killer meteor. This isn't Freeman's only time in the oval office, but one of his more notable ones.

'Air Force One' - President James Marshall (Harrison Ford)

Played by Harrison Ford, President James Marshall of Air Force One is savvy and determined on keeping his family and America safe.

Happy President's Day! Whether you choose to celebrate our real or fictional commander in chiefs, these shows and films pair great with the patriotic nature of today's holiday.

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Makayla Leilua