As an ode to the recent election and passing campaign season, lets spotlight some Presidents featured on film.
President-elect Tom Dobbs in Man of the Year played by Robin Williams.
Tom Dobbs was the host of a show similar to “The Daily Show” when one day, he was elected President. Even Dobbs couldn’t believe it. He campaigned for issues such as politicians being backed by special interest groups and speaking against banning gay marriage. Eventually Dobbs finds out that the voting machines had a bug in them and that he isn’t the President. He goes on SNL and announces he will not accept the Presidency.
President James Marshall in Air Force One played by Harrison Ford.
Who knew a President would have to engage in hand to hand combat during his reign? Marshall is sort of a super hero President – strong in both his leadership capabilities and assailant capturing abilities. When “One” was released in 1997, Marshall was dealing with issues that our current President has faced – terrorists hijacking planes, capturing tyrannical leaders, etc. Guess it’s just all in a days work for the leader of the US – real or fictional.
President Andrew Shepherd in The American President played by Michael Douglas.
A President up for re-election has a lot on his plate. Not only is he continuing his regular work schedule and planning a full blown campaign, but he’s also looking for love. Falling approval ratings don’t make Shepherd run and hide – instead during a vivid speech he poses a bill for the environment and promises to perfect a bill on crime (and without mispronouncing anything).
President Thomas J. Whitmore in Independence Day played by Bill Pullman.
Nothing shakes up a Presidency like a war especially one with aliens. Whitmore faced slipping approval ratings when the beings from outer space landed. Whitmore takes Commander in Chief seriously when he boards a fighter plane and leads a team to an attack on the alien’s ship. Sadly the country’s leader looses his First Lady, but his plan helps save Earth and will probably make a re-election campaign much easier.
President Mays Gilliam in Head of State played by Chris Rock.
In a much less serious Presidency see Mays Gilliam. Although chosen to eventually help someone else win in a later election, Gilliam is a likable man running against the sitting Vice President. Once negative ads start from his opponent, Gilliam starts to step up to the plate and brings his campaign into high gear even firing disloyal campaign aids. Gilliam is elected and becomes the first African American President.
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