With the election coming up on Tuesday, I started to think about which TV characters would make great Presidents. While this year’s candidates are both much better choices than the ones in the last few elections, I still find myself wishing I could vote for a fictional character. If somehow I could, these would be my top choices.
This article contains major spoilers for a few shows (if you’ve already watched all the episodes you won’t be spoiled). The shows are “24,” “Eli Stone,” “Chuck,” “Lost,” “The 4400,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” If you haven’t watched every episode of any of those shows and plan to in the future, I would either skip the paragraph about the show or the entire article completely.
Jack Bauer (”24″)-I’d be a bit concerned with his occasionally cruel torture techniques but he does always get the results he needs. He has almost single-handily saved the lives of millions of Americans and despite being fired and betrayed by his country (the government wanted to hand him over to the Chinese after he saved the country yet again), he continues to risk his life for the nation. Bauer is a true patriot in every sense of the world. Plus, it’d be nearly impossible to assassinate him. He’d sniff out any attack on him and probably hunt down and kill the guy himself.
Eli Stone (”Eli Stone”)-While he has become a bit of a religious freak lately, a vote for him would effectively also put God in the office. Through his visions he could return the country to its past glory. With God’s help there likely wouldn’t be anymore wars and poverty and inequality would be extinguished.
Chuck Bartowski (”Chuck”)-I think if nerds were in power the world would be a much better place. Most of the world’s most generous people could be considered nerds. When you add the fact that Chuck is a hero (he’s already stopped one attack on America all by himself and helped stop other terrorists with his bravery), there is no reason he wouldn’t make for a great President. Just don’t expect much from him the day “Call of Duty 5″ launches.
Ben Linus (”Lost”)-You might think this is an odd decision considering he is pretty much a villain but he is really the only character on “Lost” who can actually make a good decision. I considered Jack and Locke but all the two really do is fight and make horrible decisions. Jack left the island against Locke’s recommendation and almost instantly regretted it. Locke did such a poor job leading on the island that he had to leave and beg the Oceanic Six to return. Ben may be a bit too willing to make sacrifices (leading to the death of his “daughter” and a boat full of extras, Michael, and Jin) but he knows what it takes to be a leader.
Jordan Collier (”The 4400″)-Before USA Network just had to cancel his show, he was building heaven on earth. Despite effectively being branded a terrorist by the government, Collier managed to change the world in just four short years. Sure the promicin shot (50% who took it died while the other 50% got a power) was a bit risky but he never really forced it on anyone. Who wouldn’t want heaven on earth, with Jordan Collier it would be possible.
Rupert Giles (”Buffy the Vampire Slayer”)-Technically, he wouldn’t be eligible (he was born in Britain after all) but his experience identifying and fighting the monsters of the world would come in handy if he were named President. Some of America’s enemies are only just a level above vampires after all (some may even be below). Who wouldn’t want the man who has stopped countless apocalypses in the oval office?
Miranda Bailey (”Grey’s Anatomy”)-Easily the most sane employee of Seattle Grace, Bailey has shown great leadership recently. She also has a great heart but can be stern when necessary. When she (despite just being a resident) is the chief’s choice for his successor instead of countless world-renowned surgeons, you know she must be something special.
David Palmer (”24″)-Sure there was a lot of chaos during his fictional presidency but he never let a major attack on America happen (his brother did). He was incredibly popular and many people even credit his character for helping get Barack Obama nominated. If I had to pick any TV president to take over the real office, he would definitely be my choice (even though he is technically dead).
Stay tuned later today for the characters I definitely wouldn’t vote for, even if my life depended on it.
Which TV characters (if any) would you vote for if you had the chance?
