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Home · News

21 Fictional Presidents Who Would Be Better Than the Real Donald Trump

The presidential race is heating up, and Donald Trump is still hanging on. If only one of these fictional leaders could throw their name into the race sometime soon. Fitz for Prez 2016, anyone? 

By Taylor Lewis · March 17, 2016October 27, 2020
01
President Selina Meyer, ‘Veep’

Vice-president-turned-president Selina Meyer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) has everything that a good politician should have—brains, a stellar personality, sass… and government experience. Amen to that.

02
President Mays Gilliam, ‘Head of State’

It’s true that Mays Gilliam (Chris Rock) was truly the first Black president. He gave his constituents and voice and brought the turn up to the White House. What we wouldn’t give to have him on the November ballot…

03
President Tom Beck, ‘Deep Impact’

A comet is barreling toward earth. Instead of encouraging everyone to grab their nearest firearm and blast the space rock into oblivion, President Tom Beck (Morgan Freeman) calmly enacts a plan of action. Now, was that so hard?  

04
President Thomas Whitmore, ‘Independence Day’

As the world was about to be destroyed by aliens, President Thomas Whitmore (Bill Pullman) gave an eloquent speech urging the world’s citizens to put their differences aside and stand together. A certain Schmonald Schmrump might be able to learn a thing or two.

05
President James Dale, ‘Mars Attacks!’

When malicious aliens invaded earth, President James Dale (Jack Nicholson) refused to unleash nuclear warfare. Yes, he ended up dying in the alien attacks, but on the bright side, he wasn’t trigger-happy. And really, that’s all we can ask.

06
The President, ‘Love Actually’

Our commander-in-chief (Billy Bob Thornton) was portrayed as a sleazy president whose idea of improving relations between the U.S. and Britain was to hit on the prime minister’s (Hugh Grant) assistant. Piggish? Extremely, but at least he didn’t suggest building a transatlantic wall.

07
President Camacho, ‘Idiocracy’

President Camacho (Terry Crews) leads a nation of idiots.  Terrifying? Absolutely. Cautionary tale? Most definitely. Prophetic? Remains to be seen, though if Trump is elected, all signs would point to yes.

08
President Andrew Shepherd, ‘The American President’

President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas) is a man on a mission. Because, you know, he spends his time trying to pass important crime and environmental bills, not insulting the nation’s various minority groups, one by one.

09
The President, ‘Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me’

Okay, so Mr. President (Tim Robbins) probably wasn’t the most courageous president—remember when he hid under the table when Dr. Evil threatened to detonate his bomb?—but at least he brings a certain levity to terrorist situations.

10
President Jack Stanton, ‘Primary Colors’

During President Jack Stanton’s (John Travolta) presidential campaign, his past indiscretions (extramarital affairs! Corruption!) were put on full blast. But he came through it intact, and you know what? We’re not mad at that. 

11
President Thomas Wilson, ‘2012’

The world is rapidly coming to an end, and President Thomas Wilson (Danny Glover) along with other international leaders are doing everything they can to stop it. If this were to happen under a Trump presidency, we’re willing to bet that world leaders would leave the United States of Trump to fend for itself. 

12
President James Marshall, ‘Air Force One’

All we’re saying is you gotta love a president who stands his ground, protects the country from terrorists and (spoiler alert!) outsmarts them in the end.

13
President Jackson Evans, ‘The Contender’

The second term of President Jackson Evans’ (Jeff Bridges) was filled with drama: deaths, sexual scandal and government corruption. It might not sound ideal, but it would really zhuzh up the evening news. 

14
President Laura Roslin, ‘Battlestar Galactica’

We don’t know when Battlestar Galactica takes place, and we don’t know where, but we do know that President Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell) is a crafty leader who is entrusted in leading her society to a place called earth. Talk about girl power.

15
President David Palmer, ’24’

We don’t think we’re completely amiss when we say that a fictional President David Palmer (Dennis Haysbert) is more qualified to run the country than a real-life Donald Trump. Thoughts? 

16
President Bill Mitchell, ‘Dave’

After President Bill Mitchell has a stroke during an extramarital affair, his staff gets presidential impersonator Dave Kovic (Kevin Kline) to cover for him. President Bill is a dog, Dave is a novice, and they’d both make better presidents than Trump.

17
President Jed Bartlet, ‘The West Wing’

President Jed Bartlet (Martin Sheen) knew how to get things done. He led peace negotiations in the Middle East and did wonders for the nation’s Social Security all while struggling to hide his multiple sclerosis diagnosis from the country. We’d have to say President Bartlet would do a job well done.

18
President Garrett Walker, ‘House of Cards’

President Garrett Walker’s (Michel Gill) cabinet is full of nothing but lying, deceitful, power-hungry politicos who don’t have an ethical bone in their bodies. Where do we cast our vote? 

19
President James Sawyer, ‘White House Down’

We have mad respect for any president who doesn’t immediately jump to a conclusion that involves weaponry. So thumbs up to President James Sawyer (Jamie Foxx). Thumbs down to… other people. Besides, who are we to say no to Jamie Foxx?

20
President Baxter Harris, ‘Scary Movie’

President Baxter Harris (Leslie Nielsen) was perhaps the most buffoon-tastic president to ever grace the silver screen, but you couldn’t help but love him and laugh at his mindless quips. That’s more than we can say about a certain presidential candidate… 

21
President Fitzgerald Grant, ‘Scandal’

Fitz (Tony Goldwyn) for President, 2016. Need we say more?

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