Top Ten | Fictional Presidents

Now that Sen. Barack Obama has proved that people from all backgrounds can rise to the highest office in the world, we at the Daily are truly inspired. But why stop with the first black president? Perhaps, one day, more barriers will be broken down and our favorite president-figures from the world of TV and film will make our dreams a reality. Here is our short list of potential candidates:

10. James Brolin in "W" (2008): The only problem with Brolin's portrayal of President George W. Bush in this recent feature is that he almost makes the guy look too smart. While most of the mannerisms are there, Brolin should have taken a few extra steps to ensure that he could walk, talk and just be overall … stupider. Still, he looks relatively qualified for the position.

9. Warren Beatty in "Bulworth" (1998): Ok, even though he wasn't a president in the movie, Warren Beatty gets extra credit for having the stones to write and direct a movie that is so surprisingly up-to-date with the current trends of comedy. Imagine "Man of the Year" (2006), but pretend it's not a complete failure — that's this movie.

8. Harrison Ford in "Air Force One" (1997): In addition to being one of Hollywood's silver foxes, Ford kicks serious butt as a President James Marshall, who single-handedly revolts against terrorist hijackers who take control of Air Force One. The failing economy? Healthcare issues? Nothing in comparison. GET OFF MY PLANE!

7. Jack Nicholson in "Mars Attacks!" (1996): Who else would have been able to decipher what the hell those aliens were screeching about besides creepy Jack Nicholson? We're pretty sure he is some kind of alien anyway. Who better to meet with foreign leaders without preconditions?

6. Morgan Freeman in "Deep Impact" (1998): Tough times call for tough actions, and this president knows how to make it work. Calm, cool and collected, this dude had to send the bad news to millions of Americans that they were going to die. He also had to make the decision to send astronauts to blow up the big rock careening toward Earth. Bet Hillary Clinton wouldn't have answered that phone call.

5. Peter Sellers in "Dr. Strangelove" (1994): Playing a huge role in the comedy of errors that is the Cold War, this president knows how to lighten the mood. With Peter Sellers playing triple-duty as an actor in this film, his role as president is not slighted in the least. Remember "Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room!"? That'll get Iran off our backs.

4. Dennis Haysbert in "24": Ironically John McCain's personal favorite fictional president, this guy is compassionate and clever and has no problem assisting Jack Bauer in his highly illegal exploits to save our nation from terrorists, WMDs, biological warfare, etc. McCain could only dream of having his endearing presence and balls — not to mention his youth, health and skin color…

3. Martin Sheen in "The West Wing:" He appointed a liberal Hispanic to the Supreme Court, elevated a brilliant woman to chief of staff and always had a witty comment.  The only thing wrong with this leader was the fact that he never would have received that many electoral votes if he weren't fictional.  Or so we thought until Tuesday...

2. President Ronald Reagan: The Arts Department has to give a shout-out to everyone's favorite B-movie-actor-turned-President. He's the only one, so he's gotta make the list, right?

1. Bill Pullman in "Independence Day" (1996): "Yes we can?" Sure we can, but will we? How about, "We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day!" Now there's the determined leadership this country needs.

— compiled by the Daily Arts Department