It’s Presidents Day, and instead of being bitter that I don’t have the day off, I decided to list a few of my favorite and least favorite fictional presidents from movies and television.

Best

Josiah Bartlet, The West Wing
Not only my favorite fictional president of all time, but the one I’d like to see as a real president. He’s brilliant, has strong character, is a father figure to his staff and to the nation, and can brine the hell out of a turkey come Thanksgiving.

Andrew Shepherd, The American President
Yep, two Sorkin presidents make the list. Shepherd is a strong president, but mainly I just like the idea of a Commander In Chief who dates. I’d love to see the Match profile. Bonus points for having Josiah Bartlet as his Chief of Staff.

Thomas J. Whitmore, Independence Day
Sure, he waited too long to evacuate major US cities, but then he took charge, rallying the survivors to a counterattack. He then not only flew a jet fighter in the attack, but sacrificed himself to take down the alien ship. What a guy! Edit: It was actually Randy Quaid’s character who sacrifices himself. But since Whitmore still gave a sweet speech and flew against the aliens, I’m keeping him in.

Worst

The President, Fail-Safe
So under his watch, an accidental nuclear attack is launched against Moscow, and he and his generals can’t even convince the crew carrying out the attack to abort the mission. Then, in order to convince the Soviets that the attack was not intentional, his brilliant idea is to NUKE NEW YORK CITY. Worst president ever.

The President, Canadian Bacon
He starts a cold war against Canada in order to boost his approval ratings. So, yeah. Not great.

Dave Kovic, Dave
Listen, guy — it doesn’t matter how similar you look to the President of the United States of America. We have a Constitution, sir! Everyone involved should be tried for treason.

Both

Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Herbert Camacho, Idiocracy
Yep, he makes the list for best and worst. While he is totally awesome and has the best name by far, I admit he might not be so great as a real president. But I’d be willing to give him a shot.

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