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On Film, a Black President Is Nothing New

From 24 to The Fifth Element

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 27, 2008 5:57 PM CDT

(Newser) – America may be on the verge of electing its first black president, but pop culture is way ahead of reality. James Earl Jones portrayed the first in The Man (1972), and several have followed. As an entertainment-obsessed nation, asks Slate, might these fictional forebears affect our perception of the real thing?

  • 24 (2001-present): Dennis Haysbert. Haysbert has suggested his portrayal of David Palmer—a dependable leader with a friendly baritone—might’ve warmed up American voters for Barack Obama’s bid.

  • Deep Impact (1998): Morgan Freeman. Like Haysbert, Freeman plays the commander in chief with a conventionally presidential style.
  • Head of State (2003): Chris Rock. Assumes sudden deaths and coincidences are the only ways an African American can become president. Rock’s prez is part John Edwards, part Bulworth.
  • The Fifth Element, Idiocracy (1997, 2006): Black presidents are relatively common in sci-fi, usually signifying that time has passed and racism diminished.

HOLLYWOOD - JULY 16:  Actor Dennis Haysbert of '24' attends the 2003 ESPY Awards at the Kodak Theatre July 16, 2003 in Hollywood, California.
HOLLYWOOD - JULY 16: Actor Dennis Haysbert of '24' attends the 2003 ESPY Awards at the Kodak Theatre July 16, 2003 in Hollywood, California.   (Getty Images)
Vote Dennis Haysbert for Presedint in 2008.
Vote Dennis Haysbert for Presedint in 2008.   (hisgreatnessthez)
In this image released by Jakks Pacific Inc., a Cabbage Patch Kids doll crafted in the likeness of Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, is shown.
In this image released by Jakks Pacific Inc., a Cabbage Patch Kids doll crafted in the likeness of Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, is shown.   (AP Photo/Jakks Pacific Inc., Sheila Clevenger)
Comedian Chris Rock played the president in the 2003 movie Head of State.
Comedian Chris Rock played the president in the 2003 movie "Head of State."   (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas, file)
Dennis Haysbert, left, stands with Pam Grier at the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters awards dinner Friday, March 23, 2007, in Washington.
Dennis Haysbert, left, stands with Pam Grier at the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters awards dinner Friday, March 23, 2007, in Washington.   (AP Photo/Ron Thomas)
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In this very rare film, James Earl Jones becomes the first black United States President, and must contend with problems within his own family as well as the office itself.   (raredvdworldwide)

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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Shannonals
Nov 16, 2008 6:47 AM CST
I loved Head of State....wouldn't pay money to see it at the theater, but loved the movie

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