Did "President" David Palmer Pave the Way For Obam

[EPelle]

Did "President" David Palmer pave the way for whites to vote in President-elect Obama, and for blacks to see that a man of colour could, indeed, succeed at the top?

Leader. Black. Senator. Ambitious. Was all about change. Two children. And also fictitious.

Nevertheless, despite "24" being a television programme, did the introduction of David Palmer help brace the American public for the true possibility of a black man being elected President, and was Obama the recipient of that gift horse?


The top-10 screen presidents, according to a poll conducted by the website Lovefilm.com (5.000 respondees):

1. David Palmer (Dennis Haysbert) - 24 (21%)
2. Josiah "Jed" Bartlet (Martin Sheen) - The West Wing (18%)
3. James Marshall (Harrison Ford) - Air Force One (12%)
4. Tom Beck (Morgan Freeman) - Deep Impact (11%)
5. Merkin Muffley (Peter Sellers) - Dr Strangelove (9%)
6. James Dale (Jack Nicholson) - Mars Attacks! (7%)
7. Thomas Whitmore (Bill Pulman) - Independence Day (6%)
8. Dave Kovic (Kevin Kline) - Dave (5%)
9. Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas) - The American President (3%)
10. Mr President (Billy Bob Thornton) - Love Actually (2%)

Source

[tandfman]

Believe it or not, after Obama's speech last night, I said something to that effect to Mrs. tandfman--I wondered to what extent David Palmer had helped Obama. No way to tell, of course, but I think it's really possible. She pointed out, as you did, that he was fictitious, but she didn't disagree with the premise.

[Marlow]

Believe it or not, after Obama's speech last night, I said something to that effect to Mrs. tandfman--I wondered to what extent David Palmer had helped Obama. No way to tell, of course, but I think it's really possible. She pointed out, as you did, that he was fictitious, but she didn't disagree with the premise.

In a word: no. That would over-estimate the impact of a TV-show and underestimate the American people.

[EPelle]

Marlow, does that take into consideration the opinion of black people?

[Marlow]

Marlow, does that take into consideration the opinion of black people?

I would assume they already knew they were capable.

[EPelle]

Absolutely true. However, some people simply don:t vote, because they don:t feel they will make a difference, or that chance won:t come about, anyway. There was a wave of change which rolled in up to election time, and one wonders if folks were more apt to have voted due to having "seen" that change on the tele the past few years and gotten used to it.

[Helen S]

I must admit I have no idea who David Palmer is. Never heard of him before this thread.

[Marlow]

I must admit I have no idea who David Palmer is. Never heard of him before this thread.

Y' know the big lead guy on The Unit, also the spokesman for Allstate Insurance? He used to be the President of the United States of America! :shock:
I understand he's making more money now than he ever did as President, so I guess there is life after politics!

[Helen S]

So sorry Marlow, what Unit is this you speak of? I have heard of Allsate Insurance, but pay no attention to an ad when I see one. I must not watch enough television.

[gh]

I think the answer is a definite yes. Haysbert brought gravitas to the role. Everytime I see him pitching insurance my first reaction is, "What the hell is the president doing working for Allstate?"

[Marlow]

So sorry Marlow, what Unit is this you speak of? I have heard of Allsate Insurance, but pay no attention to an ad when I see one. I must not watch enough television.

Helen, I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to insist you immediately enroll in a Cultural Literacy course at your local college. A nice professor can tutor you in Popular Culture 101! It is paramount that you be able to identify the Top 50 Nielsen TV shows!

[skyin' brian]

I think the answer is a definite yes. Haysbert brought gravitas to the role. Everytime I see him pitching insurance my first reaction is, "What the hell is the president doing working for Allstate?"

That is funny because I wonder how someone born in Cuba can become President. I don't care how successful Haysbert gets, he will always be Pedro Cerrano in my mind..."Hats for bats, keep bats warm."

[eldrick]

up yours jobu

[gh]

<<...Bats, they are sick. I cannot hit curveball. Straightball I hit it very much. Curveball, bats are afraid. I ask Jobu to come, take fear from bats. I offer him cigar, rum. He will come....>>

[4:24-miler]

When I think of Dennis Haysbert I never think of David Palmer. I immedialtey think of Pedro Cerrano from Major League!!!

"Ahhh Hay-Sues (Jesus in Spanish). I like Him very much. But he no help me with curve ball." :P

"Hats for bats. Keep bats warm."