NBC's new series "The Event," starring Blair Underwood as fictional United States President Elias Martinez, is already creating a ton of buzz.
Many successful shows have centered around the US president, including "The West Wing." Take a look back at some of the best fictional presidents in television history.
Show: "The West Wing"Who: Martin SheenBest Quote: "They're saying I'm rewriting the Constitution on the back of a napkin. They're saying on Fox that a guy who couldn't run a local sheriff's department wants to send troops around the world. They're saying it's liberalism with a grenade launcher. But they're not saying it was badly written, so that's something. And they sure as hell know I was serious, so that's something else. Congratulations, folks, we've got ourselves a doctrine."
Show: "24"Who: Dennis HaysbertBest quote: "Listen to me. All of you. I know you're not in the same room with me but you can see and hear me plainly enough. Take a good look. Do I seem scared? Am I breaking into a nervous sweat? Am I babbling? At a loss for words? Is my voice shaking? Can any one of you look me in the eye and tell me I'm disabled?"
President Mackenzie Allen
Show: "Commander in Chief"Who: Geena DavisBest quote:Mackenzie Allen: "Tell me, when exactly did my Presidency turn into a time share?"Rod Calloway (Kyle Secor): "What are you...?"Allen: "My California schedule. Looks like you and Dickie are selling me off in 5-minute blocks."Calloway: "No one's selling your time, Mac."Allen: "Really? Lets see. [She starts reading from her schedule] 'POTUS', that would be me, 'will be joined in limo by business man Caleb Talben. On arrival to groundbreaking, POTUS will be escorted by real estate developer, Mike Muller.' Ah, my personal favorite: 'POTUS will ride in elevator to suite with investment banker Victoria Voles.' I just hope for Ms. Voles' sake, it's a tall hotel.
Show: "Battlestar Galactica"Who: Mary McDonnellBest quote: "Women and men of the fleet. This is your president. We have come to a crossroads in our long and painful journey. Of all the decisions that I have had to make since assuming the presidency, none was more frightening or more difficult than agreeing to this alliance with the Cylons. But we have come to a crossroads in our long and painful journey. Cylons and humans have been at war for generations; we know nothing else. And we have been locked in a struggle that has seen both sides suffer unspeakable loss. But with our supplies running low and our options limited, our former enemies may represent our last, perhaps our only hope. To those in the fleet and in Galactica who would reject this alliance, I am asking you. No, I am begging you to reconsider and place your trust back in those who have brought you this far, and to reject those traitors who would use your fear of the Cylons to destroy Colonial civilization a..." [transmission cuts off]
Show: "The West Wing"Who: Jimmy SmitsBest quote: "Good Evening. I'm running for President. And if you don't know who I am, I wouldn't be surprised. I've been shut out of tomorrow night's debate for suggesting that it actually be a debate, and this is the only ad I can afford. I got in this to improve a broken school system; to fix entitlements, 'cause they're going bankrupt; to expand health coverage, 'cause it'll save money if fewer people show up in emergency rooms. What I've found is that Presidential campaigns aren't about these things. They're about clawing your opponent's eyes out, so long as you don't get tagged for it. So how 'bout this-I will never say anything about my opponents, or anything about anything-without saying it myself, right into the camera. You might not get to hear much of me but when you do, you'll know I stand by it. I'm Matt Santos. And you better believe I approved this ad."
Show: "24"Who: Gregory ItzinBest quote: "And I tell you something else, Martha. If you blow up like this again I'll fill you so full of drugs you won't even remember your own name. And then I will have you shipped off to an asylum where you can spend the rest of your life there if you like. Are we clear?"
President Julia Mansfield
Show: "Hail to the Chief"Who: Patty DukeAbout the show: In this 1980s show, Duke plays Julia Mansfield, the first woman to be elected President of the United States. In addition to dealing with the threat of nuclear war with the Soviet Union, spies in the cabinet, and personal attacks by a conservative religious leader, she also has to handle such personal problems as an impotent husband and a sex scandal involving her son.
Show: "24"Who: Cherry JonesBest quote:President Allison Taylor: "You resigned from government service and the Senate regards you as having been a renegade agent. How am I supposed to know where your loyalties really lie?"Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland): "With all due respect Madame President, ask around."
President Caroline Reynolds
Show: "Prison Break"Who: Patricia WettigBest quote:President Richard: "You put me on your ticket not because I share your views, but because I didn't share your gender. So don't take the moral high ground, we all know how this game is played."
Show: "24"Who: D.B. WoodsideBest quote:Jack Bauer: "Audrey Raines was willing to give her own life to save mine. I cannot and will not do anything less for her."President Wayne Palmer: "You're asking me to sign off on a probable suicide mission!"Jack Bauer: "With all due respect, Mr. President, sixteen hours ago your people were willing to hand me over for dead, and I did not hesitate."Jack Bauer: "Mr. President, you owe me."
