July 02, 2008

Is Barack Obama really the best choice for a black president?

Actor Dennis Haysbert, best known for his sensitive portrayal of an insurance pitchman in the Allstate commercials, recently told reporters that his role as the first black U.S. president on Fox's "24" may have helped pave the way for Barack Obama's political success.

Maybe, maybe not. But the truth is, Hollywood has given us several fictional African-American chief executives. In light of the Obama campaign, perhaps the question is not "Is America ready for a black president?" but rather, "Is America ready for this black president?" How does Barack Obama stack up against Haysbert and other actors like him?


Chris Rock (Head of State)

Barack Obama
Experience

Although he only worked as a city alderman, his party thought he was black enough to get the nation's attention.

Although he only worked as a junior senator, his party thought his strong voting record and charismatic personality would get the nation's attention. Also, he's black.

Advantage: Barack Obama.

Vice President

Vice President Bernie Mac takes the pressure off Chris Rock on the joke front. He also punches people in the grill.

Still undecided. Potentially Bernie Mac.

Advantage: Chris Rock.

Hilarity

Has a one-liner response for every question in a debate (America is like a big-tittied woman!) and gets old white women to sing "It's Getting Hot in Here."

Barack Obama's bit about Hillary in the duck blind was kind of funny.

Advantage: Chris Rock.

Overall winner: Chris Rock. While Barack Obama has more experience, Chris Rock's campaign slogan was "The Only Thing White is the House," indicating he could out-sass any political rival.


Morgan Freeman (Deep Impact)

Barack Obama
Charisma

Gives stirring speech about survival in that voice that makes you want to get busy living.

Gives stirring speech about race that makes you feel guilty about touching your wallet whenever you bump into a black dude at a Knicks game.

Advantage: Tie

Health Care

Morgan Freeman's America suffers from a minor asteroid strike, leading to millions dead in coastal areas.

Barack Obama's national health care plan would provide reasonably priced coverage to middle class and lower class families.

Advantage: Barack Obama

Asteroids

Morgan Freeman put together a team of astronauts to blow the Wolf-Biederman comet out of the sky.

No stated position on potentially deadly asteroids or comets.

Advantage: Morgan Freeman

Overall winner: Tie. Morgan Freeeman and Barack Obama are both awesome, and by awesome, we mean as threatening to middle-class white people as soft-serve ice cream.


Dennis Haysbert (24)

Barack Obama
Grace Under Pressure

Kept his cool while his life was threatened, his son was accused of murder, his girlfriend got involved in a pharmaceuticals scandal, he was removed from the presidency, etc.

Became furious when attacks shifted to his wife, Michelle. Totally sucked at bowling because of all those flashing cameras.

Advantage: Dennis Haysbert

Other Roles

Selling auto insurance. Batting for the ragtag Cleveland Indians.

Writing books. Teaching law students.

Advantage: Barack Obama

Kids

Son, Keith, finds and murders the man who attacked the president's daughter.

Malia Ann and Sasha seem all right and have yet to murder anyone.

Advantage: Barack Obama

Overall winner: Barack Obama. While Dennis Haysbert handles the pressure of office well, all the controversy generated by his own life means he has no time to fix the economy, patch up health care, or let Jack Bauer sleep - important issues for many Americans.

"Are Americans Too Racist to Vote for Barack Obama for President?" - U.S. News & World Report
Posted by: Mike Drucker      I’m a fan of Mike Drucker
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