Languish.org

And of course, to pair with the "worst movie president" poll, we need to have a "best movie president" poll. Same rules, only fictional presidents count.

Again, there are movies/shows that I haven't watched that feature US presidents that might be candidates for this list (Designated Survivor?). So feel free to add names.

The list features many world-saving presidents, but I'll go with Jed Bartlett for tricking us Europeans into thinking the USA had an exemplary democracy  for many years :P

:hmm: President Bartlett said that the US isn't a democracy.

TV sure had a lot of Black and Jewish presidents.

I'm not sure what to make of this comment, as there are 4 blacks and 0 Jews on Cel's list.  :hmm:

Isn't Bill Pullman Jewish? Harrison Ford, Michael Douglas, and Kevin Kline also have Jewish parents (yeah, Kirk Douglas was as Jewish as they come). Only Martin Sheen and Fredric March are/were Anglo-Saxon (though half-Spanish in Sheen's case).

In any case, that's still more than in real-life US. :P

Quote from: Solmyr on November 22, 2020, 05:32:49 AM
Isn't Bill Pullman Jewish? Harrison Ford, Michael Douglas, and Kevin Kline also have Jewish parents (yeah, Kirk Douglas was as Jewish as they come). Only Martin Sheen and Fredric March are/were Anglo-Saxon (though half-Spanish in Sheen's case).

In any case, that's still more than in real-life US. :P

That doesn't mean they are playing Jewish characters though. We don't quite learn much of these people's personal life in this kind of movies, but none of their names screams "jewish" to me.

Boycotting because President Camacho was put in the worst poll not the best poll.

Quote from: The Minsky Moment on November 22, 2020, 12:29:51 PM
Boycotting because President Camacho was put in the worst poll not the best poll.

There's something too that.  It's been a long time since I saw Idiocracy, but I seem to recall that President Camacho listened to science and allowed the crops to be watered with, well, water, instead of whatever sports drink they were using. :hmm:

That beign said the only one on the list I have any firm memory of was from Independence Day, so I voted for that President, as stupid as that movie is.  :blush:

Morgan Freeman did a very good job, But the West Wing portrayed a the kind of thoughtful leader we all hope we might have one day.

Quote from: celedhring on November 22, 2020, 05:48:48 AM

Quote from: Solmyr on November 22, 2020, 05:32:49 AM
Isn't Bill Pullman Jewish? Harrison Ford, Michael Douglas, and Kevin Kline also have Jewish parents (yeah, Kirk Douglas was as Jewish as they come). Only Martin Sheen and Fredric March are/were Anglo-Saxon (though half-Spanish in Sheen's case).

In any case, that's still more than in real-life US. :P

That doesn't mean they are playing Jewish characters though. We don't quite learn much of these people's personal life in this kind of movies, but none of their names screams "jewish" to me.

Most of the actors' names don't sound Jewish either, doesn't mean a thing. Considering the rest of the cast of Independence Day, I'd say the President is no exception. :P

Quote from: Solmyr on November 22, 2020, 04:22:21 PM

Quote from: celedhring on November 22, 2020, 05:48:48 AM

That doesn't mean they are playing Jewish characters though. We don't quite learn much of these people's personal life in this kind of movies, but none of their names screams "jewish" to me.

Most of the actors' names don't sound Jewish either, doesn't mean a thing. Considering the rest of the cast of Independence Day, I'd say the President is no exception. :P

And Independence Day isn't exactly subtle on that sort of thing :lol:

Back when it came out, the movie was jokingly called in Russia "How the Jews saved America". :D

Kline sounds moderately Jewish.

Toss up between Thomas J. Whitmore and David Palmer.

A US President taking a plane and willing to sacrifice himself to save the world after disregarding his top hawkish generals, that's a real american hero, probably only seen in GI Joe before :P

David Palmer was a simple politician, but he never double-crossed anyone, unlike the others in the series. :)

Quote from: The Minsky Moment on November 22, 2020, 12:29:51 PM
Boycotting because President Camacho was put in the worst poll not the best poll.

Hells yeah.

(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/TightSaltyChicken-size_restricted.gif)

Quote from: Barrister on November 22, 2020, 01:01:53 PMThere's something too that.  It's been a long time since I saw Idiocracy, but I seem to recall that President Camacho listened to science and allowed the crops to be watered with, well, water, instead of whatever sports drink they were using. :hmm:

Brawndo, the thirst mutilator! It has electrolytes!

President Camacho was also able to recognize the abilities of those smarter than him and delegate, putting protagonist Joe in charge of solving the country's problems. Sure, he only gave him a week, but it's something!

Tom Kirkman

Quote from: Grey Fox on November 23, 2020, 06:54:28 AM
Tom Kirkman

Did Tim steal your account?

:lol:

Designated Survivor 1st episode is a masterpiece!

Quote from: Barrister on November 22, 2020, 01:01:53 PM
There's something too that.  It's been a long time since I saw Idiocracy, but I seem to recall that President Camacho listened to science and allowed the crops to be watered with, well, water, instead of whatever sports drink they were using. :hmm:

He only does it out of desperation because of his crashing ratings, and ultimately his plan leads to mass unemployment. No place in this thread for Camacho apologism.  :sleep:

Quote from: celedhring on November 23, 2020, 11:12:29 AM

Quote from: Barrister on November 22, 2020, 01:01:53 PM
There's something too that.  It's been a long time since I saw Idiocracy, but I seem to recall that President Camacho listened to science and allowed the crops to be watered with, well, water, instead of whatever sports drink they were using. :hmm:

He only does it out of desperation because of his crashing ratings, and ultimately his plan leads to mass unemployment. No place in this thread for Camacho apologism.  :sleep:

President Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Herbert Camacho is a fantastic President.  He actually cares about his constituents and can give a State of the Union address like nobody else.

https://youtu.be/sGUNPMPrxvA

Quote from: celedhring on November 23, 2020, 11:12:29 AM

Quote from: Barrister on November 22, 2020, 01:01:53 PM
There's something too that.  It's been a long time since I saw Idiocracy, but I seem to recall that President Camacho listened to science and allowed the crops to be watered with, well, water, instead of whatever sports drink they were using. :hmm:

He only does it out of desperation because of his crashing ratings, and ultimately his plan leads to mass unemployment. No place in this thread for Camacho apologism.  :sleep:

He learns from his mistakes and isn't afraid to make the tough choices.

President Whitmore

Surprised I'm one of only two who's gone for Morgan Freeman's President in Deep Impact :hmm:

(Although I have just now realised it's a different film than Armageddon and I'm not actually sure if I've watched it or if Morgan Freeman is a good President :ph34r:)

I saw Deep Impact when it came out, but I don't remember much about the president.

Quote from: Sheilbh on November 25, 2020, 07:53:39 AM
Surprised I'm one of only two who's gone for Morgan Freeman's President in Deep Impact :hmm:

(Although I have just now realised it's a different film than Armageddon and I'm not actually sure if I've watched it or if Morgan Freeman is a good President :ph34r:)

It's the same movie as Armageddon, but for democrats. So the world gets saved by a global partnership spearheaded by the US government, instead of some cowboy yahoos.

Quote from: Sheilbh on November 25, 2020, 07:53:39 AM
Surprised I'm one of only two who's gone for Morgan Freeman's President in Deep Impact :hmm:

:ph34r:

Of the others I've only seen Independence Day and Air Force One, both of which have very silly presidents.

Another possibility is Jeff Bridges in The Contender, but the best work in that film is Gary Oldman as a villainous Republican Senator :w00t:

Oldman later said the film had been edited to make his character the villain because they're Hollywood liberals, I'd argue his performance says otherwise.

Quote from: Sheilbh on November 25, 2020, 10:13:03 AM
Another possibility is Jeff Bridges in The Contender, but the best work in that film is Gary Oldman as a villainous Republican Senator :w00t:

Oldman later said the film had been edited to make his character the villain because they're Hollywood liberals, I'd argue his performance says otherwise.

Isn't Oldman always playing the villain even when he isnt?  :hmm:

The Contender was in my shortlist, but I wanted to keep it at 10 and as you say Bridges' character doesn't really feel too momentous.

Quote from: celedhring on November 25, 2020, 10:14:28 AM
Isn't Oldman always playing the villain even when he isnt?  :hmm:

The Contender was in my shortlist, but I wanted to keep it at 10 and as you say Bridges' character doesn't really feel too momentous.

:lol:

In a way that's Oldman's take too. He thought he was playing the hero :mellow:

Quote from: celedhring on November 25, 2020, 10:14:28 AMIsn't Oldman always playing the villain even when he isnt?  :hmm:

Except in the Batman films.

Quote from: The Larch on November 25, 2020, 10:29:55 AM

Quote from: celedhring on November 25, 2020, 10:14:28 AMIsn't Oldman always playing the villain even when he isnt?  :hmm:

Except in the Batman films.

And, I suppose, Tinker, Tailor.

My rule is if Gary Oldman is good and muted = goodie; if Gary Oldman is good and, shall we say, not muted = baddie.

Quote from: Sheilbh on November 25, 2020, 10:41:43 AM

Quote from: The Larch on November 25, 2020, 10:29:55 AM

Quote from: celedhring on November 25, 2020, 10:14:28 AMIsn't Oldman always playing the villain even when he isnt?  :hmm:

Except in the Batman films.

And, I suppose, Tinker, Tailor.

My rule is if Gary Oldman is good and muted = goodie; if Gary Oldman is good and, shall we say, not muted = baddie.

Yeah, the louder he is, the likelier it is that he's a villain.  :lol:

Quote from: Sheilbh on November 25, 2020, 10:18:12 AM

Quote from: celedhring on November 25, 2020, 10:14:28 AM
Isn't Oldman always playing the villain even when he isnt?  :hmm:

The Contender was in my shortlist, but I wanted to keep it at 10 and as you say Bridges' character doesn't really feel too momentous.

:lol:

In a way that's Oldman's take too. He thought he was playing the hero :mellow:

He was definitely the hero in Leon: The Professional.

A cop who loves music must be heroic ... 😉

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECkycaKW4AIO0n4.png)

Quote from: jimmy olsen on November 25, 2020, 07:07:46 AM
President Whitmore

I am sympathetic to his apparent character, and how he handles a crisis...but there is no insight into his domestic agenda, other than taking the decision to nuke Houston.

Yeah, how are we supposed to rate fictional Presidents without knowing their stance on marginal tax rates?  :huh:

Whitmore is a wartime president, domestic policy definitely takes a back seat when evaluating him.

Did he really do anything besides give a hokey speech?

Quote from: Eddie Teach on November 25, 2020, 03:02:18 PM
Did he really do anything besides give a hokey speech?

He flew a F/A-18 into battle - probably the first President to personally lead troops in battle since Washington.

I am a bit sad to find the SNL bit from back in the day with Pullman/Whitmore debating Bob Dole/(I think it was Norm Macdonald) is not on the internets.  :(

Funnily, the Independence Day wiki actually has a bit about his domestic policy (taken from the film's novelization). It looks like he was rather ineffectual despite having an ambitious agenda.

Quote
Presidency
During his first years in office, he had introduced major legislative initiatives to reform everything from the legal system to health care to the environment. However, these programs had been stalled by committees and lawmakers. Against the advice of his advisers, Whitmore spent most of his time and energy shepherding his bills through the process, allowing himself to be bogged down by first-term representatives, which he was often forced to make favors with policymakers to achieve his policies.[2] As a result, public opinion openly attacked him for his meek outlook and inexperience in politics, and his prestige and popularity plummeted.

I'll also add that giving pompous speeches is one of the main attributes of the office in Hollywood presidents, and he friggin' delivered.

Quote from: celedhring on November 25, 2020, 03:16:32 PM
I'll also add that giving pompous speeches is one of the main attributes of the office in Hollywood presidents, and he friggin' delivered.

But he didn't punctuate his speech with blasts from automatic rifles! #PresidentCamacho4evah!

Yeah, I have to agree with Camacho.  As others pointed out he actually listened and deferred to experts, and also I would love it if Biden began a speech with "Shit!  I know shit's bad right now..."

Quote from: Caliga on November 25, 2020, 04:00:47 PM
Yeah, I have to agree with Camacho.  As others pointed out he actually listened and deferred to experts, and also I would love it if Biden began a speech with "Shit!  I know shit's bad right now..."

Plus Terry Crews > Bill Pullman

I like Bill Pullman.  He was really good in Serpent and the Rainbow and Spaceballs.

Quote from: Caliga on November 25, 2020, 04:30:25 PM
I like Bill Pullman.  He was really good in Serpent and the Rainbow and Spaceballs.

There's nothing wrong with Bill Pullman.  I (and every right-thinking person) just like Terry Crews more. :)

I mean, if I were a betting man and Terry Crews fought Bill Pullman, I think it's pretty obvious who I'd put my money on. :)

What if Pullman had a jet and Crews an assault rifle?

Quote from: Eddie Teach on November 25, 2020, 04:39:19 PM
What if Pullman had a jet and Crews an assault rifle?

Based on my understanding of military tactics which I gained from watching GI Joe, you can easily shoot down a jet with an assault rifle, or even a spear.

Bill Pullman is a little too much of weenie to be a leading man and not funny enough to be a comic actor.

Quote from: Admiral Yi on November 25, 2020, 05:25:22 PM
Bill Pullman is a little too much of weenie to be a leading man and not funny enough to be a comic actor.

Hence a career in romcoms.

Pullman plays a terrific "face in the crowd" role.

Quote from: celedhring on November 25, 2020, 03:16:32 PM
Funnily, the Independence Day wiki actually has a bit about his domestic policy (taken from the film's novelization). It looks like he was rather ineffectual despite having an ambitious agenda.

Quote
Presidency
During his first years in office, he had introduced major legislative initiatives to reform everything from the legal system to health care to the environment. However, these programs had been stalled by committees and lawmakers. Against the advice of his advisers, Whitmore spent most of his time and energy shepherding his bills through the process, allowing himself to be bogged down by first-term representatives, which he was often forced to make favors with policymakers to achieve his policies.[2] As a result, public opinion openly attacked him for his meek outlook and inexperience in politics, and his prestige and popularity plummeted.

I'll also add that giving pompous speeches is one of the main attributes of the office in Hollywood presidents, and he friggin' delivered.

I read that book, and it was pretty good for a sci-fi movie adaption. Obviously a low bar there.

I will say, that if he actually achieved his policies as implied above, then he was more effective president than anyone since Reagan.

 :huh: No policies are mentioned.  That is just a vague statement on "reforms" with zero detail.

"initiatives to reform of the legal system" could mean anything from tort reform to "kill all lawyers".