As a seasoned observer of political landscapes, I must say that the roster of inept, selfish, and downright disastrous leaders portrayed in these films is nothing short of alarming. It seems that even in the realm of fiction, our collective imagination struggles to conjure up anything more catastrophic than the real-life leaders we’ve had to endure.
Currently, it seems that we’re all finding solace in fictional political narratives, as reality can be quite overwhelming. Although fictional portrayals of U.S. politics might not offer comfort, they can serve to illustrate potential outcomes if the nation were to elect an inexperienced, vindictive leader who values personal grudges and financial gains over the well-being and protection of American citizens.
It’s true that corrupt and immoral presidents are increasingly portrayed in movies and TV shows these days, marking a stark contrast to the idealistic Bartlet Administration depicted on “The West Wing” by Aaron Sorkin. Instead, we now have administrations like those of Meyer, Mencken, and Underwood. If you’re tired of the constant drama and tension of real-world electoral politics, why not relax and explore this collection of characters who left their fictional White Houses in disarray?
11. Richard Martinez, Cory in the House
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Term Served: 2004-2007
Worst Presidential Act: Accidentally giving away Alaska to the Russians
Kick things off with a fun fact: We’ll begin by discussing an old sitcom from the Disney Channel that has since been overshadowed. This show is a spin-off of the popular series “That’s So Raven.” The story then unfolds around Raven’s brother and their father, who relocate to the White House as part of the new presidential administration’s kitchen team, led by President Richard Martinez.
John D’Aguino portrays President Martinez as if he were the result of a sitcom dad taking over the U.S. presidency. His administration is chaotic and disorganized, often finding itself in peril due to the immature antics of people treating the White House like a playground. In one such situation, Cory Baxter (Kyle Massey) carelessly stores Alaska’s title deed in his jacket, which Martinez then unknowingly hands over to the Russian president – effectively transferring Alaska to Russia. Furthermore, Martinez often demonstrates poor judgment and even misuses his position by soliciting favors from a character reminiscent of Hannah Montana.
Back when I was deeply engrossed in the magical world of Disney Channel, many gamers like myself noticed that Martinez stepped down as the head honcho in 2010. This could’ve been due to him being voted out or choosing to step aside. Regardless, Obama took over and held the position during Martinez’s tenure, effectively serving as vice president within the Disney Channel universe.
10. Jeryd Mencken, Succession
Party Affiliation: Republican
Term Served: Unknown
Worst Presidential Act: Colluding with the Roy family to steal an election.
Regardless of portraying a single day of his presidency, “Succession” introduced one of the most frightening potential presidents-elect in Jeryd Mencken. Justin Kirk brilliantly played this character with a chilling, eerily possible sinister tone. The U.S. House Representative was introduced during a secretive gathering organized by loyal Roy family members to decide which Republican candidate to support in an upcoming election (the exact year is not specified, but it could be either an alternate 2020 or a future-facing 2024). After successfully ousting the current president, known only as “The Raisin,” through ATN, the family’s news network, Logan Roy (Brian Cox) initially favored the Vice President. However, Congressman Mencken secured the nomination by gaining favor with up-and-coming troublemaker Roman (Kieran Culkin).
The partnership between these two politicians is both strange and fitting, as they possess several similar characteristics that could be classified as antisocial. For one of them, this translates into an almost insatiable hunger for power, which he acquires by spreading nationalist and hidden-fascist ideas that resonate with the growing conservative American voter base, whom the Roys have been growing more comfortable appealing to via ATN. After Logan’s demise, this individual maintains a close bond with Roman up until the controversial election episode, even pledging to block the sale of their family business if they support him. Roman goes beyond that, instructing ATN anchors to declare a contested state as his victory before election night, allowing him to claim a questionable triumph on that fateful night. Whether or not the election is validated, this character becomes a potent and menacing demagogue.
9. Fitzgerald Grant III, Scandal
Party Affiliation: Republican
Term Served: 2008–2016
Worst Presidential Act: Killed a Supreme Court Justice to cover up stealing an election.
The current state of President Fitzgerald Grant III, as portrayed by Tony Goldwyn in seven seasons of “Scandal” on ABC, gives a clear indication of how dire the situation will become. The series, focusing on the political ups and downs of this character from the viewpoint of crisis manager Olivia Pope (played by Kerry Washington), also reveals that President Grant is having an affair with her, despite being married to Mellie Grant (Bellamy Young).
However, the fact that his administration was tainted with an affair and overall toxicity doesn’t automatically qualify him for this list. Instead, he made this list by winning a questionable election, one that many believe was rigged in his favor. It should be noted that President Grant wasn’t necessarily aware of the manipulation of the election results, as these events transpired largely outside his direct knowledge or control, much like the plot points in the series unfold without him actively participating in their execution.
In summary, during his initial presidential campaign, a circle associated with him – which included Pope and his spouse – foresaw his defeat. To manipulate the outcome, they allegedly ensured that voting machines in Defiance County, Ohio favored the Democratic candidate by 80%. This was the then-California governor. Years later, when he learns about this deception, he not only deepens his affection for Pope (who is still married), but also suffocates a dying Supreme Court Justice to prevent her from revealing the truth. Despite these questionable actions, he is portrayed as the story’s hero, serving two terms before being succeeded by his wife.
8. Selina Meyer, VEEP
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Term Served: 2016–2017
Worst Presidential Act: Drone striked a wedding.
We regret to say that a female President features in our list, echoing the blunt words of her confidante Amy Brookheimer (Anna Chlumsky): Selina Meyer “accomplished little beyond one thing – being a woman means no more women will hold the presidency, as we’ve seen one and she was terrible.” This candid assessment of Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ captivating “VEEP” character is undeniably harsh, far more so than anything we would express. Yet, it cannot be denied that the Meyer Administration stands out as one of the most influential and ineffective presidencies on television, characterized by scandal, corruption, and devastating military errors.
Meyer didn’t get elected as president but took office when the previous, unseen President Hughes stepped down due to personal emergencies involving his wife. Shortly after taking over, Meyer faced numerous major policy blunders and financial losses, largely due to her incompetence and a staff that was both inept and dysfunctional. To add to her troubles, she made several questionable decisions aimed at boosting her reelection chances, such as pardoning a controversial private prison mogul and illegally accessing personal data to target grieving families with campaign advertisements.
As a fervent supporter, I can’t help but express my dismay over the fact that she blatantly disregards international law by targeting a wedding with drone strikes, intending to eliminate a single individual. Regrettably, she not only succeeded in taking his life but also claimed several innocent pets and wedding guests who were merely enjoying their special day. She skillfully evaded the International Criminal Court for long enough to return home, escaping a trial at The Hague. Shockingly, she refused even an apology for the carnage that ensued. Her tenure was cut short, lasting only a year before being ousted in an election where she came dangerously close to losing to her very own vice president.
7. Matthew Ellis, Marvel Cinematic Universe
Party Affiliation: Unknown, likely Republican
Term Served: 2012-2020
Worst Presidential Act: Failed to keep Tony Stark in check.
President Matthew Ellis (played by William Sadler) was probably elected in 2012, and his term began before 2013. During this time, he encountered his first significant scandal within the Marvel Universe when he was abducted by Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce) and suspended above an Roxxon Energy oil tanker wearing an Iron Man suit. Although Ellis might not have been president during the events of “The Avengers” or the second Iron Man film, this incident should have made him more cautious about his dealings with Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and other superheroes throughout his presidency. This is because, despite Stark Industries no longer officially manufacturing weapons, it’s still capable of deploying a fleet of robot suits that can potentially neutralize a powerful armed force.
Instead of utilizing his political authority to restrain Stark, Ellis chose to let him operate freely, which eventually led to the creation of Ultron (James Spader), a lethal AI robot. This same approach also makes Ellis partly accountable for the tragic events in Lagos, Nigeria and the Hulk’s rampage across South Africa, as well as the existence of the Nazi cult within his intelligence agency. Fortunately, he was replaced by President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford). One can only hope that Ross won’t engage in any actions – such as transforming himself into a massive, enraged green monster – that would land him on this list, right?
6. Slade Wilson, Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths
Party Affiliation: Unknown, likely Republican
Term Served: Unknown
Worst Presidential Act: Collaborated with the Crime Syndicate.
Just like President Ellis, President Slade Wilson of Earth-3 adopts a similar policy, giving superheroes significant freedom in their actions. However, unlike President Ellis, President Wilson’s hands-off approach is problematic because all the superheroes on Earth-3 are actually involved in an organized crime syndicate.
In the animated film “Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths,” we find a parallel universe called Earth-3 where all DC Comics superheroes are actually villains and vice versa. So, instead of being a ruthless mercenary, Slade Wilson is a cunning politician. Interestingly, in this world, the Justice League functions more like a criminal organization modeled after the Italian mafia; even Superman, known as Ultraman here, speaks with an intriguing New York accent.
In a flawed effort to stop Ultraman from devastating the United States, President Wilson enters into an agreement with the criminal underworld (the Crime Syndicate). This alliance mirrors a mafia extortion scheme, and it inadvertently provides cover for Owlman (of Earth-3) to come close to obliterating the multiverse. However, it’s eventually the true Justice League, summoned by Alexander Luthor, that empowers the citizens of Earth-3 to reclaim their lives once more.
5. Steven Calhoun, The Boys
Party Affiliation: Republican
Term Served: 2024–present
Worst Presidential Act: Deputized Vought superheroes.
In defense of President Wilson, one could argue that — because he was unaware of Owlman’s murderous aims (the Crime Syndicate were mostly interest in amassing wealth and influence) — he isn’t necessarily directly responsible for the attempted genocide. This is precisely why “The Boys'” President Steven Calhoun (David Andrews) has earned a spot as the worst superhero president depicted in TV and film so far.
Previously serving as a U.S. Congressman and Speaker of the House of Representatives, President Calhoun has maintained an unsettling alliance with Vought International. This bond has been forged through various means – at times by Vought exerting pressure, and other times due to his personal appreciation for characters like Homelander (played by Antony Starr). In a significant departure from the original storyline, Calhoun and Homelander form an alliance to elevate the latter to become the most influential figure globally.
In the final episode of Season 4 – renamed from “Assassination Run” because it was released near an actual assassination attempt on President Donald Trump, whose real-world politics influenced the season’s narrative – Calhoun assumes office through the 25th amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This is due to Robert Singer (Jim Beaver), his elected President, being falsely accused of murdering Victoria Neuman (Claudia Doumit), his own Vice President. In his first action, he imposes martial law and effectively hands control of the country over to Homelander and his followers, who intend to use this power to dominate the human race.
4. Frank Underwood, House of Cards
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Term Served: 2014–2017
Worst Presidential Act: Staged a terror attack to steal an election.
It’s worth mentioning that among all fictional presidents from comedies and comic books, President Frank Underwood, portrayed by Kevin Spacey in the acclaimed Netflix series “House of Cards,” might hail from the most outlandish fictional universe. Initially appearing as the Congressional Whip (a role akin to the Democratic Party’s disciplinarian, responsible for ensuring party votes align with their policies), Underwood ascends to the presidency through a chain of ruthless political maneuvers, some involving accusations against his predecessor of colluding with the Chinese government.
In his bid for reelection, Underwood faced severe backlash over his approach to the terrorist group ICO, which was inspired by ISIS. Rather than addressing this criticism, he exploited the situation, using it to launch a war on terror and even covertly intimidating two nations into not validating the 2016 election results. His actions led to the murder of at least two individuals, with many more deaths attributed to him. In the end, Underwood was forced to resign in disgrace, passing the presidency to his vice president and wife Claire (played by Robin Wright). Tragically, the series was abruptly ended after this event due to the off-screen death of Spacey, who played Underwood, and the subsequent fallout from his controversies.
3. Unnamed President, Civil War
Party Affiliation: Unknown, deliberately vague
Term Served: Unknown
Worst Presidential Act: Starting a civil war, somehow
2024’s “Civil War” film generated considerable anticipation among viewers and critics, yet it disappointingly lacks clarity and coherence in its political narrative. The nation is divided into three unlikely, overly compromise-focused factions (one might ponder what circumstances could lead Texas and California to envision a joint independent union without any common borders), which seems designed to evade assigning culpability to either side of the political divide.
Due to a lack of detailed information, it’s unclear what specifically triggered the events leading to the “Civil War” portrayed in the movie. However, the President character, played by Nick Offerman, is generally blamed for his actions and appears to rule with an iron fist, causing widespread death and destruction across the country. This depiction seems to be a valid criticism of his actions, although the specifics remain unclear.
2. Merkin Muffley, Dr. Strangelove
Party Affiliation: Unknown
Term Served: Unknown (during the Cold War)
Worst Presidential Act: Indirectly ending the world.
or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb,” directed by Stanley Kubrick, presents a U.S. President, portrayed by Peter Sellers, who, due to his own blunders and involvement in a malfunctioning political framework, unwittingly pushes the world towards catastrophe. The chain reaction of destructive events is set off when one of his military commanders (played by Sterling Hayden) attempts to end the Cold War single-handedly by launching an attack on the Soviet Union.
Terrified at the prospect of turning the Cold War into a full-blown conflict, President Merkin Muffley strives to pacify the Soviets – but discovers that even a single attack from their general’s forces would trigger an automatic response, resulting in a nuclear catastrophe worldwide. Facing this grim truth, Muffley reluctantly accepts this fate and starts considering survival by hiding in a bunker for the purpose of repopulating Earth post-destruction. Regrettably for him, the explosions occur before he has a chance to depart the War Room.
1. Janie Orlean, Don’t Look Up
Party Affiliation: Unknown
Term Served: Unknown
Worst Presidential Act: Prevented the deterrence of a deadly asteroid.
Among the characters holding any political stance, none are more detestable than Janie Orlean from “Don’t Look Up.” Portrayed brilliantly by Meryl Streep, this character is primarily characterized by her avarice, ignorance, and self-centeredness, which lead to catastrophic consequences during an impending existential asteroid disaster.
At first, she disregards the alarms raised by scientists, who were attempting to provide her with months to establish some sort of defense mechanism. Later, when she begins to take notice, she puts the desires of the tech company BASH (who sought to mine the asteroid’s valuable resources) above global safety. This decision leads her to neglect launching her own defense system and inadvertently destroy one that had been developed by other nations. With the asteroid fast approaching, she escapes the planet on a spacecraft intended for the wealthy, ultimately meeting her fate on a distant world where she is devoured by an extraterrestrial monster.
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2024-11-11 19:02