Super Tuesday's results made me scared for our future. Mr. Trump won seven states out of eleven with Ted Cruz trailing with three wins. In the beginning, Donald Trump's campaign was labeled as a joke, many believing he just wanted publicity, but months later he has become the frontrunner for the Republican nomination. It is time for us millennials to stop making jokes and laughing off this Republican candidate. With that being said, here are 10 fictional presidential characters from television shows and movies that would, without a doubt, be so much better than Donald Trump.
1. Jed Bartlet from "The West Wing"
Josiah "Jed" Bartlet was accepted into Harvard and Yale University but decided to get his Ivy League education in Notre Dome. He started his early political career as a New Hampshire's House of Representative and later became the governor. He had all the qualifications to campaign for presidency (what are Trump's again?). President Bartlet was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting course of MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and made the mistake of hiding the information from the public during his first campaign. He came clean during his first term, causing many not to trust him. He won the public back in his campaign for his second term by discussing real issues such as the education system.
2. David Palmer from "24"
The show "24" had a total of nine presidents, but President Palmer is one of the most memorable. Before you start Googling, yes, he is the Allstate Insurance guy. Before becoming president, he was a democratic senator from Maryland. He decided to run for the presidency because he believed in honesty, honor and integrity. He played the first African-American president, breaking many barriers and making him the people's voice.
3. Fitzgerald Grant from "Scandal"
Sure, we know more about his bedroom habits than his domestic and foreign policies, but just look at him! We have seen this man mourn the death of his son, pick love over politics and kick out the First Lady for playing a part in killing a group of innocent jurors. His personal life often affects his presidential one, but he always does what is morally right. Throughout the seasons, he has shown that he no longer wants to be "handled" and just wants want to lead the nation, even if it comes with a little bit of scandal.
4. Frank Underwood from "House of Cards"
President Underwood would have to be the most interesting character out of this list. But no one can deny his leadership skills. He is a relentless leader who believes in working hard. Some may say he's ruthless, others can interpret that as being passionate. He believes in teamwork, wanting no one on his team to lose if everyone can win. A good leader knows how to pick his battles, and President Underwood is an expert in calculating moves and trusting others if they trust him.
5. President Beck from "Deep Impact"
Morgan Freeman as president? Yes, please! Can you imagine his State of the Union speech or his acceptance one? His voice would make every foreign and domestic problem the United States has sound as if we accomplished world peace. The movie is about a comet heading to Earth to kill everyone, but President Beck shows leadership when he announces his plan and stays calm in moments of chaos. Does anyone else see Trump jetting off to his private island?
6. George Richmond from "My Date with the President's Daughter"
This Disney Channel original television movie is one of my favorites, so I might be a bit biased, but it's a classic! President Richmond, throughout the movie, is a very protective father, making sure to have all the facts behind his daughter's date before giving his permission. Of course, they manage to escape Secret Service, but the president ends his important gala and goes to meet the boy's parents the minute he finds out. This is a man who values family, and that's a quality to admire.
7. Thomas Wilson from "2012"
You're completely lying to yourself if you can honestly say you did not feel any empathy for President Wilson when he stayed behind to address the nation on the end of the world. He decided not to go with his daughter to one of the safe United States arks; instead, he made her believe he was going, and when she got there, called to tell her that he had a duty to the country. President Wilson stood by his morals and country at a time, where there was going to be no country.
8. Selina Meyer from "Veep"
President Meyer started as vice president, but the current president started having health issues, and she came to the rescue. She is not your ordinary president, she is a "cool" president, not being afraid of telling it how it is. She brings laughter and a strong opinion on certain issues. Her wit and charm are contagious, giving her the qualities to bring a new light into the White House including every race and gender (Can you say the same thing about Trump?).
9. James Marshall from "Air Force One"
Many probably forgot that Harrison Ford played President James Marshall in this 1997 thriller, but I did not because with Harrison Ford as president, I'd feel a whole lot safer. Wouldn't you? President Marshall has a military background with a gift for public speaking; he can grab any audience's attention. In the movie, he is protecting not only the nation but his family from terrorism.
10. Thomas J. Whitmore from "Independence Day"
President Whitmore not only shows bravery and leadership, but he does not stop fighting until the very end. He volunteers as a pilot for the military soon after the First Lady dies in his arms. Whitmore gives a speech to hundreds of soldiers and civilians who are terrified, and tells them that they are fighting for their right to live and exist. He gives the American people strength and hope that when everyone unites, no matter your nationality, they can all be free. Just imagine in his voice saying, "Today, we celebrate our Independence Day!"
All these characters are not real, but I wish they were so they could stop the madness that is the Republican race for the party's nomination. Get out and vote!