I’ve said before that I want to see President MacGyver: a guy who’d always get asked if he could solve a given problem with acccess to a fully-stocked kitchen or the contents of a woman’s purse; and who’d think it over, and invariably say maybe; and who’d then be told, we actually have the whole Sixth Fleet there; what can you do with that?
Doc Savage
"… a physician, scientist, adventurer, detective, inventor, explorer, researcher, and, as revealed in The Polar Treasure, a musician. A team of scientists assembled by his father deliberately trained his mind and body to near-superhuman abilities almost from birth, giving him great strength and endurance, a photographic memory, a mastery of the martial arts, and vast knowledge of the sciences. Doc is also a master of disguise and an excellent imitator of voices. “He rights wrongs and punishes evildoers.” Dent described the hero as a mix of Sherlock Holmes’ deductive abilities, Tarzan’s outstanding physical abilities, Craig Kennedy’s scientific education, and Abraham Lincoln’s goodness. He also described Doc Savage as manifesting “Christliness.” Doc’s character and world-view is displayed in his oath, which goes as follows:[5]
'Let me strive every moment of my life to make myself better and better, to the best of my ability, that all may profit by it. Let me think of the right and lend all my assistance to those who need it, with no regard for anything but justice. Let me take what comes with a smile, without loss of courage. Let me be considerate of my country, of my fellow citizens and my associates in everything I say and do. Let me do right to all, and wrong no man.'
Word.
Kirk is from Iowa, he just works in space - so he qualifies.
And that would make Spock a natural-born US citizen via his mother. Dual with Vulcan citizenship, of course.
This.
How about President Bill Preston? Say, with Vice-President Theodore Logan?
Jubal Harshaw.
“Dave” (Kevin Kline movie, or has he already “served”?)
or
Ellen Ripley
Zeus Carver
Ooh, good one. He wouldn’t have occurred to me, but Zeus Carver really would be a kick-ass choice. He’s smart, brave, assertive, and cares deeply about the community.
Leslie Knope, Amy Poehler’s character from the sitcom Parks and Recreation.
Could Josiah Bartlet even survive in politics? So much of his shtick revolved around everything lining up in place perfectly and every argument revolved around having a pithy one liner to win it.
Well, one could argue he’s already been a fictional POTUS, but I’d go for Jack Ryan.
I’ve only read the first Horatio Hornblower book, but would sea captain skills translate to being President?
Captain Picard?
Nick Fury (the elder). He has time these days.
Surprised no one has nominated Professor Xavier yet. Born in New York City so he qualifies on the citizenship criteria.
If you come up with a reason to disqualify Prof X, then my next choice is Cable.
Cass Mastern
His credentials:
A-athlete in school, army champion (not sure there)
war hero, congressional medal of honor awardee
conservative
successful businessman
raised and settled in the American heartland
media darling on at least one occasion
married his childhood sweetheart
perfect campaign pitch: “Life’s a box of chocolates…”
Anita van Buren
In the time since Law & Order ended, she became a captain, then chief of detectives, then was elected mayor of New York City in 2021 after de Blasio’s second term (she was a Democrat, of course, and he endorsed her). Now there’s a groundswell of popular support for her to run for governor. After that, it’s just a short step to the White House.
She was always extremely ambitious, and I think it’d be right up her alley. We don’t know exactly what education she has, but it’s quite likely she has picked up a graduate degree at some point, although it might not be law school-- but not every president has been to law school. She has the right mix of insider/outsider status-- experience, without being a Washingtonian, and no one can say she’s not a going to be tough on crime.
Jack Ryan?
Slim from Of Mice and Men.