24 dead president Dennis Haysbert says that his role on the popular TV show is partially responsible for Barack Obama's popularity with the TV-watching electorate. From CNN:

"If anything, my portrayal of David Palmer, I think, may have helped open the eyes of the American people," said the actor, who has contributed $2,300 to the Illinois Democrat's presidential campaign.

"And I mean the American people from across the board — from the poorest to the richest, every color and creed, every religious base — to prove the possibility there could be an African-American president, a female president, any type of president that puts the people first," he said Tuesday.

Unspoken, of course, is the implication that had Geena Davis been better in Commander in Chief, the Democratic ticket would look a lot different right now.

Haysbert: '24' role may have helped Obama [CNN]