America may be on the verge of electing its first black president, but pop culture is way ahead of reality. James Earl Jones portrayed the first in The Man (1972), and several have followed. As an entertainment-obsessed nation, asks Slate, might these fictional forebears affect our perception of the real thing?
- 24 (2001-present): Dennis Haysbert. Haysbert has suggested his portrayal of David Palmer—a dependable leader with a friendly baritone—might’ve warmed up American voters for Barack Obama’s bid.