Haysbert Says 24 Role Paved The Way For Presidential Hopeful Barack Obama
Dennis Haysbert of 24 is convinced that his character on the highly-watched suspense-action series has helped propel African-American presidential candidate Barack Obama's campaign. Haysbert plays President David Palmer on the hit series, and he believes that this role has opened the minds of his fellow American citizens on how the country would be if a black man sat in the presidential seat. In fact, he thinks that the audiences liked what they saw.



"As far as the public is concerned, it did open up their minds and their hearts a little bit to the notion that if the right man came along...that a black man could be president of the United States ," Haysbert said in a conversation with TV Guide, which was on its January 21 issue. "People on the street would ask me to run for office... when I went

Obama's economy boost - just don't call it stimulus
President Obama is pledging to propose a new package of job-boosting ideas next week -- just don't call it stimulus.
Obama promises new jobs initiatives, slams GOP
President Obama went on the offensive Friday on the politically critical issue of job creation, promising to lay out a broad package of ideas next week and slamming Senate Republicans for blocking passage of his administration's small business aid legislation.
August jobs report: Signs of life for employment
Business hiring is picking up, but not enough to make up for the massive losses of temporary government jobs.
Comment: Obama ends a war he didn't want
U.S. President Barack Obama announced a milestone in the American war in Iraq this week, in the awkward position of a commander taking stock of a conflict he opposed after a strategy he opposed, with a result he could hardly have wished for either.
Judge removes 'birther' elements from Army doc's court martial
A judge on Thursday denied a request for President Barack Obama to testify at a court martial for a U.S. Army flight surgeon who refused to deploy to Afghanistan until he saw proof that Obama was born in the United States.
President mulls new measures to spark economy
After a week mostly focused on Iraq and Mideast diplomacy, it's back to the economy for President Obama, who will deliver remarks Friday on the August unemployment numbers.
Mideast peace talks stir hope but few illusions
The latest round of peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians is starting off much like similar endeavors in the past, but the Obama administration hopes that this time, the outcome will be different.
Obama must stick to his guns on education
It's back-to-school time, which means some in the media have gone back to asking: "What's wrong with our schools? And how can we fix it?"
Obama: 'Time to turn the page' as Iraq combat mission ends
Marking the end of the U.S. combat mission in Iraq, President Obama said Tuesday night that America would continue supporting Iraq's government while also looking to refocus its energies on the U.S. economy and the war in Afghanistan.
Will Obama be a Clinton -- or a Carter?
There are just times, when you are president of the United States, that formally speaking to the American people is part of the job.
Oval Office setting is message behind the message
Before President Obama says a word during his Tuesday Oval Office address, the backdrop will make a statement for him: that he is the decider.
Democrats must push for new stimulus
The conventional wisdom is that the Democrats are going to take a shellacking in the midterm elections because of voter anger and the sour state of the economy.
Hundreds of civilians killed in Iraqi violence in August
Violence killed hundreds of Iraqi civilians in August, authorities said Wednesday, a day after President Barack Obama marked the end of the U.S. combat mission in the country.
GOP claims Iraqi success came despite Obama
In twin speeches laced with heavy doses of "I-told-you-so," Republican leaders in the House and Senate tried to convince voters Tuesday that America's success in Iraq is not because of President Barack Obama, but in spite of him.
Obama envoy sees 'window of opportunity' for Mideast peace
Fresh off a major speech on Iraq, President Obama on Wednesday turns his attention to the extremely difficult task of trying to broker Mideast peace, with his special envoy declaring there is a "window of opportunity" for Israeli and Palestinian leaders to achieve an historic deal within one year.
Three things to watch for in Obama's Iraq address
President Obama speaks to the nation Tuesday from the Oval Office on the end of the U.S. combat role in Iraq. Here are three key questions the president could answer in his speech:
Additional Guard troops deployed to Arizona border
Additional National Guard troops assigned to the Mexican border under President Barack Obama's border security initiative have started reporting to their posts, officials said Monday.
Obama rips GOP for blocking business aid bill
President Barack Obama blasted Senate Republicans on Monday for blocking a small business assistance bill, calling their opposition "pure partisan politics."
Obama rips GOP for blocking small business aid bill
President Barack Obama blasted Senate Republicans on Monday for blocking a small business assistance bill, calling their opposition "pure partisan politics."
Obama juggles thorny issues in week ahead
President Obama's vacation may have provided a much needed recharge as he jumps back into thorny issues this week.
Time for Obama to put cards on table
If current polls are a guide, the midterm elections probably won't be good for President Obama and his party. The Democrats are in danger of losing control of the House of Representatives and of seeing their majority in the Senate diminish.
Surprise! Banks help more homeowners than Obama
Remember how everyone complained that banks weren't doing enough to help troubled borrowers?
Marking Katrina anniversary, Obama praises New Orleans' resilience
Calling the federal response to Hurricane Katrina "a shameful breakdown in government," President Barack Obama said Sunday as rebuilding continues, officials are looking ahead to avoid a repeat when future disasters strike.
Obama's $250,000 mistake
President Obama's tax reform task force will deliver its long-overdue report on Friday offering a list of ways to improve the federal tax code.
Dangerous game in Islamic center debate
I lived through 9/11. Now I live two blocks from ground zero. This Sunday, I walked over to view two competing rallies - pro and con - over the Islamic cultural center (with mosque) that is to be built on Park Place, near the site of the former World Trade Center.
House GOP leader to make 'prebuttal' on upcoming Obama speech
House Republican leader John Boehner on Friday will start to lay out a "prebuttal" to President Barack Obama's upcoming speech on Iraq.
10 week to-do list: Your ideas for Obama, Republicans
Strategists on both sides of the political aisle weighed in this week on what President Obama and Republicans must do before the November midterms to give their parties a boost.
Obama to make 'back to school' speech next month
President Barack Obama will deliver his second annual "back to school" speech to the nation next month, the White House announced Wednesday.
Obama to deliver Iraq address next Tuesday night
President Barack Obama will deliver a major address on Iraq from the Oval Office next Tuesday night, according to the White House.
White House says stimulus plan boosting tech innovation
The Obama administration stepped up its defense of the controversial $862 billion economic stimulus plan Tuesday, releasing an analysis that conluded the measure is helping to spark major technological advances in energy production, among other things.
White House reviewing ruling against embryonic stem cell research
Administration officials are still reviewing a federal judge's decision to grant a preliminary injunction stopping federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, White House Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton said Tuesday.
Obama has been tough, smart on economy
The road to America's economic recovery is like the proverbial long summer trip with no air conditioning. Despite miles traveled and progress made, the question on everyone's mind is the same: are we there yet?
GOP needs a Reagan to unite its factions
The debate over the construction of an Islamic center and mosque in New York exploded into a fierce national controversy. President Obama was unable to contain the issue, and his comments only added fuel to the fire. Polls show that his approval ratings continue to fall.
Five 'new normals' that really will stick
Whenever we go through a major change in our culture, it seems we have to adjust to 'the new normal.' And today is no exception -- as the U.S. economy struggles to recover from the financial crisis, Americans are being forced to reckon with more 'new normals' than we'd like.
Criticism likely to follow Obama on upcoming vacation
President Obama and his family are spending time away from Washington but their weeklong vacation on Martha's Vineyard is unlikely to be free of controversy.
10 things Obama must do in 10 weeks
President Obama is facing criticism that his message has gone off track at a crucial time for his party and administration. With the midterm elections just 10 weeks away, the president's approval ratings are at their lowest. Analysts are predicting big wins for Republicans in November.
Foreclosure prevention program losing its punch
The president's signature foreclosure rescue plan is losing its punch, according to a federal report released Friday.
GOP knows Obama's not a Muslim, but what's a little misunderstanding?
As the mosque debate dominates the summer spin cycle, a new Pew Research Poll shows that an increasing number of Americans believe that Barack Obama is a Muslim -- now up to 18 percent from 11 percent in March 2009. At the same time, only a third of Americans say Obama is a Christian, down from nearly 50 percent last year.
Obama renews call for passage of jobs bill
President Barack Obama on Thursday renewed his call for Senate Republicans to stop blocking a jobs bill intended to help small businesses.
Obamas begin 10-day vacation in Martha's Vineyard
President Barack Obama and his family begin a week-long vacation in Martha's Vineyard on Friday -- the president's second time on the island off the coast of Massachusetts.
Obama's stump speech blends partisan rhetoric with populist themes
With the approach of congressional elections and the midpoint of what he hopes will be his first of two four-year terms, President Barack Obama is honing a humor-laced stump speech that is part pep talk, part populist ideology.
Obama says no regrets over ground zero Islamic center comments
President Obama said Wednesday that he has "no regrets" about his comments last week supporting the rights of Muslims to build an Islamic center and mosque two blocks from the site of the September 11 terror attacks in New York.
Obama: Social Security won't be privatized
President Barack Obama pledged Wednesday that the Social Security system won't be privatized while he is in the White House.
Obama stumbles as parties get desperate
With a little more than 10 weeks left to go, the rhetoric has accelerated and both sides are trying to find an issue that changes the dynamics of Election Day 2010.
Critics say Obama's message becoming 'incoherent'
President Obama's comments on a plan to build an Islamic center in the shadow of ground zero are not only giving opponents an opportunity to attack him but also reveal a messaging problem from the White House, a communications expert said.
Higher taxes for the rich: What they'll pay
If you're a wealthy American, you've probably heard that your tax bill will be higher next year if President Obama has his way. But how much more are you really going to pay?
Obama implores Senate to take up jobs bill first after recess
President Barack Obama on Tuesday renewed his call for the U.S. Senate to pass a jobs bill aimed at helping small businesses.
Obama courageous, then craven on mosque
At a White House dinner last week -- an iftar on the occasion of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan --President Obama delivered what many rightly considered a courageous speech in which he weighed in on the controversy surrounding the proposed construction of a mosque near ground zero.
Republicans seek political gain from Obama's mosque comments
Republicans tried mightily Sunday to make a political flash point out of President Barack Obama's defense of plans to build an Islamic center and mosque near ground zero in New York.
GOP seeks political gain from ground zero Islamic center issue
By wading into the issue of an Islamic center and mosque near ground zero, President Barack Obama provided Republicans with an emotion-ridden attack vehicle while diverting attention from campaign themes of fellow Democrats.
Obama touts clean energy in Wisconsin visit
President Obama touted his administration's clean energy initiatives Monday, saying tax credits and loans would help bring 800,000 jobs by 2012.
Obama 'not commenting on wisdom' of controversial Islamic center
President Barack Obama told CNN Saturday that in defending the right of Muslims to build a community center and mosque near ground zero in a speech on Friday night, he was "not commenting on the wisdom" of the project.
'Our job is not finished,' Obama says on the Gulf Coast
On a visit to the Gulf Coast on Saturday, President Barack Obama said that while the gushing undersea BP oil well had been capped, the administration remains committed to ensuring a full cleanup and recovery for those crippled by the disaster.
Obama takes plunge, swims in Gulf
The one really big question hanging over President Obama's weekend vacation to Panama City, Florida, now has an answer.
Obama throws support behind controversial Islamic center
President Obama threw his support behind a controversial proposal to build an Islamic center and mosque near New York's ground zero, saying Friday that "Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country."
A surprise tax cut for the (almost) rich
Worried about your taxes going up next year? They might for some high earners. But some not-quite-rich taxpayers could end up with a surprise tax cut.
Renewable energy: The government piggy-bank
If the government truly wants America to go green, it's going to have to shell out to support the nascent but important sector of our economy. Green jobs and renewable energy were boldly funded in the stimulus bill, yet whenever Congress and the Obama administration need to scare up capital to fund some other program, they chip away at the initial $37 billion allocated for climate and energy-related efforts.
Obama signs bill approving $600 million for border security
President Barack Obama signed a bill Friday that provides $600 million in emergency funding to help secure the U.S.-Mexico border.
Obama to visit New Orleans for Katrina anniversary
President Barack Obama will visit New Orleans, Louisiana, on August 29 to help mark the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs announced Friday.
Senate approves $600 million in border security funds
Two senators -- Democrats Charles Schumer of New York and Ben Cardin of Maryland -- returned from their August recess Thursday to give the chamber's approval for $600 million in emergency funding to help secure the U.S.-Mexico border.
Obama signs bill to help U.S. manufacturing
President Barack Obama on Wednesday signed into law an act that reduces or suspends tariffs paid by American companies on certain imports needed to manufacture their products.
Obama, top advisors review Iraq drawdown
President Barack Obama met behind closed doors with his national security team Wednesday to review the ongoing U.S. engagement in Iraq, according to the White House.
Obama signs bill to prevent teacher layoffs
President Barack Obama on Tuesday signed into law a $26 billion measure to help avoid teacher layoffs -- a move Democrats claim is necessary in the wake of state and local government cutbacks.
President Obama signs into law ban on cell phones in federal prisons
Hoping to stop federal inmates from directing crimes from behind bars, President Barack Obama signed into law Tuesday a prohibition on cell phone use by prisoners.
Obama celebrates birthday with a guys' weekend
While the first lady and daughters Malia and Sasha were away for part of the weekend, President Barack Obama enjoyed what some have jokingly referred to as a bachelor's weekend with friends -- golfing, playing basketball and grilling out on the South Lawn.
Texas officer with Obama's motorcade injured in accident
An officer with the Dallas, Texas, Police Department assigned to President Barack Obama's motorcade was involved in a motorcycle accident while escorting the president on Monday, said Sgt. Warren C. Mitchell.
Obama touts education goals in speech at the University of Texas
President Barack Obama on Monday touted the steps his administration has taken to try to meet his goal of dramatically boosting U.S. college graduation rates.
Obama to GOP: I'm pretty good at politicking, remember?
President Barack Obama warned Republicans on Monday that he is back in campaign mode.
Obama may face trouble with gays after same-sex ruling
Many gays and lesbians supported Barack Obama at the polls in 2008, and they've backed him once he took office. But one topic in particular has created a firestorm among the vocal constituency historically aligned with the Democratic Party.
President Obama Recruits Dream Team for B-Day Basketball Game
Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James and other NBA stars mix it up with the president at a pickup game
NBA stars join Obama to play hoops for troops
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama pulled together an informal dream team of current and former basketball superstars Sunday. But only a few people got to see it.
Lesson of Obama's sky-high ambition
The throaty, thumping churn of the military helicopter convoy is a sound like no other.
Before birther row, Lt. Col. Lakin racked up medals as flight surgeon
Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin is a poster soldier for the so-called birther movement, but for 17 years prior to his court-martial proceedings, the flight surgeon served around the globe, racking up a chest full of medals.
Obama calls for movement on small-business bill
President Obama used an appearance at a small business in Washington to again call on Congress to pass small-business legislation that he says will help strengthen the American economy.
'Birther' colonel's attorney wants charges dismissed
Charges against the Army officer who refused deployment to Afghanistan because he says President Barack Obama doesn't have the authority to send him, should be thrown out says his attorney, Paul Jensen.
July jobs report: Economy still losing jobs
For the second month in a row, the U.S. economy shed jobs as the government continued to unload census workers, offsetting disappointing gains in private business hiring.
Obama played his cards right on BP
My mother, Ms. Nippy Carville, was a woman of many talents. Two in particular stand out. She was a superb cook (the author of a successful cookbook), and she was an excellent bridge player.
Barack Obama Celebrates 49th Birthday - with Oprah Winfrey
The president eats well as he shares his special day with friends in Chicago
Barack Obama celebrates 49th birthday -- with Oprah Winfrey
His wife Michelle is on vacation in Spain -- but President Barack Obama still had some A-list company as he celebrated his 49th birthday on Wednesday.
Top issues: Energy and environment
The worst oil spill in U.S. history has heated up the debate about how to feed the nation with cleaner, safer energy.
Obama visits Ford plant in Chicago
President Barack Obama praised autoworkers at a Ford plant in Chicago Thursday, and reiterated his administration's high hopes for the U.S. auto industry.
Iraq war wasn't worth the cost
President Obama's decision to follow through on plans to reduce the American troop level in Iraq to 50,000 and shift away from combat missions is a sign that he believes America's energy and resources can better be used elsewhere, says analyst Fareed Zakaria.
Obama rallies unions, rips GOP
President Obama sought to rally the Democratic Party's union base Wednesday, telling a meeting of AFL-CIO leaders that the looming midterm elections offer a clear choice between moving forward with a stronger economy and moving backward with a failed GOP philosophy.
Michelle Obama and daughter arrive in southern Spain
U.S. first lady Michelle Obama and her youngest daughter, Sasha, 9, arrived Wednesday on Spain's southern Mediterranean coast for a vacation with friends at a luxury hotel here.
What would FDR do? A Roosevelt speculates
Despite the fact that just about everyone has an opinion on it, the jury's out on whether President Obama is a latter day Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Obama signs bill reducing cocaine sentencing gap
President Obama signed a bill Tuesday reducing the disparity in penalties for the use of crack and powder cocaine, according to the White House.
Obama hosts dialogue with young African leaders
President Barack Obama hosted a group of young African business and civil leaders at the White House on Tuesday, part of his administration's outreach to a region of the world often overlooked at the top levels of U.S. diplomacy.
Democrats shying away from Obama?
While Democratic candidates have not openly said President Obama is not welcome on the campaign trail, actions speak louder than words.
U.S. drawdown in Iraq proceeding as planned, Obama says
The Obama administration's planned drawdown of U.S. troops from Iraq is proceeding "as promised" and should lead to an end of America's combat mission there by the end of August, President Barack Obama said Monday.
Obama gives himself a grade of 'incomplete' after 18 months
It's still too early to judge his administration, President Barack Obama says.
Obama calls on Iran to release 3 American hikers
President Barack Obama is calling for the immediate release of three American hikers seized by Iranian forces along the Iraqi border who will have been in custody for exactly a year on Saturday.
Obama says U.S. auto industry 'growing strong' after bailout
President Barack Obama, speaking at auto plants here Friday, praised the recovery of the embattled U.S. auto industry and celebrated the tough choices he says made a comeback possible.
The face of Univision talks about immigration
Jorge Ramos has been the face of Univision's News broadcast for 24 years. The program's estimated audience of more than 2 million viewers exceeds most English language news broadcasts. Ramos is also a best-selling author of 10 books. His latest is "A Country for All: An Immigrant Manifesto."
President Obama's (Funny) Snooki Snafu
Though he said he didn't know who the Jersey Shore star is, turns out, the president used her in a joke in May
Obama shares 'View' on media, family, even Snooki
President Obama wasted no time in an interview on ABC's "The View" to pounce on the media for providing a culture that "loves conflict."
President Obama Keeping Up with Lindsay Lohan's Legal Woes
On The View, the Prez is also asked about Mel Gibson and Snooki
Obama signs bill targeting crime on Indian reservations
President Barack Obama on Thursday signed the Tribal Law and Order Act, which provides greater law enforcement powers for tribal authorities on Indian reservations.
Obama says education plan includes charter schools, teacher salaries
President Barack Obama said Thursday his plan to improve America's education system includes charter schools, intense teacher education and parent involvement.
Obama: Sherrod deserved better
President Barack Obama said Thursday that Shirley Sherrod "deserves better than what happens last week when a bogus controversy ... led to her forced resignation."
Behind the war between Obama and big business
Corporate chiefs may seem hardboiled, but they can be sensitive, too. Take the ruckus they've been raising over what they perceive to be rough treatment from the Obama White House.

to promote [24]."



Moreover, Haysbert's character and Obama have a few similarities, such as their run as senators, and their campaign in their mid-40s.



"I think we both have a similar approach to who and what we believe the president is," Haysbert said in a conversation with the Los Angeles Times. "Barack doesn't get angry. He's pretty level. That's how I portrayed President Palmer: as a man with control over his emotions and great intelligence."



Haysbert is a strong supporter of Obama, and even once chartered a helicopter to attend a fundraiser for Obama's campaign at Oprah Winfrey's house near Santa Barbara , California right after a shoot for CBS' The Unit. He said that it wasn't any cheap endeavor, as he really spent time, effort and money for that particular event.



Haysbert's 24 character isn't the first black president to appear on television, though, as Oscar winner and Obama supporter Morgan Freeman played black President Tom Beck in the film Deep Impact.

For more resources about 24 or for the full story of Haysbert Says 24 Role Paved the Way for Presidential Hopeful Barack Obama please review http://www.buddytv.com