I think everyone is getting a little burned out on the presidential race - so what lead character in a book do you think has the qualifications to be a great president and why?

Atticus Finch. Hands down the best possible president.

good one!!!!

Yeah, Atticus Finch for sure. I can't think of a better candidate.

Jeeves.

Interesting Thread...
Let's see...
I'll have to think about this one.

....
Aragorn.

or Aslan. Yes, Aslan.

Wait, does it have to be a person????

Slartibartfast - Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Whoa. Kudos to the Atticus Finch fans. I came up with the question, but don't think I can top that one!! It would be fun, though, to get a couple of more different characters and then do a poll.

Hagbart Celine from The Illuminatus Trilogy. Hail Eris!

Laura, great choice! I've wanted a golden submarine ever since I read the trilogy.

Well, I can't beat Atticus, or Aslan (although he's not around a lot), but here are a couple of alternate choices:

Cesar Millan if he'd been born in the US (not a fictional character, he is an author and the lead in his books). He understands people and behavior better than anyone I've seen.

Amelia Peabody from the Elizabeth Peters series of the same name; she is a tough, smart, funny lady who really gets things done!

Can I pick a TV character??? If so, Jed Bartlett of The West Wing. I can't tell you how many times I watched and said "We need a President just like you."

If not....hmmm... I like Atticus too, he's a great pick. BUT I'm going to spend some time on this one.

Great topic!

OK, how about Darcy (or Elizabeth!!) from Pride & Prejudice?

OR Doc from Cannery Row?

I'd totally vote for Atticus Finch.

Or how about Albus Dumbledore?

That's a great one! I was just thinking Gandalf!

Ooohhh...Gandalf - great pick Laura! I second that one. I think Aragorn would be great also, as mentioned by Saved By Grace!

Rand from the Wheel of Time

Just to let everyone know, I put a poll up on my website with some of the early suggestions and others from other sites. Vote "other" if your favorite isn't there! This is kind of fun! www.jessicajamesbooks.com

I thought of Atticus as soon as I read the thread.

Atticus Finch!!! What a great president he would have made!

Masterharper Robinton from the Pern series. I had Gandalf and Elrond in mind, but I see Gandalf already on here. Possibly Flinx from Alan Dean Foster.

Must be American - born or at least in an American possession ? Apparently not, not evan human by the look of some of these candidates.
Atticus Finch - too idealistic - would be hamstrung by Congress & the party.
Jeeves - has the diplomatic skills, clever, always ready with the right word - what's the French for that? Jeeves?
Badger of Wind in the Willows fame? Adept at handling weasels - Congress & party hacks beware!
I would vote the Huck Finn/Tom Sawyer ticket - with Tom pulling the strings for 8 years before taking the reins (sorry about the mixed metaphor) openly for another 8.I know, I know, they would likely lose to the Jim & Becky ticket! Curses on both Houses!

Awesome pick! And I am still madly in love with Gregory Peck even though he's dead. (My husband knows of my love for GP and he's ok with it.)

Jack Ryan

I think I would vote for Albus Dumbledore XD

I would vote for Precious Ramotswe, Botswana's foremost solver of problems, in The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency Series. Her astute common sense rivals any politician's as far as I'm concerned, but unfortunately she's not only mythical but also not a US citizen. Sigh!

Beth besides the two last little problems: great choise!!

Anne Shirley of Anne of Green Gables

if it could be a movie character, then Dave of Dave -- the best all around president ever

Atticus Finch....hands down.(To Kill A Mockinbird)

I'd like to see Jesus as President.

Neville Longbottom

Severus Snape!

Oh Lord, Snape as president. That's actually quite a scary thought!

Scarier than Cheney as VP? Hard to believe.

Atticus Finch From To kill a mockingbird
Lisa, Gregory Peck is my fav actor. I've seen nearly all his movies.

Ok Marc, you have a valid point!

Ditto #37 & #39

When I read the title for this discussion, Atticus Finch was the first person that came to mind...I guess I'm not the only one who thought of him!

Edward Cullen-Yay!

No, no, no. I kid. I kid.

Absolutely Atticus Finch. Talk about integrity!

I like the Doc (from Cannery Row) suggestion, but he's a bit melancholy, isn't he?