Any person of African descent who is either a self-proclaimed “leader” of the community or appointed as one by the media, we expect them to be the saviors, the spokespersons for a number of people – the poor, the disenfranchised, ethnic groups – even though it is doubtful that if the tables were turned, the same expectations would be present. Right, Bush?

Barak Obama has just filed papers that he will form a presidential exploratory committee, and will announce on February 10th whether he will officially run for president. Critics say that this news will help revitalize the Democratic Party, but are still a bit leery about his position on certain issues, namely political and economical relations in the Global South. If he runs for president, his ethnicity will play a huge factor, as he will be the first black Commander in Chief. However, because of the current economical and political climate it is his proposed changes to current policies, both before his anticipated run and after, that will matter most to both Americans and the world.

As a 24 freak, I watched the first four episodes of Season Six as the president, Wayne Palmer, finds himself amidst a nationwide terrorist attack. As his brother before him, the character of the president is portrayed is a utopian fantasy in comparison to today: A world where the fact that both him and his brother (who was killed in Season 5), both African-American, is not an issue. Their aides are always (somewhat) loyal, and the American people have embraced them. But the interesting part is while society has voted not one, but two black men into power, racial tensions because of the terrorist attacks – the terrorists this season so far are being played by Middle-Eastern actors – are out of control. So if this fictionalized society has evolved enough to ‘accept’ two black presidents, can’t the creators of 24 further expand reality by not showing how the Patriot Act is abused and there is a legitimate justification in harming a person because of the actions of someone from the same ethnic group?

To be fair, one of the reasons for 24’s success is that it is mirrored in reality and what could potentially happen – well, except for the strangeness in how Jack Bauer can save the world in 24 hours despite not eating or taking washroom breaks. Despite their citizenry, people are unjustly being targeted as terrorists and are being harassed because of their ethnicity. And while one’s ethnic background doesn’t mean that they have to take on the plight of others, we like to think that they would – well at least consider it. But while the creators of 24 should be congratulated on their casting selections – to a point, anyway – it does pose a question to Obama’s responsibilities if he decides to run for President: Should he give a concerted effort towards issues of race and racism? Will he be a spokesperson and a figurehead for all ethnic groups?

With 24, the President is simply a man who is faced with trying to save the world – social issues are not at the forefront in importance for the character. But in real life, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton and to a point, Louis Farrakhan, are expected to represent all African Americans, warranted or not. It will be interesting to see whether Obama is willing to take not only the ‘leader of the free world’ role, but also as a black spokesperson. Hell, maybe he’s watching 24 and will focus on what is the most important task at hand: protecting the American people.