24 Actor: I Paved the Way for Obama

Haysbert says his role as a black prez may have helped the Dem
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jul 2, 2008 12:57 PM CDT
24 Actor: I Paved the Way for Obama
Actor Dennis Haysbert, left, and the Rev. Jesse Jackson share a moment during the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike last year.   (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

Dennis Haysbert likes to believe his portrayal as the first African-American US president on Fox's 24 may have helped pave the way for Barack Obama. "If anything, my portrayal of David Palmer, I think, may have helped open the eyes of the American people," said the 54-year-old 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," added Haysbert, who now stars on The Unit on CBS. (More Dennis Haysbert stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X