In 24, which U.S. president is played by Dennis Haysbert?

In 24, Dennis Haysbert plays President David Palmer.

David Palmer begins the series as a U.S. senator and presidential candidate before becoming president in the show’s fictional political world. He is one of the series’ central figures alongside Jack Bauer, and his storylines combine national security crises with conflicts inside his administration.

Haysbert portrays Palmer in the first five seasons, although the character’s appearances are concentrated in particular parts of the series. Palmer’s family and political circle include his ex-wife Sherry Palmer and his brother Wayne Palmer, who later becomes president. These related names can make the answer choices especially tempting.

The character was notable as a major African American television president before Barack Obama’s 2008 election. Commentators, and Haysbert himself, discussed whether the popular portrayal helped audiences become more comfortable with the idea of an African American president. That cultural discussion is separate from the fictional chronology: Palmer is a character in the thriller series, not a real U.S. president.