Can you imagine someone having to pretend to be the President of the United States?

No, seriously, we’ll wait for you to stop laughing.

We mean REAL ACTORS. After all, our presidents are among some of the most recognizable figures in American history. Whether they are heroes or scoundrels, they cast a large shadow. Put it this way: everyone can do a bad JFK impression, but how many people can do it well enough to be credible in a movie or TV show?

(Answer: Not Greg Kinnear in “The Kennedys”) 

This week we look at the people who got it right, whether their performance was carefully crafted homage or scathing satire.

SHOW NOTES

• Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln in “Lincoln” (Joint Choice)
• Anthony Atamanuik as Donald Trump in “The President Show (Michael’s Choice)
• Edward Herrmann as FDR in “Annie” (Richard’s Choice)
• Robin Williams as Teddy Roosevelt in “Night at the Museum (Michael’s Choice)
• Phil Hartman as Bill Clinton on “Saturday Night Live” (Richard’s Choice)
• Paul Giamatti as John Adams in “John Adams” (Michael’s Choice)
• Harry Shearer as George H. W. Bush on “The Simpsons” (Richard’s Choice)