Could Forrest Gump Be the U.S. President if Trump and Biden Could?

Imagine the unthinkable: Forrest Gump running for and winning the U.S. Presidency! While the idea may seem far-fetched, let’s explore the hypothetical possibilities and dive into why it’s unlikely.

Is Forrest Gump a Realistic Presidential Candidate?

Forrest Gump is a fictional character, a beloved creation from the 1994 hit movie Forrest Gump. Portrayed by Tom Hanks, Forrest is a simple man from Alabama who endures an array of life challenges yet possesses a positive outlook and a heart of gold. However, the question at hand is whether Forrest Gump could realistically become the U.S. President.

Legality and Eligibility

According to the Constitution of the United States, a person must be a natural-born citizen. Forrest Gump, being a fictional character, does not meet this requirement. Furthermore, the U.S. Constitution mandates a candidate must have lived in the United States for at least 14 years, a requirement that is also questionable for a fictional character.

The Fictional Character’s Imaginary Electoral Success

One might argue that if Forrest Gump were to obtain enough votes, he could technically win a presidency. For instance, if he received the same number of votes as Donald Trump during the 2016 election, or if Joe Biden hypothetically cheated in a manner similar to his recent election win in 2020, Forrest Gump could take office. However, under real election rules, this would be unrealistic and highly improbable.

Forrest Gump’s Performance as President

Even if Forrest Gump were hypothetically to win, it would be a disaster. Forrest’s fictional abilities and characteristics would not equip him with the necessary skills to handle the demands of the presidency. Unlike Trump and Biden, who have experience in various aspects of politics and governance, Forrest would struggle to navigate the complexities of running a country, govern effectively, and address the pressing issues facing the nation.

The Role of Lt. Dan and Other Allegorical Figures

Some might argue that if Forrest Gump were to run, he could bring Lt. Dan (played by Gary Sinise) on board to help him. While Lt. Dan’s wisdom and guidance could be beneficial, this scenario is far-fetched and doesn’t address the fundamental issue of legal eligibility and practical governance.

Pragmatic Considerations

Another practical consideration is the likelihood of someone actually writing in the name of a fictional character like Forrest Gump. While voters in a primary or general election can write in any name, the chances of enough people actually doing so to give Forrest Gump a serious chance are slim to none. In fact, it’s more likely that a wider fraternity of fictional characters would receive more votes, such as Norman Bates from Psychological Thriller, Miss Havisham from Bleak House, or even Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street.

Conclusion

While the idea of Forrest Gump becoming the President of the United States is thrilling and amusing, it is purely fictional. The U.S. Constitution requires specific eligibility criteria, and Forrest Gump, being a fictional character, cannot meet these requirements. Moreover, the real-world complexities and responsibilities of leading a nation cannot be handled by characters drawn from Hollywood movies. So, no matter how much one might want to see Forrest Gump in the White House, the practical and legal hurdles are insurmountable.

Keywords: Forrest Gump, U.S. President, Hollywood Fiction