Jack Bauer for President: Terrorism and Politics in 24

24 premiered in November 2001, just two months after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and has since been television’s most gripping and dramatic representation of the war on terror.

But just how realistic is 24’s portrayal of terrorists and the people who work to stop them?

This is just one of the questions Jack Bauer for President attempts to answer.

The book explores and discusses various points on the subject of terrorism and politics in 24 from philosophical, psychotic, ethical and political viewpoints.

One insightful section of the book is psychologist Christopher Patrick’s account of his experience of sitting in on an interrogation in Iraq. Patrick believes that torture is never the answer, but it is not a view that is shared by everyone, and indeed arguments are put forward for and against topics such as this.

24 has stirred up controversy in the past, not only for on-screen torture scenes, but the message behind them. Is torture being portrayed as a necessary, effective and acceptable means – and indeed should it be considered acceptable?

Other subjects covered in the book include the significance of having an African American president on-screen, and notable people who regularly watch the show and enjoy it despite conflicting political views and beliefs.

Jack Bauer for President: Terrorism and Politics in 24 provides an interesting look at the underlying issues of 24 and how they apply in real life.

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