The recent presidential debates have gotten me thinking: Politicians really are characters. Bernie Sanders gives an artsy vibe, Chris Christie feels like a Vince Vaughn buddy comedy waiting to happen, and Hillary Clinton surely has tons of biopics in the works.

In light of this, why can't actual fictional characters run for president? I don't mean Selina Meyer from "Veep" or Leslie Knope from "Parks and Rec." I'm talking (TV) Washington outsiders who can effect real change. Here are my top 10 suggestions so you can start your write-in ballots now.

10. FORREST GUMP

Forrest Gump has done it all. After doctors said he could never walk, he ran so well he was drafted to play Alabama football. His service in Vietnam led to him becoming a world-class ping pong player and then to his founding a Fortune 500 Company. Not to mention, he ran across the country -- twice. I'd say he's more than qualified to be president.

9. CAPTAIN AMERICA

OK, I'm sure in some comic book this has already happened, but I'm just going off the "Captain America" movies featuring a swoon-worthy Chris Evans. He's a patriotic war hero with traditional values and a rebel's heart, not to mention a gorgeous jawline. What more could you ask for in a leader of the free world?

8. MIRANDA PRIESTLY

I acknowledge this is an unconventional choice, but who would we be as Americans if we didn't take risks? Miranda Priestly may be scary and soulless, but she gets stuff done. Would she offend people? Sure, but would anyone mess with us? I would dare them to try.

7. OLIVIA POPE

Yes, Olivia Pope technically works in Washington, but she's in the wrong job. We all know she actually runs the country in "Scandal," so we should all accept it in reality. Here's to the red wine, white, and blue!

6. MICKEY MOUSE

Disney rules the world, so making Mickey Mouse the president would just be a formality. Also, he's wholesome, hard-working, and frankly, a national treasure, even if he's just a vehicle for Disney to brainwash us all ...

5. SIMBA

I swear Disney didn't pay me to write this article. Simba is already king of the Jungle, so I think he would enjoy partaking in our democratic republic. Besides, even if he made the USA a monarchy, we'd be singing along to music by Elton John. Hail King Simba!

4. ETHAN HUNT

Before you say it, I am aware that 2015 Tom Cruise gives off major creepy vibes. Ethan Hunt, however, is not Tom Cruise. Unless we sneak James Bond across the pond, he's the best secret agent our country has and he's protected us for five high-grossing "Mission: Impossible" movies. Plus, I still kind of like Tom Cruise. Sorry, not sorry.

3. TINA FEY AS SARAH PALIN

Let's be clear: I do not support the real Sarah Palin running for president. That said, I think Tina Fey playing Sarah Palin could be just what this country needs. Think "The Colbert Report," except she would actually have power to do stuff. On second thought ...

2. ELLE WOODS

Elle went from Delta Nu to Harvard Law and then D.C. in an underwhelming sequel, so president is her only logical career progression. She'd make Congress bend and snap to her will, all while in a pink suit and heels -- just the kind of serious leadership we deserve.

1. DONALD TRUMP

Oh wait, this is real life.