Would America be ready for an African-American president, which is now a 50-50 proposition with Senator Barack Obama the presumptive Democratic candidate, if actor Dennis Haysbert hadn't done it first on 24?

A lot of people have wondered if Haysbert's brave, commanding President David Palmer influenced the way people are thinking about Obama. Dennis Haysbert has now weighed in, and he believes that his role on 24 made a difference.

"My portrayal of David Palmer may have helped open the eyes of the American people," he told the AP.

"I mean the American people across the board - from the poorest to the richest, every color and creed, every religious base - to prove the possibility there could be an African-American president, a female president, any type of president that puts the people first," he goes on to say.

The star of The Unit -- which is coming back for a fourth season on CBS this fall -- likes Obama and has contributed $2,300, the maximum amount an individual can give per candidate -- to Barack's presidential campaign.

While I agree with Haysbert that his performance as David Palmer was influential, America has likely been ready for an African-American candidate for at least a decade.

General Colin Powell nearly ran, and was courted by both the Democratic and Republican parties. So while I think Obama will be happy to shake Dennis' hand -- and take the contribution -- I don't think he'll be sleeping in the Lincoln bedroom in exchange for his support.

Or was that just a Clinton thing? Kidding, just kidding.

By the by, Haysbert was very unhappy that 24 chose to use the assassination of David Palmer as a plot point, especially since the show became too political in his opinion. Too right wing, he said.