The West Wing vs The White House

There's an uncanny similarity between POTUS Obama and The West Wing's Matt Santos - played by Jimmy Smits - and according to this New York Times article, the Santos role was actually based on Obama, who at the time of writing TWW was an up-and-coming US Senator...

This is the Guardian's Jonathan Freedland's Barack Obama v Matt Santos comparison:

Barack Obama

Young, handsome and charismatic member of Congress, attempts to become America's first non-white president.

Began political career as a community organiser in a big city (Chicago) before winning first election at local level. Married, with two young children.

Faced stiff opposition in Democratic primary against occupant of the White House during previous Democratic administration (first lady Hillary Clinton)

Rivals attack him as inexperienced after just four years in Congress, but triumphs through grassroots support, inspiring speeches and message of change.

Republican opponent is veteran moderate senator from a western state, unpopular with conservative base (John McCain of Arizona).

Matt Santos

Young, handsome and charismatic member of Congress, attempts to become America's first non-white president.

Began political career as a community organiser in a big city (Houston) before winning first election at local level. Married, with two young children.

Faced stiff opposition in Democratic primary against occupant of the White House during previous Democratic administration (vice president Bob Russell).

Rivals attack him as inexperienced after just six years in Congress, but triumphs through grassroots support, inspiring speeches and message of change.

Republican opponent was veteran moderate senator from a western state, unpopular with conservative base (Arnie Vinick of California).