Allison Taylor's predecessor, Noah Daniels, was a corrupt Democrat - he manipulated Wayne Palmer out of the presiency so he could take the chair himself. David Palmer and Taylor were both portrayed as good guys, who ultimately lost the presidency because they compromised their principles.
In addition, the origin of the terrorist antagonist more or less alternated between the Middle East and Europe, and Jack Bauer's push for quick and decisive action was constantly contrasted with the unwillingness of bureaucrats on both sides of the aisle to act.
I honestly don't see what Garofalo is complaining about. I always thought Surnow was taking pains not to be partisan.
They went through Presidents on that show like Jeanne goes through vials of crack.
Keep in mind, though, that sometimes years (even entire presidential terms) went by between seasons. They had what, four or five presidential election seasons during the show's run? What year was it supposed to be by the time 24 ended?
They never did give years in the show did they? The first season had Palmer (D) as a candidate, so then there was his election, then he didn’t run again and Keeler (R) won the next election, then Wayne Palmer (D), then Taylor (Must be R since she beat a D). So over 12 years passed.
That’s still a lot of Presidents for that time frame
The President during the first season was named Harry Barnes according to 24.wikia.com
David Palmer (With his VP as acting President for a couple episodes)
Keeler who was in plane crash and permanently incapacitated. (They wanted to kill him but had him found still alive on the plane)
Logan
Logan’s VP Hal Gardener
Wayne Palmer (eventually died)
Noah Daniels
Taylor
And immediately after the last season Taylor’s VP as she was gonna resign
So in a period of under 16 years that’s 9! Presidents and 1 Acting President.
8 Presidents ago in the real world was JBJ!
From 1840-56 we had 6. (Last year of Van Buren, Harrison, Tyler, Polk, Taylor, Pierce)