Poll: Douglas most popular movie president

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 16 (UPI) -- USA Today readers have elected Michael Douglas the best screen president Hollywood ever nominated.

Of the 10,568 votes cast, 39 percent went to Douglas, whose widowed politician sweeps lobbyist Annette Bening off her feet in the 1995 comedy-drama, "The American President," written by "West Wing" creator Aaron Sorkin.

"I'm very flattered," Douglas said in a phone interview from his Aspen getaway.

"I don't know if that has to do with Aaron or the thought of Catherine as first lady," he said, referring to his wife, "Chicago" star Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Recalling how former President Bill Clinton had complimented him on his performance in the film, Douglas said Clinton even invited him to a dinner honoring the president of France.

"I went through the invitation line to shake hands with Clinton and he said, 'Hello, Mr. President,' and put me in his place in line next to President Chirac," Douglas said.