G4 got the exclusive story from Pandemic's Tom Stratton, who offered up this explanation:

Mercenaries 2 is a game seemingly ripped straight out of today's headlines and fueled with the same type of over-the-top action found in the best summer blockbuster films. It only makes sense we inject the game with a spin on current affairs. The timing was too good to let pass.

The playable politicos are expected to be included in the explosive-laden game's first paid downloadable content pack, which is due in November.