I'm assuming this is the American president.

I think it's supposed to be the president (or equivilant thereof) of the country you live in.

President of what?

So I could be a family friend of a political hack? No, thanks.

president...
i can think of more benefits to being his friend than the popes.

Neither of them have any real power.And they both have to have their lives constantly protected.
I'd say the Pope.
Because if i hang out with the Prez. Most costs will probably be written off and cost the tax payers for any burger I ate with Prez.
But the Pope is the leader of a non mandatory institute that nobody is forced into paying for. They do it willingly. And the pope probably gets better foods with being in Italy. And having someone to talk religion and stuff about would be cool.