[1] Karen Walsh calls the character realistic and nuanced, explaining that Roslin is defined by both strength and weakness, hubris and a belief in the greater good.

"[4] Later in the series, perhaps due to the "chamalla" she uses to fight her cancer, she begins having visions, eventually coming to believe she "is fulfilling a 1,600-year old prophecy and has been fated to lead the colonists to their salvation".

Jones further explains that Roslin is characterized as more traditionally feminine in these spiritual moments, but "when the fate of the fleet in involved, however, she must behave according to a more volatile, masculine code of conduct.

"[7] Sarah Conly similarly states, "Roslin, while demonstrating more of the mannerisms found in traditional maternal care, can be ruthless in advocating violence against those she sees as a danger", further explaining that BSG's portrayal of gender roles exemplifies Simone de Beauvoir's belief in no inherent nature for men or women.

Marshall and Tiffany Potter note how through the character's set of values, "BSG deconstructs the compulsory correlatives that divide contemporary thinking about American culture and identity.

[11] Tom Zarek declines, eventually seizing Roslin's delegation as hostages, demanding her resignation and free elections to choose leadership that represents the people.

Ott also notes the timing of the episode, one day after Bush's second inauguration, as well as the decision Roslin makes to assassinate Zarek as a refusal to negotiate with terrorists.

[13] Karen Randell places this event the context of the early 2000s Bush Administration, describing the torture Roslin witnesses and her ultimate execution of a potential terrorist.

Randell says the character's actions are "a sobering reminder that in times of war, laws can be reinterpreted", comparing this to president Bush's signing statement of the Detainee Treatment Act.

Magali Rennes notes that, focused on her concern for the security of the fleet, "Roslin implies, like Moreau de St. Méry, that the tiniest drop of Cylon blood show Hera is not at all human."

McKagen notes that "President Roslin places prime importance on the reproduction of the human race, going so far as to issue a controversial limitation on abortion in 'The Captain’s Hand',[11] despite her previously pro-choice position.

[11] Enrica Picarelli and M. Carmen Gomez-Galisteo compare Roslin's act of banning abortion within the fleet to George W. Bush's 'commander power', "indefinitely extending the governmental reach into the lives of its citizens.

[24] In a character role reversal, Baltar at one point expresses disapproval toward Roslin of the tactic of human suicide bombers, and she's ultimately unable to approve of it but remains understanding.

[18] Kaveney also points out that for three and a half seasons, Roslin suspected Baltar's role in humanity's destruction, yet when she gets proof of his responsibility, her faith does not allow him to die.