The character of the President is introduced and his deep friendship with Leon established in quick cut flashbacks in the same scene that begins as he is already shambling towards Leon moments before he’s killed. Just amazing writing 
How many first families is Leon personal acquaintances with? He’s chummy with whomever Ashley’s dad was who was POTUS in 2004 as well as the zombie president in office during 2013. I guess he works for the Secret Service so he gets invited to all their barbecues
Her playable sections in the remake are so good! And while you’re right that it’s a contrast, it’s also kind of a parallel. Both Claire and Sherry are being stalked by imposing, threatening, men.
The sherry segments are god-awful in the original, but I have a soft spot for them. I’m trans fem, and As a kid, I always would pick boy characters in games, when given the option, because I felt like I had to. And there weren’t exactly a ton of playable girls in games to begin with, at that time.
So, when 12 year old, very trans but didn’t know it yet me, had to play those original Sherry segments. I wasn’t having a good time. But also I was like, “but I get to be the little girl?? 👀”