Bingowings said:

Yes I'm certain of that.

It's a common enough comparison to be used in political satire.

Here in the UK Doctor Who has the same impact.

In fact most of the commonwealth would recognise a Dalek and that's half a century old.

The Art of Star Wars book reproduces several of the earliest SW inspired political cartoons from the Carter era. My personal favorite depicts a meeting between U.S. and Soviet diplomats, where the Russians state their intent not to use space for military purposes. The Americans look doubtful and terrified, as Vader is seated with the Russians.

And of course, Reagan got more than a few miles out of Star Wars, much to Lucas' dismay. The Gipper was alternately portrayed as either Obi Wan, Luke, Vader, or The Emperor over the course of his presidency.