The appeal of Celebrity Presidential candidates— White House 46: The Rock vs John Cena

"Once in a lifetime III". John Cena vs Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson.

There's been a lot of chatter on the possibility of Pro-Wrestler Dwayne Johnson contesting for the Presidency. With broad appeal as a social media darling and the world's highest paid actor, the Rock has gotten bipartisan approval from the likes of leftist filmmaker Michael Moore and conservative publication, the National Review.
Outspoken billionaire Mark Cuban has spoken on how Trump's success has paved the way for other entrepreneurs to challenge for the highest office in the land. The same could be argued for Celebrities in general, rapper Kanye West one of the earliest to float a 2020 run before fellow self-promoter Donald Trump cut him off at the pass.
Along with politicians Elizabeth Warren and Ted Cruz, the likely Presidential field also includes celebrity powerbrokers Oprah Winfrey and Mark Zuckerberg. As guest on the 'Chapo Trap House' podcast, Matt Taibbi explains the appeal and advantages of running for office as a celebrity candidate.

Episode 77 — No Country For Gorilla Men feat. Matt Taibbi (1/29/17)
MATT CHRISTMAN: (32m 52s) It basically boils down to the fact that there's a symbiotic relationship between traditional politicians and the media, right? Because most people especially if they’re running for President on a National scale has never heard of these a**holes. So it's basically the media's job to — in collaboration with the candidate — shape a version of them for people to be introduced to and give them an idea of who they are
MATT TAIBBI: Right
CHRISTMAN: Trump because he's a celebrity had a prefabricated brand that he didn't need the media to help him create so that relationship just broke down because he wasn't a politician.
TAIBBI: That's 100% correct. What people need to remember -who are politicians? Most of them before they enter congress are 4th rate lawyers who get elected from these little... towns who gradually get built up and then they have profile and then in order to be turned into these mythic God-like characters they need the overwhelming attention of lots and lots of media people. But you don't need that if you're Donald Trump, he just bypassed that entire exercise. He's a celebrity by himself, without all the help of these sycophants.

Wrestling journalist Brian Maxwell expands the case for the logical pairing of celebrities and Presidential elections. Arguing elections are basically Reality TV talent shows that incorrectly test the competencies truly needed for the job.

Review America with Brian Mann & Nate Milton — Episode 1: The RNC
BRIAN MAXWELL: (25m 53s) If this whole campaign, this whole election is Pro-wrestling. The actual Presidency is 'Brawl for All'. Being a Pro-wrestling match doesn’t actually determine who the better fighter is...
What’s really harmful with our politics -especially in our current media age- is that the qualifications, the hoops that we have people run through don’t in anyway line up to what it actually means to be President. At all. So we've devised this obstacle course that doesn't actually test someone's readiness for this type of position.
I have no doubt as scary as it sounds- that Donald Trump might win this election cuz he might actually win the media job of converting people into voters... at the end of the day the job of the Presidency isn't necessarily a public relations job... The more that I look at it and I see we kind of opened things up. I think we’ve been doing it long enough that we can question the results.

SNL imagining a John Cena and Dwayne Johnson Presidency

Writing on the analogy that American Politics is Pro-Wrestling for the past 10yrs, I never imagined a WWE Hall-of-Famer in Donald Trump could occupy the White House. The fact the Rock, an actual Wrestler is poised to be a Presidential frontrunner is truly mind-boggling.
John Cena, another marquee Wrestler also makes a compelling case as a dark horse Presidential Contender. Though divisive in the Wrestling Universe ("Let's go Cena, CENA sucks!") especially compared to the "People’s Champion". Cena offers a clearer liberal representative whilst ticking the same boxes as the Rock — charismatic action hero, positive rolemodel and supporter of the Troops. A plus on Cena's ledger, he speaks mandarin.

VIDEO: John Cena supports #WeAreAmerica this Independence Day

If registered Republican Dwayne Johnson were to run, could he possibly challenge Donald Trump in a GOP primary? Could the winner between them face a Democratic nominee John Cena? Might the deciding battle in the "Once in a lifetime" feud between John Cena and the Rock be waged in the Political Arena? The rivalry that began for WrestleMania 28, avenged at WrestleMania 29 could possibly culminate in the election for POTUS 46.

Daniel Horowitz on how "Republicans VS Democrats is as real as Pro-Wrestling". How the fake fight is debasing American Politics.

Daniel Horowitz laments to his audience how Conservatives have forsaken their ideals, engaging in rhetorical fights that have the appearance of conviction whilst not actually standing up for traditional principles.

CONSERVATIVE CONSCIENCE | Republicans VS Democrats is as real as Professional Wrestling
DANIEL HOROWITZ: (1m 27s) What we have going on nowadays is a phony conservative party, a phony Presidential nominee, a phony conservative media... where you basically have a false flag operation where everyone's yelling and fighting. There's a lot of acrimony but when you peel back what's going on they're fighting over nothing...
That's today's topic -- Republicans VS Democrats is as real as Professional Wrestling. WWE!
You see the bodyslams and the chairs, knocking the guy's heads in. This and that, all the noise but its fake, there's nothing going on. That's exactly what today's political discourse is. Today's political reality is. And I want to go through the news of the day, what's really important for Conservatives to focus on and through that we'll come to the conclusion that the Republican Party on the Presidential level, the Congressional level and at the Conservative Media level engage in a fake fight with the Left when it really matters and how it debases who we are and moves the contours of the political debate inexorably to the left and also into the gutter...
We are everything the left is, minus some change. Minus some pennies... this is not just on fiscal policy. This is on who we are as people. This is on morality, this is on culture. This is who we are. This phony, binary fight where everyone gets wrapped up in -- "Oh man, everything's going to hinge on what happens". Its all fake. Its all fake wrestling... lots of fireworks in that debate. How many policy statements were really in contention? How much did they really disagree on?
Lots of insults traded. But over what? Because you're the Red Team and I'm the Blue Team so we have to fight...

The phoniness accentuated this Presidential Election as both parties promote deeply flawed and unfavourable nominees. Policy wise both candidates are more centrist than their base would prefer whilst conversely representing the most partisan figurehead imaginable for their opposition. A tricky balancing act for any would-be supporters.

The gravitational force this election has undoubtedly been Donald Trump, a unique political animal. A celebrity businessman with wrestling bona fides. He has leveraged his sturdy following and "Crash TV" appeal to commandeer the GOP and the media. Arguably the entire political process. Writer Virginia Heffernann offers her take on how a seasoned statesman like Hillary has had to bend to this pehnomenon albeit a political novice

TRUMPCAST | The Boys on the Bus
VIRGINA HEFFERNAN: (5m 23s) In this great book from years ago called the 'Epistemology of the Closet' by Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick... There's this wonderful moment where she talks about bilingualism and the dominant position of someone who only speaks one language, even one dialect the way Trump does. This coarse dialect that he has.

She cites [US President] Reagan and [French President] Mitterand. Mitterand was super-worldly and spoke French and English. Reagan only spoke English and so they always negotiated in English, so Mitterand's always in his second language. And Trump always gets to talk like this and everybody else -- because most women are familiar with this idiom. Hillary Clinton is certainly familiar with this idiom but has had to completely abandon her way of talking and her way of comporting herself to have a conversation on this level
JACOB WEISBERG: Right, he defines the terms of the debate

Jacob Weisberg expands on the point in a later episode, citing how Trump's competitors resorted to mimicry as his brash presentation proved a winning formula for the primary

TRUMPCAST Extra: The "Grabfest Post Debate Special" Edition
JACOB WEISBERG: (14m 46s) There's the Marco Rubio example, I mean he's [Trump] trying to drag you down to his level. If you respond to him at his level, although it could be satisfying in the moment and everybody kind of wants it. Its almost definitely a mistake because at that point people are saying "Oh, the problem is both candidates -- its this campaign, the campaign is disgusting." and to refrain from being disgusting and respond to someone who's treating you vilely is really hard and takes a lot of discipline

Jacob and Daniel have divergent political interests but raise similar concerns about the lowering standards of American Politics

DANIEL HOROWITZ: (20m 18s) Imagine if all of Talk Radio, if all the internet sites, if all the concerns people are focused on would focus on what's important. Would lead a movement that's important. Would lead a movement that we can be proud of. Instead this is what we've become. Its all this, this is WWE. Its all an entertainment now. Its all entertainment business. Complete nonsense, this whole thing is immoral. But this is how you shift the contours of the debate permanently... If we don't fundamentally change the movement, if we don't fundamentally change the game we've already lost anyway...

We've become desensitized because again the Left is so evil and immoral but the more immoral they get we can always point to the fact we're one or two steps less immoral than them so you can create a fake fight over that. "You're this and I'm that. Well you did this". Meanwhile the more immoral and evil they get, the more immoral and evil we get. Cuz we keep getting schlepped over with them. So by engaging in that fight you're almost validating and consummating that degree, its like that ratchet theory we talk about. You hone in, you lock it in. You can only keep moving forward but not backwards. You already lost it.

Sadly the spectacle and team sports aspects of American Politics are big drawcards for casual watchers. Trump has capitalised on his name recognition and showmanship to deliver an engaging product, electrifying his populist base and enthralling everyone else. Whilst the debasing of political discourse has depressed donor funding, the "Trump effect" has increased public engagement and become a boon for News Networks. In Combat Sports anything goes when you're selling a fight, competitors are forgiven for throwing missiles and brawling at Press Conferences because promoters know all publicity is good and whets the audiences' appetite.

Trump has been a perfect ratings vehicle, his thirst for attention driving his popularity, the "fight" between Trump and the Media mutually beneficial. Tapping into the Reality TV zeitgeist, if a Presidency doesn't pan out the "Trump Show " could spin-off into a Media Empire. Wyatt Cenac once said on the 'Daily Show' -- "You think politicians wanna win their arguments when all they really wanna do is keep having them. They know arguments are interesting, they energize voters, they keep the money flowing in.".

Some have played "chicken" with Trump because he represents a foil for the GOP. As people like Jacob Weisberg and Daniel Horowitz have asserted, we might be allowing the "Trump Show" to take down American Politics altogether.

Comedian Jackie Mason on the preposterousness of running for President in America

VIDEO: Michael Savage Interviews legendary comedian Jackie Mason (8-13-15)

Jackie Mason skewers the way Americans select their Presidents

JACKIE MASON: (8m 15s) I talk about the preposterous system the Presidency is. Take a look at these debates, is there anything more idiotic than these debates. You have one minute to express all your thoughts on Foreign Policy, the American domestic policy, anything that's happening in the world and you have to do it in one minute. If you happen to breathe a little slow, you've lost the debate. And you have to make sure you tell a joke better than the next guy because they don't remember any policy or position. They just remember who told the best one-liner or the best joke.
The next day that's all they're talking about, so it becomes a comedy contest. If this was 50 years ago, Groucho Marx would be the President.

President Obama in conversation with Marc Maron

President Obama in the Garage with Marc Maron

Episode 613 - President Barack Obama
PRESIDENT OBAMA: (25m 55s) Increasingly I've spent my time thinking about "How do I break out of these old patterns that our politics has fallen into?". Which is part of the reason I'm here, I'll be honest with you. One of the conversations I've had with my communications team about is "How do we talk to folks who aren't already so dug into a particular way of thinking about politics that we can create more space for people to have a normal, ordinary conversation and one where the lines aren't so clearly drawn black and white, It's not this battle in a steel cage between one side and another.

MARC MARON: Well I became a little disillusioned. I used to do left-wing talk radio and I realised that there was a lot of things I was naive about...

- Find behind-the-scenes photos of Marc's meeting with the President here: Marc meets Obama
- Listen to Marc Maron and [friend-of-blog] producer Brendan McDonald: Episode 614 - The President Was Here

Russell Brand talking about the "spectacle" of Politics to Alex Jones

VIDEO: Russell Brand - Humanity Coming Out of The Cave

RUSSELL BRAND (1m 07s): I suppose where our beliefs intersect Alex is that I think contemporary bipartisan politics is a meaningless spectacle to distract you from where power truthfully dwells so for me I don't have a view on Democrats, Republicans. I just sort of think of it as an interchangeable spectacle drawn across the reality. So I'm not surprised, disillusioned or disappointed...

'The Obama Deception' documentary: Jesse Ventura says American Politics is "Identical to Pro-wrestling"

VIDEO: Jesse Ventura in 'The Obama Deception'  

The Obama Deception: The Mask comes Off (2009)
JESSE VENTURA: Politics in America today is identical to Pro-wrestling. What I mean by that, is in front of the Cameras and the public we all hate each other. "I'm gonna kick my opponents' butt. I'm gonna wail him from here to high water and beat the crap out of him" yet behind the scenes
WILLIE NELSON: ... You're all friends
VENTURA: We all go out to dinner together. It's all a work (Wrestling jargon: Charade). We're intermarried.
NELSON: Its showbiz
VENTURA: Its showbiz and that's what you have in America today. Democrats and Republicans aren't really opposed to each other
cut to
WEBSTER TARPLEY: Left and right mean nothing. The only thing that counts is are you working for Wall Street

Other Jesse Ventura wrestling posts
- Answering the critics: Jesse Ventura, Al Franken and The Terminator
-  Saturday Night Live characters: Past Presidents, Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin

Marc Maron on the Joe Rogan Experience talks about the Zimmerman verdict and "reactionary politics"

VIDEO: Joe Rogan Experience #374 - Marc Maron  

JRE #374 - Marc Maron
JOE ROGAN: (18m 15s) Its almost like they want brownie points for running towards a progressive point in an aggressive way...
MARC MARON: Well I think what you have there is clasic reactionary thinking. And I've been that guy, I know what that guy is.
ROGAN: Kudos to you for figuring it out
MARON: After doing political talk radio for a year and a half. Like when I started Air America I was just a reactionary guy. I was a leftie guy but I was not educated. So basically anything that was anti-authority, anti-republican, anti-war, I'd be like "F·ck that guy!". I mean my comedy was like that to some degree. But when you get in the trenches of it and you really start to educate yourself on what issues are. How radio personalities are being used by political parties to move talking points. What the talking points are?

When it comes to real progressives, they're not so knee-jerk. They're fairly deliberate. They're fairly focused on what elements and causes are that will facilitate slow change. Rapid change is not really possible. But with these kinds of issues are quick. I tweeted something yesterday that "Occasional self-righteousness way more annoying than consistent self-righteousness"
ROGAN: Exactly. That's true.

MARON: Which is exactly what you're talking about. out of nowhere someone goes "GRRRRRRR" and they don't stand for that any other day or really engage in the public conversation but as soon as there's a hot topic and there's momentum then everybody gets righteous"

Occasional self-righteousness way more annoying than constant self-righteousness.
— marc maron (@marcmaron) July 14, 2013

As the conversation progressed both comics inevitably touched on their personal differences with each other. As independent alpha males they've had their friction borne out of their personality types (Jocks vs Outsiders). As Maron puts it "our type have been fighting for centuries". Joe Rogan describes the discrimination he gets being stereotyped as a "meathead", Maron interestingly finds this unrelated discussion analogous to their earlier points about the Trayvon Martin issue.

JOE ROGAN: (46m 15s) In your defense, or anyone's defense if I didn't know me I'd assume I was a douchebag... The stereotype of anyone that would be a fighter is hyper aggressive, an asshole. I tried to be as friendly as possible so in my mind, I'm not trying to get sympathy but you get put in this weird kind of prejudice where you're put in this meathead category, automatically treat you like you're causing a problem
MARC MARON: That's interesting cuz that's what black people go through in this Country
ROGAN: I don't think I had it that bad (dismissing). That's cute [though]
MARON: No, no that's not what I was saying but that self consciousness. you know that people are going to judge you a certain a way and you have to behave in relation to the social realities of that stereotype

Zeb Colter's "Real American" promo on WWE Raw (transcript)

VIDEO: Zeb Colter "Real American" promo on WWE Raw

Uncle Zeb Colter w/ Jack Swagger promo:  WWE Raw (Feb 11, 2013)
ZEB COLTER: Fellow Americans, I got a question for ya. What is wrong with America? Zeb Colter knows what's wrong, Jack Swagger knows what's wrong but I think most Americans have forgotten what is wrong with America. Years ago me and this man's daddy laid in a jungle in Vietnam with bullets whizzing by our heads, you know why? Because we were real patriots, we were real Americans and now I look around and I see a Country that I don't even recognize. I see people with faces not like mine. I see people that I don't even know what they're saying. They can't even talk to me and I look around and I think where did all these people come from but most importantly I think how do we get rid of 'em? We the people, Americans -- Real Americans know the truth. Zeb Colter knows the truth. Jack Swagger knows the truth because this is the land of the free and the home of the brave, not the land of the free and the home to whoever wants to cross our borders.

This is a Real American. Its our Country, its our land to  protect and defend because we are real patriots, real Americans and remember "We the People".

- Go to Zeb Colter's official Youtube channel: youtube.com/WeThePeopleZeb

UFC Fighter Chael Sonnen on his planned book linking Politics to ProWrestling

For the last 6 years I've been covering the analogy that American Politics is not unlike Professional Wrestling. UFC Fighter and Promo king Chael Sonnen offers an interesting variation on the meme. He aims to discredit the credibility of the American Government for having been duped by Professional Wrestling.

VIDEO: UFC 148 - Chael "I Misunderstood Rules In 5 Round Fight w/ Silva"

CHAEL SONNEN: (1m 2s) I've been writing this book in my head for a decade. For a decade I had this idea I could explain everything you need to know about Government if I can get you to understand Professional Wrestling. You have to understand Professional Wrestling was sanctioned within 38 different States in this Country, which means it passed the Senate, it passed the House and was signed by Governors into law to oversee and regulate as a licensed referee watches a licensed athlete with a folding chair while he pretends to be unconscious with an earpiece in his right ear. 

These are the same guys that though Professional Wrestling was real. That's why they did it. These are the same guys that are in charge of Healthcare, your Social security, your Education, teaching the Children, the military. These same guys. So when Vince McMahon goes to trial in 1989 and has to admit under oath the whole thing is a play. This is the most embarrassing thing that's happened in American Politics. Very quickly, State by State did away with their Wrestling commissions because they were embarrassed they fell for it. Our best and brightest, our elected officials fell for it and passed laws. But not all of them...

If I can get you to understand that then I can get you to not just accept things like Bird Flu or Global Warming or the War in Iraq or Party lines. These are the same guys that fell for Professional Wrestling. 

Unfortunately as Chael explains he was never able to properly organise his concept to make the book.

SONNEN: Now with that in mind, do you wanna hear the bad news for me? So I've been working on this for 10 years. The whole concept, get the whole thing written out. I got 20 some pages and that's it. I've got nothing . In my head I've got this whole, I've got book after book. I've got nothing!

Find previous Chael Sonnen Punditfight posts here:
- Mark Levin interviews UFC middleweight contender Chael Sonnen
- Republican UFC Fighter Chael Sonnen withdraws from Oregon Senate Race 

The Chaser’s Empty Vessel at the 2012 Sydney Writers' Festival

The last time I was at the Sydney Writers' Festival I had the privilege of seeing the late Christoper Hitchens.
The 2012 Festival offers a similarly juicy treat for Political junkies with the The Chaser’s Empty Vessel, what they've described as "A Variety, Talent show without the variety or talent".

@danilic "I'm at The Chaser's Empty Vessel it is like an intellectual gang bang #tcev #swf"

The maiden (Wednesday, May 16) show for 'The Chaser’s Empty Vessel', featured Chaser Muckrakers, Julian Morrow, Chris Taylor, Andrew Hansen, Chas Licciardello and Scott Dooley as they welcomed three authors on stage. Joe McGinnis and Nick Bryant were particularly interesting because of their anecdotes on American Politics. Mcginnis spoke of his friendship with Fox News president Roger Ailes, sharing his blunt appraisal of employee Sarah Palin. Joe is the author of 'The Rogue', a book he wrote whilst being next door neighbors with the the Palins. He shared a few stories proving there's no love lost between himself and the diminutive Todd and revealed having photos that could be gamechangers for the Palins.

Nick Bryant, an Englishman now living in Australia shared his experiences working with the Daily Mail. He offered anecdotes of his time covering Bill Clinton for his uni paper when he was a candidate and being a part of the Lewinsky circus in proceeding years.

There was an interesting exchange where Chris Taylor posed the question if the blurring of politics and entertainment was detrimental, the trivialising of politics is something this blog constantly wrestles with. The authors replied that likability has always been crucial to garnering votes citing how presidents like Nixon and Clinton had used Light Entertainment TV to appeal to the electorate.

The Chaser’s Empty Vessel will be on every evening from May 16th to the 20th  for the Sydney Writers' Festival, featuring authors Joe McGinnis, Glenn Carle, Michael Hastings, Jeffrey Eugenides, Walled Aly and Marc Lewis.

'The Chaser' began as a satirical newspaper but are best known for their TV shows 'The Chaser's War on Everything' and faux news show 'CNNNN'

VIDEO: The Chasers War On Fox News

Rick 'Flair' Santorum has former ties with WWE

Rick. Flair? Santorum has ties with the WWE.
Does it hurt him or just make him more interesting?

Straight-laced Rick Santorum has been revealed to have had a former relationship with the WWE. Santorum, equipped with his sweater vest has always fashioned himself as the "Family Values candidate". The WWE particularly during its "Attitude Era" of the late 90's was a raunchy product onscreen, the industry has been dogged by deaths and drug abuse which extend from the hard-living wrestling lifestyle. The brand has consciously become more PG-friendly in recent years, a business direction that paved the way for Linda McMahon's bid for Senate in 2010.

Whilst wrestling has had its share of controversy, it has always had a relationship with politics because the style of entertainment by its nature appeals and is a mirror to a large cross-section of the public. Its odd that a relationship with the WWE would be viewed as a smear as the Presidential candidates in 2008 had no problem associating themselves with the brand: Wrestling meets Politics - the story so far

Rick Santorum’s slimy WWE past
In the late 1980s, as investigative reporter and pro wrestling chronicler Irv Muchnick (no relation) has written, Santorum served as a WWE (then WWF) lobbyist while a lawyer for the Pittsburgh firm that the McMahons still keep busy. 

and

Rick Santorum, Family Values Candidate and Pro Wrestling Advocate?
The future candidate helped the WWE elude athletic regulators in Pennsylvania—which opened the door to a wave of steroid abuses and other unintended consequences.

- Linda McMahon rolls out wrestling superstar Triple H to help in her Senate campaign
- John McCain's wrestling promo on WWE
- WWE Smackdown: McCain and Obama on the Youth vote

John Cena announces Osama Bin Laden's death at WWE PPV

VIDEO: John Cena Announces Osama Bin Laden Death at WWE Extreme Rules

JOHN CENA: I'm gonna put this down (puts Championship Belt down)

I walk out here every night with "Hustle, Loyalty and Respect" on my sleeve. That is a credo I've adopted from the men and women who defend this country. (crowd cheers)

The President has just announced that we have caught and compromised to a permanent end Osama...

(crowd hoots and chants "USA, USA, USA")

This is the sort of night(?) when I feel damn proud to be an American!

This happens after President Obama appropriated Hulk Hogan's iconic 'Real American' theme to lead into his 2011White House Correspondents' Dinner monologue.

 - Find more on the analogy that American Politics is not unlike professional wrestling here
- Read more about the WWE's history and ongoing support of the American troops 
-  Hillary Clinton appears on WWE Television supporting the troops

Mick Foley to appear on the Daily Show November 2010, talks about 'Rally to Restore Sanity'

Wrestler Superstar Mick Foley announced on his his Twitter page that he will be a guest on 'The Daily Show', airing on Comedy Central on Wednesday November 10, 2010. Foley recently attended the Rally to Restore Sanity/March to Keep Fear Alive' event in Washington DC where he received a medal of sanity from Jon Stewart and dubbed the show’s “Senior Ass Kicker”.

COUNTDOWN: MICK FOLEYS WEEKLY ONLINE BLOG COLUMN
Before I get into The Rally to Restore Sanity, and the medal bestowed upon me by Jon Stewart, I would like to make a few reasonable requests.

1) Buy a copy of "Countdown to Lockdown" for someone you love - even if that someone is you...

What an amazing experience the Rally was. If I had one complaint, it would be that there was no video team doing a "Making of the Rally" behind the scenes documentary. Because if the sixties had Woodstock as their great testament to peace, love and understanding, I believe that, years from now, a generation will look back on the Rally as a seminal moment in the art of just trying to get along. Besides, I would really have liked some video evidence of me hanging out, watching the show, taking in the atmosphere, with an eclectic group of superstars fro all across the entertainment spectrum - from Sheryl Crow, to Yusaf, to Tony Bennett, to Kid Rock to Kareem Abdul Jabaar. OK, maybe "hanging out" is a little inaccurate, especially in the case of Kareem, who was a little ...detached from his fellow invitees, but I swear, I was in the same general vicinity as the rest of the gang...

I'd never met Steven [sic] Colbert before the Rally rehearsal on Saturday evening. But despite all of the pressure and the magnitude of the situation, both Steven and Jon went out of their way to make me feel welcome both Saturday and Sunday...

I know I'll look back on the Rally with great fondness for years to come...

Oh, yeah, I even received an award - which I'm sure I'll tell you more about in the days, weeks and months to come. Kurt Angle - there's a new medal in TNA.

Mick Foley has appeared on The Daily show twice before but this marks his first appearance as a sit-down guest with Jon Stewart. With that said this Foley appearance is not politically orientated but an avenue to promote his latest book (Countdown to Lockdown) and causes he has been supporting (RAINN)

Find his previous forays on the Daily Show and Politics in general here - Marc Maron and Mark Riley's 'Morning Sedition': The infamous 'Wrestle a Republican' episode with Mick Foley.

Update: Video is up
VIDEO: Mick Foley - November 10, 2010
Mick Foley

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor

Rally to Restore Sanity

Connecticut Secretary of State discriminates against wrestling fans, Vince McMahon fires back and "Stands Up for WWE"

VIDEO: Vince McMahon defends the WWE Universe's right to vote

VINCE McMAHON: Last Monday we began a global initiative to Stand Up for WWE. I believe WWE fans, our organization as well as our superstars have been and continue to be discriminated against by elitist government officials and some members of the media...

Politics and Wrestling collide once again, Vince McMahon addresses the WWE universe for 'Stand Up for WWE', an initiative founded by the company to defend against politically motivated attacks besmirching their brand.

Via WWE.com

State Of Connecticut Threatens WWE Fans' Right To Vote
STAMFORD, Conn. – The right for World Wrestling Entertainment fans to vote was threatened Friday by Connecticut Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz, who gave the authority to local poll workers to determine that if anyone shows up to the polls on November 2 wearing any WWE merchandise, whether it is a John Cena T-shirt or a Randy Orton wristband, they may be forced to go home and change, cover it up, or take it off in order to vote.

“Denying our fans the right to vote, denying them their First Amendment rights, regardless if they are Democrat, Republican or Independent, is un-American, unconstitutional and blatantly discriminatory,” said Vince McMahon, Chairman and CEO of WWE.

To watch a full response recorded by the WWE Chairman and CEO, please click here.

Find previous posts relating to the WWE and politics
- WWE Smackdown: McCain and Obama on the Youth vote
- Wrestling meets Politics - the story so far

Dana White video blog: Talking politics and UFC 121

VIDEO: Dana White video blog UFC 121

 

The UFC has released its latest video blog following UFC President Dana White. The video has been released in the wake of UFC 121 featuring the highly anticipated matchup between heavyweights Brock Lesnar and Cain Velasquez. Video highlights include Dana White making appearances with Nevada Democratic senator Harry Reid and UFC legend Chuck Liddell encouraging students to vote. As well as Main Event predictions for UFC 121 from Vitor Belfort, Jon 'Bones' Jones and Junior Dos Santos.

Where to watch Glenn Beck's 'Restoring Honor' Rally (8/28/2010)

August 28, 2010. Glenn Beck's 'Restoring Honor' Rally

On August 28, 2010 Glenn Beck organised a rally in Washington DC at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Glenn Beck and the rally received some early criticism, accused of hijacking the date which would have been the forty-seventh anniversary of the Great March on Washington, where Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King famously delivered his "I have a Dream" speech.

The 'Restoring Honor' rally turned out to be less overtly political and more religious, honoring America's fighting men and women and a celebration of freedom. Its most notable speakers included Glenn Beck (Conservative Commentator and organiser), Sarah Palin (2008 Republican Vice Presidential nominee) and Alveda King (former Georgia State Representative and niece of Martin Luther King)

Watch the official documentary made by the enterprising Glenn Beck team:

8/28 the Documentary now available on-demand!
This is our first full-length documentary and it’s going to blow you away. It’s an exclusive inside look at the making of the 8-28 Rally. When we say exclusive, we mean it. From the time Glenn arrived in Washington DC to the time he took the stage our cameras were rolling. You will not believe what went on behind the scenes:

• We’ll show you how most of my staff had no idea what the plan was just days before the event.

• You’ll see the panic that took place when we heard that Albert Pujols and Tony LaRussa may not show up.

• And the best part…we’ll tell you the story of how the script to Glenn’s speech went missing on the way to the rally.

You can also watch the simulcast of the event that was originally aired on C-Span
'Restoring Honor' Rally aired on C-Span

Rep. Jason Chaffetz: Stephen Colbert testifying in Congress on immigration "is a joke"

Stephen Colbert testifying in Congress (in character)

Stephen Colbert has just finished testifying in Congress on the issue of immigration, as I reported on yesterday.

Stephen Colbert Testifies Before Congress on "Vast Experience" as a Migrant Laborer
Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert testified before a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing in character this morning, speaking on the topic of working in America's fields.

Colbert, testifying next to the president of the United Farm Workers (UFW), discussed his "vast experience spending one day as a migrant farm worker," adding that he was "happy to use [his] celebrity to draw attention to this important, complicated issue."
...
But while most of the Congress members present seemed pleased with Colbert's appearance before the committee - which potentially brought more national attention to the cause than it might have otherwise received - not everyone was laughing along with his jokes...

- Watch Video of Stephen Colbert testifying in Congress
- Listen to Rep. Jason Chaffetz calling the Colbert "ordeal a joke" on CBS' 'Washington Unplugged'
Read Rep. Jason Chaffetz reservations on the Colbert invitation here - Stephen Colbert Testimony "Sad," a "Joke," Says Congressman

This isn't the first time people who usually dabble in the absurd have had to deal with criticism once they enter the serious world of politics. Watch how Comedians Al Franken, Wrestler Jesse Ventura and Action Star Arnold Swarchenegger handled criticism when they entered politics - Answering the critics: Jesse Ventura, Al Franken and The Terminator. Its worth noting that some Republicans were happy to use Colbert's appearance to sincerely endorse their goals.

Stephen Colbert breaks kayfabe and speaks to the issue seemingly out of character

VIDEO: Colbert explains why he is advocating for migrant farmworkers

Republican UFC Fighter Chael Sonnen withdraws from Oregon Senate Race

In an earlier post I wrote about rising MMA star Chael Sonnen. Influential RadioTalker, Mark Levin had endorsed Chael both as a fighter and champion for Conservatism, interviewing him on his run for office and recent victory at UFC 109.

In breaking news, Chael has unfortunately had to withdraw from his Senate bid after a legal issue surfaced which threatened to disrupt his campaign. This will not affect Sonnen's day job, he is still on track for the fight of his life as the #1 contender against popular Middleweight champion, Anderson Silva at UFC 117.

Chael Sonnen Announces Withdrawal From Oregon Senate Race
Chael Sonnen plans to withdraw from the Oregon senate race, according to statements made Tuesday and reported by FIGHT! Magazine.

Running unopposed last month, Sonnen won the Republican primaries in Oregon's House District 37, earning him a bid for an Oregon House of Representatives seat against Democratic nominee Will Rasmussen in the general elections this November.

According to Sonnen, the resignation was not due to his his preparations for a title shot against Anderson Silva at UFC 117 in August, nor was it because of recent controversy stemming from his "fake" Twitter account, but instead, a "legal issue."

"In the best interests of my district, I am resigning from my campaign for the Oregon House of Representatives," Sonnen said in a statement. "A 2006 legal issue has arisen that needs my immediate attention. I am not at liberty to disclose the details, but my name was involved in a real estate case that requires a ruling. If the ruling is adverse, I would be disqualified from running for office until 2011.

With this news it seems Chael's official campaign website votesonnen.com has been deactivated, though this may only be temporary.

Mark Levin interviews UFC middleweight contender Chael Sonnen

Conservative talker Mark Levin recently interviewed Chael Sonnen, UFC middleweight contender and conservative Republican running to represent Oregon’s House District 37. They talk about Chael's recent fight and victory over Nate Marquardt and his run for office. Mark has expressed his admiration for MMA fighters, having mentioned the WEC (World Extreme Cagefighting) in a previous broadcast.

Interestingly friends of show at LiveAudioWrestling.com gushed over Chael's promo abilities and noted his previous history with pro-wrestling having tried out with WCW. I've often spoken about the intersection between wrestling charisma and politics. Like wrestlers Jerry Lawler and Jesse Ventura before him, Sonnen's natural ability on the microphone will be an asset in his campaign.

Listen to the audio at MarkLevinFan.com - UFC middleweight contender Chael Sonnen running for Oregon state house

Watch Chael being interviewed on Fox and Friends and enjoy the clumsy fight references. Followed by video of Chael on 'UFC Countdown' promoting his fight with Nate and explaining his run for office:

VIDEO: Fox News - UFC Fighter Running for Office

VIDEO: Countdown to UFC 109 - Marquardt and Sonnen

CHAEL SONNEN: The UFC has opened some huge doors and I see some athletes really try to capitalise on that. Maybe they start a clothing line. Some of them have tried to become actors but they have used the prestige the UFC has granted them to better themselves.

I'm in the same spot in terms of I was given a certain amount of prestige from the opportunities afforded to me. But I wanna use that as opposed to doing stuff directly for myself but to help others...

Go to Chael Sonnen's official campaign website - www.votesonnen.com

Jon Stewart tag teams with Wrestler Mick Foley to protect 10-Year-Old Gay Marriage Activist

Wrestler Mick Foley and Daily Show host Jon Stewart

Via the Huffington Post

Jon Stewart Enlists Pro-Wrestler Mick Foley To Protect 10-Year-Old Gay Marriage Activist (VIDEO)
Last week we told you about young Will Phillips, a boy who refuses to pledge allegiance to the flag and the United States of America until gays and lesbians are allowed to marry. While Will is finding support from op-ed columnists and his parents, the kids at school are not as kind. They are harassing Will and calling him a "gaywad."

Well, last night Jon Stewart decided to do something about it. After praising this precocious 10-year-old, he decided the boy must be protected so he brought out professional wrestler Mick Foley to deliver a message...

This isn't a surprising partnership as I've spoken of Hall-of-Fame wrestler Foley's involvement in Politics and Jon Stewart's support of the wrestling analogy as it relates to politics. The bully protection tag team of Stewart and Foley is reminiscent of wrestling duo 'The APA' (Acolytes Protection Agency), who acted as bodyguards for hire for their fellow wrestlers.

VIDEO: Gaywatch - Peter Vadala & William Phillips
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JON STEWART: This child must be protected. Foley! Ladies and Gentleman, Mick Foley.
(crowd applauds)
MICK FOLEY: Thank You Jon, like a lot of my professional wrestling brethren I was touched by young Will's plight. Well I'm going to tell you what I'm going to do, If I find out that anybody has hassled this young man or teased him or called him a wad of any sort. I and perhaps a few of my friends will come to his school and bring a world of pain...