Tucker Carlson says NFL superstar Michael Vick "should have been executed" for his dogfighting cruelty

Tucker Carlson on Hannity's 'Great American Panel'

Tucker Carlson addresses Vick role
Fox analyst Tucker Carlson gave the harshest critique of Vick's past yet, saying the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback "should have been executed" for his gruesome dogfighting crimes.

Carlson was guest hosting for Sean Hannity's show on Fox News Channel on Tuesday night when he made the remarks. He led a panel discussion about President Barack Obama commending the owner of the Eagles for giving Vick a second chance after his release from prison. Vick served 18 months in federal prison for running a dogfighting ring.

"I'm a Christian, I've made mistakes myself, I believe fervently in second chances," Carlson said on the show. "But Michael Vick killed dogs, and he did [it] in a heartless and cruel way. And I think, personally, he should've been executed for that. He wasn't, but the idea that the president of the United States would be getting behind someone who murdered dogs?"

HotAirs' Ed Morrissey asked Tucker Carlson for a clarification of his controversial statement

Video: Tucker Carlson says Vick should have been “executed” for dog killings
I love dogs — we have three — and I think what Vick did was horrifying and shockingly cruel. Executed? I don’t know. I do know that 19 months is a joke. People get more than that for tax evasion. He certainly shouldn’t be back in the NFL with Obama rooting for him. What the president said is disgusting. That’s the story as far as I’m concerned.

Sam Seder filling in for Keith Olbermann on MSNBC's 'Countdown'

Sam Seder filling in on MSNBC's Countdown

Former Air America radio host Sam Seder will be filling in for fellow PunditFighter Keith Olbermann this Holiday Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (Dec 27-29).

To see clips of Sam Seder's recent previous stint as MSNBC's 'Countdown fill-in go here.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Bloomberg Game Changers: Jon Stewart

Last month Jon Stewart was profiled on 'Bloomberg Game Changers'.

Bloomberg Game Changers (Ch Bloomberg. Thursdays 9:30pm ET)
A new original documentary series. Bloomberg Game Changers gives a compelling look into today's most influential leaders in technology, finance, politics and culture. See how these Game Changers redefined their industry and at times, the world.

The show focused on Stewart's rise to prominence and his current influence on the Political and media landscape.

Bloomberg Game Changers: Jon Stewart
Oct. 22 (Bloomberg) -- BLOOMBERG GAME CHANGERS profiles Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz, now Jon Stewart, from his New Jersey boyhood through the standard struggle of the stand-up comedian - part time jobs and late night gigs at New York’s comedy clubs. It will shine a spotlight on his early television shows and movies, including rare video from his early career, to show his transformation into the dominant American commentator of our time.

Watch the entire episode here - Bloomberg Game Changers: Jon Stewart

Enjoy a preview clip here

VIDEO: Bloomberg Game Changers | Jon Stewart - CNBC and Cramer

Sam Seder launches new podcast show - Majority Report Radio (Majority FM)

Sam Seder hosting his new radio podcast - Majority Report Radio (Majority.FM)

Sam Seder has launched a new incarnation of 'Majority Report radio' - Majority.FM'. His latest project in years after the rollercoaster ride that was Air America Radio. His partner on his last two projects ('Maron V Seder' and 'Break Room Live'), Marc Maron had struck gold with a comedy podcast that has consistently been ranked #1 on ITunes.

Sam Seder hopes to do the same with his brand of politics and comedy. A lot of Maron's early success was built on the network of friends he enlisted as guests and the following he had garnered on his previous shows on Air America. Sam shares a similar advantage albeit a long time in between drinks. Moreover he is assisted by the following he has cultivated on his website SamSederShow.com and the increased television profile he's had as a regular panelist on CNN and MSNBC.

Logo for Sam Seder's new 'Majority Report Radio' show - Majority.FM

Find all the relevant links to Majority.FM here
- Listen to Majority.FM on your music player here
- Go to the Majority.FM website
- Go to the Majority.FM Facebook site
- Go to the Majority.FM Twitter site
- Official Sam Seder website
- Listen to my 2008 interview with Sam Seder

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

Glenn Beck critiques Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert's comedic performances at 'The Rally to Restore Sanity'. Gives good reviews on messaging.

I've talked plenty of times about Glenn Beck's credentials as a Comedy Enthusiast. Beck on his radio show was surprisingly complimentary towards Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert on their rally mostly in reference to their messaging. Gracious as Stewart's 'Rally to Restore Sanity' was considered by many to be a counterpoint to Beck's own 'Restoring Honor Rally'.

Beck was happy to welcome Stewart and Colbert as fellow figureheads of popular protests championing a message of non-partisanship. Where he found fault in the rally was in its comedy. Beck makes it clear he thought the comedic elements were "awful", likening it to a "High School production" so bad it felt like he was in a "tribulation waiting for the second coming of Christ".

Glenn Beck: Media ignores Yusuf Islam's appearance at Stewart's rally
GLENN BECK: On the Jon Stewart rally which, by the way, I thought was an absolute I mean, it was a high school production. It was a high school production, the comedy. And even Jon Stewart. I mean, he said it from stage several times. This didn't work. I mean, it was really bad. Colbert, I thought there were a couple of things

PAT: When he was off stage
GLENN: It was good.
PAT: Everything went pretty well.

GLENN: Yeah. When Jon Stewart was just talking, I thought, okay, this is going to go into you know, this will be good. And then Colbert would come out and it was awful. It was embarrassing.

PAT: It was.
GLENN: I was embarrassed not for Colbert.
PAT: Train wreck.

GLENN: It was beyond it. I was embarrassed for Jon Stewart because he's better than that. And the music was great. I mean, they had really great musical guests and everything else. And the message that Jon Stewart had after the concert was good. I mean, it was very similar to what I said. Just in different, you know, obviously different language. I framed mine in God, but we're better people than what we're allowing ourselves to become. Let's stop being used by, you know, red and blue. And so that was, you know, basically his message. And I think it was a success for him. I think if he wouldn't have given that message, it would have been jump the shark. I think it was jump the shark for Colbert. I don't think Colbert ever recovers from that. Just awful. No, it really was.

Vince McMahon shocked by Linda McMahon's spending in wrestling storyline. McMahon unsuccesful against Richard Blumenthal

Linda McMahon was unsuccessful in her bid for the Connecticut Senate seat as a Republican

Blumenthal bests McMahon for Conn. Senate seat
Connecticut's longtime Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has won the state's hotly contested U.S. Senate race, defeating a multimillionaire former wrestling executive and keeping the seat in Democratic control.

The 64-year-old Blumenthal defeated Republican newcomer Linda McMahon, who spent about $50 million of her on money on the race.

With 3 percent of precincts reporting, Blumenthal had 52 percent of the vote to McMahon's 47 percent.

Blumenthal will fill the seat now held by Democratic Sen. Chris Dodd, who did not seek re-election.

Linda McMahon built her reputation as the CEO of the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) which she also portrayed as an onscreen character with her family. The WWE has always had its share of controversy and was placed under a public microscope as its work practises and societal impact was challenged by Linda McMahon's opponents. The WWE set up 'Stand Up for WWE' in its defense.

In a moment of levity, days before the election the WWE ran a segment which poked fun at the stress the campaign has cost on Linda's wife Vince McMahon. MSNBC has a write-up of the segment below.

Vince McMahon, Freddie Prinze Jr. Get Political With Potty Humor
The WWE has a reputation for smack downs and Linda McMahon’s high-profile husband is using his WWE-style comedy – along with some potty humor -- to make his own political statement about the heated and expensive U.S. Senate race Linda and Attorney General Richard Blumenthal are embroiled in.

Vince McMahon, his daughter Stephanie and Freddie Prinze Jr. are all in the skit, which ran on Monday night raw and was posted online on Election Day...

VIDEO: Vince McMahon awakes from Coma

The Show program for the 'Rally to Restore Sanity' AKA 'March to keep fear Alive'

Here is the planned timetable for the joint Daily Show/Colbert Report Rally held on October 30, 2010 at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Via The Christian Science Monitor

Revealed: schedule for 'Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear'
* 10:00 a.m.: The pre-pre-show begins with videos and music on the jumbotron to keep the gathering crowd friendly and entertained.
* Noon: The pre-show starts with a performance from The Roots.
* 12:40: A comedian (to be determined) warms up the audience.
* 12:57: A video countdown with a show introduction.
* 1:00: The show kicks off with the national anthem by a musical guest (to be announced).
* 1:05: Mr. Stewart welcomes the crowd – whose projected size is ballooning daily. Currently, there are 200,000 sign-ups on the official Facebook page alone.
* 1:20: Mr. Colbert enters, and two actors – Don Novello and Sam Waterston – perform readings.
* 1:40: Jeff Tweedy and Mavis Staple perform for 10 minutes, followed by Stewart and Colbert until 2 p.m.
* 2:15: Sheryl Crow performs for five minutes, followed by speakers and guests (to be determined).
* 2:30: Musical guests (also still being lined up) come on.
* 2:40: The show turns to a pre-taped sequence – The Sanity and Fear Awards. (Noting the intense media interest in this event as she reads through the rundown, Ms. Lowe says, “I’d like some sanity, myself.”)

Marc Maron and Mark Riley's 'Morning Sedition': The infamous 'Wrestle a Republican' episode with Mick Foley

Morning Sedition - 12-21-04 - The Wrestle a Republican Sketch...Revealed! (Best Of).mp3
MARC MARON: ... We're going to listen to a segment that got more responses than anything else we've ever done for Morning Sedition... Its our infamous 'Wrestle-a-Republican' show...

-cut to a replay of said 'infamous show' with accompanying running commentary followed by a reunion from the principles of the segment-

MARC MARON: Good evening, geniuses, philosopher kings and queens, working class heroes, liberals of all kinds. Even our conservative friends, you're welcome as well. And of course wrestling fans...

We got really tired before the election of hearing these Republican emails and phone calls. Just these blowhards that would say we're all talk no action and why don't you guys do something about it.

So basically what we did was we solicited our Republican listeners to come in and wrestle one of the hosts...

Considered one of the most talked about bits in 'Morning Sedition' history, here is a recap of the infamous 'Wrestle-a-Republican' segment here:

• Mark and Marc talk about Al Franken's collegiate wrestling background. Maron does his Franken impression but makes it clear he is not mocking Franken. 
• The 'Morning Sedition' hosts play a bait-and-switch and get guest host wrestling legend Mick Foley to fight the republican challenger. 
• Mick Foley promotes his children's book 'Tales from Wrescal Lane' and talks about his involvement in educating the youth on politics and voting
• Talked about his debate with fellow wrestler John Bradshaw Layfield at the 'University of Miami'
• Foley explains the different reactions he's gotten from pundits Paul Begala and Chris Matthews to him being a Pro-wrestler involved and well versed in politics 
• Foley explains why wrestlers might be more equipped in discussing politics as they "Straddle between the two Americas", having access to the working class and the elite with their brand of entertainment.
• 'Dave the Republican' returns to the show and breaks kayfabe by revealing his true identity and the effectiveness the "work" had in duping the Air America audience and management.

Find Morning Sedition archives here

This infamous segment is likely to have informed this bit on 'The Daily Show' which featured Mick Foley and Maron's WTF discussion with Wyatt Cenac that touched on pro-wrestling.

Find Brendan McDonald's original recap of the Mick Foley 'Morning Sedition' appearance here: Mick Foley - Politics is just like wrestling

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.

Keith Olbermann and Rush Limbaugh appear on Seth MacFarlane's 'Family Guy'

VIDEO: Rush Limbaugh on FAMILY GUY! w/ Seth MacFarlane

Rush Limbaugh and Keith Olbermann do share something in common. They've both lent their talents to Fox's 'The Family Guy'.

Rush Limbaugh recently played himself on a recent episode where he ideologically converted the Family Dog, 'Brian Griffin' a staunch liberal. Rush' appearance has caused quite an uproar amongst the right who feel it is an unworthy vehicle for Rush:

Rush Limbaugh on Family Guy--Why?
Rush Limbaugh is due to appear on "Family Guy" as himself on Sunday, October 3rd. Considering the reputation that Seth MacFarlane's show has for childish, gross out, far left humor, Rush's fans are asking why.

One explanation might be the same reason Jesus associated with the Pharisees and other people of bad repute; that the audience of "Family Guy" is very much in need of Rush's wisdom.

Rush Limbaugh spoke to Radio Equalizer to explain why he accepted the invitation to appear on 'The Family Guy'

Exclusive Interview: Rush Limbaugh Answers Critics Over Family Guy Starring Role
RADIO EQUALIZER: Did you get a lot of flak at the time for the Playboy interview? Similar to this? A question I've received: "why's he helping lefty Hollywood types who hate us?"

RUSH LIMBAUGH: Yes, I did. And on other occasions I can't recall. This is my third Family Guy but first as the star. Seth MacFarlane doesn't hate me. Or Andrew Breitbart, who he met on Maher's show and really liked.

Besides, it was a new career challenge, a new experience. It was a LOT of work. I sing, and I'm deaf!... I'm a performer. This was fun. Seth wants to do even more.

Seth was among the FIRST to reach out to me in Hawaii when I had that heart scare. I am not helping the Hollywood Left. His show is going to be on the air regardless what I do.

BUT, the better way to look at this is that they bent for me. I did not bend to them. It's not as though I endorse or support libs on this show. The other way around. A huge lib character becomes a conservative.

RADIO EQUALIZER: Thanks, Rush, we'll be watching.

Limbaugh's ideological counterpart, Keith Olbermann has also lent his talents to 'The Family Guy'. Watch Keith hosting show creator Seth MacFarlane and writer Alex Borstein on his 'Countdown' show talking about the 'Family Guy' and his involvement in it.

• Family Guy's Seth MacFarlane on Keith Olbermann's Show
• Alex Borstein interview - Keith's debut as a cartoon

Jon Stewart on NPR's 'Fresh Air' with Terry Gross discussing Glenn Beck and The Daily Show's 'Rally to Restore Sanity'

Terry Gross interviewed Jon Stewart on Sept. 29 at the 92nd Street Y
in New York City. (Joyce Culver/92nd Street Y)

Jon Stewart recently sat down with NPR's Terry Gross in front of a live audience to discus his show and the upcoming duel rallies he is hosting with Stephen Colbert, 'The Rally to Restore Sanity' and 'March to keep fear alive'.

Jon on distancing the rally as a direct reaction to Glenn Beck's 'Restoring Honor' event

Jon Stewart: The Most Trusted Name In Fake News
"Like everything that we do, the march is merely a construct," he says. "It's merely a format, in the way the book is a format, a show is a format ... to be filled with the type of material that Stephen and I do and the point of view [that we have]. People have said, 'It's a rally to counter Glenn Beck.' It's not. What it is was, we saw that and thought, 'What a beautiful outline. What a beautiful structure to fill with what we want to express in live form, festival form."...

"I very much wanted to avoid the idea that [the march] would be a reaction to him. 'Cause I don't think that'd be fair to him and it's not meant to ridicule activism or the Tea Party movement or religious people."

Stewart on defining what they value and do on the 'Daily Show'

But even though The Daily Show often comes up with facts and stories missed by other news sources, Stewart says, it would be wrong to describe what he does as "journalism."

"We don't do anything but make the connections," he says. "We're just going off our own instinct of, 'What are the connections to this that make sense?' And this really is true: We don't fact-check [and] look at context because of any journalistic criteria that has to be met; we do that because jokes don't work when they're lies. We fact-check so when we tell a joke, it hits you at sort of a gut level — not because we have a journalistic integrity, [but because] hopefully we have a comedic integrity that we don't want to violate."

Jon Stewart on Glenn Beck

On similarities between himself and Glenn Beck
"He's a reaction to what he feels like is the news, and so are we. We actually share quite a bit in common in terms of, not point of view necessarily, but reason for being. We're both in some ways an op-ed. We consider ourselves editorial cartoonists in some respect. Not him, but the show. Op-ed cartoonists, or the Messiah. We're both different...

On deconstructing Beck
"The beautiful thing about what he does is, it's very difficult to argue with his facts. It's the conclusions [that are problematic]. ... It's that slippery slope. ... So what you do is, you just grab together facts and put them together and then do a grab bag of conclusions. Everything is discovered as evidence of secret plots, of secret things that could be occurring."

Read the entire article and listen to the 40+ minute conversation between Jon Stewart and Terry Gross here - Jon Stewart: The Most Trusted Name In Fake News

Pete Dominick: 'CNN's What the Week' and Pete shares his side of the story on the Rick Sanchez firing

CNN's new show hosted by Comedian and RadioTalker Pete Dominick,

'What the Week'

Below are video excerpts of Pete Dominick's new show on CNN, 'What the Week'. As Pete's Facebook declares: "CNN has given What The Week an extension". PunditFight encourages everyone to check out the show. If you like what you see and hear...

Pete Dominick on Facebook
Please please add the Facebook page for CNN's "What the Week". Spread the word about this new TV show as much as you can. We really think we have something special here

VIDEO: 'What the Week' with Pete Dominick

'What the Week' with Pete Dominick
The new CNN show featuring comedian and talk-show-host Pete Dominick. In this segment: Show Intro, Week that Was, Undercovered Stories, Afghanistan man on the street and panel including Arianna Huffington and Todd Zwillich

Pete Dominick airs his side of the story on the Rick Sanchez firing where he draws a distinction between public interest and public fascination. I suggest you listen to the audio attached, it is a good primer on Pete's presentation style and value system. Particularly handy as this Sanchez controversy is likely to have drawn Pete many new listeners.

Pete Dominick, Rick Sanchez Interviewer: Sanchez Came With 'Live Grenade In His Mouth' (AUDIO)
... Speaking on his Sirius XM satellite show "Stand Up With Pete Dominick," Pete Dominick recounted the events leading up to the fateful interview...

"Frankly, I didn't really want him to do the radio show," Dominick said. "He's not the type of guest we have on this show. We generally have experts on the issues."

When the interview began, he said, he was shocked at what Sanchez said. The anchor, he said, came "with a live grenade in his mouth, and he pulled the pin. I tried to put it back for him but he wasn't having it."...

Listen and Download the Pete Dominick Audio here - Pete Dominick: Rick Sanchez came with "live grenade in his mouth"

Read and Listen to my 2008 interview with Pete Dominick - Introducing the newest APF Pundit: Pete Dominick

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

Paul Levesque (aka Triple H) rallies support for Linda McMahon with Video message

After making a special appearance to thank Linda McMahon's campaign volunteers, Paul Levesque (Triple H) tapes a special video message explaining the value Linda McMahon offers to her State.

VIDEO: Paul Levesque (aka Triple H) Rallying Support for Linda

TRIPLE H: I'm just out here supporting Linda and trying to meet the people that are out here helping her, the volunteers that are knocking on doors, putting up sign, spreading the word about what she's trying to do and helping to get her elected.

I'm just here thanking them and letting them know that its appreciated by Linda and by everybody else. I know why she's doing this and that's the benefit of her being my mother-in-law. She's doing it for my kids you know. She looks at the state and thinks things are screwed up, she looks at the government and thinks things are screwed up and going in a bad direction and she wants to change it and I feel she has the ability to.

That's a sacrifice. She's making a sacrifice, sacrificing all those things - the money, the time and personal life - to try to better the state, to better the country.

And that to me - what more noble of a thing do you need right?

This follows in the line of wrestling personalities getting involved in Politics:
- Nikolai Volkoff: Former WWF wrestler Nikolai Volkoff 's political bid in 2006
- Jerry Lawler: WWE Wrestling personality Jerry "The King" Lawler runs for Mayor of Memphis
- Jesse Ventura: Read all Jesse Ventura posts here

Linda McMahon rolls out wrestling superstar Triple H to help in her Senate campaign

Meet Triple H as he campaigns for mother-in-law,
Senate Candidate Linda McMahon

Politics and Wrestling together again! Via Senate candidate Linda McMahon's facebook page:

Linda McMahon Facebook
Come meet my son-in-law Paul Levesque (aka Triple H) before door knocking in Fairfield tomorrow morning! He'll be at the Fairfield Republican Victory HQ (map: http://bit.ly/ctazcm) at 9:30 am. Let's spread the word door-to-door and get pumped!

Find previous Linda McMahon posts here
- Olympic champion and wrestling superstar Kurt Angle endorses Linda McMahon
- Video: Linda McMahon's Primary Victory Speech (with cameo from Triple H)
- Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon wins GOP nod in Connecticut
- WWE's Linda McMahon on 'The View', leads GOP hopefuls for Connecticut Senate seat
- WWE's Linda McMahon prepares Connecticut Senate run

Update: October 2, 2010
Here is a photo of Paul Levesque (AKA Triple H) rallying Linda McMahon supporters before their door-knocking campaign

LINDA McMAHON: Thank you, Paul, for rallying the troops this morning!
It's a beautiful day to knock on doors and get out this grassroots effort. Only one month to go!

Rick Sanchez appears on 'Stand Up with Pete Dominick', conversation contributes to CNN firing

Rick Sanchez has been released by CNN presumably for comments he made on APF pundit Pete Dominick's show

BREAKING: Rick Sanchez Fired From CNN
CNN released this statement today:

“Rick Sanchez is no longer with the company. We thank Rick for his years of service and we wish him well.“

They will broadcast CNN Newsroom from 3-5pm for the foreseeable future.

Pete Dominick's website (www.standupwithpetedominick) was down for several hours, though it seems to be fine now. Pete will be expanding his role on CNN with a new Saturday show, 2:30pm ET. His facebook page offers a hint of the show's content

On our show tomorrow on CNN at 2:30 and 10:30 I will bring a camera to the people every week. We will talk about the weeks stories that weren't covered enough. We will highlight people from the week who are "better than me" and we will never prep a segment on pop culture unless it slams americans obsession with it

Here are is a sample of of Sanchez' contentious remarks

Partial transcript of conversation between Rick Sanchez and Pete Dominick
RICK SANCHEZ: Its not just the right that does this cuz I've know a lot of elite, north east, establishment liberals that may not use this as a business model but deep down they look at a guy like me and they automatically see a guy in the second tier and not in the top tier...

I think to a certain extent Jon Stewart and Colbert are the same way. I think Jon Stewart is a bigot... [he is bigoted towards] anyone who isn't like him. Look at his, I mean what does he surround himself with?...

I’m telling you that everybody who runs CNN is a lot like Stewart, and a lot of people who run all the other networks are a lot like Stewart, and to imply that somehow they, the people in this country who are Jewish, are an oppressed minority? Yeah.

That what happens when you watch yourself [Sanchez] on his show all day and all they ever do is call you stupid...

I think Jon's show is essentially prejudicial... against anybody who doesn't agree with his point of view which is very much a white, liberal, establishment point of view. He can't relate to a guy like me...

He's upset that someone of my ilk is at almost his level. I'm sorry that's my impression. Why would a guy constantly berate you night in and night out?...

VIDEO: Rick Sanchez calls Jon Stewart a bigot on Pete Dominick's radio show

Read and Listen to my 2008 interview with Pete Dominick - Introducing the newest APF Pundit: Pete Dominick

David Letterman in conversation with Jon Stewart compares Glenn Beck to Bobby Heenan

VIDEO: Jon Stewart on The Late Show
with David Letterman (Sept 29, 2010)

David Letterman and Jon Stewart have used the wrestling analogy to describe American Punditry more than once. So it's no surprise to see Letteman make this comparison between Glenn Beck and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. What it does show is that Letterman has put some thought to the analogy and that he knows his wrestling.

Jon Stewart on The Late Show with David Letterman (Sept 29, 2010)
DAVID LETTERMAN: ... I finally figured out who Glenn Beck is, he's Bobby Heenan. Do you remember Bobby Heenan?
JON STEWART: Bobby Heenan, the wrestling manager!
LETTERMAN: That's right. That's exactly who Glenn Beck is.
STEWART: Bobby Heenan?
LETTERMAN: Bobby Heenan. Yes. He's just looking to make trouble. He has no idea what he's talking about. He just wants trouble.

Find previous occasions where Letterman and Stewart have used the wrestling analogy here:

• Jon Stewart, Wyatt Cenac and Mick Foley endorse the analogy that American Politics is like pro-wrestling
• William 'Bill' Kristol - Top wrestling heel (villain)
• Bill O'Reilly on David Letterman talking about Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh

Glenn Beck discussed this exchange between Stewart and Letterman with radio co-host Pat Gray on 'The Glenn Beck Program'

Jon Stewart hearts Glenn
PAT: The reference to Bobby Heenan or whatever, whoever he's talking about there is a really good reason not to go on Letterman's irrelevant show. Nobody knows who Bobby Heenan is.

GLENN: Doesn't matter. Look, David Letterman, you know, he doesn't believe, I believe, in anything I say. I don't believe in the things that he believes in.
PAT: Yeah.

GLENN: You know, why would I go there?
PAT: It's a useless exercise.
GLENN: I don't believe
PAT: In futility.

GLENN: Yeah, I don't believe in boycotting anything. I just believe in this: I spend my money and my time in things that I believe in. I don't believe in David Letterman. David Letterman does what David Letterman does. He's funny sometimes, he's I don't know honestly, David, I don't know how you do it every day. I don't know how you are still doing the top 10 and you don't think, really? Again? I'm doing this? I mean, I don't know how you do that...

What is most astonishing about this exchange is that Glenn Beck's showmanship and craft is seemingly not informed through a boyhood interest in wrestling. I hope someone will one day get a chance to ask if Beck ever watched wrestling as a kid. Not knowing who Bobby Heenan offers some clue to the negative.

To enlighten Pat Gray and Glenn Beck, here is a sample of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan's work

VIDEO: Bobby Heenan Angry with Andre the Giant

To be honest I actually don't see the Heenan/Beck comparison. The one I used was an amalgam of Stone Cold Steve Austin, Doink The Clown and Edge and Chris Jericho.

According to David Letterman, Glenn Beck is Bobby "The Brain" Heenan

Jon Stewart hates Tucker Carlson, likes Bill O'Reilly and wants to be liked by Glenn Beck

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Truthiness to Power
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Rally to Restore Sanity

Jon Stewart on Tucker Carlson

(directed at Tucker Carlson after a clip of him is played calling Colbert a pompous jerk)

"Yes a pompous jerk, as opposed to an arrogant douche - who apparently gets to decide who is and who is not a comic.

Tucker and I can talk like this because we already have a visceral negative reaction to each other. Not an ounce of friendship or respect between us. Truly one of the only people in the world I feel that way about,"

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Bill O'Reilly
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Rally to Restore Sanity

Jon Stewart on Bill O'Reilly

I was coming on [to Fox] to promote the book and you were kind enough to have me and I'd always enjoyed being on your program because you really are -  especially over there - the fairest person, honestly by  a thousand miles. By a mile!

Jon Stewart on Glenn Beck

The Beck thing, I would love to have a conversation with him. I would love it. We could do an hour. Is he like the bubble boy of Fox News?

Beck, Colbert and Stewart Posters for 'Rally to Restore Sanity' and 'March to keep Fear Alive'

Tell your friends. Download PunditFight Beck, Colbert and Stewart heads

 Click below to download the PunditFight heads in PDF form

• Glenn Beck Portrait
• Stephen Colbert Portrait
• Jon Stewart Portrait

Find other PunditFight art here. Download hi-res art of the PunditFight roster here.

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

Stephen Colbert to testify in Congress in character

Stephen Colbert is scheduled to testify on Capitol Hill tomorrow.

Fresh off farm gig, comedian Colbert set for House hearing
(CNN) -- Stephen Colbert shined his comedic light on farm labor and immigration for his TV show. Now a House subcommittee is about to have him draw attention to the issues on Capitol Hill.

The Comedy Central funnyman, fresh off Thursday night's "The Colbert Report" episode showing him packing corn and picking beans on a farm as part of a challenge from a pro-immigrant-labor group, is to appear before a House subcommittee on immigration at 9:30 a.m.

In wrestling, kayfabe is the art of preserving the illusion that wrestling is real. Obviously this can be easily managed within the realm of wrestling but harder so when the larger than life characters interact with foreign parties or migrate to other forms of entertainment. I've spoken previously of the awkwardness of the hypermacho Bill O'Reilly persona when positioned in lightweight programming.

This will be an interesting exercise in hyperreality - seeing an earnest caricature of a conservative bloviator invited by a Democratic Congress to testify on the serious matter of illegal immigration. Since everyone in Congress should be across the Colbert brief, it shouldn't play like a 'Borat sketch'. But that's not to say reality won't be muddled at all.

Watch Stephen addressing the concerns of Fox and Friends' Gretchen Carlson and Steve Doocy

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Fallback Position - Migrant Worker Pt. 2
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes 2010 Election Fox News

Watch one of the rare occasions Stephen Colbert breaks kayfabe and unpacks his art.

VIDEO: The Real Stephen Colbert (Out of Character)

Read a discussion on Colbert's in-character appearance from Conservative blog, Newsbusters - Stephen Colbert to Testify to Congress About Illegal Immigration

Watch happens when staying in character can go wrong. I've shown and discussed this infamous clip between John Stossel and Dr D David Schultz previously. Here it is again being unpacked below:

VIDEO: Schultz VS Stossel - When keeping it Kayfabe goes wrong documentary (1 of 2)

Full transcript: Marc Maron befriends and betrays Ken Mehlman on plane (not in that order)

Gawker has a funny account of comedian Marc Maron's encounter with former GOP Chairman and the recently "out-of-the-closet" Ken Mehlman. Its just the latest example of how reality will only get weirder and meta with the instantaneous dissemination of information and the invisible connectedness of the live-tweeting age.

So a Comedian Sits Next to Former GOP Chairman Ken Mehlman on a Plane... (Updated)
Ken Mehlman is the former GOP chairman who recently confirmed he was gay. Marc Maron is a comedian. Marc Maron has found himself sitting next to Ken Mehlman on a plane and is live-tweeting it. Guess what happened?

If you guessed that LA comedian Marc Maron, creator of the podcast WTF with Marc Maron, took a picture of his exposed nipple next to former GOP chairman Ken Mehlman, you are correct! Since around 2pm EST, Maron has been tweeting about his flight with Mehlman

Here is a roundup of all of Maron's tweets from his Twitter account. I've included retweets from his former Air America co-host Sam Seder. Sam is a pioneer of ridiculing "anti-gay gay republicans", notably in his infamously trimmed chapter devoted to his pet subject in his book 'F*U*B*A*R (2006)'.

Via Marc Maron's Twitter account September 19
On plane. Upgraded. Sitting next to former GOP party leader Ken Mehlman. This is gonna be good.

Former GOP Party leader Ken Mehlman now asleep with mouth open. I will write on his face with a Sharpie. about 10 hours ago via web

Should I Tea Bag Ken Mehlman as he sleeps? about 10 hours ago via web

I think the other passengers would understand if I explain who he is. I'll do it for America. about 10 hours ago via web

Ken Mehlman looks so vulnerable sleeping. I wonder if he dreams about being part of the cock that fucked the country. about 10 hours ago via web

They just served us nuts. I hope Ken Mehlamn doesn't eat mine. about 10 hours ago via web

He's awake and I have a big screen so I might have to pull back...and button my shirt. Awww, he's got a copy of The New Republic. What? about 10 hours ago via web

I just wrote 'Yes We Did' on Ken Mehlman's forehead. about 10 hours ago via web

Shhhhhh. Be very quiet. http://twitpic.com/2q2i0w about 10 hours ago via Twitpic

Okay, its dinner time. My first mutual blind date with Ken Mehlman on the plane. We'll see what happens. I hope he wakes up soon. about 10 hours ago via web

Soooo hot! http://twitpic.com/2q2la9 about 10 hours ago via Twitpic

Okay, everyone be cool. I want to be able to talk to this guy. about 10 hours ago via web

Ahhhh. Cute. http://twitpic.com/2q2jw9 about 10 hours ago via Twitpic

Recap. Photo from my surprise date with former GOP Leader Ken Mehlman on plane. http://twitpic.com/2q2la9 about 10 hours ago via web

This is fucking crazy. I have to start a conversation. 'Uh...do you support teabagging...er...tea baggers? Uh. Fuck. Either? Both?' about 10 hours ago via web

Tried to use blackberry chit chat talk to get things going. False start. I hope he doesn't log on with his computer or I'm fucked. about 9 hours ago via web

Okay, I'm going to eat and try to do this like an adult. So, be cool. I'm beside myself here. Be back in a few. about 9 hours ago via web

Paraphrasing Mehlman. 'Karl Rove is not evil. He's my friend.' I tried to convince him he was evil. He called me cynical. about 8 hours ago via web

Paraphrasing Mehlman. 'Politicians do the best they can'. I tried to convince him other wise with facts. He called me cynical. about 8 hours ago via web

paraphrasing Mehlman. 'I think if you met George W Bush you would like him.' I said I would never let myself do that. about 8 hours ago via web

Paraphrasing Mehlman. 'I'm a socialist when it comes to social security.' Swear to god. It was a longer conversation but... about 8 hours ago via web

Paraphrasing Mehlman. 'They did not manufacture intelligence to get us into the Iraq War.' Me: Come on. Him: You are really very cynical. about 8 hours ago via web

Man, I hate when villains become human. I will not feel remorse. I will keep him a villain. about 8 hours ago via web

Paraphrasing Mehlman: 'If Sarah Palin became the candidate it wouldn't be good.' I called him cynical. jk. about 8 hours ago via web

He just asked me if I'm online? Uh oh. Could get tense here. about 8 hours ago via web

Paraphrasing Mehlman. 'I would have done health care reform differently blah blah blah...' I am cynical. about 8 hours ago via web

Okay. That's it. I think he may be on to me. Will continue conversation with you guys on @WTFpod at some point. Will tweet later. about 8 hours ago via web

The general theme of the Mehlman chat was that people make mistakes and politics doesn't let them own them and grow. Who's cynical? about 8 hours ago via web

Paraphrasing Mehlman. 'Dick Cheney and crew were not engaging in opportunism and greed with the Iraq war.' Come on. I'm cynical again. about 7 hours ago via web

Gotta stop. I feel like our relationship is being tainted by my betrayal. about 7 hours ago via web

RT @SamSeder Betrayal? He used homophobia as a professional tool- he should feel lucky all ur doing is taking funny pics about 7 hours ago via web

@SamSeder Get on IM, Sammy. Let's chat. about 7 hours ago via web in reply to SamSeder

Paraphrasing Mehlman. 'I'm a libertarian Republican.' (so, conservative on everything but gays? Now?) about 7 hours ago via web

Paraphrasing Mehlman. 'Christine O'Donnell is kooky.' about 7 hours ago via web

Now Mehlman is just watching 'Curb' laughing like a person. about 6 hours ago via web

Shit. Now I don't know which bottle of water is mine or Mehlman's. What if it's contagious. Not drinking. about 6 hours ago via web

I guess this happened. http://bit.ly/citxmH Time to land. We'll see what happens. about 6 hours ago via web

Longest tow into a gate ever. Watching Mehlman look at the Gawker on his blckbrry and i talked nonsense on the phone. about 5 hours ago via txt

I really couldn't help myself. Glad you were all on board. What a flight. about 4 hours ago via mobile web

He definitely found out. He was looking at the pic as we taxied. Shoulda said, 'all in good fun. Don't be cynical'. about 4 hours ago via mobile web

RT @samseder what did he say about the pic?// I got on the phone. Just sat in the weirdness. about 4 hours ago via mobile web

Rally to Restore Sanity - Jon Stewart's rally for the "80 percenters", Stephen Colbert counters with 'March to Keep Fear Alive'

VIDEO: Rally to Restore Sanity (September 16, 2010)
Rally to Restore Sanity

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Tea Party

JON STEWART: We have seen these folks, the loud folks over the years dominate our national conversation over our most important issues

(video montage of sensational personalities)

But why don't we hear from the 70 to 80 percenters? Well most likely because you have sh*t to do (applause)
And quite frankly even if you didn't have sh*t to do you may lack the theatrical flair necessary for today's 24hour-a-day 7-day-a-week news media...

Below are a compilation of the most theatrical performances and promos in recent politics, including some which were included in 'The Daily Show' montage:

1. The rise and rise of Glenn Beck: His appeal and the method to his madness
2. Howard Kurtz' Reliable Sources "outraged" by Glenn Beck and Lou Dobbs
3. Alan Grayson delivers wrestling-style promo on house floor - GOP Health Plan = Don't get sick!
4. Fake pundit Stephen Colbert compares himself to "fake" pundit Glenn Beck
5. Rush Limbaugh: You're either with Bobby Jindal or you're against us

Jon Stewart Coaches Cable News Pundits for the Midterms - MSNBC's Political Narrative

VIDEO: Are You Ready for Some Midterms? - MSNBC's Political Narrative
Are You Ready for Some Midterms? - MSNBC's Political Narrative

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Tea Party

JON STEWART: What are you doing? Do you know nothing of your obligation to shape the news towards your desired electoral goal? There is no "BUT" in journalism. Have you learned nothing from 'Fox'. You pick your narrative and you stick with with it and if the news doesn't fit your narrative - CHANGE YOUR (expletive) NEWS!

For God's sakes people. You don't change your narrative. Watch how the masters do it.

(Stewart cuts to a clip of Sean Hannity selectively editing President Obama's speech. Stewart makes a comment and plays a "less abridged version" of said clip)

STEWART: See MSNBC, Amateurs! Starting clips later and cutting them off earlier so the speaker can't finish the thought's full construction can be a useful tool in helping your audience understand what you want them to think. It's a fun and easy way to make people you disagree with unelectable...

Townhall Magazine: "100 Americans the left hate most!"

If one's mission were to "win friends and influence people" they would most likely do their best not to criticize, condemn or complain and act in a friendly manner. You may be mistaken for thinking this is what Politics is about, not quite. Winning elections is about having more votes than your competitor, its not necessarily about winning everyone over. If you're able to impassion a majority to victory it would almost be wise to cut your losses, sometimes having a constant opposition as a bogeyman can be the best motivator.

The world of wrestling is built on the very notion of "Us vs Them". Wrestlers orient themselves as either 'Heels' (villains) or 'Faces' (heroes) by their actions and their words. Their appeal however is based entirely on how they connect with the audience and not their orientation. Its not uncommon in wrestling to find that you root for the villain and loathe the hero.

Identity politics is built on proudly distinguishing oneself as part of marginalized group, insisting on such a narrative is a source of empowerment, a badge of honor. Its a tactic used by politicians and pundits with Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck arguably being the most effective proponents. Not surprisingly the marginalisation angle works best for the pundits when their ideological side is out of power and their supporters most engaged. As evidenced by the introduction of Liberal radio station Air America and pundits like Randi Rhodes, Sam Seder and Al Franken during the Republican Bush' second term. Also seen in the emergence of Glenn Beck and his brand of restoration during President Obama's first term.

Its not uncommon for these "marginalised" groups to glorify their status by identifying their biggest targets as TownHall Magazine have done below. But these lists can easily be recontextualized so the positions of strength are inverted as seen in these set of ranking  - Top 10 list of anti-Barack Obama conservatives

100 Americans se left hate most!
The more effective the voices that oppose their agenda, the greater the venom the Left spews in their direction. It’s this out-of-control behavior from our fellow citizens who are sold out to the ultraliberal progressive Obama agenda to “radically transform” the United States that led us to create this list of “The 100 Americans the Left Hates Most.”

The Townhall editorial staff compiled a massive list of those we believe have the largest bull’s-eyes painted on them by the Left and the Democrat-dominated government...

Download the PDF here - The 100 Americans The Left Hates Most

The usual suspects of PunditFight conservatives appear on the list, you'll have to go to TownHall magazine to find their respective rankings:
Hugh Hewitt, Bill Kristol, Michael Savage, Laura Ingraham, Mark Levin, Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Michelle Malkin, Ann Coulter and Glenn Beck

Watch how marginalised heel personalities negotiate between each other to elevate themselves

VIDEO: WWE Over The Limit 2010 Randy Orton Vs Edge