Introducing @NicoDenoir, the finest Politics is Wrestling Twitter account today

The Politics is Wrestling meme went mainstream in 2016 with Donald Trump's ascension and ultimate conquest of American Politics. As the #1 resource for the analogy, I've tracked the growth of 'Politics is Wrestling' since 2007. In the early days it was easier to find mentions of the meme as it wasn't in vogue yet. Prior to Trump, the original meme torchbearer was Jesse Ventura. The WWE Hall of Famer turned Minnesota Governor taught classes at Harvard in 2004 on how Pro-Wrestling prepares you for Politics. In 2010 the Daily Show brought the meme to the mainstream in a segment featuring Wyatt Cenac and wrestler Mick Foley. 

Today we're inundated with a deluge of stories and blog posts on how Politics is Wrestling. Taking hiatus from the blog when there were murmurs of a Trump Presidential run in 2011, I'd been out of the loop as far as storylines went. 

That was until I discovered @nicodenoir on Twitter, he's been my biggest source for keeping up to date with 'Politics is Wrestling'. Nico introduced me to Brandon Wetherbee and Chris Kelly, co-authors of 'The Donald: How Trump Turned Presidential Politics into Pro Wrestling' and the 'Great American Bash' podcast. He connected me with the 'Review America' podcast with Brian Mann and Nate Milton. Both podcasts discussing American Politics through the prism of Pro-Wrestling and founded July, 2016.

I got in touch with Nico to find more about him and get his take looking back on 2016. I'd hoped to release this by Inauguration Day but decided I wanted to crank up my animations again. Expect to see more Pundits added to the existing roster of PunditFighters and changes to some of the original cast. I'm toying with the idea of creating a stable for the best champions of the 'Politics is Wrestling' meme.

1. What's your relationship with Wrestling and Politics, how long have you been engaged with both?
 After graduating from Concordia University in Political Science, I spent over a decade in Canadian federal politics as an executive in communications, while also having been involved in the American 08’ New Hampshire presidential primaries.

My expertise is in public relations, speech writing and campaign management. My first wrestling memory is walking under the hot and arid Stampede Wrestling tent at the age of 5 in Calgary. At my first live wrestling event, I saw WWF Intercontinental Champion Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat in a No DQ Match, at the Montreal Forum in 1987.

I've been with the International Wrestling Syndicate since its inception in 1999, holding various roles with them behind-the-scenes over the years, while being currently involved as a public relations and social media consultant.

2. Explain your interest in the Politics is Wrestling analogy. How did you first come up with or come across the idea? 

 I first noticed the relationship between pro wrestling and politics while studying speech writing in College and falling onto the famous Dusty Rhodes 'Hard Times' promo. To this day, I still think that promo may arguably be the greatest political speech ever.

3. What were your 5 favorite Politics is Wrestling links for 2016, providing some background?

Linda McMahon picked to be Small Business administrator https://t.co/hP2jEXk3F7

— Nico Denoir (@nicodenoir) December 8, 2016

After Linda's failed senatorial races representing the Republican Party in Connecticut, once Chris Christie dropped out of the presidential race, the McMahon’s rallied behind their old friend Trump. The McMahon donation to the Trump campaign assured Linda's candidacy for appointment.

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Vote for Rhino - Tommy Dreamer Endorsement https://t.co/ALiLLpAy6p

— Nico Denoir (@nicodenoir) November 8, 2016

While everyone's focus was on Trump, Rhyno also ran for politics this year, doing a great job in his campaign which was highly substantial in local policies. He also continued to perform as a wrestler on the SmackDown brand throughout his campaign.

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• Rock's #GOP supporter
• Presidents last 2 terms
• He won't go vs Clinton
• Hollywood 💰 to make

= #Johnson2024 https://t.co/7HJyTEJHGc

— Nico Denoir (@nicodenoir) July 27, 2016

Dwayne Johnson has alluded in passing to entering politics, but this year was his coming out in affirming his interest in running for the highest office. Ironically, US politicians generally deny until the last minute their intentions to run for President, but obviously for The Rock, "it doesn't matter what you think".

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Two kinds of apologies... #DNC #RomanReigns pic.twitter.com/c3Tovjd94K

— Nico Denoir (@nicodenoir) July 25, 2016

I used these two incidences as an exercise to demonstrating the different ways a mistake can be publicly confronted, as the Democrats denied wrong-doing by deflecting the blame, Reigns faced his situation head-on by admitting fault and apologising.

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Donald Trump Talks RNC Entrance, McMahon, WWE on Meet The Press https://t.co/X40DeG5YH8

— Nico Denoir (@nicodenoir) July 24, 2016

While many speculated that Trump was using the professional wrestling playbook during his campaign, it was this Meet The Press interview that confirmed this reality, most notably from Vince McMahon's congratulatory call for the Republican National Convention entrance.

4. How would you best describe 2016? 
2016 was the year where the analogy of politics as wrestling was legitimized by the Trump candidacy. While Jesse Ventura has been playing this up all along since his mandate as Governor of Minnesota, it hadn't hit the American mainstream until now. By the end of last summer, politics as wrestling was on everyone’s mind.

Looking forward, it remains to be seen what effect the Trump campaign will have on others in the wrestling industry who have future political aspirations including Glenn Jacobs (Kane), Booker T, Cody Rhodes, Dwayne Johnson and quite possibly John Cena.

Remember the Rumble: Donald Trump, Election 2016 wallpaper

Donald Trump and Election 2016 wallpaper
and why we should "Remember the Rumble"

Only a week into the Trump presidency and many people remain in a state of disbelief and denial that there's a new sheriff in town. Trump is the first President to arrive into power with a sub 50% approval rating, his second day in office met with a wave of oppositional marches that overshadowed the crowd figures at his inauguration. Not one to take disapproval lying down Trump snidely tweeted:

Watched protests yesterday but was under the impression that we just had an election! Why didn't these people vote? Celebs hurt cause badly.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 22, 2017

The President's senior counselor Steve Bannon adding "The media should be embarrassed and humiliated and keep its mouth shut and just listen for a while". Whilst it appears like weeping and gnashing of teeth from Trump's detractors it's best described as blind fury. In pugilistic fashion, Trump has worked his opponents into a frenzy with goading rhetoric that aims to distract and debase them.

This is why it doesn’t matter when Donald Trump lies by Joe Hildebrand
Unfortunately many in the American left and liberal media still seem wholly incapable of seeing what drove Donald Trump to power and are thus hopelessly ill-equipped to remove him from it. The only trick in the playbook seems to be to dig up one more scandal, one more "gotcha" moment, and hope that this will be the one that sinks him.

If Einstein is right that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result then it’s not Trump who is the crazy one...

Instead of getting outraged by everything he says over and over again or protesting his very existence, Trump's opponents should find out why people voted for him in the first place and offer them a better alternative.

After all, if he's as bad as they say he is how hard can that be?

Its worth noting that Trump successfully divided and conquered opposition from his right flank, from Fox News to the National Review #NeverTrumpers. He also gave the last rites to both the Bush and Clinton dynasties. Trump has deftly fashioned friends and enemies across multiple, often unorthodox lines. Successfully repurposing the broad, bipartisan discontent on issues (trade, voter registration) and groups (congress, the media) to suit his ends. Redefining the playbook for modern politics, overlooked is how Trump revealed that voters weren't as monolithic as previously thought. Demonstrating it's possible for a leader to convince supporters to accept sworn enemies, welcome"alternative facts" and forgive conflicts of interest.

A potpourri of policies offered by the right salesman may be dutifully adopted especially if one is content to win only marginal support. Brandon Wetherbee and Chris Kelly, authors of 'The Donald: How Trump Turned Presidential Politics into Pro Wrestling' frames Hildebrand's prescription thusly

The Great American Bash "Heel President" (Nov 9, 2016)
CHRIS KELLY: (18m 25s) That's the thing, we just miscalculated that the heel would get his comeuppance now. Cuz there's still "heat" to get.
BRANDON WETHERBEE: I got a text last night saying -- What happens to the heel when he wins? Well he just keeps winning.
KELLY: He just keeps winning until there's a good challenger that you actually want to be the face of the company...

We need to be reminded that Trump vanquished a gauntlet of opposition from both sides of the aisle. His audacious boast that he "could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody" without losing voters chillingly proved true. It'll be a tall order finding a challenger as teflon as the Don but the candidate pool has broadened, rival billionaire Mark Cuban indicating "I think it did open a door, I think he's set a path for entrepreneurs, for business people".

The road to the White House starts at the Rumble

Using the upcoming WWE PPV as inspiration, I've made a new wallpaper to remind voter's of the alternatives paths offered and what Trump's conquest in spite monumental doubts signifies. Reminiscent of Colbert's 'Hungry for Power Games', I've appropriated the tagline for this year's Royal Rumble in San Antonio. Whilst the theme is "Remember the Rumble", I have a feeling the aftershocks of this political earthquake will remain a constant until the big one returns in 4 years.

- National Review "Against Trump" wallpaper: The GOP 2016 Royal Rumble

The 2016 Vice Presidential Debate Wallpaper: Tim Kaine VS Mike Pence

NXT Arrival: Mike Pence VS Tim Kaine

Keepin' it 1600 | Ep. 38: VP Debate React and State of the Race

JON FAVREAU: (16m 50s) It was jarring to see normal candidates talking right?
TOMMY VIETOR: In full sentences about issues
FAVREAU: The same way that watching the Clinton debates in the Primaries against Bernie were sort of boring and a totally different feeling than that involving Trump. This had that feeling again. Normal Politics was suddenly back. We were talking about issues. It was almost depressing because as entertaining as the other thing is, its horrible.
VIETOR: What it makes you realise is that there is hope for us after Trump. We can get past Trump. Politics is still really f*cked up but we can go back to debates like that. Except there is a lot of lying, lying with impunity is still a problem

The only Vice Presidential debate took place Tuesday, sandwiched between the First and Second Presidential showdowns. Most political watchers see the VP debates as only marginally consequential especially in contrast to the outsized personalities involved at the top of the ticket, the Main Event. Being that both Hillary and Donald are the oldest nominees to contest for the Presidency some lip service was paid. The VP debate offered a seemingly singular opportunity for the public to be introduced to Mike Pence and Tim Kaine head to head with under 40 days left before voting.

Kaine is trying to win the argument, Pence is trying to win the audience.

— Marc Duvoisin (@MarcDuvoisin) October 5, 2016

The general consensus among pundits was that Mike Pence won, largely on presentation. He was measured in his tone, sidestepping many of the charges Tim Kaine laid at his feet. Kaine whilst being more substantive was mostly dismissed due to his constant interruptions of Pence and the moderator, a mishandling of the permitted "discussion" format. Mike Pence' credentials as a former Radio Talker often cited for his deftness on the stage.

Inforwars: Live feed of the VP Debate

LA Times: Scoring the Vice Presidential Debate

Several outlets employed the Combat sports analogy, de rigeur this election season and moving forward I suspect. Infowars used a boxing graphic to accompany their live election feed. The LA Times went with a Greco-Roman wrestling motif, complete with Judges' scorecards.

First Presidential Debate Wallpaper: PAYBACK

APF presents 'PAYBACK':

Presidential Debate I. Hofstra University (Hempstead, NY)

There's an adage in combat sports, "Styles make fights". Not unlike Rock–Paper–Scissors, attributes become advantages or impediments depending on what they're matched with. Trump's striking VS Clinton's resilience. His passion VS her poise. The Unorthodox VS the Seasoned. Business Outsider VS Political Insider. Reflex VS Preparedness. In the upcoming Presidential Debate, we'll finally see what shakes out from the "Styles Clash" between Republican Nominee Donald Trump and Democratic stalwart Hillary Clinton.

In the inaugural episode of the 'Race to the White House' podcast, Associate Professor Brendon O'Connor summarises the competing styles and why It's difficult to predict how it'll go down.

Race to the White House - Episode 1
BRENDON O'CONNOR: (18m 53s) There's two ways of approaching Politics. One way is to be very policy-oriented, which forces you to think about process and costings... and there's another way of seeing Politics as a symbolic business. That you're about making people feel good about themselves, that politics is very therapeutic. That you talk about America being a great place or making America great again. You talk about things that are to some extent fantastical, like "Change" or putting up a wall between United States and Mexico. And there's no real possibility that you could bring about a process really to get these things into action. They're about reassuring Americans, I like to call it Public Self-Help talk. They're about soothing people and saying that everything's going to be OK. We're still going to be a great or exceptional nation. Politics has gone along that path, every election in America since the 1970's. It's just gone along more and more in that regard.

Trump in some ways is the extreme end of that Therapeutic Politics that really overpromises on a sense of something that is illusionary, something that is a fantasy but its gonna soothe the American public. That is gonna sound reassuring or different.
Where Hillary Clinton is a throwback in some regards. She's a Policy wonk. She's someone where her clear strengths are when she talks about details and process and so you have quite the contrast...

How you campaign against Donald Trump as Hillary Clinton is very challenging and when you debate him as we'll see in the coming weeks is even more challenging because you're speaking a totally different language. You're not working on the same assumptions. You're not attempting to engage in Politics in the same way.

A strangely overlooked aspect of the upcoming showdown is the shared history between the Clintons and Trump. Whilst photos and stories surface about Trump's cordial relationship with Bill and Hillary, this history has been overshadowed by the polarised rhetoric of Election season. The Clinton's have been such an enduring force in American Politics that although they've become institutional punching bags for the masses, they've also calcified into allies amongst the elite. Hillary released an Ad quoting Donald Trump's praise for her before they were pitted as opponents.

You can peruse Trump's Twitter timeline for a trail of his enemies, anyone who's wronged him gets mentioned and pilloried. In person however, he remains affable and conciliatory. Trump and Jeb chummily low-fived despite relentless attacks in the Debates. Though he launched his campaign with contentious rhetoric towards Mexico, Trump was gracious towards Mexican President Nieto during their face-to-face. Trump employed a winning defense during the GOP Primary, reversing his coziness with Hillary into a spiel about Business buying Political access. Everything's fair game when you're selling a fight. It'll be interesting to see how real the bad blood is when they finally step in the ring.

Best friends, Bitter enemies:
Donald Trump & Hillary Clinton. Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens

Watch how Wrestling sells a feud between former best friends, Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. The shared history heightens the drama and raises the stakes for their match. Their intimate knowledge of each other offers the possibility of deeper cuts and tangled motivations. In the Wrestling example we're keenly aware of the theatre in repurposing their relationship into a compelling feud. I wonder how much we'll sense from Hillary and Donald's friendship once they finally clash.

VIDEO: NXT Champion Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens tell their history

Mirroring the showdowns between Sami and Kevin. I'll be making Presidential Debate Wallpapers using the WWE PPV timeline, starting with 'PAYBACK'.

Update:
After Trump rival and Businessman, Mark Cuban tweeted he had front row seats for the First Presidential Debate. Trump, in true heel fashion threatened to put Gennifer Flowers alongside him. Flowers had an affair with Former President Bill Clinton whilst he was Governor of Arkansas.

Gennifer Flowers and Mark Cuban ringside at #HofDebate16

Update: Gennifer Flowers won't be attending the Debate. Trump's guests include a Benghazi attack survivor and Gold Star mother among others.

Is there a Donald Trump exit strategy?: "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave." Twitter Wallpaper

Twitter Header graphic:
Donald Trump "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave."

As soon as Donald Trump threw his hat in the ring, some speculated whether his campaign was a publicity stunt.

Would You Rather: GOP Edition
STEPHEN COLBERT: That's right, Trump's voters will not leave. I think that represents a huge problem for one person - Donald Trump. Cuz when I hear this man say nothing can stop me from winning, not even shooting people. I don't hear appeal to voters, I hear a cry for help. Let's remember here's a guy who ran for President to promote probably a Reality show or his mattress brand or his line of premium ex-wives and now he looks like he might actually win... cause Donald Trump can't possibly want to be President. Its the hardest job in the world.

Whilst Trump has expressed his desire to be President and "Win for America" as far back as '88. Some contend his primary fixation is on winning, garnering the acclaim that comes with it but not undertaking the job itself. Donald has run an unprecedentedly autonomous campaign, seemingly writing his own tweets and speaking extemporaneously on the stump. Could Trump sidestep the shackles of bureaucracy and become Kingmaker instead?

The Donald Trump / Ted Cruz Love Affair
SAM SEDER: (1m 04s) What's even more likely in my mind is that Trump may essentially all throw it behind Cruz
CLIFF SCHECTER: I can see that. I don't think he really wants this. I think he wants it right until he gets nominated and has to worry about traveling around with the Secret Service and stuff that he has no control over and he doesn't have the freedom to be as much of a jackass as 100% Donald Trump could be and I think you're right. You could see him right at that moment saying, if you supported me and you believe in what I believe - you have to support Ted Cruz.
SEDER: I mean who knows? One thing Trump is determined to do is that Jeb Bush does not become the nominee. He seems to have a genuine, deep-seated dislike of this guy... It's all speculation at this point... I think Trump would much rather appoint the President essentially than actually have to do the work
SCHECTER: ... and not have to bother with all the crap himself but he could be the guy the TV asks about it constantly

Sam and Cliff's suggestion of anointing Ted Cruz was well before Donald's success in the debates and subsequent Primary victories. This was also at a time when both current frontunners were still amicable with each other. Running with the theory that Trump is after an exit strategy, Comedian Louis C.K. offers his own target for a possible Trump handoff.

Louis C.K. Slams Trump: "The Guy is Hitler," "We Are Being Germany in the '30s"
A vote for Trump is so clearly a gut-vote, and again I get it. But add a little brain to it and look the guy up. Because if you vote for him because of how you feel right now, the minute he's president, you're going to regret it. You're going to regret it even more when he gives the job to his son. Because American democracy is broken enough that a guy like that could really fuck things up.

Former APF Pundit cum Late Night Talk show host, Stephen Colbert continues to offer the best psychoanalysis on what might be driving the mogul.

VIDEO: Trump, Pile Of Meat 2016
STEPHEN COLBERT: I think if we're honest, I think I know what's going on here. Donald is just insecure. I don't know if Donald even wants to be president. The guy just needs constant validation, that's clear and isn't that what all of us want? Love. Just love and maybe steak. And if we just give that to him maybe he'll go away. So Mr Trump, Mr Trump, Mr Trump and I know you're watching because I said your name three times I just want you to know that everyone thinks you're cool. OK. You're smart, you are good at companies and business-ing and no doubt you're hung like a pool noodle...

Whilst offering no prescription, Bill Maher imagines how Donald Trump's reign might end. No doubt to the delight of many from both sides of the aisle.

Maher Fantasizes About Trump Dying on Stage, Jokes About Cheney Dying
BILL MAHER: Although, here's a little bit of hope, you know. I know, nothing ever seems to stop this guy no matter what you throw at him. You ever see the movie War of the Worlds, Tom Cruise movie, right? That gives me hope because, if you remember the movie, the space invaders are just totally kicking our ass. I mean, they got their tripods, they got the forcefields around them, nothing can stop them, and then they just die.
They just die. Nobody does anything. They just f***ing die. I mean, it's like they just got to page 100 in the script and went, "F*** it, they just die." Have Morgan Freeman come and do a voiceover. They get the flu or something.

Update: (March 30)
Trump is winning far too much for him to find a clean exit. Could a likely brokered convention be his last out?

New theory among anti-Trumpers: He's deliberately sabotaging his campaign
That theory, the "honorable exit," worked out well, didn’t it? Markay’s version is really just the "honorable exit" in the form of a brokered convention. 

Update 2: (May 26)
Now that Trump is the presumptive Republican nominee, what now for "honorable exit"? Why not just license the Trump brand to a Republican White House and get the VP to do the heavy lifting:

Trump Adviser: Trump Will Outsource Being President to His VP
Being president of the United States of America is, to put it mildly, hard work. It's an incredibly taxing job that involves making an untold number of decisions—a few big and splashy, the vast majority small-bore and likely to go unnoticed unless something goes catastrophically wrong—that will impact millions and millions of people. Setting aside the power and the prestige, the day-to-day job doesn't sound like one Donald Trump would actually want. And, according to his top campaign strategist, he doesn't.

Update 3: (June 22)
Rachel Maddow expands on Colbert's premise that Trump is doing all this to promote his brands and line his pockets

VIDEO: Donald Trump's Campaign A Cover For Moneymaking Scheme | Rachel Maddow | MSNBC
RACHEL MADDOW: (4m 26s) These are not the kinds of expenditures you would expect to see from someone who's actually running a campaign for President who intends to win the Presidency. The expenses, when you look at what the Trump campaign is actually spending its money on. What they're actually spending time doing. Its more like a Concert Tour. Its more like a promotional tour for a Celebrity who's hawking something than it is a campaign where you need people to go out and vote for you in November...
Its a racket. It is not necessarily designed to win the election -- I don't know if its not necessarily a problem to win the election -- think of the merchandising opportunities in the Oval Office? You can tell that winning *might* happen but its not the aim. It would be the byproduct of what is the principle effort, which is to make money.

National Review "Against Trump" wallpaper: The GOP 2016 Royal Rumble

National Review "Against Trump" wallpaper: The GOP 2016 Royal Rumble

A new Trump wallpaper inspired by the upcoming WWE Royal Rumble. Dubbed 'One versus All', reigning Champ Roman Reigns is tasked with defending his title against the 29 other entrants. A stipulation created by WWE Establishment to strip him off his power.

National Review (Feb 2016): 'Against Trump' issue

Mirroring this storyline, conservative journal 'The National Review' published a special issue arguing "Against Trump". Featuring 22 prominent conservatives outlining their concerns for Trump as GOP nominee, headlined by APF pundit Glenn Beck and notables like Michael Medved and "top heel" William Kristol.

Donald Trump has already hit back by dismissing the relevance of the magazine whilst feigning concern. A classic Trump retort.

National Review is a failing publication that has lost it's way. It's circulation is way down w its influence being at an all time low. Sad!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 22, 2016

Whilst Glenn Beck has been actively warning his conservative viewers and counterparts of Trump, this latest assault might have awakened the GOP frontrunner and spun off a potentially juicier Feud. No doubt Trump will eventually go after Beck's own Media Empire and challenge its influence and financial standing. For now, the new program was teased with this promo on the "crying Glenn Beck"

Word is that crying @GlennBeck left the GOP and doesn't have the right to vote in the Republican primary. Dumb as a rock.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 24, 2016

#AndNew Donald Trump for President Wallpapers

Following on from my Sarah Palin Wallpapers and Presidential PPV Posters, I've decided to warmup the Poster Factory for 2016.
With 44th President, Barack Obama wrapping up his two terms and the prospect of Bush VS Clinton III or a Donald Trump Presidency it was an opportunity I couldn't resist.

Drawing inspiration from the UFC and their man of the moment Conor McGregor, I've fashioned #AndNew posters for the soon-to-be 45th President, Donald Trump.

Donald Trump #AndNew

1366 x 768 wallpaper

Donald Trump #AndNew
Optimised Facebook Cover page

Brony Glenn Beck wallpaper: #StandWithGrayson

It's been a while since I've made dedicated Wallpapers but it's worth the wait for "Brony" Glenn Beck

#StandWithGrayson: Brony Glenn Beck wallpaper

#StandWithGrayson: Brony Glenn Beck wallpaper (small)

#StandWithGrayson: Brony Blaze logo

Find other Glenn Beck Wallpapers here:
- Beck, Colbert and Stewart Posters for 'Rally to Restore Sanity' and 'March to keep Fear Alive'
- Glenn Beck vs. Rush Limbaugh: Politico wonders what the rise of Glenn means to Rush's influence

Glenn Beck is the Brony Messiah: #StandWithGrayson in solidarity for a 9yr old student bullied for his 'My Little Pony' lunch bag

Last week President Obama made headlines for appearing on Zach Galifianakis' faux interview show 'Between Two Ferns' presented by 'Funny or Die'. Whilst critics found the parody beneath the dignity of Presidential office, others saw it as astutely reaching out to the youth using their language.

President Obama has always had a crossover appeal due to his perceived cool which proponents (Bill Maher) and detractors (Roseanne Barr) have been critical of in the past. Ultimately its a play for a younger, connected audience. This week, arguably the most influential person on the Right went for an equally influential youth audience - Glenn Beck revealed himself as a "Brony".

VIDEO: Know Your Meme: My Little Pony  

KNOW YOUR MEME: (4m) Whilst it may seem the initial fires of war have subsided and each side, those who seek the magical friendship of Ponydom and those who see it a cancer to the web are locked into an unbreakable stalemate. It is prophecised that one great Brony will unite the herd and usher in a new era of love and tolerance to the entire web.

Is Glenn Beck the prophecised Brony Messiah?
Glenn Beck came to the defense of  9 year old Grayson Bruce who was bullied in his Buncombe County school for bringing a 'My Little Pony' lunch bag. Showing solidarity with the boy and his mother, Beck spoke of the callousness of the School Counsellor who suggested he "should hide his lunch box in his backpack and that when you carry things like that these things happen."

#StandWithGrayson: Glenn stands in solidarity with a 9-year-old NC student
GLENN BECK: We're not aficionados on My Little Pony. But I am an aficionado on what it takes to be a man in today's world. And just because you like little ponies means nothing. You having the courage to be who you are and stand up no matter what society says, that is worth its weight in gold.
Send us your snapshots or whatever else you might have and we'll post them. And Grayson, if you and your mom ever want to come down to Dallas, you let me know. You can bring your My Little Pony lunch bag, and I might bring My Little Pony lunch bag. And we can have lunch.

Brony Glenn Beck: Welcome to the Herd.

Brony Glenn Beck: Don't Feed the Parasprites

Avengers assemble! Glenn Beck's 2014 Summer Rally with Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, Ann Coulter and possibly Rush Limbaugh

VIDEO: RWW News - Glenn Beck Teases Pre-Election Conservative Summit 

Beck Teases Pre-Election Conservative Summit with Hannity, Levin & Limbaugh
GLENN BECK: I wrote to Sean about a week before I went on vacation and I said "Sean, I do these summer events and this summer, we haven't announced it yet, but I would like to consider doing the first night of a three night event with you and Mark and possibly Rush [if anybody has the guts to ask Rush] and he wrote back immediately "I'm in. I'll talk to Mark"...
This summer event, we hope to announce in the next couple of weeks. I'm thinking it'll be in June... coincidentally this is the summer leading into the Midterm elections...
PAT GRAY: It'd be weird to be united leading into the Midterm elections... It'd be really sad for the other side

Glenn Beck's Summer Rally 2014:
Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, Ann Coulter and Rush Limbaugh

Glenn Beck used a cartoon reference to describe this union of Pundit heavyweights, "when Wonder Twins activate… Something big is happening". I would have preferred a wrestling reference but I feel another set of comic book superfriends are more apt - The Avengers!

Glenn Beck's Summer Rally 2014:
"Avengers Assemble!" edition

Ann Coulter as The Black Widow
A femme fatale, perennially in Black. Ann is tasked with coaxing the powerful Rush Limbaugh into the fold.

Sean Hannity as Captain America
Sean is a "Great American" and a leader in his own right. He is a patriot with a throwback style.

Glenn Beck as Iron Man
A wealthy industrialist and recovering alcoholic, Glenn Beck is the head of this motley crew of conservative pundits

Mark Levin as Thor
Wielding his hammer of justice, Levin is a lawyer with a thunderous voice. Despite fighting alongside Iron Man [Glenn Beck], they have had their battles in the past.

Rush Limbaugh as The Incredible Hulk
You wouldn't want to see him angry. A one man wrecking crew, Rush is the Lethal Weapon crucial to the Avengers winning the war.

Play with the new APF animation below. Toggle the button on the corner left to see the "Avengers Assembled":

- War is over: Sean Hannity and Mark Levin call truce with Glenn Beck

Wrestlemania 28: Rock VS Cena - White House 45: Romney VS Obama Wallpaper

WrestleMania: White House XLV Romney VS Obama Wallpaper

Just like Rock VS Cena for WrestleMania 28, its seems like Romney VS Obama has also been a year in the making.

Some Handy links looking back at the 2008 Election Season:
- View all the Art of the Primary PPV Posters
- Relive the struggle Between Hillary Clinton and Obama in the Democratic Primary
- Watch the main event between Barack Obama and John McCain
- Watch the rise and influence of Saturday Night Live
- Watch the entertaining sub plot involving the Vice Presidential candidates Sarah Palin and Joe Biden

Update: John Cena and Mitt Romney pose for photos at Daytona 500 in Florida. Find more photo photos from AP here - Romney takes campaign detour to Daytona

Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney with Wrestler John Cena

Super Tuesday and Mitt Romney - Flashback 2008

Mitt Romney headlines the Super Tuesday 2008 poster

To commemorate the upcoming Super Tuesday Primary, I present the 2008 PPV poster co-headlined by Mitt Romney and Barack Obama.
- Super Tuesday: Live on PPV

Hoopheads Sarah Palin and President Obama are both on the Lin bandwagon

Sarah Palin has "Linsanity"

The parallels between Palin and Obama

Palinsanity! It seems the Jeremy Lin phenomenon is postpartisan. From a strictly basketball perspective its understandable how former basketball stars Obama and Palin would appreciate Lin for his oncourt ability. His humility, overall approval and faith also make him palatable to a large population so its not surprising that he would cross the partisan divide.

- Barack Obama and Sarah Palin: Basketball and Politics
- Lebron James follows Rush Limbaugh to Florida. 'Sports Guy' Bill Simmons likens Lebron to a wrestling heel
- The rise and fall of Sarah Palin (Part 1 of 2)
- Rise above hate: John Cena, Jeremy Lin and President Obama + Lebron James

Elimination Chamber: The Republicans and WWE Superstars Debate

Elimination Chamber: The WWE meets the Republican Primary debates

VIDEO: WWE Raw - Elimination Chamber
Preview debate (Feb 13, 2012)

Each competitor for the 2012 Elimination Chamber said their peace moving forward their respective narratives. The debate format is an entertaining approach to build for the event that will earn them the right to face the defending Champion. Each competitor has their strengths, their unique brand of charisma garnering varying degrees of support. Some simply point to their record, others exude confidence whilst some have a chip on their shoulder.

Depending on the competency of the Moderator and the tone of civility set. Each debate enhances, weakens or preserves the candidate's status quo. Ultimately the debate will not settle a thing, its the referee's count that will determine the next champion.

WWE Raw: Elimination Chamber debate (Feb 13, 2012)
CM PUNK: To you the WWE audience. I give my word, I promise you that this debate will not end in violence...

VICKIE GUERRERO: Excuse Me! [Moderator] Jerry, I think there should be no booing allowed...
DOLPH ZIGGLER: Everyone knows I'm a better wrestler than CM Punk. I'm better than anyone in the ring at everything including the audience. That's kind of my deal. Except I back it up every single night and then there's people like R-Truth who don't even know what State we're in
R-TRUTH: Is that right? Well if I'm elected. The first thing I'm going to do is trade Vickie Guerrero and Dolph Ziggler to Smackdown for Hornswaggle and a box of spiders
ZIGGLER: We're not running for office you idiot! How do you even work here? King! (pleading to moderator)
Moderator JERRY 'THE KING' LAWLER: Its OK, continue..
R-TRUTH: Thank you your honor...

Moderator LAWLER: You were in the main event of last year's Wrestlemania?
THE MIZ: Correction Jerry! I wasn't in the main event of last year's Wrestlemania. I WAS the Main event of last year's Wrestlemania! I made history when I retained my title not once but twice...
*buzzer sounds*
Moderator LAWLER: Miz you're time is up...
KOFI KINGSTON: Miz why don't you shut up. An Afterthought? You called me an afterthought. I'm sure most of the people in this ring probably agree with you because I have been overlooked for far too long. That's alright though because that's the beautiful thing about the Elimination Chamber is that in the course of one night everything can change...

CHRIS JERICHO: Its obvious that I'm surrounded by neophytes in this ring, surrounded by neophytes in this entire arena. All of you need to quiet down because the true "Best in the World" at everything I do is about to enunciate...

- Republican Primaries - Flashback 2008
- Super Tuesday and all the primaries before it

Republican Primaries - Flashback 2008

Its unfortunate I've been unable to cover the intriguing Republican Primaries whilst I've been occupied traveling. In lieu of this I hope you enjoy this flasback to the 2008 Presidential Election and the Democratic and Republican Primaries:

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US Presidential Primaries 2008

A collection of PunditFight art encapsulating the entire Presidential campaign season. From the primaries starting in Iowa, the three Presidential debates, the Vice Presidential debate and the General Election.

Some Handy links looking back at the Election Season:
- View all the Art of the Primary PPV Posters
- Relive the struggle Between Hillary Clinton and Obama in the Democratic Primary
- Watch the main event between Barack Obama and John McCain
- Watch the rise and influence of Saturday Night Live
- Watch the entertaining sub plot involving the Vice Presidential candidates Sarah Palin and Joe Biden

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.

Eric Cartman and Jon Stewart's parody Glenn Beck logos

Jon Stewart and Eric Cartman parody the Glenn Beck program

A new APF graphic showcasing Jon Stewart and Eric Cartman's logos for their Glenn Beck parodies, an appropriation of Beck's Fox News logo.

Find an archive of Beck Parody posts here:
- Jon Stewart parodies Glenn Beck again, explains "Glenn's rules of the blackboard"
- South Park, Eric Cartman parodies Glenn Beck
- "The 11/3 Project" - Jon Stewart parodies Glenn Beck
- The rise and rise of Glenn Beck: His appeal and the method to his madness (Colbert Parody of Beck)

Scott Brown - The new Barack Obama and Sarah Palin

It looks like I may have to update this Palin/Obama comparison graphic to include new political sensation, Republican Scott Brown.

The parallel between Barack Obama and Sarah Palin

The Daily Show has had the best coverage highlighting the similarities Brown has to Palin and Obama - Charismatic, photogenic, relatively inexperienced young faces brought in on a platform of change, perceived as celebrities moreso than politicians.

And the capper...? Brown also played basketball earning his own nickname just like 'Barry O'Bomber' and Sarah 'Barracuda'

How Well Do You Know Scott Brown?
*His old nickname back home in Wrentham, Massachusetts is "Downtown" Scotty Brown, referring to his famed jump shot from his days as a star hoopster at Wakefield High School.

*Speaking of hoops, when President Obama called to congratulate him on his victory, Brown challengedhim to a game of 2 on 2 hoops. Brown said his team mate would be his daughter Ayla, a star basketball player at Boston College.

This Daily Show clip is particularly clever in alluding to the NBC late night talk show war between Conan and Leno in referencing Obama and Brown - January 20, 2010: Indecision 2010 - The Re-Changening.

VIDEO: Fox News Covers Scott Brown's Victory (January 20, 2010)

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Fox News Covers Scott Brown's Victory
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Crisis

JibJab's latest creation - Never a Year Like '09

We here at the APF are big fans of JibJab. The cutout aesthetic. Their world-famous political toons, with pundits always getting major screen time. Their kickass animations and brilliant sense of humour. Not to mention JibJab's comprehensive behind-the-scenes blog features. What's not to like?

Unveiling their latest animation commemorating the year just passed. Go to their Making of “Never a Year Like ‘09″ feature page here.

VIDEO: JibJab - Never a Year Like '09

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Hulk Hogan brings change to 'TNA Total Nonstop Action' Wrestling

Hulk Hogan "TNA Change" T-shirts
Purchase the Hogan shirt from the TNA shop - Hulk Hogan - Change T shirts

Wrestling meets Politics 2010 edition. Any casual wrestling fan will know that 2010 has started with a bang with the surreal and improbable return of Bret Hart to WWE and the game changing arrival of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan to TNA.

TNA have aptly appropriated the Obama 'Change' posters for Hogan's campaign to reinvigorate the #2 wrestling brand 'TNA Total Nonstop Action Wrestling'. Its a clever use of the Obama iconography considering the abundance of parodies that have flooded the culture.

Incidentally the APF has done some appropriating of its own, but of Hulkamania's own iconic branding. The infamous 'Huckamania' Mike Huckabee Wallpapers.