The View's Hot Topic - "The Battling Presidents": George W Bush and Bill Clinton

The View - Day of Hot Topics (November 11, 2009)

The ladies of 'The View' discuss the wrestling style promotion of the touring lecture series featuring former Presidents George W Bush and Bill Clinton.

Bush, Clinton to appear at Radio City Music Hall
Former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton are set to appear at Radio City Music Hall in February - though if history is any guide, the matchup is likely to produce few fireworks.

The famous New York City venue announced Wednesday the two former presidents will share the same stage February 25, nine months after the ex-presidents shared a similar stage in Toronto, Canada.

As the ladies discuss, because the event was beginning to be billed as something it was not - A fight event rather than concurrent speeches from two former Presidents, it was canceled.

'The View' - Hot Topics (November 9, 2009)
WHOOPI GOLDBERG: A debate between Presidents Bush and Clinton that was billed in an ad in the New York Times as the hottest ticket in political history has been cancelled. A Clinton spokes person said it happened because it was being billed into something it was not.What do you guys think?

BARBARA WALTERS: ..the first thing that sort of annoyed me and it's happened in other place. Is this what's happening. Is this show business now? That the two ex-presidents come on together and do mano-a-mano. So I thought I'd buy the ticket, cuz they'd done this in Toronto... but evidently this was being described as a debate. But these two men don't want to do a debate. They want to do nice- nice. In the other cities it was very boring and people were disappointed. So they tried to Jazz it up. So that's why this happened and it got canceled.

JOY BEHAR: You got to sell tickets. Radio City is a big hall

The ladies go on to discuss the value of the former Presidents debating and why it should or shouldn't be billed as a wrestling style battle in order to generate ticket sales.

WHOOPI GOLDBERG: ...they don't want to be billed as the battling presidents cuz that's not what they're doing

JOY BEHAR: In the Toronto report they were making nice with each other and I thought that was pretty boring

BARBARA WALTERS: So that's the point people were not buying tickets... If you're going to try this guys and you're coming on like show business. And you're getting paid $100,000 maybe more. You can't just come on and do a nice (inaudible)

ELISABETH HASSELBECK: Wait a minute,Why do we have to demand show business from our Presidents

Family dynasties, pro wrestling and Politics

A big tradition in pro-wrestling is the dynastic family. Many of today's popular and successful wrestlers have come from a lineage of storied families. Families who have spanned generations, often with mixed fortunes from tragedy to controversy adding further mystique to their name.

While wrestling has a long list of families from the Harts to the Guerrero's who have held Championships and carried their franchises through Generations. American Politics has similarly cultivated it's share of families who've held Presidencies and played senior roles in Government for decades - the Bushes, Clintons and The Kennedies. The closest America has to royalty.

In recent days, these political families have been in the news. Caroline Kennedy, the only surviving child of US President John F Kennedy has been mentioned as a possible appointment choice for the soon-to-be vacant Senate seat for New York. Interestingly the seat was held by Hillary Clinton who has been tapped as Barack Obama's Secretary of State.

Michelle Malkin spoke of this on a recent episode of Fox and Friends

...Governor Patterson is starting to feel the heat here. He's damned if he does appoint her and he'll be damned if he doesn't. He'll have the wrath of one royal family - The Clintons or the other - The Kennedy's no matter who he chooses.

The Republican dynastic family, the Bushes have also been in the news. Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, brother to the outgoing President and son of former President Bush is considering running for the recently vacated Senate Seat in Florida. Whilst he is a credible choice there are doubts about his chances amongst the electorate, as conservatives have become disillusioned and the populace fatigued by the Bush reign.

Below are a sample of comments from posters at HotAir.com

Will Jeb Run?
He can run, but he can’t hide.
No more Bush politicians — it’s not really their strong suit. No doubt he’s as honest and well-intentioned as 41 and 43, but I think many Americans are a bit sick of family dynasties and the attendant cronyism.
In fact, let’s broaden the scope: No more career politicians, anywhere.

- mr.blacksheep

Ed, your analogy is off target. Jeb Bush may have worked for his place, but his brother’s true heir is Barack Obama. Both men by-passed the traditional game to grab the Brass Ring. Today, the entire American political scenery is becoming too ‘Peyton Place’. We have professional politicians ensconced in their comfortable offices, parents bequeathing their political machine to their children and a growing sense of hopelessness amongst the general population.

This is NOT what the Founding Fathers had envisioned. We’ve corrupted the system and have no one to blame but ourselves for the outcome. Caroline Kennedy will inherit her uncle’s Senate seat, Jeb Bush will use his new Senate seat to campaign for President (a’ la Hillary) in 2012.

- SeniorD

Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Robert Gates

Hogans and Warrior = Obama and Hillary. Respect angle

The Circle is complete. First the rancorous primary, then together in 'Unity'. and finally a partnership in the State Department.

Republicans seem uniformly happy with Obama.

Wolf Blitzer: I haven't heard a mainstream republican dissapointed with the choices
Stephen Hayes: Republicans are generally happy

Hugh Hewitt speaks of Democrats being on "suicide watch" for Obama's centrist picks.
Click here for the Hugh Hewitt audio

Saturday Night Live Wallpaper: Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler

Strong Nspiring Ladies

A new wallpaper featuring arguably the most influential, most talked about rolemodel women of this Presidential Cycle and 2008 in general: Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.

Kindly let me know if you come up with a better acronym

Read previous SNL posts here:
- Saturday Night Live characters: Past Presidents, Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin
- The Reemergence of Saturday Night Live (and Hillary Clinton)
- McCain lovefest: The media, Pundits and Jon Stewart
- Read more Saturday Night Live posts here

Saturday Night Live characters: Past Presidents, Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin

In a revealing panel discussion for The Museum of the Moving Image, key members of the SNL staff spoke on the role the show has played during the Presidential races of the last 30 years.

They recounted SNL Presidential characterizations of the past and touched on various subjects familiar to readers of this blog; The bending of reality when politics and satire collide, charisma and even a Jesse Ventura wrestling reference.

The panel consists of Lorne Michaels (Series creator and executive producer), James Downey (veteran SNL writer), Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers (cast members and Weekend Update co-anchors).

- Listen and Download the 'SNL' and Presidential Politics panel discussion
- View the 'SNL' and Presidential Politics transcript

Selected highlights:
On partisanship and SNL's influence on elections

...You can't think about the fate of Western civilization. You know, we're part of it, but we're not—honestly, nobody's going into the booth, and [saying], "You know I watched SNL and now I'm clear (Laughter) on what to do...
We don't try and deal with it in that grandiose way of what's best for the country. And again, none of this stuff works unless it hits pretty close. You can't go out there and just do a partisan rant. I mean, you can do that if you're on MSNBC (Laughter) but you can't really do it in comedy, because if you lose the audience, you lose them really fast.

On SNL enlisting Jesse Ventura to fill in for Al Gore

[Al] Gore was very much tougher to convince than Bush. Bush was like, "Yeah, I'll do it (Laughter)". Gore... needed a lot of hand holding. Franken interceded because Franken knew him very well, and so we were able to talk him into doing the stuff.

But then we didn't have a "Live from New York" thing... but [Gore thought] "I just don't feel this would be dignified"... we got Jesse Ventura to do the "Live from New York."

... one of our producers, calls the Minnesota governor's office. Jesse's in the background... "They want you to do, 'Live from New York.'" (Gruffly) "Yeah, fine!" (Laughter)... I just knew that if Jesse Ventura could do anything, he could do a "Live from New York." But he did the perfect professional wrestler kind of thing...

On the difficulty comedians may have satirizing Obama

Yes, because he's so fucking smooth! (Laughter) He's like a master jewel thief, like in a 1950's movie, who never leaves any finger prints. No one ever saw anything. No one heard anything. I'm saying he's just really impressive as a figure. I talk to people from other—the South Park guys say the same thing. Other comics and stuff, they go, "Wow. He doesn't have many handles, does he?"

For someone like me, Al Gore was a gift that would keep on giving. (Laughter)... I thought Gore was a much richer thing. Whereas Obama is just—he's tough. And I don't know any one... I've seen people who think they have the handle, but I don't think it's that good...

'Saturday Night Live' Presidential Bash

Image made with the aid of brilliant SNL resource - SNL Archives
- Watch a video collection of SNL's Presidential impersonations

Michael Tomasky: The Clinton Drama

This blog by it's design highlights the theatre and psychology of politics and punditry. Most of the attention is paid to the bluster, tension, personalities and framing of political discourse.

Michael Tomasky of The Guardian provides a little perspective.

The Clinton Drama
...Politics is not therapy. It's not something that is conducted so people who live essentially comfortable lives can feel good about themselves and happy about outcomes. Politics is about the state of the country and the world. It's about a million things beyond the "character" of the candidate.

It's about what kinds of lawyers are appointed to important positions in the Justice Department to defend the constitution and people's civil liberties. It's about what kinds of people will be working in Labor Department, either helping or hindering the creation of more unions. It's about who is at the Environmental Protection Agency, and whether the laws that protect poor communities from illegal toxic dumping will be enforced or ignored. It's about what the State Department and other agencies do to foster the development of democracy and human rights, or what they turn a blind eye to. And of course it's about the Supreme Court. And it's about a hundred other things just like these things.

In the face of all this, people think politics is about their feelings?...

Roundup: Hillary Clinton speaks at the DNC

A roundup of comment threads regarding Hillary Clinton's speech at the Democratic National Convention.

From HotAir.com -
WaPo: Hillary inspired her delegates … to wish she had won

From CrooksandLiars.com -
Hillary Knocks It Out of The Park: “No Way. No How, No McCain.”

From MichellMalkin.com -
DNC night 2 open thread

The DailyKos with their roundup -
Your Abbreviated Pundit Round-up

Most importantly this story allows me to re-post my favorite montage picture

Hogan and Warrior = Obama and Hillary. Respect angle

In a previous post I suggested how the two warring Democrats should end their hard fought campaign.
The Democratic Primary: How should Barack and Hillary finish it? With Hillary's speech, the circle is complete.

Kazoos in Politics: Hillary supporters at the Democratic convention

VIDEO: Edge and Christian play the Kazoo

As absurd as this video is, CBS News suggests there may be scenes not dissimilar to this at the Democratic Convention in Denver.

Clinton Creates 'whip Team' To Quell Anti-Obama Protests
By Glenn Thrush
In an unusual move, Hillary Clinton's staff is creating a 40-member "whip team" at the Denver Democratic convention to ensure that her supporters don't engage in embarrassing anti-Obama demonstrations during the floor vote on her nomination, according to people familiar with the planning...

"If people get down there on the floor and want to start blowing kazoos and making a scene we want to make sure we've got people who stand in front of them with Obama signs," said person involved in the planning.

"Is it typical for a losing candidate to have their own whip team? No. But it's also not usual for a losing candidate to get 18 million votes either," said the person.

Read the full article here from Glenn Thrush
Watch NBC's Chuck Todd mentioning the Kazoo threat to Keith Olbermann

Politicians channeling Rocky: Baracky II

VIDEO: Baracky II

Possibly the most entertaining political video I've seen to date. Very well designed.
Updated August 22: With apolgies to Anonymous, when it comes to the funny and design its tough to beat the guys at JibJab.

This is the second time a Democratic candidate has been likened to Rocky. Hillary Clinton was first to liken themselves to the never-say-die boxer during a speech in Philadelphia Now Barack (albeit by an anonymous videographer) has been cast as Rocky.

Ironically Sylvester Stallone - the man who made Rocky, is an unabashed John McCain fan. McCain best embodies the Rocky spirit as the aging underdog going for his last hurrah.

I know Stallone has received criticism and praise from Conservatives, but I'd like to put politics aside for a moment. I must say I'm a proud fan of Sly Stallone. I would encourage everyone if they could, to find a copy of the Rocky Box Set. On the first disc you will find a talking head documentary where Stallone speaks about the journey he had to go through to bring vision to the big screen.

It is a truly inspirational and captivating story. Stallone is thoughtful and articulate and reveals him as a true artist. You'll see how closely Stallone's journey in conquering Hollywood mirrors Rocky's in the movies. Rocky has the look of a vacant but endearing brute, this coupled with his slurring speech makes it easy for people to overlook and underestimate him. You'll be reminded that whilst its a look that makes for a great film character its also Stallone's authentic appearance. Sly through his tenacity and self-belief has managed to succeed in spite of his handicaps.

VIDEO: Everyone wants to be Rocky

But Stallone clearly hopes to cast someone else as the hero

I like McCain a lot. And you know, things may change along the way, but there's something about matching the character with the script. And right now, the script that's being written and reality is pretty brutal and pretty hard-edged like a rough action film, and you need somebody who's been in that to deal with it.

Stallone Endorses McCain - Read comments at MSNBC's First Read

Read my previous Sly Stallone post here

Comedian Ralphie May: If you smell what Barack is cooking?

Consider this the comedy segment. A few months ago comic Ralphie May offered some funny insights on the Presidential candidates. Most notably the uncanny resemblance Barack has to a certain wrestler - WWE's 'The Rock'.

RALPHIE MAY: Can you smell what Barack is cooking? I find it odd that he sounds exactly like the Rock. If you listen to the Rock and Barack together, they might be cousins dude. I mean they sound exactly alike, if that's true what a great President.

VIDEO: Barack Obama the entertainer

See for yourself. Both are known for their great oratory and their ability to whip crowds into a frenzy. Its clear though that when it comes to pure entertainment, it doesn't get any more electrifying than The Rock. As the video below shows, some might argue both personalities share similarities in their relationship with the "media"

VIDEO: The Rock interviewed by Lillian Garcia

John McCain and Barack Obama Campaign Attack ads

In marketing as in politics the best counterattacks are done Jujitsu style - "self-defense with the clever use of the attacker's own weight and strength".
Here are a series of John McCain ads using Obama's own gaffes and words against him.

John McCain campaign ad: Seal
This ad mocks Obama's faux Presidential seal. It plays on the meme that Obama is aloof and plans to shape America in his own image. It also undercuts Obama's effective branding design.

VIDEO: John McCain campaign ad "Seal"

Tagline - For Barack Obama it's change you can make in Photoshop

John McCain campaign ad: Words
Turning Obama's strength in oratory and words against him by framing his new stance on public campaign financing to his declarations earlier.

VIDEO: John McCain campaign ad "Words"

Tagline - CHANGE That works for him: Breaking his word

I had originally intended to show Barack Obama's attack ads for John McCain. But it turns out they aren't that easy to find on Barack Obama's Youtube page.

This is likely a nod to his image as a post-partisan campaigner. Thats not to say there are no Anti-John McCain ads from the Obama team. They just aren't readily visible, getting swamped in the over 1000+ videos. Monstrous compared to McCain's modest 200+ videos. In fact Obama's attack videos are likely to be subtler, savvier and more subversive like this ad against Hillary Clinton which was later discovered to be a "citizen ad" made by someone working at a firm that did have ties to the Obama campaign.

VIDEO: Vote Different (Not Hillary Clinton)

Read the Article here - Mystery creator of anti-Clinton ad identified.

The creator of the atmospheric faux-Apple ad against Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton has been unmasked as a Democratic operative who worked for a digital consulting firm with ties to Sen. Barack Obama, NBC News confirmed Wednesday night... Blue State Digital said in a statement that de Vellis had been “terminated” for violating a company policy against “outside political work or commentary on behalf of our clients or otherwise.” De Vellis contradicted that in his Web posting, insisting that he had resigned voluntarily.

Find all (213 total) John McCain YouTube videos here
Find all (1135 total) Barack Obama's Youtube videos here

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in unity

Respect Angle: Ultimate Warrior hugs Hulk Hogan after Wrestlemania 6.
Barack Obama hugs Hillary Clinton in Unity, NH

The wrestling tie-in is explained in my previous post 'The Democratic Primary: How should Barack and Hillary finish it?'. As anticipated, the dueling Democrats ended it with a "respect angle".

Ever since Obama secured the Democratic Party nomination we've been anticipating the moment when the pair would put their past feelings behind them and Hillary would ask her supporters to throw their weight for Obama. In a previous post I highlighted how the dueling Democrats needed to resolve their differences after a heated Primary contest.

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton began their unity campaign June 27, 2008. It was an affair full of labored symbols. The event was held in Unity, New Hampshire, but the symbolism doesn't end with the schmaltzy venue name. New Hampshire is where she won her first Primary and where her campaign kicked into second gear. She claimed a shocking victory defying the pundits and the polls who had counted her out after originally being tagged 'inevitable' in the year leading up to the Primaries. Though she bested Obama in the State overall, Unity split their votes down the middle giving 107 apiece to Obama and Clinton.

Whilst the event was a great gesture of solidarity, only time and the voters can tell if the bad blood washes off or if it leaves a lingering stain.

Read comments from conservative and liberal readers:
- Video: Three weeks later, still no unity in Unity
from Hotair.com
- Obama and Hillary in Unity, NH
from CrooksandLiars.com
- Open Thread Obama/Clinton discussion
from NewsBusters
- ABC's Jake Tapper with a quick recap of the hard fought primary. Watch the video here
- To see how rival wrestlers show "unity", watch this video from the 2m24s mark

The Democratic Primary: How should Barack and Hillary finish it?

Whilst Barack and Hillary split the last two primaries, Obama's better than expected thumping in North Carolina and Clinton's close victory in Indiana have many speculating she will suspend her campaign sooner rather than later. After a turbulent few months for Obama - dogged by his association with controversial former pastor Jeremiah Wright and doubts raised by his inability to close out Clinton, it finally looks like things are winding down. Only one question remains; How will the two end it?

After a rancorous Democratic Primary, it is crucial that things be resolved in a way that strengthens the party. The loser must be allowed to exit graciously. Wounds that were opened must be addressed and healed. The party needs to unite around the winner to generate as much momentum to take into the general election.

In a previous post I spoke about Aura. In wrestling, a wrestler's value hinges on how they gain and preserve their Aura. As there can only be one winner, the trick is in managing defeat in a way that allows a wrestler to preserve their aura. In this way both contenders regardless of how they fared can come out of the match strong.

In the May 7 edition of PBS Newshour, Mark Shields and David Brooks offer their suggestions for how the Democrats should end their feud:

Mark Shields

...understand this. What Hillary Clinton is going through right now is reality setting in. It's painfully public and publicly painful. It's the implosion of all her aspirations, all her ambitions.

And this is a time for the Aretha Franklin approach, R-E-S-P-E-C-T, on the part -- respect on the part of the Obama people. They shouldn't be taking victory laps. They shouldn't be gloating. They should give her time.

David Brooks

Well, I guess, from the Hillary Clinton camp, I would say harvest a few wins -- presumably, she will do quite well in West Virginia and Kentucky -- but not attack Barack Obama and just begin to have the conversations across the campaigns...

And, really, it's -- that's the way to do it. Just have a gracious campaign. Take a few victory laps, make the points you want to make, and thank the people who have been supporting you -- and she's run an incredibly resilient campaign -- but never attack.

And, if you do that, I think you will see a lot of the psychology -- and I personally believe there has been a lot of harm done to the Democratic Party. I think the polling reveals that in spades. But if you have a gracious few weeks of -- take a few victories, I think you will begin to heal that.

Read the entire transcript of PBS Newshour's Shields and Brooks.
Listen and Download the discussion

Barack VS Hillary is the meeting of two formidable and popular competitors, both with loyal supporters. It was never going to be easy deciding between two worthy and equally matched candidates. A matchup of epic proportions, not unlike the legendary clash between The Ultimate Warrior and Hulk Hogan. For the sake of their Party, Democrats must hope that the fight between Hillary and Obama ends the same way the wrestlers ended theirs.

VIDEO: The Ultimate Warrior and Hulk Hogan finish
with the "respect angle" at WrestleMania VI

(skip to 2m40s if you're not interested in the wrestling)

George W Bush, Hillary Clinton and Bill O'Reilly

Q: What do George W Bush and Hillary Clinton have in common?
A: Bill O'Reilly has told both of them that they are like him.

Hillary Clinton Sits Down With Bill O'Reilly

O'REILLY: ... And it's a personality run, which is why before Reverend Wright derailed him, Barack Obama had some momentum because you're a more polarizing personality than he is. Would you agree with that?
CLINTON: Well, I...
O'REILLY: He's perceived as a nicer guy?
CLINTON: Well, I've been around a long time. You know, I bear a lot of the scars...
O'REILLY: Yes.
--snip--
CLINTON: This is the way our system is. They take shots at me. You know when I started running in New York people didn't think I could win. And then I came back and won with 67 percent of the vote.
O'REILLY: Look, you've done...
CLINTON: And the reason is...
O'REILLY: ...in New York.
CLINTON: ...because I reached across party lines. I'm the one with the record of bipartisanship.
O'REILLY: But you're a more polarizing personality. You're like I am. And I hate to say that, with all due, but you are. And Obama's such a nice guy. And that's what this is all about.

The O'Reilly Factor. May 1, 2008

Read the full transcript of O'Reilly's interview with Hillary

VIDEO: Factor Exclusive with Hillary Clinton

Bill O'Reilly's Exclusive with George W Bush

O'REILLY: When people criticize me, I think I'm the second most criticized person in the country. You're first by a large margin, but I'm second.
BUSH: Yes?
O'REILLY: I get really furious, especially if it's dishonest.
BUSH: Yes.
O'REILLY: But you don't — you're different than I am. You're more philosophical. See, I'm sitting there going oh, if I had this guy's neck, you know.
BUSH: Well, I'm not as big as you are...

The O'Reilly Factor. October 20, 2006

Read the full transcript of Bill's Exclusive interview with President Bush

VIDEO: Bill O'Reilly talks about the haters with President Bush 

Hillary Clinton to appear on WWE Raw

The unthinkable has happened, Hillary and the rest of the candidates will appear on a wrestling program. I have previously highlighted how Hillary and the other candidates have fitting wrestling personas so its not entirely surprising. Many wrestling analysts had dismissed this as a WWE stunt with no possibility of the candidates showing. If anything the consensus was that an appearance would hurt more than help.
(Update: All 3 candidates appeared on WWE's Raw, see below)

Obama despite being a darling of the youth demographic has shied away from pandering to entertainment media. Presumably to project a tone of seriousness and legitimacy. Obama's presentation despite his undoubted appeal to the youth is arguably the least self-deprecating. That's why seemingly incongruent charges of 'aloofness and elitism' have stuck. Ironic considering this meme likely originated from pundits and thinktanks, though Hillary has forwarded the same charge.

McCain on the other hand, despite being a republican with the distinction of being the oldest ever candidate to run for President has been cast as the folksiest of the 3 remaining contenders. This is evidenced in his close to a dozen appearances on the Daily Show and his warm friendship with Jon Stewart. McCain was also invited to guest host 'Saturday Night Live' in 2002.

Hillary has also been good at courting the Entertainment audience. She's made appearances on Entertainment Tonight, The View, Letterman. She was a welcome and self deprecating guest on Saturday Night Live, where she is perceived to be favoured because of their successful parodies of Obama. She has also previously appeared on WWE programming, airing a commercial for the troops during Christmas.

Hillary despite her appearances, is arguably perceived as the most forced in courting these mainstream and youth audiences. Hillary in her long time in the public eye has always been caricatured as an 'Ice Queen'. It has been a strategy of hers to shed this stereotype. I wasn't entirely surprised that Hillary would appear on WWE, partly because she needs all the help she can get to leap frog Obama but mostly because it fits the pattern of her candidacy.

VIDEO: Watch the Presidential candidates on WWE

10,000 points for the first person to pick out all the appropriated Wrestling lines. Comment below.

This is HotAir's take on the candidate cameos:

It’s come to this: "Hill-Rod" to appear on WWE Raw
McCain sounds forced, Hillary sounds desperate, Obama made me laugh aloud. This is a good example, though, of why I can’t help but sympathize with her to some extent: The “Hill-Rod” thing is so painfully lame, even as a form of ingratiation, that it’s almost endearing. She’s like the class nerd running against the homecoming king, trying to connect with people in a way that comes easily to him but not to her.

- Read why Obama is seen as a 'face' (Hero Persona)
- Read why McCain is seen as a 'face' (Hero Persona)
- Read why Hillary is seen as a 'Heel' (Villain Persona)
- Read how Politics and Wrestling have intersected so far
- Watch Hill-Rod's previous appearance on WWE Raw

Update April 22
After a mildly embarrassing but good natured appearance from all the candidates on WWE programming. The WWE decided to make a completely mockery of themselves and politics by doing a predictable slapstick segment on WWE Raw (April 21). Disappointing for wrestling fans as it provides no storyline value and makes wrestling look even more foolish to the casual viewer. The candidates also don't look too great after associating themselves with the product. Does that mean the blog looks foolish now too?

Clinton, Obama and Edwards in the Colbert Pit

The Colbert Report demonstrated its popularity and influence once again by hosting the 3 most popular Democratic candidates - Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards. Edwards forfeited his campaign after a disappointing showing culminating in a 3rd place finish in his hometown South Carolina. It's a testament to the Colbert Show that Edwards sought face time despite being out of the Democratic picture for several months.

Stephen Colbert hosted a week's worth of live shows in Philadelphia in anticipation of the Pennsylvania primaries next week. Guests included Michelle and Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, Chris Matthews and various politicians with endorsements.

The Colbert Report: Ed Words - Valued Voter

Find recaps from some of my favourite comedy blogs:
from Comic VS Audience
- THIS WEEK: The Colbert Report in Philadelphia
- RECAP: 'The Colbert Report' in Philadelphia, 4/14
- RECAP: 'The Colbert Report' in Philadelphia, 4/15
- RECAP: 'The Colbert Report' in Philadelphia, 4/16
- RECAP: 'The Colbert Report' in Philadelpha, 4/17

From The Comic's Comic
- Clinton AND Obama do Colbert Report

Hillary Clinton & Tina Fey VS Barack Obama & Tracy Morgan

There have been a lot of SNL mentions on PunditFight these last few weeks. It's managed to knock powerhouses The Colbert Report and The Daily show off their perches as the most regarded and relevant Political/Comedy shows on TV. Which isn't entirely a bad thing.

In a previous post I talked about how SNL alum Tina Fey came on the show to endorse Hillary Clinton with a comedic rant. In true wrestling fashion, Tracy Morgan appeared on SNL to rebut Tina with an endorsement of his own for Obama. For those who don't know, Tracy Morgan and Tina Fey both previously starred on SNL and now appear together on NBC's award-winning show '30 Rock'.

Tina Fey's closing argument for Hillary:

FEY: Know what? Bitches get stuff done.
(Tina Fey and Amy Poehler nod in unison)
Like back in grammar school,
they could have had priests teaching you but, no,
they had those tough old nuns who slept on cots
and who could hit ya and you Hated those bitches
But at the end of the school year
you sure knew the capital of Vermont!
So COME ON Texas and Ohio
Get on board, it’s not too late!…
BITCH IS THE NEW BLACK!

Taking on Tina Fey, Tracy's Rebuttal for Obama

In conclusion...
Three weeks ago, my girl Tina Fey, she came on the show and she declared that bitch is the new black. And you know I love you Tina. You know you're my girl. But I have something to say...

Bitch may be the new black, but Black is the new President, Bitch!

Download from CrooksandLiars here

Read comments for Tracy's rebuttal here, from CrooksandLiars
Go to Tracy Morgan's official website
Go to Tina Fey's Bio page from '30' Rock - the show she writes, executive produces and stars in.

The Reemergence of Saturday Night Live (and Hillary Clinton)

After rousing wins in Texas and Ohio, it wasn't just Hillary Clinton who emerged as victor. Conservative talk radio tried to take some credit for it. Rush Limbaugh and Laura Ingraham successfully mobilised their listeners to vote for Hillary in order to prolong the deadlocked Democratic Primary Race. This achievement was significant because Talk Radio's influence was diminished after they were unable to prevent the much despised John McCain from becoming the Republican Nominee.

However there was another diminished institution that reemerged into relevance after assisting Hillary to victory - Saturday Night Live. 'SNL' (as it is most commonly referred to) is an American Entertainment Icon. It has produced world renowned comedians from Eddie Murphy to Steve Martin and even APF pundit Al Franken. It was the place to turn to for laughs and topical insight.

But today SNL has struggled to remain relevant. It has been without a Marquee personality since the departures of Will Ferrell and Jimmy Fallon, the cast today is comprised of little known comedians. The show itself has been overlooked these last few years as political/comedy shows like The Colbert Report, Real Time with Bill Maher and The Daily Show have risen to prominence. In the last few weeks however things have turned around for SNL as they began to comment on the Presidential Primaries, in particular the Media's fawning treatment of Obama. In what is seen as a soft endorsement for Hillary, SNL has become a key player in politics. Overtly political shows like the Daily Show and The Colbert Report were never seen as hand maidens for any particular candidate, just in service of Comedy. SNL on the other hand was being charged with not merely going after laughs, but specifically targeting Obama.

Its all in the eye of the beholder of course. SNL denies actively promoting Hillary over Obama. In fact investigations by the New York Times and other media into the SNL "conspiracy" have found that the writers and players responsible are possibly more inclined to vote for Obama.

No matter what supporters of either side have to say, there is only one clear winner in this whole saga - Saturday Night Live.

Watch a discussion of Pro-Hillary SNL conspiracy from MSNBC's 'Live on Dan Abrams'

Read the comments for this video

Go to the official website of Saturday Night Live
View the Ultimate Roundup of SNL's Democratic Primary skits
Read the NY Times take on the issue, Pro-Clinton? ‘SNL’ Says You’re Joking
Read the LA Times' take on the issue, 'Saturday Night Live' takes pro-Hillary allegations seriously.
Read the summary from Huffington Post, SNL Boss Sees Pro-Hillary Bias As "Major Concern
Conservatives at HotAir comment on SNL alum Tina Fey's endorsement of Hiilary

We predicted it - Obama aide quits after calling Hillary a monster

We are rarely ahead of the news here in the APF. But with our "Hillary Clinton - Monster Heel" article we managed to preempt the news of the day. Its not surprising really as it had been a meme that has been circulating around for weeks.

Obama Aide Resigns After Calling Clinton a 'Monster' in Interview With Scottish Paper
An adviser to Barack Obama who called Hillary Clinton a “monster” during an interview has resigned, apologizing for the remark amid pressure from the Clinton campaign.

Samantha Power, an unpaid foreign policy adviser to Obama and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, made the offending comment during an interview with the Scottish newspaper The Scotsman.

Read the "Hillary Clinton - Monster Heel" Column here
Read what conservatives had to say on this issue. From HotAir.

Hillary Clinton - Monster Heel

In wrestling speak, a 'Heel' is simply a villain. Someone the audience love to hate. In the past I've talked about heels, with Ann Coulter and Bill Kristol being effective antagonists to the left. Hillary Clinton has always been a 'heel' for the Right and as the Democratic primaries have heated up she's become a 'heel' type character for segments of the left.

Hillary is a special type of Heel, a 'Monster Heel'. In wrestling, a Monster Heel is an unstoppable juggernaut who squashes opponents and is open to using dirty tactics. They will be portrayed as unfeeling brutes, often adopting characteristics from classic movie monsters. Their appeal is generated not by charisma but rather their sheer dominance.

VIDEO: Umaga in Squash Match with Scotty Goldman

The descriptor of 'Monster' functions as a noun and an adjective. The distinction between a standard heel is that a 'Monster Heel' does not purposely antagonise the audience or actively seek disapproval. They are driven only by instinct, single-minded by nature, remorseless but often misunderstood (think Frankenstein, King Kong etc...). Whilst heels like Ann Coulter and Bill Kristol take great pleasure in courting derision with inflammatory comments. Hillary generates hatred by simply being a Clinton. She is perceived by the Right and some on the Left as someone who hungers for power and will devour anything that gets in her way. She has been a polarising figure for so long that people have forgotten why she is so despised, she has simply becomes synonymous with it.

After Hillary's revival with Primary wins in Texas and Ohio, many conservative commentators spoke of Hillary's comeback using some curious analogies. In a single 30 minute segment of Hugh Hewitt's show, there were at least a half dozen different analogies to describe Hillary's comeback. Most were monster comparisons:

Hugh likening Hillary to the Mummy
"She's coming out of the crypt, Hillary is back!" and "I'm concerned that we have brought the mummy out of the tomb."

Hugh reading a listener's email, an interesting analogy for Hillary
"Hillary's comeback reminds me of the movie Fatal attraction, remember when you thought the crazy woman was dead in the bathtub."

Hugh likening Hillary to another movie monster
"If you have a chance to stake the vampire, you don't give it a glass of water and say see you tomorrow."

Hugh likening Hillary to a movie monster featured in a current Release (Prince Caspian, 2008)
"It's like the Ice Queen... I think she's getting out of the ice"

My favorite analogy, Hugh talks about Hillary's ability to deflect controversy
"She's immune from this stuff, it's like the old Barbarians of the East who would take a little bit of poison every day so they couldn't be poisoned. There's been so much, so much about Hillary and Bill that nobody listens to it anymore. It's just assumed that they're felons."

But don't think, Hillary is the only one being demonised. A caller on Hugh's show expresses fear for a greater threat.
But there's an even worse creature and that's Obama"

Listen and download the full Hugh Hewitt segment here

Hillary especially during this Democratic Primary has tried to dampen this 'Monster Heel' stereotype of her. She has tempered her infamous cackle, often lampooned by the right. She bared her feelings, showing moments of vulnerability when men taunted her by heckling "Iron my shirt" or becoming teary eyed after being moved by a woman during a campaign stop.

She is also pitted against Barack Obama, one of the biggest babyfaces in politics at the moment, possibly of all time. A Babyface is the opposite of a heel', a heroic figure and crowd favorite. This dichotomy makes for a good rivalry and interesting theatre. The contrast accentuates her perceived villainry and detracting qualities.

Her spirited fight with Barack has chipped away at her 'unstoppable' aura. In wrestling the Monster Heel persona usually occurs during the introduction stages of a new wrestler. They will often come in and go several matches undefeated creating their aura. As no wrestler can convincingly remain undefeated, inevitably the 'Monster Heel' will be beaten by a popular face. With these inescapable losses, eventually the monster heel will transition to a more mortal persona which creates a different appeal to the audience. Whilst this may be happening for Democrats, the Republicans have a vested interest in preserving the notion that Hillary is a Monster.

VIDEO: Glenn Beck analyses Hillary's Cackle

Glenn Beck - Hillary Clinton Laugh Montage (10... by GWHH19

Read what Hannity supporters say of Hillary's cackle
Watch Hillary handle herself after being heckled with "Iron my Shirt' chants
Read what popular actress Natalie Portman says in defense of Hillary
Read other 'Heel' related posts
Read other 'Aura' related posts
Read about the 'Real' Hillary Clinton
Watch a Wrestling Monster Heel in action. No talking unfortunately, but then again Monster Heels are not known for their mic work.