Ducking Donald Trump with Phil and Willie Robertson of Duck Dynasty.

Not all Pay-Per-Views in Wrestling are marquee events. Most are stepping stones that serve to ratchet up storylines for an eventual pay-off. Main events for marquee PPVs will feature the dueling contenders mano a mano, the result leaving no ambivalence as to who came out on top. The placeholder PPVs leading up to this conclusion will feature gimmick matches and fights buffered by other contestants that allow for muddled resolutions leaving viewers wanting more. Examples include rivals pairing up with Celebrities, working alongside new partners and sometimes even each other. The aim, to tease proximity and conflict but delaying gratification. The clean finish, the full stop. Anticipation building is the product, when done well every moment in Wrestling is calculated to build hype.

VIDEO: Will Donald Trump show up to the Fox News debate?

CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER: (3m 41s) I think the prize as Trump defines it always is being the center of attention. Calculated or not -- and I think most likely it is-- is going to concentrate all the attention and all the discussion between now and when you go on the air Thursday at 9 on whether he's going to show up or not. So between now and then he's the story which he's managed to do, brilliantly since June. Always creating new storylines, look the genius of a Reality TV is that it has to constantly be changing. You can't have the same storyline week after week or the show dies.
He kept his going for 14 years. He keeps changing the story, when he makes an outrageous statement and he's waiting for incoming. He makes another outrageous statement so that all the attention is focused on the second. He's used that --I think again brilliantly-- for 6 months to manoeuvre himself to the top.

With a week out before the Iowa Caucus, polls consistently show the GOP race is ostensibly between two people - Donald Trump and Ted Cruz with Marco Rubio a distant third. The upcoming Fox News/Google Debate, the sixth of its kind for the GOP still fields 7 contestants. At best the protracted "job interview" gives voters a large sample to gauge a Candidates' temperance and fortitude. At worst its a fatiguing ceremony that primarily serves as a cash cow for the 24 hours News Media.

In the WWE, there are 5 marquee PPVs spaced out over the year. As such, storylines are paced so big events occur in time with these dates. The Royal Rumble and Wrestlemania have historically been must-watch viewing for Wrestling fans to start the year. Sandwiched by these two powerhouses is the 'Fastlane' PPV. I've used this as the template for my latest wallpaper.

'American Pundit Fighting' presents Ducklane
Celebrity Tag Team match: Ted Cruz and Phil Robertson
VS Donald Trump and Willie Robertson

Chief rival Ted Cruz capitalised on Donald Trump skipping the debate by hatching a #DonaldDuck meme with a 'Ducking Donald' page on his Campaign website. Earlier this week, conservative Reality TV stars, Phil and Willie Robertson of 'Duck Dynasty' split their vote by endorsing each of the GOP frontrunners.

VIDEO: Phil and Willie Robertson open up about their endorsements

The "Duck Lane" refers to Donald Trump's bold move to parlay his frontrunner status into a powerplay that could either catapult him into a league of his own or derail his campaign. Gleaming from another set of headline-grabbing Trump antics, former APF Pundit Stephen Colbert noted

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.

Win or lose, Trump has controlled the narrative allowing him to spin the result to his advantage. Even giving him the opportunity to exit the entire Presidential race while preserving his aura. Let's see how this plays out.

Karl Rove channels 'The Rock' with a Nursery Rhyme promo on President Obama

Republican Strategist Karl Rove channeled Wrestling Legend  'The Rock' by delivering a Nursery Rhyme promo on President Obama after his scandalous "Chai Salute" disembarking off Marine One.

VIDEO: Karl Rove not surprised by "Latte Salute" from President Obama

VIDEO: Obama Gives Marines a ‘Latte Salute’
SEAN HANNITY: Did you see the Latte Salute? The President gets off Marine One today --Hang on-- obviously you've seen it. Would President Bush ever do that?
KARL ROVE: Are we surprised? After all we've got a Chai-swillin, golf-playing, basketball-trashtalking, leading-from-behind, I-got-no-strategy, Osama Bin Laden-is-dead, GM-is-alive, Community-organising Commander-in-Chief. How disrespectful was that? Insensitive.
HANNITY: I was shocked. You can't stop and salute the brave men and women, what is that?

Watch the Rock delivering his patented Nursery Rhyme promo style

VIDEO: "The Rock is a Jabroni-beating..."

THE ROCK: Jabroni-beating, pie-eating, trail-blazing, eyebrow-raising, heart-stoppin', elbow-droppin', electrifying-the-dirty-South, so know your role and shut your mouth, the brahma bull, ever-defiant, standing as tall as 'Andre the Giant', this night Wrestlemania Atlanta, the Georgia Dome is bigger than Christmas so no offense Santa because the Rock is bringing it all over Atlanta.

If ya smeeeeeellalalalaloww what the Rock is Cookin'

Read more about the "Chai Salute" brouhaha:
- Full Sean Hannity segment - WATCH: Obama Gives Marines a ‘Latte Salute’
- Talking Points Memo: Conservative Media Freaks Out Over Obama's 'Latte Salute'
- The Colbert Report: Obama's Coffee Cup Salute
- O'Reilly on 'Latte Salute': 'Have to Cut Obama Some Slack Once in a While'
- Jon Stewart on Fox News' 'Latte Salute' Coverage: "F*ck You and your False Patriotism"

When Politicans and Wrestlers threathen reporters: Rep. Michael Grimm and WWE Champion Randy Orton get mad

Professional Wrestling is fake. Like Santa Claus, its an open secret many of us grow up not being aware of. Fake however only tells half the story. Whilst the Wrestlers adhere to a choreographed structure they may improvise their lines and moves to heighten audience reaction. Its highly dynamic as the audience and performers are sensitive and play off each other's cues.

In wrestling, "kayfabe" is the art of preserving the illusion that wrestling is real. There was a time when Wrestlers remained in character at all times, limited access in those days allowed for choreographed press stunts which maintained the ruse. Wrestling is real the same way Reality TV is, the audience senses its choreographed but in reality the lines are blurred. Wrestling has a higher level of hyperreality as they at times will intentionally obfuscate truth to keep fans guessing, this is called a "work". When real scandals occur and get played out in the media, they often incorporate these events into storylines. The line between fiction and reality is always in flux.

Real betrayals have happened in the ring, a Champion wrestler dropped his title unexpectedly due to real-life conflict with management. Dubbed the "Montreal Screwjob" there is still speculation as to how complicit the players were and how authentic the shock and anger was. When Owen Hart tragically died after collapsing in a high-wire stunt during the 'Over the Edge (1999)' PPV, the pretend nature of the business confused many in attendance. Staged dramatic injuries and deaths are commonplace in wrestling.

Outside of Sports Entertainment, comedian Sacha Baron Cohen is the most visible in carrying this tradition of performance art trickery. Following in the legendary footsteps of comedian and wrestling fan, Andy Kaufman. These pranks operate on realistic heightened performances in front of unsuspecting audience members. Some "actors" are in play and consent is usually guaranteed by establishments and operators beforehand. For best effect, important people including those appearing on-air are kept out of the loop to ensure authentic reactions.

VIDEO: Randy Orton goes off on a Mexican Reporter

following up on an irritating, trivial question
REPORTER: You sound pretty fragile?
RANDY ORTON: Listen to this. You wanna talk sh-t to me on your own show here and make you look cool. You wanna look cool? Say it to my face. I'm serious. Look at me, look at me, LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME!!!. Now say it again, say it again. I DARE YOU TO SAY IT AGAIN!
Call me fragile. I will headbutt your teeth through your skull. Do you hear me?
REPORTER: You spit on me. That's not polite
ORTON: Say something funny again Boy! Say something funny.
REPORTER: I'm not trying to be funny.
ORTON: I'm done

Its unclear whether this Mexican Reporter was encouraged beforehand to antagonise Champion Wrestler Randy Orton but his producers surely got the content they were after. Veteran reporter John Stossel profiling Wrestling for 20/20 won north of $400,000 in damages after actually being hit by wrestler David "Dr D" Schultz in response to some provocative questioning. An example of when "Kayfabe goes wrong".

VIDEO: Reporter John Stossel slapped by David "Dr D" Schultz

Making headlines today, Republican Congressman Michael Grimm had a wrestling style outburst on camera after the 2014 State of the Union address. It echoes the traditional Reporter confrontations that happen in Pro-Wrestling but without the gains. Just real emotion from a hot blooded New Yorker.

VIDEO: Rep. Michael Grimm threatens attack News reporter during interview

REPORTER: So Congressman Michael Grimm does not want to talk about some of the allegations concerning his campaign finances. We wanted to get him on camera on that but as you saw he refused to get on camera to talk about that. Back to you.

Congressman Grimm returns to confront the reporter after the feed returns to the Station
REPORTER: What? I just wanted to ask you…
CONGRESSMAN GRIMM: Let me be clear to you, you ever do that to me again I’ll throw you off this f—–g balcony.
REPORTER: Why? I Just wanted to ask you

cross talk
GRIMM: If you ever do that to me again...
REPORTER: Why? Why? It’s a valid question.
GRIMM: No, no, you’re not man enough, you’re not man enough. I’ll break you in half. Like a boy.

This episode does not signal the end for Congressman Michael Grimm's political career. Anger Management is important in leadership but if this is in keeping with his character the voters will forgive him. At best his colorful personality can be parlayed into a media career outside of politics. Outspoken former Congressman Anthony Weiner is the shining example. He originally found attention for his impassioned Wrestling-style promos on the house floor, his political career derailed by a sexting twitter scandal. Anthony has remained relevant in the media landscape with his brash persona, becoming the Charles Barkley of Political Media if you will.

He offers his "humble opinion" to fellow New Yorker Michael Grimm in an Op-ed for the 'Daily News'

Anthony Weiner's advice to Rep. Michael Grimm on how to get along with reporters 
First, if you don’t want to talk about a scandal in which you’re embroiled, whatever that scandal may be, maybe it’s best that you don’t do interviews for a while. For that matter, you may not want to attend community meetings, visit your office or go a sporting event. Fact is, an investigation that’s hanging over your head is the kind of thing people might be curious about. People ask you about embarrassing stuff even when you want to talk about other things. Especially when you want to talk about other things...

- Find other Kayfabe posts here
- Republican James Oddo lays the smack down

Glenn Beck's wrestling style promo to President: "You have until Monday" to tell the truth about Boston Marathon bombing

The aim for effective storytelling in Pro-Wrestling is delaying gratification. In the world of wrestling, the real money is made in Pay-Per-Views (PPVs). The majority of television is devoted to creating hype so people tune in to the next episode or Main Event. Think of it like a TV show with perpetual cliffhangers, forever "to be continued". The trick is in convincing the audience of a substantial resolution, that the upcoming show truly can't be missed. This is the same case for American Politics and Punditry as explained by Jon Stewart and Wyatt Cenac:

Jon Stewart, Wyatt Cenac and Mick Foley endorse the analogy that American Politics is like pro-wrestling
WYATT CENAC: Jon here's your problem. You think politicians wanna win their arguments when all they really wanna do is keep having them. They know arguments are interesting, they energize voters, they keep the money flowing in.
JON STEWART: You're telling me their interest is in conflict, not in resolution?
WYATT CENAC: Yes. Jon do you watch professional wrestling?

APF pundit Glenn Beck is one of the best in the business at creating hype and cutting Wrestling Style promos. A wrestling promo typically features these elements:
1) An opponent identified and denounced - "Somebody in Washington"
2) A resolution date - "You have until Monday"
3) Generating hype and Intimidation - "I don't bluff, I make promises"
4) The consequences, how it will be delivered - "The Blaze will expose it"

Watch Beck as he threatens those in Power with the exposure of damning information regarding a cover-up of the Boston Marathon bombing.

VIDEO: Glenn Beck Gives Government Until Monday to 

Come Clean About Boston Bombing Cover-Up

GLENN BECK: Its best coming from you, not coming from a News organisation. Its best coming from you, you have until Monday. We have information on who this man is and listen to me carefully, in your little event world.
We know he is a very bad, bad, bad man. I know that doesn't make much sense to you right now but on Monday it will. It makes sense to somebody in Washington. I don't bluff, I make promises. The truth matters. I've had enough of what you've done to our Country. I thought I had heard and seen it all. I thought that I didn't trust my Government. Oh no. No, no there is no depth that these people won't stoop to. You have until Monday and then the Blaze will expose it

Guess we'll see you Monday when all is revealed.

Update: Below is a taster on what Beck might reveal of the 'event'

TheBlaze EXCLUSIVE: Saudi student connected to Boston Marathon bombing set to be deported under “security related grounds” Update: Congressional source confirms
The FBI said a file was started "just in case he was found to be connected to the crime," however, the file shows he was scheduled to be deported. This was not precautionary, it was listed as “orders.” The file was immediately classified. Sources are telling TheBlaze the deportation order will be classified as well – requiring a FOIA to access it.

One agent told TheBlaze he believes a "voluntary" departure has been signed – that means the Saudi student could be out of the country as early as today. While the official story was going to be “he wanted to go home,” the student was actually being deported.

TheBlaze has been told that by a source that this "looks like they were trying to make this a ‘lone wolf’ crime, so the Saudi government would be spared embarrassment and the U.S. would avoid explaining how a terror cell was active when we had AQ on the run."

Sarah Palin transcript at CPAC 2013 - Politics is reality, diss of Architect Karl Rove

VIDEO: Former Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin at CPAC 2013

Ever the showman Sarah Palin put on a raucous display for the audience at CPAC 2013. Whilst electrifying the crowd she cautioned about how Politics felt a little too staged and that Politicians of both parties were hamstrung by the "process of politics".

Former Governor Sarah Palin at CPAC 2013
SARAH PALIN: Entertainment TV is a good description of what's going on in D.C. because more than ever it feels like a put on. Every event feels calculated to fool us somehow, every speech feels like a con. Washington politicians, too many of both parties have a bad habit of focusing on the process of politics instead of the purpose of politics which is to lead and to serve.
Even our guys in the GOP too often have a habit of reading their stage directions, especially these days. They're being too scripted, too calculated...

Palin has diagnosed the same problem that is hampering effective leadership in American Politics, the endless campaign and the staged conflict. An opinion shared by the PunditFight blog and the likes of Jon Stewart and  Ann Coulter.

The Daily Show (March 15, 2010) - Crumbums and Fat cats 
WYATT CENAC: Jon here's your problem. You think politicians wanna win their arguments when all they really wanna do is keep having them. They know arguments are interesting, they energize voters, they keep the money flowing in.
JON STEWART: You're telling me their interest is in conflict, not in resolution?
WYATT CENAC: Yes. Jon do you watch professional wrestling?

Sarah Palin offers a remedy for the stagecrafted Politicians whilst sending a veiled diss to "Architect" Karl Rove. A shoot promo reminiscent of CM Punk' inside baseball diss of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.

SARAH PALIN: (23min) Ending the top-down approach to D.C. also means changing out top-down political process. The next election is 20 months away, now is the time to furlough the political consultants, tune out the pollsters, send the focus groups home and toss the political scripts because if we truly know what we believe, we don't need professionals to tell us...
it means looking to our communities, our PTAs, our service clubs, small businesses, Tea Party rallies and city halls for people who are willing to lead. Do you know someone who's judgment you trust? Someone who doesn't just preach commonsense but actually lives it. Encourage her -- or him to run for office.

Are you Mad as Hell and think that you have a better way? Then run yourself. Don't let the Big Consultants, the Big Money Men, the Big, Bad media scare you off. Don't let them invalidate you. When you have more real world, practical experience with family, real work. That's real life than those in the political bubble that try to tell you who's worthy and who just doesn't fit their bill. The last thing we need is Washington D.C. vetting our candidates. If these experts who keep losing elections and keep getting rehired and raking in millions. If they feel that strongly about who gets to run in this party then they should buck up and stay in the truck. Buck up and run!

The Architect[s] can head on back to the great Lone Star state and put their name on some ballot though for their own sake I hope they give themselves a discount on their consulting services.

Glenn Beck objects to WWE's demonization of the Tea Party through "Zeb Colter" character

VIDEO: Glenn Beck on WWE's demonization of the Tea Party

Update: For some reason the MLB has appeared on this video.
Find the video direct from GlennBeck.com here - WWE creates controversial Tea Party wrestler

Glenn Beck Show: WWE Demonizes Tea Party Character
GLENN BECK: You know I can take it from a lot of people, I really can. I can't take it from the stupid wrestling people, especially since a lot of the people -- I would imagine that a lot of the people who watch wrestling are not New York elites. Now call me crazy, I'm going out on a limb. I don't think a lot of Ivy league Harvard professors are watching WWE. I also don't think a lot of the progressive administration officials are watching the WWE. So who watches it?

I personally think when the WWE comes after the Tea Party, that's like NASCAR coming after the Tea Party. Maybe at a higher level than wrestling...

Glenn Beck founded website 'The Blaze' has a great piece explaining the outrage caused by WWE's faux racist persona. - WWE Challenges Glenn Beck to appear on its Wrestling program after he criticized their Racist Tea Party character (update: Beck responds)

What's most perplexing isn't that the WWE has created a Politically incorrect Villain to manufacture visceral feelings of hate, that's par for the course in Wrestling. As Glenn Beck and his co-hosts discuss, what's confounding is how the caricature alienates the core audience.

GLENN BECK: ... Who are they appealing to?
STU BURGUIERE: Wouldn't the argument be -- at least one of the arguments would be they're trying to create villains. They do this all the time, they're trying to create a villain. Like when I was a kid, I remember the Iron Sheik. The Iron Sheik was from Iran and was always saying terrible things about America - that doesn't mean the WWE [WWF at the time] didn't like America. They were trying to make a villain out of the Iron Sheik. But this is different, the villain, the guy you're supposed to hate is this stereotype of this conservative I've never met
GLENN BECK: The problem with this is a bunch of Sheiks weren't watching the WWE. So you're making a villain of what? -- 80% of your audience who are tired as it is of being miscast...

It's an understandable observation for Beck to make but those familiar with the theatre of wrestling should be aware that anything goes when it comes to "getting a draw". Whether a reaction is good or bad is negligible as long as it elicits a reaction, the stronger the better. The art is in harnessing those reactions and manipulating them through effective storytelling. At its purest, Wrestling is a circular hype machine not unlike Punditry.

Whilst its curious that WWE would alienate a largely Conservative Wrestling fanbase considering Linda McMahon ran for Senate as a Republican. One needs to be aware of the scruples of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon who has yet to find a cow too sacred to be sacrificed. In service of "the business" Vince has forsaken his own safety, children, money, integrity, marriage, character and even his own death. The manufactured controversy has been successful with the coverage the WWE has received from objections voiced by influential media personalities like Glenn Beck and Alex Jones. A great buildup for the Wrestling Calendar's biggest show of the year, WrestleMania 29 featuring a title match between Mexican Champion Alberto Del Rio and the suddenly relevant Jack Swagger. Instant heat!

Meme prediction: Romney and Obama go toe to toe at the 2nd Presidential debate

I'm quite late with my meme prediction for the 2nd Presidential Debate but the lasting visuals were apparent for anyone who watched any coverage of the event. Truth be told, the optics were predictable considering the freedom of movement afforded to the Candidates in the Town Hall format.

(16m 12s) Challenger Romney harangues President Obama
in regards to his handling of local oil production

(1h 4m) Romney challenges Obama on his own "Chinese Investments",
questioning if he's checked his pension of late

Popular heels Glenn Beck and CM Punk deliver farewell promos

Crossing the midpoint of 2011, two of the most popular heels in America cut memorable farewell promos as they departed their respective companies. Controversial Pundit Glenn Beck is leaving Fox News after 2.5 years with the Network. A stint that catapulted him into the national American consciousness.

VIDEO: Glenn Beck's Final Show

Glenn Beck's Final Show (Transcript)
I'm outside tonight. I want to show you. This is the NewsCorp building. This is where FOX is. That's 6th Avenue. This is Times Square at the end of the block. And this little corner is not even attached to the building. It's kind of hanging out there.

When we started, we were up -- most of the 12th floor? Twelfth floor.

And then, we wanted a space that we could change a little bit so they put us in this studio here. And for a while, we had windows open. For a myriad of reasons, we closed them and they haven't been opened I think since we've been in the studio.

Wrestling superstar CM Punk leaves WWE after a great run that places him as one of the more memorable heels of the past decade. Punk started his WWE career as a 'face' but came into his own when he returned to his natural fit as a villain. Punk intends to leave as WWE champion and unlike Beck is planning to burn bridges on his way out.

VIDEO: CM Punk shoots on his bosses (WWE RAW June 27, 2011)

CM Punk shoot from RAW (June 27, 2011)
I've grabbed so many of Vincent K. McMahon's imaginary brass rings that it's finally dawned on me that they're just that. They’re completely imaginary. The only thing that's real is me, and the fact that day in and day out, for almost six years, I've proved to everybody in the world that I am the best on this microphone, in that ring, and even on commentary.

Nobody can touch me. And yet, no matter how many times I prove it, I'm not on your lovely little collectors' cups, I'm not on the cover of the program, I’m barely promoted, I don’t get to be in movies, I'm not on any crappy show on the USA Network, I’m not on the poster of WrestleMania, I'm not on the signature that’s produced at the start of the show. I'm not on Conan O'Brien, I'm not on Jimmy Fallon, but the fact of the matter is I should be, and trust me, this isn't sour grapes, but the fact that "Dwayne" is in the main event of WrestleMania next year and I’m not makes me sick!

Jacob Volkmann calls out President Obama: Secret Service visit, The Jay Leno appearance, regret after Arizona shooting

A few updates on MMA Fighter Jacob Volkmann after his calling out of President Obama

1) An appearance on 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno' as they featured an amusing doctored clip of the promo



2) Jacob gets a visit from The Secret Service who customarily act on any threats against the President of the united States

UFC Fighter Jacob Volkmann Calls Out President Barack Obama, Gets A Visit From the Secret Service (UPDATED)
Well, if anyone ever wondered if a potential threat against the President goes unnoticed, you just got your answer.

“It happened on Tuesday, I was coaching youth practice, and then two guys came up and one of the other coaches that was helping me out, they said there was a cop and another guy out there waiting for me,” Volkmann told MMAWeekly.com. “I went out there and the guy introduced himself and said he was from the Secret Service and he wanted to ask me some questions about UFC 125 and my quote. He said there were people calling in to D.C. telling them that somebody, me, was threatening the President.”

3) Jacob regrets his comments in light of the Tucson shooting tragedy which some have blamed on the heated rhetoric in American politics

Jacob Volkmann regrets calling out President Obama in wake of Arizona shooting
"I would never make that comment if that shooting happened first," said Volkmann, 30.

The Arizona shooting has resulted in widespread, and sometimes controversial, calls for toned-down political rhetoric. Volkmann, whose remarks won him a customary visit from the Secret Service, is toning it down.

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

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

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

Lebron James follows Rush Limbaugh to Florida. 'Sports Guy' Bill Simmons likens Lebron to a wrestling heel

Fans in Miami celebrate LeBron James and Chris Bosh joining the 'Heat'

Rush Limbaugh talks about the economic incentive of Lebron moving to Florida

LeBron Follows El Rushbo to Florida, Where the Achievers Go
RUSH: So LeBron James, ladies and gentlemen, has followed me in moving to Florida, as did Tiger Woods. I'm talking about the move to the Miami Heat. I, of course, am the trendsetter. I am the one who's on the cutting edge. It was in 1997 that I decamped New York City. I love New York City, don't misunderstand, it's just silly to pay their tax rate, which 12-point some odd percent on top of the federal bite. LeBron James and I would be paying over 52, 53% off the top, just state and federal. I think it's partly one of the reasons why LeBron James came down here. It's one of the reasons Tiger Woods lives in Florida, no state income tax, of course! Now, he'll never say it, unlike I will say it, he'll never say, doesn't want people to think he's a mercenary guy, he's in this for championships, you see...

Limbaugh's economic theory is a contrast from Ric Bucher's speculation that LeBron might stay in Cleveland as informed by his friendship with down-to-earth billionaire Warren Buffet.

Its worth noting that Rush Limbaugh, arguably the most influential Villain in America is associating himself with the two biggest villains in sports today, Tiger Woods and LeBron James. To be fair, Rush has always been hated whilst Tiger and LeBron's status as "megaheels" is an inverse result of their former clean-cut popularity. Such is their fall from grace that Rush Limbaugh, a man of great influence and wealth but passionately hated as much as he is adored maybe Tiger and Lebron's closest peer.

Colorful commentator, Bill 'The Sports Guy' Simmons makes some wrestling references in describing LeBron James. From inferring Lebron is the biggest villain in sports, likening Lebron's betrayal to Hulk Hogan's "heel turn" at WCW's 1996 'Bash at the Beach' and suggesting friends Lebron, Bosh and Wade were conspiring in a big wrestling style "work" (charade).

You can find these references by listening to this compelling exchange between Dan Le Batard and Bill Simmons - The B.S. Report: 7/9 (July 10, 2010)
Or by reading Simmon's postmortem on the LeBacle - Welcome to the All-LeBron sound-off

Find the infamous Hogan Heel turn clip at ESPN - There is a New World Order in the NBA. The analogy is almost too poetic as you can read from the commentary

VIDEO: Hulk Hogan joins Kevin Nash and Scott Hall and founds the NWO - WCW Bash at The Beach 1996
COMMENTATOR: What has he done?! Oh my God is he the third man? What the hell is going on here? Hulk Hogan has betrayed WCW. He is the third man in this picture. What the hell is going on. Oh my God are you kidding me, probably the lowest shot ever given to professional wrestling...

HULK HOGAN: As far as I'm concerned, all this crap in the ring represents these fans out here. For two years brother, for two years I held my head up high. I did everything for the charities. I did everything for the kids. And the reception I got when I came out here from the fans, you can stick it brother. If it wasn't for Hulk Hogan you wouldn't be here...

Update:

VIDEO: Funny or Die presents 'LEBRON JAMES FLIPS OUT ON CLEVELAND FANS!!!'

LEBRON JAMES FLIPS OUT ON CLEVELAND FANS!!! - watch more funny videos

Glenn Beck and the Conservative punditocracy weigh in on the World Cup

World Cup fever is sweeping the globe. As Tom Mendelsohn writes for the 'The Independent' (UK), conservative pundits aren't necessarily on board.

The World Cup vs the American Right
There’s a World Cup on, you’ll have noticed. Depending on your tolerance for empty platitudes, it’s either a joyous carnival of global fellow-feeling, or an excuse to have a month’s sit-down football binge.

Unless, of course, you’re a conservative American media pundit, in which case the whole farrago is a giant four-week excuse to flare your nostrils, beat your chest and proudly trumpet your increasingly deranged xenophobia amidst a rare backdrop of useful context.

The American Right, you see, hates soccer. None of them, however, are quite sure why; they just know that it threatens them in some unknown way, and then try to construct arguments to fit their prejudices...

Below is a partial transcript of Beck's rant against Obama's policies which he likened to the World Cup

VIDEO: Glenn Beck on the World Cup and President Obama's policies

GLENN BECK: Barack Obama’s policies are the World Cup. Their policies, his policies are the World Cup of political thought. It doesn’t matter how you sell it to us. It doesn’t matter how many celebrities you get. It doesn’t matter how many bars open early. It doesn’t matter how many beer commercials they run. We don’t want the World Cup. We don’t like the World Cup. We don’t like soccer. We want nothing to do with it.

You can package it any way -- you can spend all kinds of money. You can force it on our television sets. We will not enjoy the World Cup.

The rest of the world likes Barack Obama’s policies. We do not, and I’m cool with that. If you want Barack Obama’s policies or the World Cup in your country have at it. I don’t hate you. I don’t understand you, but I don’t hate you... I believe that everything you need to know about Barack Obama’s policies can be explained by the World Cup… Congratulations to Barack Obama and his polices that will have as much success as the World Cup in America. Go try those polices someplace else. They’ll be wildly successful.

One surefire way of converting a skeptic is to sweep them with the national euphoria of victory. America's dramatic last minute win over Algeria, catapulted America into the Top 16 and the top of their pool whilst converting a fairweather Stephen Colbert.

VIDEO: Colbert Report - US Defeats Algeria
US Defeats Algeria

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STEPHEN COLBERT: Now Nation. I don't know why. But I suddenly realised that I'm a long time fan of Soccer

Watch a video compilation of "Pre-convert" Stephen Colbert railing against Soccer, The World Cup and what he believes it represents - Stephen Colbert: World Cup

Controversial author Christopher Hitchens appearing at Sydney Writers Festival

Controversial author Christopher Hitchens will be in Sydney, Australia for the 'Sydney Writers Festival' (May 15-23, 2010). He will be making appearances discussing his pet themes of politics and Religion as well as introducing his new autobiography 'Hitch 22'.

Christopher Hitchens (International)
Christopher Hitchens, "one of the most prolific, and well as brilliant, journalists of our time" ('Observer'), is a widely published polemicist and frequent radio and TV commentator. He is a contributing editor to 'Vanity Fair' and a visiting professor of liberal studies at the New School in New York. His numerous books include the international bestseller 'God is Not Great'. His latest book is 'Hitch 22: A Memoir'.

appearing at...
88: No He Can’t?
184: Programmatic Specificity We Can Believe In
195: Christopher Hitchens

Here are Christopher Hitchens' dates in detail:

Event 88: No He Can’t?
When: Friday, May 21
Time: 11:30 - 12:30
... A little over a year after Obama's historic election, Christopher Hitchens, Anne Davies and Don Watson put the Obama presidency under the microscope. Can we still believe in hope? Chair: Geoffrey Garrett.

Event 184: Programmatic Specificity We Can Believe In
When: Saturday, May 22
Time: 16:00 - 17:00
Is soaring rhetoric just as much the enemy of democracy as the numbing bureaucratese beloved by so many politicians? Former New South Wales premier Nathan Rees, the ABC's Annabel Crabb, and US-based British journalist Christopher Hitchens dissect the importance of language to democracy and good quality government. Chair: Neil James.

Event 195: Christopher Hitchens
When: Saturday, May 22
Time: 20:00 - 21:30
Last time he was here he talked about God. Now, he talks about Hitch. On the publication of his autobiography, 'Hitch 22', Sydney Writers' Festival presents journalist, philosopher and raconteur, Christopher Hitchens. He speaks with Julian Morrow.

Read previous APF posts featuring Christopher Hitchens:
- Watch Christopher Hitchens volunteer to get waterboarded for Vanity Fair Magazine
- The art of "Selling" - Christopher Hitchens with Ralph Reed on 'Hannity and Colmes'

Arizona's controversial immigration law and the Phoenix Suns

Phoenix Suns donning their "Los Suns" uniform variant

Arizona's recent immigration law change has been the source of national debate. The bill signed into law last month by Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer makes it a misdemeanor for immigrants to be in Arizona without proper documentation and allows police officers to request proof of status if there is a "reasonable suspicion" that persons are in the country illegally.

NBA team The Phoenix Suns, who are currently locked in a heated Playoff series with the San Antonio Spurs have made a statement by donning their 'Los Suns' variant uniforms as a gesture of support to their diverse community. This show of support by the Suns organization has drawn enough attention that Rush Limbaugh has weighed in on it and President Obama used the Phoenix Suns for an applause line.

Professional Sports Should Man Up
RUSH LIMBAUGH: This is no different than the Republicans supporting amnesty back in 2007 because they don't want to offend anybody, and they hope to get these votes. So you have the ownership of the Phoenix Suns, the "Los Suns," and whoever, "We don't want to offend a portion of our fan base. We don't want to appear to be politically correct. We want to appear to be all inclusive and so forth." Well, fine and dandy but what happens when that contributes to the overall deterioration of the culture of the society? I just think it's cowardice. I'm sorry. I think it's cowardice, pure and simple.

Ann Coulter speech cancelled after thousands protest at University of Ottawa

Ann Coulter, professional provocateur and one-woman publicity machine has done it again...

VIDEO: Ann Coulter speech Cancelled after
thousands protest at University of Ottawa

Ann Coulter Speech Cancelled After Thousands Protest At University of Ottawa
CHRIS WADDEL (Carleton University): That will generate more publicity for her.
NARRATOR: This media expert says that the University of Ottawa's attempt to handle Coulter only fan the flames of controversy
WADDEL: Why do you want to give her something to allow her to develop her persona further and make her become more controversial

Liberal talker Sam Seder appears on the 'Joy Behar show' to speak on the subject of "Hate Speech VS Free Speech"

VIDEO: Sam Seder and John Avlon on the Joy Behar Show talking about
Ottawa University's cancellation of Ann Coulter's speech

JOY BEHAR: Was it fair to cancel Ann Coulter, John and what do you think?
JOHN AVLON: It was cowardly, you invited her. You know her schtick right? She walks right up to the line, she tries to incite and provoke to create publicity for herself but we can't have free speech in every place but College campuses. This is a good place to teach kids that you can protest, you can disagree but you do it civilly

Coulter is scheduled to appear soon afterwards on Behar's show for her take on yet another uproar surrounding her.

I've written about Ann Coulter's astute ability to court controversy like a classic 'wrestling heel'. Ironic considering Coulter's complaint that political discourse is too much like professional wrestling

Ann Coulter: "Political discourse resembles professional wrestling"
Instead of actual debate about ideas and issues with real consequences, the country is trapped in a political discourse that increasingly resembles professional wrestling.

Rush Limbaugh to be dropped from group bid to buy St Louis Rams

Via ESPN

Checketts drops Limbaugh
Conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh was dropped from a group bidding to buy the St. Louis Rams.

ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported the story on Wednesday.

Limbaugh was to be a limited partner in a group headed by St. Louis Blues chairman Dave Checketts. Checketts said in a statement Wednesday that Limbaugh's participation had become a complication in the group's efforts and the bid will move forward without him...

A Limbaugh spokesman told ESPN that Limbaugh would have no comment on Wednesday. Earlier, on his syndicated radio show, Limbaugh was defiant, holding on to hope that he still could be part of the ownership group that buys the Rams.

"This is not about the NFL, it's not about the St. Louis Rams, it's not about me," Limbaugh said. "This is about the ongoing effort by the left in this country, wherever you find them, in the media, the Democrat Party, or wherever, to destroy conservatism, to prevent the mainstreaming of anyone who is prominent as a conservative.

"Therefore, this is about the future of the United States of America and what kind of country we're going to have."

If that is the case, this wallpaper might be the closest Rush and Rams fans will get to see of the potential pairing.

NEW Rush/Rams Wallpaper

St Louis Rams x Rush Limbaugh wallpaper

Rush Limbaugh interested in purchasing St Louis Rams + Animation and Wallpaper

St Louis Rams x Rush Limbaugh wallpaper

Rush Limbaugh has been in the news lately for his interest in co-owning NFL Team, The St Louis Rams.

Rush Limbaugh says he's trying to purchase Rams
It appears conservative talk-radio host Rush Limbaugh wants to be an NFL team owner.

In a statement released today, Limbaugh said he's partnering with St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts in a bid to buy the St. Louis Rams. Limbaugh didn't go into details, but said he and Checketts "have made a bid to buy the Rams and are continuing the process."

It's unclear whether Limbaugh and Checketts will try to buy the team outright or purchase a majority or minority stake in it. Georgia Frontiere's children own a 60% stake in the team, and billionaire Stan Kroenke owns a 40% stake.

Rush is an avid sports fan having once been a sports analyst for ESPN. He commented cautiously on the ongoing negotiations on his radio program.

Rush Confirms Interest in Rams; State-Run Media Runs With Story
RUSH: I have not commented on this on this program, even though the news has been out there since Monday. I had to confirm it when I was asked about it. It was reported Sunday on the CBS NFL Pregame Show by Charley Casserly that I am part of a group with Dave Checketts that has put in a bid on the St. Louis Rams, and that's all I can say. That's true. But Goldman Sachs is handling the sale. There's a confidentiality clause. None of the bidders can disclose anything, can't talk to anybody. We don't even know who the other team bidders are and we can't do anything other than confirm it since it's a leak. I can't discuss it. So it's out there and that is true.

As RadioEqualizer reports, the majority of reportage on Rush' bid has been tinged with outrage over Rush' history of [non-football related] controversy and the infamous Donovan McNabb statement about the media being "very desirous... and interested in black coaches and black quarterbacks doing well..."

Read RadioEqualizer's argument of "bias against a conservative owner".

TAG TEAM: WaPo, Others Gang Up To Stop Rush's NFL Bid
Since news broke early this week that Rush Limbaugh was part of a consortium bidding on the NFL's St Louis Rams, the state-run media's outraged response remains baffling. Why do they care who owns a football team?

Animation: Rush' St Louis Rams variant

Apart from the use of the wrestling term "Tag team" in the RadioEqualizer post there is another odd wrestling link to this story. The current 40% owner of the Rams, billionaire Stan Kroenke was in a recent high profile feud with WWE owner (and football fan) Vince McMahon.

Alan Grayson delivers wrestling-style promo on house floor -GOP Health Plan = Don't get sick!

Previously I spoke of a wrestling style-promo delivered by Republican Congressman Thadeus McCotter using a chart to caricature the opposite side.

Democratic Congressman Alan Grayson delivers a speech in a similar hyperbolic vein with his own charts.

VIDEO: Alan Grayson on the GOP Health Care Plan -
"Don't Get Sick! And if You Do Get Sick, Die Quickly!"

ALAN GRAYSON: (1m 04s) Here it is the Republican Healthcare plan for America - Don't Get Sick! That's right, Don't Get Sick. If you have insurance, don't get sick. If you don't have insurance, don't get sick. If you're sick, don't get sick. Just don't get sick! That's what the Republicans have in mind for you America. That's the Republican's Healthcare plan.

But I think the Republicans understand that that plan isn't always going to work. Its not a foolproof plan so the Republicans have a backup plan in case you do get sick... If you get sick America the Republican Healthcare plan is this - Die Quickly. That's right, the Republicans want you to die quickly if you get sick.

It'll be interesting to see if someone from the GOP will attempt to create his own caricature with charts in response to Rep. Grayson. In any case these over the top theatrics show that partisan and showmanship show no signs of disappearing despite the promise of comity under the Obama era.