Presidential debates: zingers, one liners and catchphrases

Everyone knows wrestling is scripted which is why it is ridiculed by many. What most people don't know is that the wrestlers themselves help write their own lines. Whilst film actors are given scripts to read from and will defer to stuntmen for action scenes, wrestlers will often craft their own lines and obviously perform their own stunts. The ownership of their character allows their persona to be more authentic and appealing to the audience. That's not too discount their handlers and creative department who manage them also. Politicians are not so different, as can be seen in the Presidential debates.

In wrestling, characters develop catchphrases and signature lines to project there persona. They are short and snappy, designed to excite the crowd into wild cheers. Easy to remember and digest making them easy to sing along to and repeat. These lines are perfect for video packages hyping future feuds. Contrary to popular opinion wrestlers don't read off scripts. They largely improvise but are given a template as to what narrative needs to be conveyed to the viewer, it is up to the wrestlers to come up with and rehearse the zingers to achieve this. Some lines are zingers that are meant to damage a rival with a memorable quip. Other lines are purely clever to endear the audience with the candidate's charm and poise.

As we have seen in the Presidential debates the candidates go through a similar process. Chomping at the bit to execute there rehearsed lines often resorting to non sequiturs to get there. I've put in a sampler of some of the better lines from the debates with more to follow.

First I'll start things off with how the wrestlers get it done.
Chris Jericho and The Rock go at it each other face to face


A compilation of the best lines from the latest Republican debate


Mitt Romney serves up a line at latecomer Fred Thompson. Fred volleys with a witty comeback of his own



Democratic hopeful Joe Biden takes a shot at Republican Rudy Giuliani, poking fun at Rudy's catchphrase formula


Republicans Mike Huckabee takes on 'fringe' candidate Ron Paul. As the video shows, the author is already with me on the wrestling/fighting analogy

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After an extended vacation traveling and being away from political media and all things punditry I have returned. It might take me a while to get back into the swing of things, so please bear with me.
In the meanwhile you can trawl through the archives or find any of my old art in the the resources tab. Also I encourage you to email me or comment below on your nominations for 2007 Pundit of the Year.

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Vote for APF's 'Pundit of the Year'

Just letting you guys know that this blog won't be updated for over a week as i'll be taking a well deserved trip. With that, I'll be leaving with you a nomination form to vote for the top pundits of 2007.


The 4 award categories are:
1) Heel Pundit of the Year
A 'heel' is a person we love to hate. The 'best heel' award will go to the pundit who engenders the most passion from detractors. This pundit sets message boards and blogs aflame in debate with their divisiveness.
Read previous Heel posts here

2) Face Pundit of the Year
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Read previous "Face" posts here

3) APF Fight Champion of the Year
The 'Fight Champion' belt goes to the pundit who is the most effective at opposing fellow pundits and other notable people of influence. For maximum points the Pundit should be challenging opponents who are more than capable of defending themselves. The award is not based on how many duels they win or lose, but rather the competitive fighting spirit in them.

4) Best Overall Pundit for 2007
This Pundit encompasses all aspect of the first 3 awards. They are popular, well-known and successful. They enjoy loyal support from their audience, but they are also so relevant and consequential that they can be subject to controversy and criticism. This pundit must also enjoy being on the offensive as well as being fully capable in defending themselves when under fire. They have great aura and charisma.

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APF updates courtesy of HotAir

Just a quick update on the last few posts I've made courtesy of conservative video blog, HotAir.

The charisma of Fred Thompson - View original post
HotAir links to a video surprisingly made by a "righty" that mocks the communication skills of Fred Thompson during his maiden debate.


Read the post and comments from the HotAir audience
Visit Kevin Tracy's website, the conservative who made the video. (btw he's a Mike Huckabee supporter)

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Republican NY City councilman James Oddo clears the air - View original post
Councilman James Oddo, who has become minor internet sensation with his outburst at some faux journalists sets the record straight on how the whole thing went down. James presents himself well and shows the dimensions to his character outside of the 'Noo Yawkah tough guy' persona. Not unlike when you see wrestlers interviewed out of character.


Read the post and comments on James Oddo at HotAir

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Top Heel Ann Coulter is at it again - View original post
Ann Coulter not surprisingly is causing a stir as she goes on her book tour. A few weeks ago I was actually considering increasing her 'Pop' rating because of her runner-up placing in a poll of the most popular conservatives. Obviously more content to play the villain, she infuriates the right as well in her latest outrageous attention grabber.


Read more on what she said from HotAir
Read more on the conservative reaction to Coulter

Republican James Oddo lays the smack down

I don't quite know how this clip belongs on my wrestling analogy for politics. I just know it works somehow. In the vain of satirists like Ali G and the APF's own Stephen Colbert, a Norwegian performer Pia Haraldsen tried to do a work on New York City Councilman James Oddo with disastrous results.

One of the running themes in this blog is how much performance and fakery there is with politicians and pundits, how they work us into believing they are genuine. This episode flips the script, as it is the politician who calls 'bullsh*t' when he sees it. Done with charming authenticity and machismo that would make any wrestler proud.

Before you watch the video, just to underscore my point this is how it usually plays out:

The reporter calls the wrestler out for being fake, then pays the price for doing so. Here 20/20 reporter John Stossel feels the wrath of wrestler David "Dr D" Schultz after challenging his authenticity.

VIDEO: David "Dr D" Schultz slaps John Stossel

In this instance. This Norwegian reporter is the one being fake and the politician makes them pay the price.

VIDEO: James Oddo "Get the f*ck out of my office!"

REPORTER: Isn't it against the constitution that Barack Obama run for Presidency considering the fact that he is not an American citizen?
JAMES ODDO: He is an American citizen. He's a United States Senator.
REPORTER: But I read somewhere that he's African American.
ODDO: African Americans are citizens of this Country
REPORTER: Alright that's good to know. Can you say a little bit more about the Democrats. Do you really think Hillary stands a chance after the embarrassing incident with the cigar
James Oddo is annoyed and leaves his seatODDO: Hey? Chris. What the f*ck do you have me in with these people. Throw these f*ckin people out of my office. Get the fuck out of here. Get the f*ck out of my office!

Read what conservatives thought on HotAir
Read the Washington Post article on satirical comedy
Read James Oddo's official bio

Update: Republican Congressman Michael Grimm had a recent expletive filled tirade on a legitimate news reporter. This was no joke
- When Politicans and Wrestlers threathen reporters: Rep. Michael Grimm and WWE Champion Randy Orton get mad