Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton are taking full advantage of television one day ahead of the Democratic Pennsylvania primary, appearing on shows as disparate as “Larry King Live” and “The Daily Show.” But their most interesting appearance will likely come on the cable channel USA’s wrestling program “WWE Raw.”
In videotaped messages, the candidates will stump for votes on one of cable’s most popular programs, albeit one that is usually more interested in professional wrestling than professional vote-wrangling. John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, will also appear on the program. Even in an election season that has seen the candidates appear on “Saturday Night Live” and “American Idol,” Mrs. Clinton seemed to up the ante by telling wrestling fans that they could “call me ‘Hill-Rod.’”
“This election is stating to feel a lot like ‘king of the ring,’” Mrs. Clinton remarked. “The only difference? The last man standing may just be a woman.”
In his message, Mr. Obama adapted two frequent themes of his campaign, saying: “To the special interests who’ve been setting the agenda in Washington for too long, and to all the forces of division and distraction that have stopped us from making progress for the American people, I’ve got one question: do you smell what Barack is cooking?”
World Wrestling Entertainment, always up for a promotional ploy, stated in a press release that the organization had invited Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama to “settle the Democratic nomination process in the wrestling ring.”
The organization will use the candidate appearances to promote “Smackdown Your Vote,” a wrestling-themed voter registration effort that debuted during the 2000 election cycle.
The Times’s John Broder sends the full text along from Mrs. Clinton’s appearance:
“Hi, I’m Hillary Clinton. But tonight, in honor of the WWE, you can call me Hill-Rod.
“This election is starting to feel a lot like King of the Ring. The only difference? The last man standing may just be a woman.
“The truth is, this election is so important. The next president will face a stack full of difficult challenges right from the opening bell… to fix the economy, bring our troops home from Iraq, and make college more affordable. You need a president who will go to the mat for you. And that’s exactly what I’ll do.
“I’ve been knocked down, but I’ve always gotten back up. And I know how to take a hit for the American people. And if things get a little tough, I may even have to deliver the people’s elbow. Because this country is worth fighting for.”
“Now, I promise to stick to the political arena. So don’t worry, Randy Orton. You’re safe… for now.
“When it comes to standing up for the American people though, I am ready to rumble. “
This was by far my favorite post of them all! Watching this WWE video helped to lighten all of the negativity with the candidates at this point.
It gave people a reason to laugh for a minute and it was hilarious. I'm so glad the L.A. Times covered the footage!
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