So Barack Obama has secured his party’s nomination. And now John McCain wants to challenge him to a series of townhome debates. Sweet Merciful Jesus, let the young Senator rest! Was McCain not watching the Democrat race? Did he not watch Obama needlessly clarify the untruths from the mouth of another Democrat competitor? Did he not watch Obama answer the eruptions of an angry, opinionated minister day after day after day? Apparently not. It seems the young Senator from Illinois’ road to the White House has had some surreal bumps along the way. Granted, the world of politics is crazy to begin with. Add to that Senator Obama’s unconventional approach and observations to the atmosphere surrounding and you get a mixture of a farce unlike anything on TV or in the cinema now. Unless you look at your old movie collection, as I did, and pull out a dvd of “Blazing Saddles.” To relieve my stress of watching venerable anchors like Charles Gibson purge the Senator with Reverend Wright questions, I put the Western spoof on. It was during the scene in which the hero, Bart, was asked to sing a “slave” song that I began to think about the relation between Mr. Obama’s campaign and the film. Bart croons a sophisticated A capella version of “I Get A Kick Out of You.” It struck me that the gesture reminded me of Senator Obama telling viewers to stop thinking about the “distractions” and question the issues that plague this country. It was a glaring illustration that both men display an unconventional approach to the ridiculousness of the world surrounding them.
The movie also draws many parallels to the state of politics today. The villain is a shifty, power-hungry Lt. Governor (Dick Cheney?) who acts as commander under the cock-eyed watch of an incompetent, ineffectual Governor (Bush?). And like the town of Rockridge, today’s America asked itself “are we ready for an African-American leader?” Only the good, simple town folk didn’t question themselves nor did they use the politically correct terminology. But eventually Sheriff Bart, the cool protagonist in the movie, wins the people’s respect and defeats the bad guy. Drawing further on the comparison, I’ve discovered that the movie is actually a good blueprint for Obama’s pursuit for the Presidency. Here are the steps Obama needs to take to achieve his goal in accordance to the comedy.
- Defeat a muscle-bound nemesis. In the film, Sheriff Bart defeats Mongo. Senator Obama has Hillary Clinton. Beating her for the nomination is step one. “Obama only one who defeat Hillary. Hillary impressed.”
- Seduce the seductress. Lili Von Shtupp was brought in when Mongo failed. Sheriff promptly seduces her and wins her over. What will be Mr. Obama’s temptation? Money? Power? Interns? Whatever that will be he will have to tame it with a “wed wose.”
- And finally, he must defeat the head villain. Unlike the movie there will be no final gun-drawn showdown with the bad guy, unfortunately. Although such a spectacle would make for great reality TV on Fox. And in all likelihood, Cheney would miss and hit a member of his posse in the face.
If Mr. Obama follows these guidelines, he will find his place in American history. He’s already taken on the persona of the flawed but casual observer at times. All that Mr. Obama needs now is a loyal sidekick. “My name is John, but most people call me…John.” As in Edwards perhaps? Who knows? No need to think way ahead into the future. But it was written in 1974. So sayeth Mel Brooks.
The movie also draws many parallels to the state of politics today. The villain is a shifty, power-hungry Lt. Governor (Dick Cheney?) who acts as commander under the cock-eyed watch of an incompetent, ineffectual Governor (Bush?). And like the town of Rockridge, today’s America asked itself “are we ready for an African-American leader?” Only the good, simple town folk didn’t question themselves nor did they use the politically correct terminology. But eventually Sheriff Bart, the cool protagonist in the movie, wins the people’s respect and defeats the bad guy. Drawing further on the comparison, I’ve discovered that the movie is actually a good blueprint for Obama’s pursuit for the Presidency. Here are the steps Obama needs to take to achieve his goal in accordance to the comedy.
- Defeat a muscle-bound nemesis. In the film, Sheriff Bart defeats Mongo. Senator Obama has Hillary Clinton. Beating her for the nomination is step one. “Obama only one who defeat Hillary. Hillary impressed.”
- Seduce the seductress. Lili Von Shtupp was brought in when Mongo failed. Sheriff promptly seduces her and wins her over. What will be Mr. Obama’s temptation? Money? Power? Interns? Whatever that will be he will have to tame it with a “wed wose.”
- And finally, he must defeat the head villain. Unlike the movie there will be no final gun-drawn showdown with the bad guy, unfortunately. Although such a spectacle would make for great reality TV on Fox. And in all likelihood, Cheney would miss and hit a member of his posse in the face.
If Mr. Obama follows these guidelines, he will find his place in American history. He’s already taken on the persona of the flawed but casual observer at times. All that Mr. Obama needs now is a loyal sidekick. “My name is John, but most people call me…John.” As in Edwards perhaps? Who knows? No need to think way ahead into the future. But it was written in 1974. So sayeth Mel Brooks.
No comments:
Post a Comment