by M. Tyrone Darklord
"Also, the TV show “The Wire” came up. ... Obama told the Sun his favorite character is Omar, a stick-up artist who steals from drug dealers and then gives the loot to poor people in the neighborhood." - Las Vegas Sun, Jan. 14, 2008.
Even when they're hitting the campaign trail the presidential candidates still have time for a little television.
Looking to capture the interest of pop-culture-loving voters, Republican and Democratic presidential candidates recently spoke out about their favorite TV characters.
The Democrats
Hillary Clinton
Favorite TV Character: Carmela Soprano
Why: “She’s a tough, strong woman living near New York, and that husband of hers! I know exactly what she’s been through. Every time I watch that show my heart goes out to her. I think she went a little too far, using Tony’s infidelity to get money, political power and other things that she wanted. Still, she’s a complex character that’s not afraid to cry, yell or make her husband sleep on the couch. And we both look great in power suits.”
John Edwards
Favorite TV Character: Dick Clark
Why: “I’ve always admired Dick Clark’s longevity, his persistence in the face of great odds, his refusal to step aside when its time to go. Take this past New Year’s Eve, for example. Many people would say ‘Dick, you just had a stroke. You can barely speak. You shouldn’t be on camera. Why don’t you just fade into the sunset and let Ryan Seacrest take over?’ But you know what? Dick Clark is his own man just like John Edwards is his own man and will be his man for the remaining 46 state primaries.”
The Republicans
John McCain
Favorite TV Character: Col. John “Hannibal” Smith
Why: “I just love it when a bipartisan plan comes together, like it did with my campaign finance reform efforts. I’ve spent time in a military prison, and I can assure you my opponents have accused me of policies I didn’t commit. But my real goal is to work with a well-trained team to get the job done for the American people.”
Mike Huckabee
Favorite TV Character: Walker, Texas Ranger
Why: “I’m not saying this because Chuck Norris has helped my campaign raise hundreds of thousands of dollars. I’m saying this because I love Texas-style justice delivered with roundhouse kicks. I’m saying this because I love cowboy hats and facial hair. I’m saying this because I need to buy another round of ads before Super Tuesday.”
Rudy Giuliani
Favorite TV Character: Jerry Seinfield
Why: “What’s the deal with my poll numbers? I’m from New York, did you know that? New York! Who doesn’t love New York? So of course I love Seinfeld, he’s from New York! We’re both still on TV even though we haven’t been relevant in years. I also love the police and fire departments. Don’t you love the police and fire departments? You do? Then vote for me! I’m from New York. I was so popular in the 1990s. Don’t you remember how great I was on Sept. 11? In New York! Please, please vote for me. I need your vote like Michael Richards needs a job.”
Mitt Romney
Favorite TV Character: Simon Cowell
Why: “It is my belief that Simon Cowell knows what’s best for ‘American Idol.’ Likewise, I know what’s best for America. We’re both shrewd businessmen who have the ability to make difficult decisions and painful cuts. Also, we’re both pricks.”
Ron Paul
Favorite TV Character: Gilligan
Why: “He’s a very good looking man who doesn’t panic in a tricky situation. He knows how to handle problems creatively, think outside the box. He’s not afraid to put himself on an island and stay there, isolated and away from the rest of the world. Also, since there is no money on the island, we can assume he is a fiscal conservative.”
And two candidates who dropped out, but we still really love:
Fred Thompson
Favorite TV Character: D.A. Arthur Branch of "Law & Order."
Why: “He’s attractive, tough on crime and playing him is an easier job than running for president. Mariska Hargitay, if you’re listening, I want to come home, honey.”
Bill Richardson
Favorite TV Character: The fat guy on “Lost.”
Why: “I feel this is a character I can really identify with. Just like this guy, who’s name I can’t remember off the top of my head, I like sandwiches, warm air, the beach and, hopefully, running for vice-president.
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