I thought that many of the comments left here had to be jokes, but now, sadly, I think most of the commenters actually believe what they are saying. I mean those that actually say something, which diminishes daily.
These days, Pat Paulsen is remembered mostly by those who can remember 1968, but his proto-Colbert faux-candidacy looks amazingly familiar in retrospect.
With his thin, triangular face and look of a worn-down town clerk (or, perhaps, a depressed gravedigger), Paulsen first came to national prominence on the Smothers Brothers’ counterculture-geared variety show, which ran from 1967 to 1969.
Amidst the anti-war jokes and appearances by The Who and Buffalo Springfield, Paulsen’s deadpan parodies of clueless or haughty authority figures couldn’t have found a better home.
At 38, he was older than most of the cast, which played to his comedic advantage, as did his penchant for suits and ties and unflappable deadpan delivery.
Early in 1968, Paulsen and the Smotherses launched what amounted to the show’s longest and most elaborate performance-art skit: having Paulsen run for president. His persona remained the same, but he was now the official candidate of the STAG (Straight Talking American Government) party.
He announced a run and was seen at confetti-strewn rallies. His statements were parodies of a typical campaign’s inane slogans (he called himself “a common, ordinary simple savior of America’s destiny”) and its empty promises (“Will I obliterate national debt? Sure, why not,” he told one crowd).
He mocked the charade of schlepping around the country and acting as if he enjoyed it: Everywhere he went, from New York City to Jacksonville, he’d tell the local media this was the greatest city in the country and he wanted to move there.
In a foreshadow of Sarah Palin, he coyly denied he was running but visited factories, where he’d ask workers to wear “Paulsen for President” buttons.
That’s how Republicans joke. They say something awful that their fans eat up, but after a while the stink won’t go away, and they have to have a flack come out and say well of course it was a joke, you humorless gits, and all the loyal RW cranks dutifully backdate their laughter because it was funny all along.
Darsan54 Premium Member over 2 years ago
What the heck, we thought DT’s campaign was a joke right up until he got elected. Then the punch line was on us after.
KenseidenXL over 2 years ago
A Libertarian is a corporate extremist Republican who wants to smoke dope and get laid….
RobinHood over 2 years ago
I thought that many of the comments left here had to be jokes, but now, sadly, I think most of the commenters actually believe what they are saying. I mean those that actually say something, which diminishes daily.
MollyCat over 2 years ago
Love Carmen, yes; vote for her, sorry but no way.
Silly Season over 2 years ago
These days, Pat Paulsen is remembered mostly by those who can remember 1968, but his proto-Colbert faux-candidacy looks amazingly familiar in retrospect.
With his thin, triangular face and look of a worn-down town clerk (or, perhaps, a depressed gravedigger), Paulsen first came to national prominence on the Smothers Brothers’ counterculture-geared variety show, which ran from 1967 to 1969.
Amidst the anti-war jokes and appearances by The Who and Buffalo Springfield, Paulsen’s deadpan parodies of clueless or haughty authority figures couldn’t have found a better home.
At 38, he was older than most of the cast, which played to his comedic advantage, as did his penchant for suits and ties and unflappable deadpan delivery.
Early in 1968, Paulsen and the Smotherses launched what amounted to the show’s longest and most elaborate performance-art skit: having Paulsen run for president. His persona remained the same, but he was now the official candidate of the STAG (Straight Talking American Government) party.
He announced a run and was seen at confetti-strewn rallies. His statements were parodies of a typical campaign’s inane slogans (he called himself “a common, ordinary simple savior of America’s destiny”) and its empty promises (“Will I obliterate national debt? Sure, why not,” he told one crowd).
He mocked the charade of schlepping around the country and acting as if he enjoyed it: Everywhere he went, from New York City to Jacksonville, he’d tell the local media this was the greatest city in the country and he wanted to move there.
In a foreshadow of Sarah Palin, he coyly denied he was running but visited factories, where he’d ask workers to wear “Paulsen for President” buttons.
~
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/mock-the-vote-how-pat-paulsen-paved-the-way-for-colbert-196935/
Mario500 over 2 years ago
“JUST ABOUT EVERYONE…”
(disagrees with this dialogue in this cartoon)
Kip Williams over 2 years ago
That’s how Republicans joke. They say something awful that their fans eat up, but after a while the stink won’t go away, and they have to have a flack come out and say well of course it was a joke, you humorless gits, and all the loyal RW cranks dutifully backdate their laughter because it was funny all along.
christelisbetty over 2 years ago
Back in the 60’s,I had a big “Snoopy For President” button.But I didn’t (deep down inside), think he could win.
eric_harris_76 over 2 years ago
On the other hand, the last few decades, just about all the presidents have been average: worse than the last one, but better than the next one.