UPDATE, April 22, 2008: Politicians as Comics: A Sideshow on Pop TV
Somewhere in between the parade of busty women in low-cut gold lamé minidresses and contestants spinning the wheel, George Bush made a star turn.
“I’m thrilled to be on ‘Deal or No Deal’ with you tonight,” Mr. Bush said from a giant screen in a cameo taped for the Monday episode of one of NBC’s most popular prime-time shows. The president paused a beat. “Come to think of it, I’m thrilled to be anywhere with high ratings these days.”
Even a president can do a stint on a lowbrow entertainment show as long as it is cloaked in a dignified cause. The “Deal or No Deal” contestant Mr. Bush rooted for, Joe Kobes, is a decorated Army captain who served three tours in Iraq. Timing, however, matters. While it may be the first time a sitting president found it fitting to make fun of himself on a game show, that showstopper came at a moment when the Bush presidency is in eclipse.
The New York Times just called Deal or No Deal lowbrow entertainment.
And of course, President Bush is dissed by the Times, as always. It's also a slap at Army Captain Joe Kobes, contestant on a low brow game show.
What a condescending load!
It's funny that an article pointing out that politicians, particularly the presidential candidates, don't want to appear to be "snooty or overeducated," is so snooty.
Kobes ended up taking home $78,000, not a bad haul from the "lowbrow" game show.
Check out this slam:
Some candidates, however, are bigger hams than others. Mr. McCain had a walk-on part on the Fox drama “24” in 2006, and played himself as a wedding guest in the 2005 film comedy “Wedding Crashers.”
He also hosted Saturday Night Live.
Remember, the snooty New York Times endorsed John "Ham" McCain."
__________________
From CNSNews:
President Bush has taped a surprise "good luck" video for a U.S. soldier, Captain Joe Kobes, who is a contestant on the popular television game show, "Deal or No Deal," White House spokesman Tony Fratto said Friday.
The president's video will air on Monday's episode of NBC's "Deal or No Deal," and the network will be previewing clips from the video over the weekend.
The president's video will thank Kobes for his military service and wish him luck on the game show, in which he will compete for a top prize of $1 million. "It really is actually an emotional moment for Captain Kobes and his family," Fratto told reporters at the White House press briefing.
The president agreed to make the video when he learned from the producers of "Deal or No Deal" that he is one of Kobes' heroes.
Kobes, however, has his own claim to "hero" status, having served three tours of duty in Iraq and receiving a Purple Heart for injuries he sustained when his truck was blown up in 2004. The 29-year-old Army transportation officer volunteered for his last two Iraq deployments and has signed-up for another three-year stint with the Army.
I am in awe of Captain Kobes. He is a true American hero, a patriot.
What a great surprise for Kobes to receive a message from his hero, the President! Bush should be honored for a man like Kobes to hold him in such high regard.
As far as I know, no contestant has ever won the $1 million prize on Deal or No Deal. I hope Kobes is the one.
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