The Norris Factor: Chuck Norris endorses Mike Huckabee
November 20, 2007
Now, maybe it is just me, but, I think the new Chuck Norris/Mike Huckabee commercial is a riot.
Yesterday I heard Todd Schnitt on the radio ranting and raving about it saying that he didn’t understand who it was geared toward. And, to tell you the truth, I think that is the problem. Maybe the media doesn’t “get” it! I saw the ad and then immediately forwarded it to everyone on my list with the message, “I know I said I am leaning toward McCain, but, I think I just changed me vote!”
Many a truth is said in jest.
The media in general (and especially Todd Schnitt, I would think) is aware of all of the stupid Chuck Norris jokes that my generation (gen “x”ers) find so funny. They must be! There are pages and pages of them clogging up the web. http://www.chucknorrisjokes.net/ http://message.snopes.com/showthread.php?t=323 Admittedly, these jokes are not funny to some… there is no question that it is generational humor.
But, here is the thing… most of my friends don’t know much about politics. Some, okay, MOST of my 25-30 year old friends just label themselves one thing or another and watch the news once a month or so… probably in a mechanic’s or Dr.’s office waiting room. So when I got response after response to my e-mail that said “I’m in.” and “He has my vote” it made me stop and realize something: Many of my friends did not even know what a “Huckabee” was a week ago and now they are Googleing his name and saying they will vote for him. Nothing has ever motivated the under 30 crowd to vote! Not the draft, not free concerts, not even P-Diddy! Can Chuck Norris do it? I know there is a new Chuck Norris joke in there somewhere.
The Generation ”X”ers may not actually vote for Huckabee but, he certainly peaked their interest enough for them to look up from their text messages and lattes. I think the spot is brilliantly funny and hip. No amount of pictures of Obama in swim trunks can top that.
Should we turn this election into stand up comedy? Certainly not. (Besides, Hillary makes Jamie Kennedy’s stand up look entertaining.) And, I understand everyone’s concern about making light of the serious issues, but kudos to Huckabee for lightning the mood. I’d love to see those old clips of Rudy Giuliani in drag on Saturday Night Live make a comeback.
Fair warning: if Huckabee shows up at a campaign stop wearing a “Don’t Hassle the Hoff” t-shirt and calling himself “McLovin”, he will probably get his own reality TV show.
