Bill Mack’s entertainment beat
Every election, from local to federal, has followed the same fizzy format.
By BILL MACK
Truckers Connection
11/7/2008
I haven’t developed any strong interest in the political games because I find them to be among the most hypocritical happenings on the planet. I have never been able to understand how a candidate for the office of president can spend millions of dollars in order to spotlight the deficiencies of his opponent, degrading him (or her) as being completely incapable and unworthy of that high office … and then, within a few minutes after securing the position as his party’s official nominee, referring to that former “no-good” as a “dedicated, talented, knowledgeable representative of the party who will be standing by my side through election day!”
Every election, from local to federal, has followed the same fizzy format. That is … dig up the dirt on the opponent, purchase media time in order to display his weaknesses and his horrible hidden secrets, pound him to the political pavement, and then, after winning, give him (or her) a big hug on television as the downtrodden victim fakes a weak smile and presents a prepared speech stating, “Congratulations! I am now with you all the way!”
Does this ring a familiar bell? Of course it does! Most of us are as changeable as chameleons when election time nears. The last good speech we hear blabbed by one of the candidates hangs in with us until a better one comes along from the opposition. If we are the typical American, we are easily persuaded by smooth talking, baby-kissing politicians.
Let’s face it: election time is similar to an exciting movie. There is seldom a dull moment, and we actually pull for the guy or gal who is presenting the best performance. The outcome depends on who is responsible for more excitement, more laughter or tears, and the most memorable words for all of us to enjoy with our popcorn as we squat in front of the television set. Of course, those memorable words were written by a highly trained, well-paid professional writer. It’s the actor’s job to memorize those words and present them to us in tones of genuine sincerity. We are his audience. I sincerely believe an award similar to the widely revered Oscar should be handed to the winner on election night. Election time is simply another gargantuan release, similar to “The Godfather” or one of the “Batman” epics.
One of our better known presidents was Ronald Reagan. Among Reagan’s most successful movies as a Hollywood star was a flick titled “Bedtime For Bonzo” (1951 by Universal-International Pictures). His co-star was a chimp named Bonzo. During the 1980 U.S. Presidential Campaign, when Reagan was a Republican nominee, the film was frequently shown on television. The joke in Washington DC at the time was that “Bedtime For Bonzo” was a favorite of old movie buffs and Democrats.
Then, there is Arnold Schwarzenegger. This native of Austria is now Governor of California. As a Hollywood movie star, his most successful film was an action-packed thriller titled “The Terminator,” released in 1984. No doubt about it, Governor Schwarzenegger had his share of followers. The men liked the fact he was “one tough hombre” on the big screen, while the ladies swooned at his 6’2 frame of pure muscle and “suggestive” good looks. Obviously, these traits were enough qualifications for him to become Governor of California!
Neither Ronald Reagan nor Arnold Schwarzenegger won the treasured Oscar during their tenures as film stars. Perhaps special Oscars could be handed to them during the next Academy Awards shindig in Hollywood. Of course, Ronald Reagan’s award would have to be presented posthumously since he passed away in 2004, but Arnold Schwarzenegger could still walk to the podium with that huge political smile on his face as he is presented his Oscar. If he chooses to make a long acceptance speech, he would need to speak slowly and enunciate distinctively, since he still sounds more Austrian than Californian.
There were several others who migrated from motion pictures to politics:
Tex Ritter made dozens of movies, most of them “B” westerns, and was recognized as one of the top stars in country music. He recorded the movie title-track-song for the great film, “High Noon,” in 1952. It received an Oscar for Best Song that year. Tex entered the Republican Primary for United States Senator in 1970, losing overwhelmingly to Tennessee Congressman Bill Brock. When Tex was asked why his speeches weren’t more heated, discouraging voters from choosing Brock, Tex smiled and replied, “I couldn’t think of anything bad to say about Bill Brock!”
Roy Acuff, referred to as the “King of Country Music,” also made a bunch of low-budget films and was the first living performer to be placed in the Country Music Hall-of-Fame in 1962. Roy had a brief affair with politics, running for Governor of Tennessee on the Republican tickets in 1944 and 1948. Roy lost both of these attempts and decided to stick to the Grand Ole Opry until he died in 1992.
Jimmie Davis was the most successful country music star to enter the political arena. He served two nonconsecutive terms as the Democratic Governor of Louisiana. His first term was in 1944, when his monster hit, “You Are My Sunshine,” was the hottest tune in the charts. After serving his term as governor, he decided to take some time off from politics and focus on his music and touring. Then, as his music faded a bit, Jimmie ran for Governor of Louisiana again in 1948, winning by a huge margin. Jimmie Davis also starred in several “B” movies.
I believe you will agree that the big screen has helped many politicians achieve success. The process could also be reversed: politicians could become movie stars!
I can see John McCain as the next Lionel Barrymore, the original Dr. Kildare back in the 30s.
Hillary Clinton could easily take up where Marjorie Main exited the screen as Ma Kettle.
Barack Obama might pick up where Elvis left off, since he has been referred to many times as a “rock star.” Of course, he’d have to learn to “pick ‘n sing,” although very little acting ability would be necessary.
Sarah Palin could easily be our next “sex symbol”…and Bill Clinton could inherit the role of the guy chasing her on film, normally played by the late Errol Flynn.
Finally, there is Joe Biden. Joe could replace the M-G-M trademark, Leo the Lion, roaring innocently before the big picture begins.
Politics and Motion Pictures: very similar when you think about it.
Hear Bill Mack daily from 12:00 Noon until 4:00 p.m. (ET) on XM Satellite Radio. The program is replayed from 8:00 p.m. until Midnight (ET). Bill’s book, “Bill Mack’s Memories From The Trenches of Broadcasting” and recordings can be ordered via his Web site: www.billmackcountry.com.