Why Presidential Politics & Professional Wrestling Don't Mix

In case you missed it last night, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John McCain all appeared on World Wrestling Entertainment's Monday Night Raw program. As a man of the people and staunch populist, I concede that there is definitely something engaging about multi-millionaire presidential wannabes taking time out of their quest for the most powerful office in the world to pander directly to the unique block of voters who watches professional wrestling. While there was no face paint or spandex-that we know of-each of the three candidates mixed in catch phrases that would be near and dear to the hearts of WWE viewers.

Now, I'm not going to take this opportunity to trash professional wrestling fans as backwoods driving, confederate flag waving, Slim Jim eating, chromosome lacking, meth baking hicks, who would have a far better idea of what to do in their sister's bedroom than a voting booth. Okay, I couldn't resist, but let me confess that I used to be an avid supporter of WWE back when it was the World Wrestling Federation, and I still occasionally watch in hopes of spotting my favorite grappler, Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, who must be closing in on 70 years old.

The problem I have with this situation is the same I have with George W. Bush and the anti-intellectual factions that are quick to denounce any activity that requires one to wear a shirt as being both un-American and not in touch with the real people in the heartland. To me, presidential discourse and debate should be conducted at an extremely high level in terms of the language used, the issues discussed, and the forum selected. Instead of having an election that has devolved into nothing but wrestling promos, Daily Show guest spots, and Saturday Night Live skits, perhaps the candidates could actually spend that time opining on what to do about the plethora of issues facing our country.

Unfortunately, some will label my views as elitist, but I believe that sentiment could not be further from the truth. While I would like to see the quality of the political debate raised, I am also for increasing access to that debate. In a perfect world, it would be nice to see coverage that goes beyond twenty second sound bites, and really allows candidates a chance to lay out their proposals.

Secondly, and let me make this abundantly clear, presidents and presidential candidates are not like you and I, no matter how folksy they try to appear. So let’s end the charade of them pretending to be regular people, and hold them to a higher standard befitting a world leader. Perhaps having to look upwards instead of downwards when listening to our political candidates might raise the rest of us up in the process.

I realize my assertion that presidential candidates have no place in wrestling runs into a bit of slippery slope, and one might ask where the proverbial line is drawn. I'll be the first to admit that I cannot say with certainty in all instances whether a TV show or engagement is befitting of presidential politics. However, I can say with the utmost confidence that if the program involves one of the candidates asking the audience repeatedly if they can "smell what he is cooking?," then that is a solid indicator the line has been crossed.

[Hillary Clinton] [John McCain] [Barack Obama] [WWE] [Slim Jim] [Jimmy Superfly Snuka] [Daily Show]