Posted on 07/05/2015 10:17:53 AM PDT by Isara
Buzzfeed got presidential candidate Ted Cruz to 'audition' for 'The Simpsons,' and he nailed it. But was it undignified or smart voter outreach? We think we know the answer.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/_K0sRkvX4KE
Washington Buzzfeed got presidential candidate Ted Cruz to audition for The Simpsons, and its a performance to behold. It also tells us something about modern American politics, for better or worse.
But before we get to the larger meaning, heres what happened: In April, Senator Cruz (R) of Texas told The Federalist Radio Hour that hes a big "Simpsons" fan, but when asked to recite a line from the show, he botched it.
"Simpsons" showrunner Al Jean was reportedly not amused. So when Cruz visited the offices of Buzzfeed recently, he was offered a chance to redeem himself. Cruz has a reputation for being a tad self-important, and here was a way to show his lighter side.
But it wasnt just a do-over. Buzzfeed had Cruz audition for the cast. Harry Shearer, who voices Ned Flanders, Montgomery Burns, and others, is leaving the show, so theres an opening. And who knows, if this presidential thing doesnt work out, Cruz might have a future in show biz.His version of Mr. Burns was eeex-cellent, his Mr. Flanders downright okily-dokily, and his twirling for freedom, well, you just have to watch. Cruz even nails the voices of both Lisa and Homer Simpson.
I have been told many times I have a face for radio, and I have a face for animation, the tea-party conservative joked.
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The liberal-leaning news site Salon accused Cruz of shamelessly pander[ing] for your votes with an absurd Simpsons audition. We say, guilty as charged. And get used to it. Because more than ever, politicians are jumping into pop culture with both feet.
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(Excerpt) Read more at csmonitor.com ...
It was pretty funny.
Nowadays, you have to do this kind of thing to be perceived as a real person.
I think this will help his campaign.
Ted, we know you have a great sense of humor, but please, I beg you, no more cartoon voices for video. Sarah made some of the same mistakes, so eager to appear as a good sport, she unnesscesarily beclowned herself too many times.
I don’t think it will help his campaign. It did not help Sarah going on Saturday Night Live. I don’t think it is dignified to do this type of thing. Just more cheapening of the Presidency overall.
I watched a video where he did a few impersonations - one was Jay Leno. I can’t remember the other 2, but, he was very good.
I found them on google - he did JFK and Winston Churchill.
Some will nitpick Cruz on any/everything. Just saying. Not going to pick on your guy.
JFK, Winston Churchill, Darth Vader and Jay Leno
Pretty good Lisa not so good Homer. Good for him.
My response to them: lighten up, Francis...
Wow. His JFK was good. His Churchill was VERY good!
Thanks for posting the link.
Lol at shameless pandering ...
As if the conservative base is defined by the Simpson’s demographic.
And Slick Willy breaking out his sax ... what was That if not pandering?
“Culture is upstream of politics.” ~Andrew Breitbart
I like Cruz and I used to like The Simpsons (back when they were funny in the early 90’s, as opposed to their current, unwatchable incarnation), but this is cringeworthy.
I read this and had flashes of the Simpsons episode where the interviewer mangled the video of Homer pulling the gummy Venus de Milo off the girl’s butt and made him look like a raving lunatic, though it was clearly sound effects and bad video editing.
All I can think is that they’ll do something similar with Cruz. The Simpsons’ creator bashed Bush in “Futurama” episodes, down to “yeah, 300 silk bucks, how useless is this!” and pumped gay marriage with one of Marge’s sister’s having a homosexual wedding several years ago in the show.
I would just rather he not do this.
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