AP: Candidates get ready to rumble ... verbally‏‏

Submitted By James Walsh on 04/21/08

By NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON - They've talked a lot of smack. Now the presidential candidates are taking it to the ring. Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton have accepted an invitation to try to settle their long-running nomination fight primary on the World Wrestling Entertainment's popular "Monday Night Raw" program. Unfortunately for wrestling fans, they won't be trading any blows. Physically, at least. Neither would agree to appear against each other in person, so they taped messages to air on the eve of the Pennsylvania primary. Republican John McCain added his message as well. Clinton tells fans to call her "Hill-Rod," recites her agenda and promises to be "a president who will go to the mat for you." "This election is starting to feel a lot like King of the Ring," she says in a little trash talk. "The only difference? The last man standing may just be a woman." Obama borrowed the signature line from former WWE champion Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in a warning to the special interests in Washington. "Do you smell what Barack is cooking?" Obama asks with a grin. McCain cautions both candidates to look out for him in the general election. "Whatcha gonna do when John McCain and all his McCainiacs run wild on ya?" he asks. It's the first time presidential candidates have appeared on WWE programing, another example of how they are using unconventional programing — from appearances on "The Tyra Banks Show" to "American Idol" — to reach voters. For fans curious about how an Obama-Clinton fight might look, WWE has a dramatization on its Web site. An animated Obama, in signature suit with no tie, bounces into the ring to the sound of heavy metal. He's followed by Clinton, in a red pants suit, who climbs onto the ropes with her hands in the air. The video fades before any blows are traded. "Raw" is one of cable television's top-rated shows with more than 5 million weekly viewers. WWE has been encouraging voter registration through its "Smackdown Your Vote!" program. ___ On the Net: Smackdown Your Vote!: http://vote.wwe.com :: GO BACK TO THE HOME PAGE :: DISCUSS THIS POST ON THE FORUMS! :: BUY WRESTLING DVD'S THROUGH OUR STORE! WRESTLING EPICENTER STORE IS OPEN! THE HOTTEST WRESTLING DVD'S ARE NOW AVAILABLE! We've got hundreds of pro wrestling DVD's at your fingertips! All your favorite stars such as Hulk Hogan, Kurt Angle, Sting, Ric Flair, Bruiser Brody, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Harley Race, Andre the Giant, Dynamite Kid, Davey Boy Smith, Bret "The Hitman" Hart, Booker T, & countless others! We've also got the Divas! Raw and extreme footage of Candice Michelle, Beulah McGillicutty, Gorgeous George, Tylene Buck, Francine, Christy Hemme, Dawn Marie, Madusa, and the rest of your favorite sexy divas! We even have got official WWE merchandise! All this can be yours in the Wrestling Epicenter Store! CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE STORE! Home | News | Editorials | Interviews | Forums | Chat Room | Store | Divas | PPV Results | TV Results | Shows | Links | Metal Epicenter | Contact Us/Staff