Associated Press
Pierce Hawthorne tried memorizing "zingers," too.
The good thing about debates, at least in theory, is that they're unscripted. Campaigns may go to great lengths to keep events "highly polished and hyper-scripted," but debates are intended to have some spontaneity -- the candidates don't know what they'll be asked, so they'll be required to think on their feet.
That said, the effort to drain the debates of their spontaneity is well underway.
Mr. Romney's team has concluded that debates are about creating moments and has equipped him with a series of zingers that he has memorized and has been practicing on aides since August. [...]
Mr. Obama is not particularly fluid in sound bites, so his team is aiming for a workmanlike performance like his speech at the Democratic convention.
As a tactical matter, I have no idea why Team Romney would consider it worthwhile to tell reporters in advance that the candidate has memorized "zingers" written by his staff.
Regardless, the strategy itself strikes me as a mistake. There was an episode of "Community" in the first season in which Pierce Hawthorne was going to watch a movie with some friends. He desperately wanted to impress them, so he rented the movie, hired some writers, and memorized a bunch of "zingers" in the hopes of dazzling the room with his wit.
If you saw the show, you know the result -- the "zingers" came across as obviously forced. Pierce hoped to prove how clever he is by memorizing lines written by others and then mechanically repeating them, but he ended up doing the opposite.
Romney is inviting the exact same problem. By announcing the plan in advance -- "Romney = Zingers!" -- the campaign is only inviting eye-rolling when the candidate forces the lines into the debate. No one will be impressed with Romney's quick wit because we've already been told (a) the zingers were written by others; (b) Romney's been forced to memorize them; and (c) he's been "practicing" his spontaneous delivery for over a month.
I'm sure the little quips will be delightfully clever, but I can't help but wonder how many viewers will be left laughing at, not with, the candidate.
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As long as Obama doesn't chime in with "you're likeable enough Mitt".
The jerk store called...
things like this are why the world has people like Stephen Colbert.
It's really not about attacking Barack, if Rmoney does that, as it's been noted elsewhere, the forced efforts will come across as stale. Rmoney needs to go to the center and appear to have moderate temperament, and go for a draw.
People already, do not like him so choosing glib, Dennis Miller style remarks will further efface his already eroded veneer.
The Republicans sure work to cut themselves every kind of cheater's break they can find. And they'll wonder why, if they lose this election.
Here's a novel idea, instead of working so hard to cheat the system, how about just taking a stance on the issues and presenting Republican policy ideas to the public .
Then... you Republicans won't have to wonder at all why you lose elections.
and will pass as the entire answer to the question.
I have come to the conclusion the GOP is paying the Romney campaign advisors to ensure Romney loses ....that way he will hopefully give up his quest for the White House and hopefully not come back in 2016.
Well, the Jerk Store called, and they're running out of you!
....does your Mommy know you are using her computer?
Sarah Palin,Michelle Bachman, Christine O'Donnell and Akin should already have shown us that this new age republican party seeks no answers to problems but instead desire candidates as anti-education and anti-reality as the republican base of religious zealots and red-necked gun toting brain damaged neanderthals.(oh my I think I just got angered)
Elvis or Johnny Cash? "Gee, that's a tough one."
"Never ever argue with idiots because they will drag you to their level and beat you with experience" (Pro Lee)
First, who is the unattributed quote from? Cause anyone who would use the word "zinger" pretty-much showed how out-dated they are.
Second, a "zinger" from a devout Mormon? Don't expect much more than a aw-shucks or gosh-darn there.
Meh....I don't care about whether Mitt gets out any of his pre-scripted zingers. It's not like conservatives have ever been funny anyway.
What I want to see is a repeat of the GOP debate where Rick Perry hit Mitt with the illegal immigrant lawn workers and Mitt got all up in Perry's grill, laying a hand on his shoulder to physically intimidate him. I want to see Obama say something similar to Romney, and then Romney have the same reaction.
Then I want to see secret service gang tackle Romney right out of his girdle.
There are actual videos of Romney telling crowds during the primary that he'd be the best to debate President Obama because he has "zingers" at the ready. How utterly PATHETIC it is that he truly believes "zingers" are his path to the White House.
Absurd Video compilation of his debate claims here: http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/10/mitt-romney-debate-expectations-video.php?ref=fpnewsfeed
You just have to shake your head in disgust.
I can see it now, Romney alleviates Mid-Eastern hostilities with a zinger.
If having magic undies makes Mitt a super hero, will zingers be his power? KA-POW! You've been Zinged, you fugitives from
Mexicojustice!You misunderstand, he's tossing out Dolly Madison snack cakes to the audience and panel before the debate.
You know, if a candidate promised to get Dan Harmon back on Community and get us a full 22 episode 4th season, they would have my vote.
I think some one going to the debate should stand outside giving away those cake zingers.....Saying.....the best zingers of the night.....
I think some one should stand outside the debate giving away those little cakes called zingers.....saying these are the best zingers of the night....lol.
Debate party drinking game! Every time we hear a suspected "zinger," take a drink :) Does Rachel have any cocktail suggestions??
I had thought of taking a drink every time Romney lies, but then realized I would probably be drinking myself into a coma.
If the alternative is listening to Romney's vaguely truthy platitudes, you might be happier if you succeed.
So basically Mitt Romney can't debate or explain his policies and plans during the debate, so he's going to distract everybody with goofy little "zingers", which will likely come off as wooden as everything else he says. How pathetic.
Crap. Write in Mickey Mouse if you can't vote for Obama.