Politically Foul
Politics is not a game exactly, but there are rules. And when you break them you're running Politically Foul! Each week, we call the penalties, conversions and downs as we see them on the political playing field.
Rick Santorum sprinted into Akron, Ohio this week before checking the playbook. A few miles from the Cleveland Brown's home turf, Santorum attempted to start a pep rally for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
His revelry call, "Is this Steelers country?" was met with boos from the crowd. One of the first rules of campaigning…know where you are.
Meanwhile, Mitt Romney attempted to lean on some not so recent pop culture at this week's Republican debate, when he paused after an applause line and quipped, "As George Costanza would say, when they are applauding, stop.'
Whoops — that wasn't actually a Costanza quote from Seinfeld, it was Jerry Seinfeld from "Seinfeld." Although the real Costanza, actor Jason Alexander, tweeted in response: "Thrilled Gov. Romney enjoys my old character. I enjoyed the character he used 2 b 2. If he'd embrace that again, he'd b a great candidate."
Ouch! Romney got sacked by Constanza!
And back in Washington, President Obama stole the halftime show of a star-studded performance at the White House this week. The not-so-modest Obama received a microphone hand off from Buddy Guy and, despite an initial attempt at a fake out, the President completed the play and joined in the singing of 'Sweet Home Chicago."
He was assisted by a hard hitting block on the mic by blues legend BB King before retreating out of bounds. Foul: false modesty! For someone who was reluctant to play, you warmed up to the spotlight in a hurry.
Those are the politically plays we flagged this week. Tell us your best and worst moments and we'll survey the field again next week.