In wrestling, imitation done condescendingly is a tried and tested way to mock an opponent. As well as one of the cheapest ways for getting a crowd reaction. There are several elements that need to come into play for a mocking impersonation to be effective. The deliverer needs to be self assured in order to convince the audience that the mockery comes from a position of strength. The crowd must also be taken into account, some will be more receptive to an imitation cheapshot whilst others will be hostile.
Though it's within reason to expect it, it's not often you find mocking impersonations used in politics. A candidate will usually highlight the absurdity of their opponent's style by simply stating it. As seen here when Joe Biden pokes fun of Rudy Giuliani's rhetorical template.
Hillary Clinton highlights her Democratic opponent's rhetorical style more directly. Her use of sarcasm works as she is in front of a friendly crowd, another type of audience may have given her a different reaction.
Read what conservative readers at Hotair.com said about Hillary's Obama parody
Read what liberal readers thought of that same exchange, from TPM Election central
Funnily enough, I found a TPM commentator with an eerily similar wrestling perspective
Though it's within reason to expect it, it's not often you find mocking impersonations used in politics. A candidate will usually highlight the absurdity of their opponent's style by simply stating it. As seen here when Joe Biden pokes fun of Rudy Giuliani's rhetorical template.
VIDEO: Rudy Giuliani's "three words"
Hillary Clinton highlights her Democratic opponent's rhetorical style more directly. Her use of sarcasm works as she is in front of a friendly crowd, another type of audience may have given her a different reaction.
Read what conservative readers at Hotair.com said about Hillary's Obama parody
Read what liberal readers thought of that same exchange, from TPM Election central
Funnily enough, I found a TPM commentator with an eerily similar wrestling perspective
If you sort of cross your eyes and let the image on the screen get a little fuzzy, one could almost imagine that Hillary is pumping up the crowd at a WWE event, right before the big fight.
But then Obama comes out and the lights dim, a Public Enemy song blares from the speakers, and as he steps into the ring and removes his hood, he shouts:
CAN YOU SMELL WHAT BARACK IS COOKING!?
Posted by billysumday
February 24, 2008 9:09 PM
If 'imitation is the sincerest form of flattery', then wrestlers should be flattered. Watch how the wrestlers get it done
VIDEO: The Rock impersonating Kurt Angle
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