Pull a what?

I love to examine the merging of politics and entertainment. I guess when it comes down to it, how distinct are they, anyway? Last night while commenting on a new joint interview with John McCain and Sarah Palin (see video above), NBC's political director Chuck Todd described the two as "lacking cohesion, chemistry, and trust (this was hinted)."

Chuck Todd continued:
"When you see the two of them together, the chemistry is just not there. You do wonder, is John McCain starting to blame her for things? Blaming himself? Is she blaming him? And maybe they don't feel they can win right now, so they are missing that intensity. That was the thing that struck me more than anything. You almost wonder why they wanted the two of them sitting next to each other." He also explained how Palin, to the surprise of her staff, said that she would release her medical records. It was Todd's next line that had me confused. He said, "both of these candidates are on the verge of pulling a Bulworth."

I had to look up the Bulworth reference. First I thought, "Bullwinkle." Well, I know Palin is a moose hunter but I don't know what he would have to do with this interview. "Bulworth," on the other hand, is a 1998 movie that was written by, directed by, and starred Warren Beatty. I am embarrassed to say that I never saw it or remember hearing about it. Beatty plays a veteran senator who has liberal views, but who has conceded to more moderate politics in order to try to gain voter acceptance. Once Beatty - or Bulworth - sees that this plan is not working, he makes the decision to commit suicide - by taking out an assassination contract on himself. Knowing his life is coming to an end, he begins speaking his mind freely at public events and in the presence of the media following his campaign. His honesty and refound commitment to his liberal beliefs actually strengthen his campaign and make him a instant media (and public) favorite (see movie trailer below).

It seems that Chuck Todd is wondering whether McCain and Palin will take a lead from Bulworth and start "speaking the truth" rather than following their current script or agenda. I think that this would be more difficult for Palin, since she does not seem to offer much more than heavily scripted words and catch phrases (you betcha, aside). Of course, you never know. We have been lulled into a false sense of security before. McCain and his republican base may actually try to "do a Bullwinkle," and pull a rabbit out of their hat.