Presidential competition includes some long-shots

by Joe Medoff

Presidential campaigns, to most people, are very by-the-book. They all seem to have a certain rhythm. They follow a theme of suit-and-tie professionalism.  In New Hampshire, one can get on the Presidential Primary ballot by applying to the state and paying a fee of $1000.

Many long-shot candidates enter the primary. Some are unknown everyday people who want to enter the political fray and lead their nation.

Some are utterly amusing.  Some are entertainers making a mockery of the electoral system. Others have views so extreme they come off as comical.

“Long-shot here is a whole different category,” said David Tirrell-Wysocki, the Executive Director of the Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications. Tirrell-Wysocki was giving a speech to a group of students on July 16^th.

The entertainers range from political comedians to actors portraying characters. Pat Paulsen, a comedian, ran for president with the slogan, “I’ve upped my standards, now up yours!”

One candidate even became a viral sensation. Vermin Supreme became a Youtube star with half a million hits on one video, this is due to his outlandish nature, evidenced by a boot he wears on his head.

Some candidates have views so extreme they aren’t taken seriously. One argued for the military to occupy every high school in America.  He received 37 votes.

Another candidate wanted to abolish the public education system entirely. When asked why by a panel of interviewers, he stated that his wife wrote his platform on education.

Vermin Supreme’s video can be viewed here: