The 1974 Western spoof paralleled the 2008 Presidential bid in so many ways. Firstly there was the ineffectual, incompetent Governor (Mel Brooks) who let his second in command make all the decisions. Sound familiar? Like the Vice-President, Hedy Lamarr (Harvey Korman) used his office for personal gain, like building a railroad through the doe-eyed town of Rockridge. Everything was kept hush hush. Even appointing an African-American sheriff. On the surface the decision was a landmark bit of PR for the governor, but below that surface was the real strategy, to drive out the outraged folks of Rockridge who would never accept a black sheriff. Just like Iraq.
All through the madness of this plan was the calm, quick-thinking Bart (Cleavon Little). A "dazzling urbanite in a rustic setting." That seemed to be an apt description of Mr. Obama when he travelled to the rural towns of Middle America. No offense to the small town folks, but Mister Obama represented the big city fast talkin' politician they resent. However, like Bart, Obama used a simple approach, good old-fashioned common sense. Bart used it to defeat the mighty Mongo (Alex Karras). A brute who when shot would only get mad. Knowing he was smaller and weaker, Bart tricked Mongo by, of all things, inventing the Candygram. One could argue Mr. Obama employed the same tactics to victorious results with his Mongo (John McCain AND Sarah Palin). Obama's strategy? Having a plan.
Eventually Sheriff Bart gained the respect of the angry bigots of Rockridge, got the bad guy and restored everything to its rightful place. Only time will tell if Mr. Obama will do the same in these tough times. Hopefully by the time he is through, he can ride off into the sunset restoring this country to its rightful place.
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