Jesse Ventura: Wrestling with politics, by Greg Tingle

Jesse Ventura, formally known as "The Body", has seemingly done it all in life; Navy Seal, Actor, Wrestler, Governor, but now it appears he has a new role to play - advisor to who many are picking as the next Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

One doesn't have to look hard to see the parallels between the career of Ventura and Arnold. Ok, we admit, Arnie was never a pro wrestler, but if you can ignore that...

Both have dabbled in acting over the years, with Arnold attaining household name status, and attaining incredible wealth, if nothing else.

In fact, Media Man Australia understands it was in fact Arnie who got Jesse the role in Predator, just as his full time career in the then, World Wrestling Federation, was coming to a close.

Again in The Running Man, both appeared. Arnold as a contestant, Ben Richards, and Jesse as Captain Freedom!

Both men have seen the gym in their day, and are unquestionably "good talkers" with amazing charisma and leading man appeal.

One gets the feeling that Arnie and Jesse were were schooled for politics. Ventura by his ex boss, Vince McMahon, promoter of the WWE, and Arnie having the world's best political minds in his ear, and being married to Maria Shriver, a "product" of the Reagan dynasty.

Both Arnold and Jesse are not keen to do away with what brought them to the party.

Every few years, Jesse makes a reappearance with the WWE, having apparently amended the ways with Vince McMahon, and Arnold is ready for another appearance or two in Terminator 4 or whatever else Hollywood dishes up, win, loose or draw the upcoming California elections.

Either way Jesse and Arnold are an unstoppable team, and they will continue to muscle into the political world, once dominated by tight fitting suit types.

This tag-team is well schooled for politics.

Version #2 of the same article

Links:

Jesse Ventura.com

Jesse "The Mind The Body" Ventura (Greg Tingle's tribute website)

Wrestling Presidents (Greg Tingle's tribute website)

Schwarzenegger.com : Official website

JoinArnold.com Arnold Schwarzenegger official campaign website

Arnold Schwarzenegger: King of bodybuilding, movies, politics and media, by Greg Tingle - Media Man Australia - 8th August 2003

Media Man Australia - profile on Ric Drasin

Jesse has advice for Arnie - Time Magazine - 10th August 2003

All That's Missing Is the Popcorn - Time Magazine - 18th August 2003

Wrestler, thespian, governor: a look at The Body's body of films - Slam Wrestling - 6th November 1998

Internet Movie Database: Jesse Ventura

Profiles

Wrestling

Politics

Mind, Body and Spirit

The following is a public letter from Jesse Ventura to Arnold Schwarzenegger (credit to Time Magazine)

Be yourself. Be Arnold. Scripts are for actors, by Jesse Ventura

Arnold, what the heck are you doing? You're getting out of Hollywood to go into politics? Well, then forget agents and studio bosses—now you're dealing with real predators. But since your mind is made up, I hope you won't mind a little advice from someone who's been there.

Now, I know you're a Republican, but I hope you won't go out on the trail and act like a politician. Republican or Democrat, it makes no difference: people don't like politicians. Which is completely understandable, since most of them act like cyborgs, robotically selling the latest talking points from party headquarters.

So be yourself. Be Arnold. Be the guy who can sit and have a cigar with the crew. Be honest. Don't worry if you don't know the answer to every question asked. Just say, "I don't know," if you don't know. When I did this during my campaign in Minnesota, people were amazed. How revolutionary—a politician who stands in front of the people and doesn't feed them pre-canned answers!

To win, you have to convince people that you care enough to work hard and make tough decisions. And most importantly, that they are your own decisions.

Now that you are a candidate, you will be getting advice from all corners. Some of it will have checks attached. Whatever you do, keep your distance from special-interest groups, powerful lobbyists and their dirty money. The fact is, Arnold, you don't need them. You can win this race by going straight to the people.

When you use commercials, don't be negative. Be Arnold. Let people get to know your sense of humor, your work ethic, your leadership and your genuine concern for the average Joe. Think about what you want to say, and talk from your heart. Scripts are for actors. When I was running in Minnesota, I saw my two opponents with stacks of briefing books and advisers galore giving them instructions. A debate organizer once came up to me and offered a pen and pad. I said, "No, Ma'am, thanks anyway, but you see, if you tell the truth, you don't need a long memory."

Plenty of the old Republican gang will come around and want to be your new best friend. That's fine, but let them know that you are in government to solve problems, not to help them hold on to their power. Expose the status quo politicians of both parties who avoid making tough decisions. Sure, you'll make some enemies, but if you win, you've got a chance to change the game. Go for it. You didn't become an international superstar by playing it safe.

Finally, Arnold, beware of the media. I know you think you have a thick skin, but take my word for it—the press is brutal. The stuff it comes up with is nothing like a bad review for a recently released film. Good luck.