Most Blatant Pop-Culture Pandering

Obama: Snooki Who?
Every few months the president eschews the Sunday talk shows or the political programs to appear on a program that most Americans actuallywatch, like The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where, yes, he dusted off a few old-grandpa moves. In October, he was on the Tonight Showwith Jay Leno, semi-bashing the Kardashians, who, for some reason, hedidn’t feel were suitable role models for Malia and Sasha. But themost memorable deer-in-the-pop-culture-headlights moment came lastsummer, when he paid a visit to the ladies of The View. Joy Behar asked Obama if Snooki should run as mayor of Wasilla. “I gotta admit I don’t know who Snooki is,” the president responded, grinning. For some real insight into President Barack Obama, Whoopi asked whatwas on his iPod. “I’ve got Jay-Z on there, I’ve got Frank Sinatra on there, I’ve got Maria Callas.” Justin Bieber? “I do not have Justin Bieber. I have met Justin Bieber, he came to sing at the White House. He’s a very nice young man.”

Romney: A Secret Twihard?
This past May 31, doing the talk-show rounds, Romney found himself onthe set of the Today show and got tossed the softball,”What’s your favorite book/TV show?” His answer, in order: theTwilight books — “I thought it was fun” — andAmerican Idol. Since when did the 12-to-14-year-oldcan’t-even-vote-yet demographic become such a focus?

Most Blatant Pop-Culture Pandering