That's right fight fans. Mean Gene Oakerlund's live with Hillary "Rowdy" Clinton who's got some tough words for Barack "Superfly" Obama...

During Bill Clinton's administration I often wrote about what I called "the professional wrestling tactics of American politics," in which sound bites were used to challenge opponents, often not on substance, but for the purpose of making the news. When Bill Clinton shut down the government because partisanship brought Washington to their knees, it was the culmination of these types of tactics. Name calling diluted our national conversation.

Hillary, stuck in the 90's, played the role of "Rowdy" Roddy Piper today.  "I'll see you in Ohio," just needed to be followed by Hulk Hogan's name.  She's still hung up on these political games that so many Americans are flocking to Obama in hopes of ending.

His response was cool, collected, honest and completely derailed her tantrum.  The big question is if or not anyone will cover it as much as her pro-wrestling cage rattling was.  

The media hasn't been quick to respond with all of the false statements HRC made about BHO in her mailings. They barely covered her "plagiarized" lines after her Xerox comment.  Most of America never saw Michelle Obama's explanation of her American pride comments. Still, Obama's picking up donors, Superdelegates and most importantly, votes. He's on his way to the title belt.

There's an energized electorate at work here, who seem to be researching their own opinions. Both for her and for him. They can't be convinced one way or the other.  --But the mainstream media still controls much of the conversation in this country. There are plenty of Americans who buy into sound bites. These pro-wrestling tactics could work for Hillary, as they did for many politicians 15 years ago, if the truth is not also covered in the media.

Tomorrow morning's "news" programs will  be interesting and somewhat important. I'll look forward to TPM's weekly wrapup video.  The debate next week could very well be full of sound bites like what HRC said today.

I think it's important for Obama to stay on message and not stoop to her style of candor. I don't see how she'll make up the delegate spread. Her tactics only stand to divide and weaken the party. Standing cool and calm to her can help build a wall against that. Be Presidential, Mr. Obama.  There's no need for a steel cage match, when you're so close to the championship belt.  She just wants to hit you with a chair to make it harder for you to move around the ring on your way to the main event.