March 31, 2019

"A comedian with no political experience has won the most votes in the first round of Ukraine's presidential elections, according to exit polls."

"They say Volodymyr Zelenskiy - who played the president on TV - received 30.4% of the vote, with current leader Petro Poroshenko second on 17.8%," BBC reports.

ADDED: Here's video from earlier this month (which includes a Ukrainian who likens Zelenskiy to Trump):



Zelenskiy's TV show is called "Servant of the People," and that's the name of his political party, Servant of the People — reported here, by WaPo, a few weeks ago.
“People are voting for the plot of the show,” said Ukrainian political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko. “They want to bring the plot of the show to life.” ...

The building disbelief among Ukraine’s political class echoes the furor of the establishment as Zelensky’s character rises in the polls in “Servant of the People.”... In “Servant of the People,” which premiered in 2015, the schoolteacher played by Zelensky becomes an overnight sensation after his impromptu rant against government corruption goes viral. He is elected president and goes on to fight the entrenched elites, refusing to be bought....

“We’re living in a parallel universe,” said a senior Western diplomat in Kiev who, like many colleagues, has been catching up on the show. “People are confusing what’s real and what’s fiction.”

Coming in the wake of President Trump’s election and the success of comedian Beppe Grillo’s populist Five Star Movement in Italy, Zelensky’s rise echoes that of other outsiders storming into politics....

59 comments:

Rory said...

What's Ukranian for "Pied Piper"?

Bay Area Guy said...

Is he funny?

Does he oppose Putin?

If Yes, and Yes, then Good!

Crimea river.

Roger Sweeny said...

Lots of people hoped Obama would deliver "The West Wing" television show.

Sebastian said...

Pretty much every western country, plus Ukraine, now has a major "right wing" "populist" movement. The real question is whether it is big enough to take power--in Italy it was, but only in coalition; in France, the opposition mobilized to get Macron instead; in England it prevailed in a referendum but then faced establishment opposition; in the U.S. it temporarily gained power with Trump, but with much of the GOP establishment opposed. Of course, the anointed despise the deplorables everywhere. They are very sure of their contempt. But what do they know?

mockturtle said...

Nitwits who believe that Trump's TV series is the sum total of his life experience is forgetting the many years he ran a huge real estate empire and actually built stuff.

Limited blogger said...

Of course this guy is only a 'comedian', no other info about his knowledge, experience or abilities.

Just like Trump was a 'reality TV star', and nothing else.

Jersey Fled said...

Makes sense. Most politicians are jokers.

Achilles said...

It is interesting to watch the disbelief of the globalists and their installed tools as people all over the world reject them.

New Zealand elites are trying to disarm their people and leave them defenseless.

Just like the globalist tools want to do everywhere.

Not Sure said...

With "Veep" ending, Julia Louis-Dreyfus has a lot of free time.

Narayanan said...

Said a senior Western diplomat in Kiev who, like many colleagues, has been catching up on the show. “People are confusing what’s real and what’s fiction.”

I'd say he gets it but bassackwords.

Mary Beth said...

“People are confusing what’s real and what’s fiction.”

That is insulting to the people who support him. Other than the opinion of "political analysts" and this diplomat, I don't see anything in the BBC article that supports the idea that he's anything other than a serious candidate.

rehajm said...

It is interesting to watch the disbelief of the globalists and their installed tools as people all over the world reject them

Yes. It's only unbelievable if you haven't examined the establishment competition.

Achilles said...

Remember all of these confused Ukrainians are the people that paid Manafort nd Mueller and the Podestas all that money.

Corruption is the rule.

They are just like Hillary and Obama and Bush with a smaller rice bowl.

Rob said...

Lest we forget, a not-funny comedian named Al Franken, with no political experience, became senator from Minnesota. Say what you will about Kirsten Gillibrand, she saved us from having to see his smarmy punim in the race for the Democratic nomination. For that, she deserves the thanks of a grateful nation.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

“We’re living in a parallel universe,” said a senior Western diplomat in Kiev who, like many colleagues, has been catching up on the show. “People are confusing what’s real and what’s fiction.””

Indeed, we’ve seen it happen here in this country. We have a leader who is an expert at confusion and obfuscation. His followers blindly accept what is being fed to them as if it’s real. Even without knowing underlying facts and seeing investigatory conclusions presented by the investigator himself, we have people calling for revenge for a supposed “hoax”. How could anyone possibly know at this point? How is a reality that is being shaped to fit what the leader wants to portray, so easily accepted by his followers? Why, for pity sake?

Lewis Wetzel said...

In Ukraine the elites tend to be pro-Europe, while the common people tend to favor Russia.
Ukraine punches way above its weight when it comes to the arts and sciences, but, alas, they share Russia's antipathy towards small-r republicanism.

Gospace said...

Ilona Staller, a porn star in parliament in Italy. After all, since most politicians prostitute themselves, why not have a real one?

And as said before, since many politicians are a joke, why not a comedian?

As for what Achilles said about NZ disarming the people- only the law abiding people. The gangs aren't going to turn in their previous illegal weapons that are now, I guess, doubly illegal. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12217785

Kevin said...

“We’re living in a parallel universe,” said a senior Western diplomat in Kiev who, like many colleagues, has been catching up on the show. “People are confusing what’s real and what’s fiction.”

So CNN is broadcast in the Ukraine.

Kevin said...

How is a reality that is being shaped to fit what the leader wants to portray, so easily accepted by his followers?

Remember when Obama promised to stop the rise of the oceans if he were elected and crowds cheered?

Good times.

In other news, the planet will be saved if only Trump can be defeated...

Char Char Binks, Esq. said...

This shouldn't be alarming to American leftists, since they're almost entirely deplatformed all dissenters, including right-of-far-left comedians. Maybe Wanda Sykes or Kathy Griffin will throw her hat in the ring.

Kevin said...

His followers blindly accept what is being fed to them as if it’s real.

Inga must wake up every morning to repeat the nonconformist's oath.

cubanbob said...

Leave it to Inga ( @1.13) to confuse Trump with Obama. Her next magic act will be to explain how any of the Democrats running for president are actually grounded in reality.

stlcdr said...

Bout time other countries became ‘woke’ that their so-called leaders have no interest in the people they represent. I. Always reminded of Brewsters Millions: vote ‘none of the above’.

cubanbob said...

Volodymyr Zelenskiy hits a nerve with the Ukrainian people simply by stating the obvious, just how corrupt the Ukrainian State is and to a large degree that very same corruption is hindering Ukraine's ability to repel Russian encroachment and occupation.

Chris Lopes said...

"Indeed, we’ve seen it happen here in this country. We have a leader who is an expert at confusion and obfuscation. His followers blindly accept what is being fed to them as if it’s real. Even without knowing underlying facts and seeing investigatory conclusions presented by the investigator himself, we have people calling for revenge for a supposed “hoax”. How could anyone possibly know at this point? How is a reality that is being shaped to fit what the leader wants to portray, so easily accepted by his followers? Why, for pity sake?"

Enough about Obama.

Drago said...

The Deep Deep Thoughts Of Our Hoax Dossier/Hoax Collusion gal Inga: "His followers blindly accept what is being fed to them as if it’s real. Even without knowing underlying facts and seeing
investigatory conclusions presented by the investigator himself, we have people calling for revenge for a supposed “hoax”."

LOL

Remember, Inga pronounced Donald Trump, hus campaign, and even all Donald Trump voters treasonous traitors, based on hoax documents, zero evidence, and mountains of actual under oath evidence of the opposite.

The worst part?

Inga STILL believes the hoax dossier is real!!

STILL!!

LLR Chuck will have to work overtime to extricate his far left teammate from her latest hole!

Drago said...

Inga STILL believes Brett Kavanaugh us a gang rapist!!

Too too funny.

History began 15 minutes ago for Inga and LLR Chuck.

Quaestor said...

Inga wrote: His followers blindly accept what is being fed to them as if it’s real.

Abby Normal's self-referential irony circuit is functional at least.

Quaestor said...

“People are confusing what’s real and what’s fiction.”

Inga? Ritmo? Chuck?... Anyone?

MadisonMan said...

People are confusing what’s real and what’s fiction

How obtuse could this person be? His election is an indictment of the criminal corruption in the Deep State Government, including, likely, the "senior western diplomat living in Kiev". And in that, you see a parallel to Trump.

n.n said...

Political experience is far too often a negative qualification. He will be judged by his performance to represent Ukrainians, not Brussels, not Germans, not Americans, not Russians, not refugees of social justice zones. Hopefully, he knows how to navigate political correctness and other classes of PC.

Michael K said...

How is a reality that is being shaped to fit what the leader wants to portray, so easily accepted by his followers?

Maybe because then left has lied so outrageously and for so long that no one but drones, like some I could mention, trust the media or the professional politicians.

For examples see Brazil, BREXIT and even China, since Chinese mothers will not buy Chinese baby formula after a poisoning scandal ten years ago

The "deplorables" are rising.

traditionalguy said...

All over the world Apprentice style politicians are doing electoral politics the Trumpian way.

Winning the "popular" vote again means winning a wrestling match against the Rigged New World Order vote counters.

Big Mike said...

Of course this guy is only a 'comedian', no other info about his knowledge, experience or abilities.

Just like Trump was a 'reality TV star', and nothing else.


@Limited blogger, not to mention just like Sarah Palin was only the mayor of Wasilla.

It seems to that if I was a mainstream Ukrainian politician I would seriously ask myself what it was about my positions on issues (and even my grasp of what the issues are) that voters would prefer an actor over me. “Why aren’t I fifty points ahead?” If Hillary Clinton had honestly tried to answer that (or listened to her husband when he tried to tell her the answer) she’d probably be President and Donald Trump would be a footnote in the next generation of history books.

James Sarver said...

We are in a parallel universe. One in which a privileged white liberal of Irish heritage gets away with helping folks who don't look too closely believe he is a Hispanic kid from the barrio. One in which you can fake a hate crime, get caught, skate on the consequences and publicly announce that you are innocent and have been cleared. If you can't beat them, join them. What good is attempting to grasp reality?

The best way to get elected now would be to change your name to Votey McVoteface.

Darrell said...

MUGA

Michael K said...

Just like Trump was a 'reality TV star', and nothing else.

You mean that $9 billion is a myth ? Good to know,.

FullMoon said...

Our own previously politically inexperianced president has turned out to be the best thing to happen for America in decades.

His election has not only contributeded to Making America Great Again, it has exposed the corruption and criminality of the Deep State, the MSM, the entertainment industry, etc.

Of minor importance but still noteworthy, it has exposed the simple mindedness, ignorance, obtuseness, disingenuous and all around unpleasantness of the majority of the left leaning populace.

As a native Californian, I am pleased to see the exodous of these sort of people to other states and hope the rising cost of living here hastens their departure. About ime for other states to carry their share of the load while me and others work to:
Make California Great Again.

BTW, more California voters voted for Trump than in any other state.

MAGA &KAG !

magamamma said...

Re: LimitedBlogger, Trump ran on the reformed ticket in 2000, he has been involved in the outside of politics for years, not to mention a successful business man who actually signed paychecks, and knows how things work.

Narayanan said...

“Why aren’t I fifty points ahead?”

Does Hillary know enough math to realize that needs only 25% peelaway.

She's older generation Occasional-Cortex.

And people are amazed by the younger.

Narayanan said...

“Servant of the People,”

Vs

“Enemy of the People,”

WWIII Joe Biden, Husk-Puppet + America's Putin said...

I don't know anything about this guy - but if he wants to crack the rule of the elites and be a real voice for the people - more power to him. Or -he could be a joke. I con't know enough about him. American leftists mock and that makes me think he might be a worthy opponent.

Here n 'Merica we have Colbert and his former buddy, that guy, and SNL and all sorts of hollywooders pretending to know all about political leadership as they wag their fingers at us daily - telling us how deplorable we all are for not supporting the Clinton Crime Family or whatever variation of elite leftwing media-pimped whore they can shit-shine.


WWIII Joe Biden, Husk-Puppet + America's Putin said...

@ Inga - some fify.

'Indeed, we’ve seen it happen here in this country. We have a mainstream press including a person named Rachel Maddow, who are all self-proclaimed experts at confusion and obfuscation. Her followers blindly accept what is being fed to them as if it’s real. Even without knowing underlying facts and seeing investigatory conclusions presented by the non-biased investigators. We have people calling for revenge for a supposed “crime”, and the only crime is that Trump beat Hillary. How could anyone possibly not be over the 2016 election at this point? How is a reality that is being shaped to fit what the media whores want to portray, so easily accepted by her followers? Why, for pity sake?

Fify!

3/31/19, 1:13 PM

Jim at said...

I love being lectured by Jill Stein voters on what constitutes fact and fiction.

JaimeRoberto said...

I don't know much about Ukraine's constitution, but in a lot of European countries the president is just a figurehead without much real power. If you doubt it, try to think of the name of Germany's president.

Big Mike said...

Read another interesting article by Matt Taibbi. He is (justifiably) pissed off at being described as a Trump suppporter (he co-authored a book about Trump entitled the Insane Clown President, available in paperback through the Althouse Amazon portal). But the money quote is:

"The 2016 campaign season brought to the surface awesome levels of political discontent. After the election, instead of wondering where that anger came from, most of the press quickly pivoted to a new tale about a Russian plot to attack our Democracy. This conveyed the impression that the election season we’d just lived through had been an aberration, thrown off the rails by an extraordinary espionage conspiracy between Trump and a cabal of evil foreigners.

This narrative contradicted everything I’d seen traveling across America in my two years of covering the campaign. The overwhelming theme of that race, long before anyone even thought about Russia, was voter rage at the entire political system."

Worth a read.

Phil 314 said...

“Indeed, we’ve seen it happen here in this country. We have a leader who is an expert at confusion and obfuscation. His followers blindly accept what is being fed to them as if it’s real.”

Inga, I hope you realize that could have written been during the Obama years, the Bush years and probably all the way back to the Washington administration

Achilles said...

Jim at said...
I love being lectured by Jill Stein voters on what constitutes fact and fiction.

All of these "Jill Stein" voters are just cowards that wont admit they voted for Hillary.

exiledonmainstreet, green-eyed devil said...

Inga...Allie Oop said...
“We’re living in a parallel universe,” said a senior Western diplomat in Kiev who, like many colleagues, has been catching up on the show. “People are confusing what’s real and what’s fiction.””

Indeed, we’ve seen it happen here in this country. "

Inga bought into a stupid soap opera called "RUSSIAN COLLUSION" for over 2 years the same way my elderly aunt bought into "One Life to Live." Anybody with an IQ in triple digits who was not blinded by hatred knew it was a crock from Day One. It's amusing that you talk of reality as if you have some connection to it.

You live on Planet Witless.

Big Mike said...

According to Brad Parscale, Donald John Trump's 2020 campaign manager,a third of the attendees at Donald Trump's rally in Grand Rapids were registered Democrats. Somehow I don't think they were there to scoff and heckle.

narciso said...

Some days are downers:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1107983/turkey-elections-latest-erdogan-ak-party-istanbul-ankara-chp

EndOfPatience said...

“People are confusing what’s real and what’s fiction.”

I'm pretty sure the Dirt People have always known what's real and what's fiction. It's the Cloud People who lost track.

They're obviously very upset at having the Dirt People educate them.

Steven said...

How could anyone possibly know at this point?

Well, if Barr misrepresented the contents of the report in his letter, there are a number of people in a position to leak that fact to the press, and any number of outlets that would be happy to have that scoop. So we can be sure that none of the people who were reasonably senior in the investigation think the letter and the general media take that it cleared Trump is inaccurate enough to be worth any risk of personal costs to correct. That strictly limits how important divergences inn the report from the letter could be.

On the other hand, we know for absolute certain that a foreign intelligence agent used money paid to him by the Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee to buy information from Russians, and that the unverifiable information so provided by Russians was 1) broadly leaked to the press by that agent in an effort to influence the 2016 election, 2) used by Obama Administration officials to justify spying on a Presidential campaign, and 3) subsequently served as the justification for an effort to remove a lawfully-elected President.

So, if you think there's actually an issue with people colluding with Russians to try to influence an election, spy on Americans, and damage American institutions, well, at this point you know with certainty that the Clinton campaign, Obama Administration, Democratic Party, and a number of major media outlets all did so, with a foreign intelligence agent as the cut-out between them and the Russians.

If, on the other hand, you never actually cared about those things, you just wanted to get rid of Trump any way possible, you might be desperately talking about how nobody can possibly know anything.

narciso said...

Ah taibbi hes allowed to be right about one thing so he can be wrong everywhere else like Michael Moore, thirty years he was right about the de insustrialization push, he was wrong about everything else.

JAORE said...

If they want the TV show brought to life, let him pick the writing staff for his cabinet. The trick will be getting other nations to buy into the story arc.

Martin said...

Yeah, well, I am old enough to remember when Robert Young, the actor who played Marcus Welby, MD on TV, was invited to give the commencement address at the Univ. of Michigan medical school.

https://books.google.com/books?id=C_jhAAAAMAAJ&pg=RA5-PA11&lpg=RA5-PA11&dq=Robert+Young+actor+commencement+address&source=bl&ots=pCoKrL68S3&sig=ACfU3U1CrDNYoJTHQFirmrUZcHrXwHLUMA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwie0NP0jK_hAhUMLK0KHbKCC0QQ6AEwEnoECAwQAQ#v=onepage&q=Robert%20Young%20actor%20commencement%20address&f=false

Rick67 said...

United States Congress: Oh yeah? Hold my vodka.

Bilwick said...

I'd vote for a reincarnated Stanley Myron Handelman if he were pro-freedom.

Fen said...

I thought the Founder's concept was for civilians to be our leaders.

Now we hear "...with no political experience..." like that's a bad thing. And it's used to convey one of two sentiments:

1) Wow, None Of The Above just beat the incumbent (who must really suck) or
2) Some Ignorant Rube is going to destroy the District/State/Nation