July 9, 2008
Posted: 02:30 PM ET

From
Ventura said Wednesday he would reveal his campaign plans early next week.
Ventura said Wednesday he would reveal his campaign plans early next week.

(CNN) — Former Minnesota Governor Jesse “The Body” Ventura – who has been hinting broadly for months of a possible U.S. Senate run – denied a report Wednesday that he had announced his intention to enter the race, telling the Associated Press he had been speaking hypothetically, and will reveal his plans Tuesday.

A Ventura campaign would set up a three-way brawl featuring the former professional wrestler, Democrat and former Saturday Night Live star Al Franken and incumbent Republican Senator Norm Coleman, who Ventura defeated in Minnesota’s 1998 gubernatorial race.

In an NPR interview airing Wednesday, Ventura denied charges he would only be campaigning to promote his latest book, which was released earlier this year. The former governor, born Jim Janos, told NPR Coleman’s support for the war in Iraq was a driving factor in his motivation to enter the race. "That's the reason I run, not to sell books," he said. "I run because it angers me…

“And all you Minnesotans take a good hard look at all three of us. And you decide: if you were in a dark alley which one of the three of us would you want with you?” But he told the Associated Press Wednesday he had not yet made a decision.

Ventura served a single, tumultuous term as governor, and did not make a second run for the office. He has not yet made any formal moves to enter this year’s Senate race in advance of Tuesday’s filing deadline.

Filed under: Jesse Ventura


Danny   July 9th, 2008 7:28 pm ET

Jesse, We do not need you. Just go away.

Evan   July 9th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

I don't pretend to know what your Governor does so please don't refer to my former governor as a joke when you have no frame of reference.

That fact is, Governor Ventura did a great job in Minnesota. As one of the only true talking politicians to actually get elected in the modern era, he did exactly what he said he would. He told the citizens when he thought they were wrong, and he usually ended up being right. The only reason he didn't stick it out was because the media was hounding his every move and sticking it to him every time he made a mistake or gave his opinion (playboy interview anyone? He is entitled to his opinion)

I think he would well represent the state of Minnesota as a true voice of the people. And no, we're not crazy for electing him, we just like a breath of fresh air once in a while. You should get out of your little 2 party shells, it gets kind of stuffy.

Jerry in Boston   July 9th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

To all the idiots here who actually believe that 9/11 was an orchestrated inside job….

Why don't you actually do some OBJECTIVE rational research instead of believing all the selective, paranoid garbage on the internet?

There is a cottage industry of this nonsense online and they PROFIT from your gullibilty. Stop being such morons.

Quite apart from the mountain of scientific and forensic evidence that generally supports the official version of events on that tragic day, do you have ANY idea how many people would have to be involved for your ideas to be kept a secret? Have you ever thought about how unlikely it is that the otherwise grossly incompetent Bush administration, could pull off something so mindbogglingly complicated as the accusations bandied about by conspiracy nutjobs?

I don't know why I bother, because peple like you will NEVER admit it when your theories are disproved. You just move on to some other flimsy BS. It really is a sad indictment of society that there are so many gullible morons out there.

Jessie_Stop-Dying_Your-Hair   July 9th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

Let your hair go back to it's silver. You look better and more polished instead of the Hair Club for Men look.

Jim   July 9th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

Jesse, GO AWAY… for reals dude. Forever. Just go away.
Jim, Minneapolis

10,000 MN lakerboy   July 9th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

Jesse might be as good as Franken but so would Dog the Bounty Hunter and even Elmer Fudd. Coleman should win handily.

lovable liberal   July 9th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Just what we need in the Senate, a pro-steroid vote.

LOL   July 9th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

Ventura holds at latest poll about a quarter of the voter base.

That would destroy franken. If ventura enters this race, it will be either Coleman or Ventura.

Jer   July 9th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

The people here that say he is a clown do you have any basis or is it just because he was a wrestler? Most of the ideas he has are what America was based on. There should always be a third party candidate or more. Why just have dem and rep? I don't agree with the democrats over spending of my tax money (even though no one could be worse then Bush with spending) and don't agree with the republicans on social issues. I wish he would not run for the Senate but run for president. Even if it was just to bring attention to third parties and the fact that the two parties now are destroying the country.

dan   July 9th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

at least he loves this countries people. he shows it in his tough talk.

George   July 9th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

This guy needs to go back under the rock he came from. If he is elected to the Senate, then Mickey Mouse should run next time.

Mark in MN   July 9th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

Get a life, Jesse! Somewhere outside of politics.

bernj   July 9th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Ventura is brain dead.

Willy   July 9th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

2 book ends running.

Peter E   July 9th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

As long as he's neither a democrat or a republican he starts on a positive ground with me!

Dr. Earl Brian   July 9th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

We don't need Jesse (or MInnesota) and different ideas. What we need is more of the same. Anyone who tries to enter the political arena with any different ideas at all should be immediately dismissed and not permitted to hold office.
We need things to continue in this country exactly as they are, because things are going so well for everyone.
Different ideas should never, ever be tolerated. We don't need any changes at all to the way things are.

raw is war   July 9th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

The Body in The Senate!? OOHHH YYEEAAA!

D   July 9th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Jesse Ventura was the Mayor of a city in Minnesota before serving his 4-year term as governor (which, as any Minnesotan such as myself will tell you was a freakshow). Therefore…

Jesse Ventura, with a few years as Mayor and four years as governor, has MORE executive experience than BARACK OBAMA.

WOW!

BITTER CHRISTIAN CLINGING TO GUN   July 9th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Jesse should run for President. He stands a better chance at being elected than Obama.

choppersrule   July 9th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

It comes down to who wants to be sheep and who does not. Definately Ventura does not want to go bah, bah, bah like the rest of you all. God Bless Individuality, and not the wackos in congress. Come on democrats, you're as much to blame as Bush, get over it and fix this country, before we all speak Chinese!!

David   July 9th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

I wish he'd run for president!!!!

George the Animal Steel   July 9th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Is it me, or does Jesse bare a faint resemblence to a Klingon in that pic?……..will he wear a boa around his neck if he gets in the Senate?…

Tennessee Mike   July 9th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

It cracks me up that anytime I comment with an anti-Obama bin Laden remark, my comment does not get published!

LOL! Communist News Network at it's finest!

The Austrian   July 9th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

Sotvy:

You could say the same thing about "Running Man" which featured Ventura and Schwarzenegger as well.

Brandon Hillary PUMA for Mc Cain-Pa   July 9th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

He should run for president he would take votes away from obama–for sure.

He may take those bitter gun clinging religous people obama is so fond of.

Linda of Atlanta   July 9th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Jesse Ventura is crazy! He needs to stop becoming Ralph Nader. One of Nader is one too many. I thought he was living in Mexico? Just head on back, Ventura. We have enough full time resident fools!

Dark Knight   July 9th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

GET TO DA CHOPPA!!!

VANISH!!!!   July 9th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Texas Trail Dog and Brian Knoxville Tn ……Why not meet Jesse in the ALLEY …So he Can give you A GOOD A_S Kicking …..He can show YOU how the COWS eat the HAY!!!!! JUST maybe he can SHUT YOU up FOR a LOOOOOONG TIME!!!!

Peter E   July 9th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

Good for him! Fight the demopublican establishment! They're all just two sides of the same corrupt coin!

Roy, St. Paul   July 9th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

At this point in time, it's a toss up for the Minnesota Senate. Paris Hilton should through her name in the ring.

Anonymous   July 9th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

GET TO DA CHOPPA!!!

minneapolis dave   July 9th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

OMG, there is someone here that questions how World Trade Center 7 collapsed without being "hit". Um, it WAS hit by pieces of the other two buildings causing structural failure…there's enough photo evidence of it.

Now you'll say that the Minneapolis bridge could not have collapsed without being "hit". Maybe that was a terrorist strike that the government is covering up so as not to panic the public. Maybe the photos of the bridge collapse were doctored. Maybe the bridge _never even existed_ and was only inserted into our collective history like Orwell's 1984.

Sheesh. Conspiracy nuts.

eric in Denver   July 9th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

NORAD stood down jerry. What about building 7 ?

minneapolis dave   July 9th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

Now this is getting interesting. A Bush lackey, a comedian and a pro-wrestler.

Independent Voter asked "what's in the water in Minnesota?"

I'm glad to see the diversity of political views coming from our state. Freedom loving Americans should embrace more choice rather than deride the "third candidate that will never win". We've proved that wrong here.

And if the Latest Zogby poll means anything, Bob Barr is strong here too with 8% (Ross Perot did not have such high numbers and was included in debates.
Barr needs 10% nationwide (and has 6%) in 3 polls to be included in debates.

GO MN!!! Keep leading the way for choice
Barr '08

Robert P. in Indianapolis   July 9th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

Jesse, the only person who takes you seriously is yourself.

Old Rusty Tulsa   July 9th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

Heck yeah, I do wish he was in DC, maybe he could pound some sense in the rest of the politicians.

Stephen H   July 9th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

To: Just taking a chance July 9th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Love your comment. Could not agree more. People like Mike from Syracuse, NY need to get a life and stop this crap of taking shots at Obama, even when the topic has nothing to do with Obama. Definitely one of my pet peeves.

Obama '08

thebody   July 9th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

Who the heck voted for this loser for governor in the first place? Man, sometimes I think there should be an IQ test to vote. Well I guess it can only help Franken, so go for it Jessie!

Weina   July 9th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

Who cares about Ace Body Builder Ventura? Geesh.

Angry White Male   July 9th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

Bozo the Clown isn't throwing his hat into the ring because he's DEAD!!!

Tim   July 9th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Who cares????

Brandon Hillary PUMA for Mc Cain-Pa   July 9th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Personally, I think Jesse would make a fine senator and could bring some much needed change. The three-way race for that senate seat would be very interesting indeed. As to the run for the WH in November, I really admire senator Obama and his plans for the country. I am really looking forward to voting for Obama and supporting his presidency.

Obama '08

proud army and navy mom   July 9th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

to marc pdx

bozo the clown died this week. that may be a reason he hadn't entered to race. you think?

NICK, HOUSTON   July 9th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

Ventura as Senator?

I thought he already screwed up the state enough as Governor. What a monkey. I heard him talk about the two party system…blah blah blah.

Say nothing, know nothing Ventura.

BGIV in NC   July 9th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

I can appreciate his ability to motivate voters and I certainly appreciate his anger. However, having lived in MN during his tenure as Governor, his lack of knowledge regarding how government functions scares the crap out of me. During a budget deadlock between the MN House and Senate, he actually went on TV and told people that prison guards and police would walk off the job if the budget deadline was not met. Needless to say , this frightened the general public. When confronted by the reporter from KARE 11, he stormed off. He is an opportunist at best.

Stephen H   July 9th, 2008 3:08 pm ET

To: Just taking a chance

I could not agree with you more buddy. That Mike from Syracuse, NY is an idiot. This topic has nothing to do with Obama and yet morons like him go out of their way to take a cheap shot. People like Mike ought to get an identity and quit using all the hateful and divisive language against Obama and his supporters. Get a life Mike!

Obama '08

Bruce   July 9th, 2008 3:08 pm ET

I have never been in an alley or anywhere else with a member of the U.S. Senate. Is that part of their gig now? To protect us in alleys? If so, then Jesse is certainly the guy. What if I was in a dark alley without universal healthcare, or attacked by a lobbyist? What if the alley was in Iraq?

He's crazy, but sometimes he's right...   July 9th, 2008 3:08 pm ET

I would consider going for Ventura since he's more of a true libertarian (i.e. more concerned about not criminalizing action rather than whining about taxes all the time), but I have to say that I'm nervous that voting for him would return that absolute phony known as Norm "Gee-Bush-How-High-Should-I-Jump-For-You" Coleman to the Senate.

This is why we need RUNOFFS, so that no one can win without a majority of the vote. Let the top two voter-winners of the first round face off.

Ula Nejad- Sacramento Ca   July 9th, 2008 3:08 pm ET

Jesse should go for it. A handful of independent candidates should keep things in check and congress on their toes. Go Minnesota !

Julie   July 9th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

Abbey - not all not jobs come from Minnesota. So I will take that to mean you are not from Minnesota. So as someone who voted for this man in 1998 I can tell you I would never do so again. Everything he did was for the camera, or his own wallet. He went from being humble after elected to being completely insane. I am a democrat who definitely will be voting republican because I refuse to vote for someone who thinks rape is funny. I want somone in Washington who think violence against women should be taken seriously.

Rena   July 9th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

This man act like he has been locked up in a psychic ward; why would we want him to run anything. Go set down some where and be quiet. You sound like a crazy person and you look scary.

A. Boston, MA   July 9th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

GO BACK TO WRESTLING!

Darrel from Denver   July 9th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

The comments seem to be negatively biased here. Not surprising considering the Independent status he will need to run under. The Democrats and Republicans both do not want this can of worms opened as it will lead to the destruction of their two party system the love and nurture.

I am all for Ventura's candidacy here. time for a wake up call folks.

B Wingler   July 9th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

Wish he would run for president….wouldn't be any worse than who is running now.

some guy in New Hampshire   July 9th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

The fact that this knucklehead thinks he might qualify for the Senate proves he doesn't.

strong   July 9th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

What the heck, anything goes today!

Anybody (with enough buck$) can run and win. So go for it Jesse — you're no dumber or smarter than the rest of the bozos in the dirty game of politics.

not important   July 9th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Is this the same Jesse Ventura who believes that 9/11 was an inside job?

Independent Fred   July 9th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Mike, Syracuse NY July 9th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Why not President? He's at least as well qualified as Obama.

….Yes and add both McCain & Clinton too that list as well.

larry mn   July 9th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

He was a fricking disgrace to the state of Mn, doesn't say much for the morons that voted him into office either. His name should be Ace Ventura.

Tim, NY   July 9th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Jesse "The Mind" Ventura

jane in CA   July 9th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

People need jobs. Let's see how generous the Governer can add to the economy with his own wealth. Anyhow, you'll see Obama in the WH after Nov election

Jeff   July 9th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

Oh brother…
First Ventura, then Obama now Ventura again.
U.S. politics certainly draws the top of the heap doesn’t it?

Ms. Sims   July 9th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

He might wanna return to the barber first and get that SHAG cut….

An Independent Hillary   July 9th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Obama/Ventura 08!!!

Think about it!!!

Jim in FL   July 9th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

What's one more clown in the mix ….

josh   July 9th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

'jerry in boston' is a lemming

Western Voter   July 9th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Jessie Ventura is just what the US Senate needs to complete its transformation into a full blown circus. Bring in the clown!

Ilona Hussein Proud Canadian   July 9th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

If I am not mistaken. quite recently on CNN TALK SHOWS (I think it was on Larry King live). Ventura actually said twice, that HE MIGHT NOT VOTE IN THIS ELECTION, (this was when Hillary was still running) because he DID NOT LIKE ANY OF THE CANDIDATES. Why would you folks want to elect a Senator who is not even responsible when it comes to VOTING IN YOUR ELECTIONS?

Noah   July 9th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Let him run, we need more independents in Washington.

If the rumors are true that Arnold is going to run for the Senate in 2010 maybe the Predator will run too…. Perhaps Danny Glover?

ANGIE   July 9th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

this is the most funniest post ever!!!

Really   July 9th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

I sure hope MN does not make a mistake again and elect this guy.

DJ, LA, CA   July 9th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

Yes Iraq is a scam…I'm surprised not more people are angered by the lies, manipulation of the facts, and waste of taxpayer money.

Neil   July 9th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

Of course he's going to run. He needs free publicity and that's why all the speculation. Come on, we've been through this before. Running for any office is expensive, and Ventura knows how to work the system.

David   July 9th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

sorry Jerry in Boston, it doesn't mean he's a nutcase. just means he wants answers like a growing number of citizens do when a building (WTC 7) free falls against the law of physics when it wasn't even hit.

David   July 9th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

run, Jesse, run. you are light years ahead of those other two clowns.

BHO Not my candidate   July 9th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

Ventura should run for president as a Democrat. NOBAMA

FormerMinneSOHtn   July 9th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

While the idea of Ventura in office, given his non-political credentials, seems refreshing at first, Jesse's actual gubernatorial performance was poor, even incompetent (see above). The justification for running, that N Coleman supports war and he doesn't, implies there is no other candidate that opposes the war. Not only is Al Franken critical of the war, but he is far more likely to perform well in a political arena than Jesse did or would. Being able to perform in writing and "on the air" is a helpful skill for a congressman, to be sure.

So it seems selfish and stupid for Jesse to run. I would NEVER buy his book–I doubt he even wrote it. He would NEVER garner sufficient votes in a 3-way, absolutely guaranteed. Finally, we must dispense with the "tough guy-machiste" candidates– George W. has done plenty to damage America at home and abroad using the same approach. "Bring it on!" Sheesh. Franken is the best candidate by FAR in this field, and MN is smarter enough to know it.

I Speak For The Trees   July 9th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

Jesse Ventura knows an investigation is needed into the THREE World Trade Centers that collapsed on September 11th, 2001. Here we are 7 years later still waiting for an INDEPENDENT investigation and left wondering why the evidence was so hastily shipped to China?

Jesse Ventura for President

LER   July 9th, 2008 2:13 pm ET

What's happened to Minnesota? Can anyone believe that this is same state that produced Hubert H. Humphrey and Walter Mondale.

aaron from minneapolis   July 9th, 2008 2:13 pm ET

I'm fron Minnesota and we all pretty much hated Jesse's run as Govenor. He bankrupted the state and left us with a huge debt. Anyone who votes for him to be in the Senate is a fool. Let him try to run again in MN and he probably won't even get a single vote.

H-ROD   July 9th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

9/11 conspirracy nut I don't think so stevie wonder could see that those building were a controlled demo who makes norad stand down airplanes make u turns in us air space and notthing happens and no Iraq attack without those building coming down please any fool can see that !!!! and calling anybody who has any questions about 9/11 a conspiracy nut is just another part of the cover up !!!

Ted   July 9th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

Al Franken for Senate!

Chut Pata   July 9th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

He is more qualified to be commander-in-chief than McCain. He did not bomb civilians from a plane 10,000 feet above ground, got it shot, safely landed, and volunteered information to avoid toruture. Instead, he was an Underwater Demolition Navy SEAL, a real deal … a real war hero.

Dems be dopes   July 9th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

Actually he would fot right in the Senate with all the other self serving Dems and Repubs.

Might make a good running mate for Obama, at least he some experience running something.

TerryDo   July 9th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

VENTURA…"if you were in a dark alley which one of the three of us would you want with you?”

In a dark alley, another thug who wants to have political power, one from Chicago and now another one from Minnesota!

THE YEAR OF THE THUGS!

Chuck   July 9th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

Note to Jesse Ventura, Ralph Nadar, Lou Dobbs & Lieberman et al… I understand your frustrations w/ the govt. However, your voices are disjointed. Your strong opinions are in a vacuum. You lack a platform, so its hard to give you guys a serious audience. Either you form a legitamate 3rd party or form affliations w/ the dems or reps and try to effect change in that way. Right now you all amount to a bunch of ineffectual haters.

KMAN   July 9th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

Who cares?

Mike, Pensacola   July 9th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

Will it be, no count out, or loser leaves town or a ladder match

Tony   July 9th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

Jesse's comment "if you were in a dark alley, who would you want with you?", shows just how ridiculous this guy is.

Frankly, I wouldn't want any nof the three of them with me, but to keep things in perspective, rather than fantasyland where most ex-celebrities, as well as current ones live, I'd choose the Drmocrat Franken.

REPUBLICAN = EVIL PERSONIFIED!

Loretta from California   July 9th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

WELL…..he does have military experience…..that seems to be the only necessary qualification to be President today.

DEMOCRATS UNITE!!!!

SIMP   July 9th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

Are you serious? Who in the world would vote for this idiot? It's hard to belive he was a governor at one time. He didn't run again because he knew he would not win. I know this country is in desperate state, but my goodness this is really strecthing it.

Obama for President 08 2012

Pat Riot   July 9th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

There seem to be a lot of people taking pop shots at Jesse but has anyone even looked at his policy? He is a freedom loving, limited government, accountable, charitable person. I hope he gets elected!

IndependentVoter   July 9th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

I don't see why Jesse Can't run and make some money?. Why should only DEMS or REPUBLICANS make money ?. This is a free country.

Obama became a millionaire soon after he became a senator. Same goes for Bill/Hillary.

As for experience goes, the way the candidates are flip flopping on issues from Gun control to FISA to separation of church and state, I think a new word should be coined. My suggestion will be "sailless boating" ha ha..

Will probably vote for Mcain. He is more honest than any one else right now. Granted he is also trying to smooch left and right but thats understandable. He is little desparate coz this is his last chance !!!.

I wish everybody is little considerate about McCain.

Barb   July 9th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Having heard Jesse on several interviews (Larry King and Hannity & Colmes) I believe that he could do a lot of good.

The "do nothing congress" might just do some rocking and rolling and get something done. Between the leader in of the senate and the leader of the house doing nothing but same old same old we could use something to stir things up. Bunch of old fuddy duddy's (including some women).

Go for it!!!!

Willow, from Iowa   July 9th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Just as Minnesota loses the "Fargo" imagine, they go out and elect Jesse Ventura Governor. I sometimes wonder if they are capable of voting rationally.

Tony   July 9th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

I see that there are quite a few commenters here from the two most screwed up, wierdest states in America!

Florida and Texas!

How can anyone take them seriously????? :)

Bill in Virginia   July 9th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Ventura's a nut.

I can't believe the people of Minnesota would vote to have hinm as their representative in the U.S. Senate.

Let's see, their choices are Norm Coleman, Al Franken, Jesse Ventura…..aaaaahhhhhgggg!!!

Please, somebody bring back Pat Paulsen.

Mike, Syracuse NY   July 9th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Whoever is posing as the Mike, Syracuse NY impostor, please get a life. I wouldn't vote for Obama if he were the only one running.

Tony   July 9th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

Why not president????

He's much more qualified than McCain!

Jeanine   July 9th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

I am from Minnesota and I would vote for him in a heart beat….he speaks his mind plain and simple and people just can't handle the truth. We need a person that isn't afraid of who he might offend and just says it like it is…..!!!!! Go Jesse!

Tony   July 9th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

Jesse's a joke!

Coleman is a Republican (reason enough there NOT TO vote for him)

Franken is a Democrat (reason enough TO vote for him)

Any questions???

Phil in KC   July 9th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

"if you were in a dark alley which one of the three of us would you want with you?” This is how you pick a Senator? What color is the sky in this guy's world? And he's even weirder looking now than when he was governor. I sure hope the people of Minnesota don't fall for this guy again. He's a joke.

Socialism, now new and improved!!   July 9th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

If Jesse "the (fill-in-the-noun)" Ventura runs, it's a guaranteed win for Norm Coleman. Ventura is only going to peel off votes for Stewart Smalley, er, uh, I mean Al Franken.

Can't we have a friggin' intelligence/competence/economics test for voters' suffrage? Add to that a requirement to be a land owner and we'd see this country actually get it's house back in order again. Nope, we just let any warm body with a pulse cast a ballot (although, even this requirement is NOT required to vote Democrat).

JOEL   July 9th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

THAT WILL SURE PUT THE SCARER OF GOD IN THEM IN THE SENATE AND AS SOME ONE FROM MN YOU HAVE A BUSH STOOGE AND A DEM POLLING IN THE LOW 30 TIME IS RIGHT FOR HIM TO COME BACK .

Biff, Hussein Biffington   July 9th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

I think he needs to make a 'decision' on that fu-man-chu look.

proud army and navy mom   July 9th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

OMG!

Greg, NY   July 9th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Sotvy July 9th, 2008 12:03 pm ET

Here is a useless peice of trivia, the first Predator movie produced 2 Govenors… Jesse and Arnold.

They were both in The Running Man also.

SOS!   July 9th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Mike, Syracuse NY …… Why not President? He's at least as well qualified as Obama………and more qualified THAN McSAME…..IDIOT!!!!!……..WORSE PERSON IN THE WORLD _MIKE!!!

Mike, Syracuse NY   July 9th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

obama for president!

Brandon Hillary PUMA for Mc Cain-Pa   July 9th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

A President Jesse Ventura would still have more experience and knowledge to lead the country then Obama…..

Jesse Rocks
Hillary 2012.

Sue   July 9th, 2008 1:17 pm ET

Ventura was a fine wrestler. He was a poor governor. Would be a poor senator.

Jan, Knoxville, TN   July 9th, 2008 1:17 pm ET

People in Minnesota would be crazy to put this goon back in office.

Shasta   July 9th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

Awesome.

Patrick Henry   July 9th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

Jesse,
Whatever…if the citizens of your state determine you're a good choice…welcome aboard.

Frankly, some of your ideas are wierd. Why don't you just through in your supprt with the Libertarian Party so we can really tackle the two party stranglehold on our country?

Farrell, Houston, Tx   July 9th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

You may not like Jesse but he makes some very interesting points about our Government, especially the border.

ps   July 9th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

Mike, Syracuse NY wrote July 9th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

"Why not President? He's at least as well qualified as Obama."

Yeah right. Just as qualified as Obama ! You must be Kidding. Did JV graduate high school ? Obama is a Harward Grad, was the President of the Harward Law review. Go figure. Better get your IQ checked ?

Candy West Virginia   July 9th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Hey there Mike, Syracuse NY - did you know that Obama actually has more elected 'experience' than Hillary. He has served 11 yrs as senator - 8 in Illionois and 3 in the US Senate.

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   July 9th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

If elected, a dark alley is precisely where Jesse will take you!

T GUY   July 9th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

YOU ARE A SIDE SHOW BE QUIET……….

Enlightened Voter   July 9th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

Mike, Syracuse NY - Obama has 8 yrs as Illionois Senator and 3 as US Senator. When you try to slam someone atleast be honest about it. Oh but you're probably a republican so never mind.

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   July 9th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. Thank you.
That is the best laugh I have had all week.

Mark, Minneapolis   July 9th, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Norm Coleman is one of the least genuine and scariest people on the planet.

Coleman has no backbone whatsoever - he is a CONSUMATE POLITICIAN who makes Bill Clinton look like an idealist.

Proof-points include his switch from Democrat to Republican, his complete alignment with Bush for so long, now his recent attempt at moving away from Bush directly in proportion to Bush's declining popularity, his support for the war in Iraq, now trying to distance himself from that debacle….This guy is a nightmare, biggest hypocrite I've ever met.

I wasn't a big fan af Ventura either by the end, but at least the guy has some ideals and doesn't care what people think.

As a Minnesotan who has had to live with Pawlenty and Coleman for so long, my dream is McCain picks Pawlenty for VP and McCain loses, ridding us of that freak who has blood on his hands already from the bridge collapse (totally Pawlenty's fault for his stupid and narrow 'no new taxes' pledge which has led Minnesota to third-world road conditions - seriously I have been to China recently and almost wherever you go their roads are better than the hazards in Minnesota, I've broken 2 axles in the past year).

Then Ventura runs and drains support from Coleman, letting Franken win. - This one is tough as Ventura would probably drain more from Franken as another 'change' candidate.

Jason   July 9th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

I can very firmly say that there are no circumstances of which I would ever want to be in a dark alley with Jesse Ventura.

Matt, Manchester, CT   July 9th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Great, hopefully he'll bring back the feather boa for the senate campaign. Will that be Senator "The Body" or just plain Senator Ventura??? Is he going to grab some of his friends from "The Predator" to work on his campaign as well? I recall a CNN article where one of the other cast members from that film is also running for office somewhere.

Jon   July 9th, 2008 12:53 pm ET

I'd vote for him, anything is better than another Dem or Rep.

Vig   July 9th, 2008 12:52 pm ET

This guy is another smuck

Lena   July 9th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

Please, Jesse, stay in Mexico through the first week of November, at the miminum. Even though you brought down the cost of car tab renewals and fireworks (as long as they stay on the ground), it was all about you, you, you.

Peter   July 9th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

He has no chance. Minnesota has rejected him.

If he wants to get rid of Coleman, he should work for the opposition.

Doris,Memphis,TN   July 9th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

WARNING!

All mothers with little baby boys.
They belong to John McCain!
They will come back to you at age 22
in a body bag!

California Gold   July 9th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

I give him high marks for enthusiasm and conviction, but I think he's taken a few too many blows to the head. When he was on Larry King he sat there with the nerve twitches and head jerking. WTH! He launched into a diatribe about McCain being 71 years old and because he is too old to secure conventional employment he therefore should not be President. Had nothing to do with ability or politics: just age and perceived ability. Ok, I'm not voting for McCain but it was a rather empty point and he kept bringing it up over and over. So let's measure Ventura against the same yardstick he measures McCain: too old and been through too much to be able to serve in public office. LOL.

William,from Cali!   July 9th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

If I was in a dark alley, I wouldn't want neither one of them with me!………………I"ll travel with,somebody I could rely on; S&W,357, or Colt 45………………………………You can bet on that!

SteveO   July 9th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Who cares, he was a joke when he was a wrestler and is even more of a joke as a politician. Maybe he could win in MN but no where else.

The Truth   July 9th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

what are you people doing in Minnesota?

really…

usa   July 9th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

not this year jesse.we cant afford the the grid-lock that you will create,at this time.maybe later.i'm independent,too.we need to unify this government to get serious issues taken care of.obama and the political situation just may be able to pull it off ,this time,and with your prior obama bashing statements on larry king,it tells me you are more interested in condemning both parties,while not taking a stand on any issues.you were great at bashing people in the ring,but,we dont need that,right now.we need solutions.

Abbey   July 9th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Just what the senate needs-another do-nothing windbag out for his own gain. What, pray-tell are his qualifications and why do so many nutjobs come from Minnesota?

MIchael Lorton, Virginia   July 9th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

The world is an unstable place. Who knows……Minnesota is crazy enough to elect him. Let' see, we have a comedian, a wrestler and the other guy (of which I don't know). Put my money on the wrestler.

Will in Richmond, VA   July 9th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

wow… Franken and Ventura on the same ballot.

How fascinating. Personally, I like Venturas ideas a great deal. He can be a bit abrasive at times. Should be intriguing to say the least.

Debby   July 9th, 2008 12:38 pm ET

Al Franken is a joke LOL Ventura at least has some experience.

jimmy velman   July 9th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

JESSE VENTURA DID NOT DO THE BRIDGE INSPECTIONS AND
DID NOT KNOW HOW BAD THE BRIDGE WAS. HE IS A WINNER
AND SHOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM DEFEATING THE INCUMBENT
SENATOR COLEMAN WHOM HE DEFEATED PREVIOUSLY.

Justin from West Haven, CT   July 9th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

He should be a presidential candidate.

tom   July 9th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Coleman defeated Mondale in 2002, after the tragic death of Paul Wellstone. If Coleman defetaed Ventura in 1998 it was not for the senate seat.

James Hussein, SC   July 9th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Hey where are you big-time McCain supporters? Gov. Ventura is a vet. and former SEAL who has killed for his country. Not by dropping bombs on people randomly (like McCain). He killed people up-close and personal. So, when he says war is the worst of mankind he knows.

Gov. Ventura is the only Governor of modern time who has made more money from the job (his pay), than it took him to get the job. He chose not to run again. He is very realistic about America and Americans. Yet, this is the first guy the citizens are ready to hang because he tells the truth.

JC in SC   July 9th, 2008 12:28 pm ET

We've had one too many Jesses in the Senate already.

Tom, St. Paul   July 9th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Yes, he is a prickly, impulsive goofball, but he surrounded himself with smart people, appointed a great non-partisan cabinet and had the sense to let them do their jobs without interference. I didn't vote for him, but he did accomplish much for the state, despite his shenanigans, attitude and utter lack of experience.

Just taking a chance   July 9th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

I thought let me read these comments and see if anyone tries to tie or make negative comments about Obama. You win Mike, NY. Stop by the office and pick up your "ID-IO-T AWARD" Congratulations!!!

demwit   July 9th, 2008 12:22 pm ET

I wonder what Jesse did with all that federal road construction money we sent to him before that bridge collapsed?

Dan   July 9th, 2008 12:22 pm ET

Pete in Saint Paul is wrong about Jesse's time in office. He reveals more about his concern for his image; as in being a citizen of a state that elects such a man, then what happened during that time.

Yes, Jesse is a thin skinned non politically correct guy.

He also was a Gov that hired the best staff this state has ever had and let them do their jobs while keeping the media entertained. After a thirty year log jam, he got the Twin Cities going on a real light rail line that has wowed this area with ridership levels. He brought property tax reform and school budget reform that would have enabled districts to focus on education and not funding. The entrenched politicians (Moe & Pawlenty) stopped the other half of the deal to raise the funds. So, a train wreck of the budget was setup by them. Of course, they both then ran to replace Jesse on the issue of how to fix the budget crisis they manufactured.

James Nelson   July 9th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

“And all you Minnesotans take a good hard look at all three of us. And you decide: if you were in a dark alley which one of the three of us would you want with you?”

Is this guy brain damaged from too many piledrives into the wrestling mat?

Last time I checked, there weren't any dark alleys on the Senate floor. Although there are a number of Republicans I wouldn't mind seeing in a good figure 4 leglock….

Bob   July 9th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Minnesota seems to be turning into the San Francisco Mid West…….What a bunch of whack jobs!!!! Good luck living up there

RC   July 9th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Yes. Go Jesse Go!! You are the real deal. We need more like you in power. I would vote for Jesse to be prez.

Marc PDX   July 9th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

So let's see… Minnesota has Jesse Ventura and Al Franken running for senate. Jeez, wonder why Bozo the Clown is holding back on throwing his hat in the ring there?

Mike, Syracuse NY   July 9th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Why not President? He's at least as well qualified as Obama.

Joshsf   July 9th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Jesse Ventura defeated Norm Coleman in Minnesota’s 1998 *gubernatorial* race.

Franky   July 9th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

No offense Jesse, but I feel asorry for you. I mean, look at you! Desperate and anxious. If this is what you want, then go ahead and put yourself in this position. Me personally, I will say that I respect Independets because I do respect Lou(Dobbs) but overall, let's just say you people, you BOW DOWN to the Master……..

We the parties(Dems and Reps) OWN this land not you…

Tony in Mocksville, NC   July 9th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Go Jesse. We need more "real" independent minded people in the Senate.

Was a Democrat-Now an Independent   July 9th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

Please run, Jesse. You make for some very interesting politics. Also, I do not think it will be difficult for you to beat either Coleman or Franken.The political environment is toxic for republicans,so Coleman has difficulties, but it is my understanding that Franken is running a joke of a campaign. i would love to see "The Body" giving speeches on the Senate floor. It would be great!

Last Honest Man   July 9th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

He will fit in with all the other whacks!

Sotvy   July 9th, 2008 12:03 pm ET

Here is a useless peice of trivia, the first Predator movie produced 2 Govenors… Jesse and Arnold.

ProundToBeDemocrat   July 9th, 2008 12:00 pm ET

GO venturan save us form this fony guy colman he is evil, Bush's puppet, we need you again angry voter from Minnesota.

Obama Supporter from FL   July 9th, 2008 12:00 pm ET

I definitely would not want to be in a dark alley with Jesse Ventura…

bob in L.A.   July 9th, 2008 11:59 am ET

Who cares? He is milking this for all he can get!
He was a fresh face when he ran for governor but failed in the job. Now he thinks he can be a senator? Must be the hair dye gotten to him!

GO AWAY!!!!!   July 9th, 2008 11:59 am ET

Ventura—–That's the reason I run, not to sell books," he said. "I run because it angers me………WELL GO TAKE a WALK!!!!

Pete in St. paul   July 9th, 2008 11:50 am ET

Most of us in Minnesota that lived through the Ventura as Governor experience would just as soon see him stay in Mexico. His tenure as Governor was all about Jessie, not about putting Minnesotans first. I suspect he has deluded himself into believing he is a viable candidate and wants to sell more books. We dont need another verse of "send in the clowns" here in Minnesota. especially for the position of Senator.

CW4Barak   July 9th, 2008 11:49 am ET

Thank GOD I don't live in Minnesota! Since he is so strong and mighty….he should volunteer to go rebuild the bridge that fell!!

Independent Voter   July 9th, 2008 11:44 am ET

I think it would be great if he ran. Probably steal some votes from Franken. He doesn't need a job, so he'll say whatever he wants to.

What I want to know is what's in the water in Minnesota?

Salaam, Lawrence KS   July 9th, 2008 11:42 am ET

"Norm Coleman, who Ventura defeated in Minnesota’s 1998 Senate race." … Actually Ventura's win over Coleman was in the Gubernatorial race in 1998.

Jerry in Boston   July 9th, 2008 11:41 am ET

Jesse Ventura is a 9/11 conspiracy nutcase.

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