WKRP in Cincinnati (TV Series)

Carlson for President (1979)

Frank Bonner: Herb Tarlek

Photos 

Quotes 

• Les Nessman : [in helping Mr. Carlson prepare for the all candidates debate]  Mr. Carlson, let's pretend I'm the moderator.

  Arthur Carlson : Okay.

  Les Nessman : Tell me, candidate Carlson, what is your position on busing?

  Arthur Carlson : No comment.

  Herb Tarlek : Personally, I like the "no comment" thing - it's short and to the point - but it could sound like you're takin' the Fifth, Big Guy.

  Les Nessman : The secret is to appear to answer all the questions, but in truth it's all mumbo-jumbo. Here, let me show you. Herb, ask me this question.

  Herb Tarlek : [reading off the card Les has handed him]  Sure. "Mr. Candidate, what is your energy program?"

  [Mr. Carlson whistles in showing how difficult a question he believes it to be] 

  Les Nessman : Right now, I'm devoting a great deal of time and study to that problem, and I expect to issue a position paper on that. A position that is at once simple, yet complex. Flexible, and above all else, fair... to every American.

• Bailey Quarters : [about the drinking problem of Mr. Carlson's rival candidate]  Last month at a Friends of Armenia banquet, he apparently fell forward into his lasagna.

  Herb Tarlek : [laughing excitedly]  Wow!

  Andy Travis : [about making that drinking problem public]  Now, listen, Bailey's right. You couldn't use something like that.

  Herb Tarlek : Politics is a tough business, Travis.

  Les Nessman : [suspiciously]  Why are Armenians eating lasagna?

• Jennifer Marlowe : [about the latest public opinion poll regarding candidates running for the city council seat]  Mr. Carlson isn't even mentioned.

  Herb Tarlek : Perfect. Perfect!

  Jennifer Marlowe : Why?

  Herb Tarlek : Why? Because if people don't know you, they won't dislike you. If you show yourself too much, then you come off looking like a jerk... at least, that's been my experience.