WKRP in Cincinnati (TV Series)

Carlson for President (1979)

Gordon Jump: Arthur Carlson

Photos 

Quotes 

• Arthur Carlson : [in his want to lose the election]  ... it's my opinion... uh, most of the women in your organization are really overweight. I don't mean stocky, we're talking tubby...

• Ann Bleyer (Interviewer at Voting Booth) : Mr. Carlson, you're preparing to vote. Where is your wife, Mrs. Carlson?

  Arthur Carlson : Actually, Mrs. Carlson and I had a little disagreement earlier today. Things got a little out of hand. The fact is it's going to be quite a while before you see Mrs. Carlson in public again.

• 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.

• Les Nessman : [speaking to someone on the telephone in trying to help Mr. Carlson lose the election]  Hello? This is Deep Throat again. Did you know that every night when he goes home, Arthur Carlson likes to lounge around his house... in a dress?

  Arthur Carlson : [grabbing the telephone receiver from Les and covering the mouthpiece with his hand]  Wait a minute Les, don't you think you're carrying this thing just a little too far?

  Les Nessman : Do you want to lose or not?

  Arthur Carlson : Well, okay, but, uh, couldn't it be a pair a slacks and a simple halter top?

• Charles Tillman : Mr. Carlson, you can't even run a small radio station!

  Barry Schifrin : Ladies and gentlemen, I'm afraid our time is just about up.

  Arthur Carlson : [addressing Barry and standing up in his anger]  Wai, wai, wait and minute, he said I can't run a radio station?

  Charles Tillman : [laughing]  WKRP?

  Arthur Carlson : [to Tillman]  Listen, buddy, I run that radio station and I work hard at it! And what's more, I'm there every day. I'm not off some place getting drunk, Tillman!

  Barry Schifrin : Do you wish to reply to that accusation, Mr. Tillman?

  Charles Tillman : [panicked]  No comment.

• [last lines] 

  Arthur Carlson : [staring straight into the camera while sitting behind a desk with the American and City of Cincinnati flags on it]  My fellow Americans. Good night.