Political Theater

Mark Block: Kissinger told me smoking ad was “brilliant”

Cain campaign manager Mark Block, best known for his smoking scene in a Herman Cain web ad, was on Fox News this morning, where he discussed the sexual harassment allegations levied against Cain and other campaign developments. He railed against the media “cesspool,” telling host Martha MacCallum that suing Politico, the site that broke the harassment story, “is being discussed.”

MacCallum also asked about Cain’s foreign policy qualifications. “We had a fascinating meeting yesterday in New York City with Dr. Henry Kissinger,” Block told her. “Those that know Herman Cain know he’s a fast study and he is being brought up to speed on issues.”

“About half way through that meeting Dr Kissinger turned to me and said, ‘you’re that cigarette guy. That was brilliant,’” Block added.

Here’s the segment, courtesy of Fox News. Cigarette comment is at 5:00.

Watch the latest video at video.foxnews.com

Huntsman daughters caricature Cain ad

Jon Huntsman’s three daughters impersonate Cain campaign manager Mark Block in this satirical take on Cain’s infamous smoking ad:

Team Cain releases bizarre ad

A peculiar web ad for Herman Cain, starring his campaign manager, Mark Block, emerged late last night. In the video, Block explains his support for his boss — “I really believe that Herman Cain will put ‘United’ back in United States of America,” he says — before taking a drag of a cigarette and exhaling straight into the camera to the sudden tune of Krista Branch’s “I Am America.” Cain rounds out the ad with a long, unsettling smile.