I know this may sound like a bit of a stretch for some, but stick with me here. This primary process is shaping up to be like something straight out of the movies. Specifically, the 1976 Oscar-winning Rocky.

It’s pretty clear how everyone lines up.

Apollo Creed = Hillary Clinton
Why? It’s pretty simple, really. From the moment she came onto the scene, she has been groomed to hold the title. Make no doubt about it, she knows she is the champ. She’s not worried about some unknown because she has experience on her side. She’s more worried about her hair than some untested upstart that hasn’t seen a real battle. Plus, she’s got great abs.

Apollo’s Trainer = Bill Clinton
Why? Before taking the roll of Apollo’s Trainer, Burton made a name for himself as a boxer. He’s been there before. He’s held the title and he’s won the fight. He’s the voice in Hillary’s ear constantly pushing her to not take the upstart for granted. He also yells a lot and didn’t actually get a name until Rocky II.

Mickey = Richard Danzig
Why? Like Apollo, Rocky needed someone in his corner that knew his way around the ring. Really though, Danzig was the first Obama adviser that I could think of. They both have gray hair.

Adrian Pennino = Michelle Obama
Why? This one was pretty easy. Much like Rocky, where would Barack be without the support of Michelle? While somewhat hesitant to step into the spotlight, she sticks by Rocky from his early days as an unknown bum and gives him the motivation to make it 15 rounds with Apollo.

Rocky = Barack Obama
Why? He’s the unknown fighter that somehow believes he has a chance in the same ring as the established champion. His fighting style draws more from his heart and his gut, leaving him open to calculating blows to the head from his opponent. Nobody gives him a chance before the big fight, but he somehow makes it round after round after round. He even wins a couple of rounds, catching the champ off guard with a few well-placed jabs. Amidst a chorus of doubts, he somehow finds the hope needed to stay in the ring.

Of course, we all know how the first Rocky movie ends. The world is stunned that this unorthodox slugger was able to go the duration against the champ and a bloody and bruised Rocky yells for Adrian as a split decision for Creed is announced. Both fighters look like they are about to collapse as the movie fades away and the credits start to roll.

This is where we are at currently. If Obama continues on and eventually wins the nomination, then I’ll have to come back and write in an entire piece that compares the post-Ohio/Texas primary race to Rocky II.

The final nominee will also decide which half of Rocky IV get tacked on to the end of this comparison. Why?

He waits. And trains. And enjoys lunches with his comrades.

That’s right. Ivan Drago = John McCain