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Last night's New York gubernatorial debate was crowded and chaotic, but it did introduce the nation to Jimmy McMillan, self-proclaimed karate expert and "CEO" of The Rent Is Too Damn High Party. In an election season filled with offbeat characters, McMillan just might be the most exceptional. (He helped his case by donning leather gloves and promising to marry a shoe.) On Twitter Tuesday, people couldn't stop talking about (and linking to) this bright new political star.

ABC World News went straight for the money quote


"If you want to marry a shoe, I’ll marry you." - Jimmy McMillan, of the Rent Is Too Damn High Party,... http://tumblr.com/xexmc7wflless than a minute ago via TumblrABC World News
ABCWorldNews


The Nation's Chris Hayes believed McMillan's message could resonate beyond New York

Feel like there should be a "Rent is Too Damn High" party in at least six other major American cities. http://bit.ly/9IDEBcless than a minute ago via webChristopher Hayes
chrislhayes


Roger Ebert deemed McMillan a game-changer

The Rent is Too Damn High Candidate roars into the debate and makes the others look like vacuous gasbags. http://j.mp/dkWWGnless than a minute ago via webRoger Ebert
ebertchicago


Daily Show producer Rory Albanese delivered bad news to everyone trying to access McMillan's campaign website

Sad to say: Jimmy McMillan's website is no longer functioning. Those who saw it: Tell your children. Those who missed: I am truly sorry.less than a minute ago via webRory Albanese
roryalbanese


Comedian Patton Oswalt couldn't get over McMillan's resume

Will only vote for candidates who are "karate experts." #therentistoodamnhighless than a minute ago via Twitter for BlackBerry®Patton Oswalt
pattonoswalt


Slate reported even the other candidates were left awed

Even Andrew Cuomo was laughing at "The Rent Is Too Damn High" party candidate in last night's NY Gov. debate http://slate.me/bYGCG4less than a minute ago via bitlySlate
Slate


Sports blogger Mike Tunison lent his support to McMillan's cause

Not a member of Rent Is Too Damn High Party but, as an officer in the These Condo Fees Is Killing Me Coalition, I sympathize with the cause.less than a minute ago via webMike Tunison
xmasape


Slate's Dave Weigel finally settled on a Halloween costume

Obvious new Halloween costume: Rent Is Too Damn High Party candidate. Beard, blackbelt, you're done.less than a minute ago via TweetDeckdaveweigel
daveweigel


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