As the Obama administration and its allies continue efforts to curtail Iran’s nuclear program, one critical voice has been missing from the debate: That of west Philadelphia’s best-known prankster, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

That is until earlier this week. During an episode of “Washington Journal,” a man identifying himself as a Republican named Jack Strickland dialed in to the morning program during a discussion of Congress’ role in negotiations with Iran.

The caller quickly clarified that he was from Bel-Air, not simply Los Angeles. Though his perfectly deadpan tone gave no indication that he was anything less than serious, the man’s remarks soon made it clear his goal was comedy, not political commentary.

“I am originally from Philadelphia --specifically, west Philadelphia,” he said. “But anyway, I was actually discussing this issue with a friend recently. It occurred while on a basketball court. At some point in the conversation, a couple guys who were up to no good essentially started causing trouble in my neighborhood. I got in one little fight and my mom got scared and said you’re moving with your auntie and uncle in Bel-Air.”


By this point, the host had caught onto the joke and cut off the “Fresh Prince,” so we may never know his thoughts about the complex issue of negotiating with the repressive regime.

Like American democracy itself, the C-SPAN prank call has a long and rich history, one that is well-documented on YouTube (alas, much of it is too colorful to share here.) No doubt Uncle Phil would disapprove of such hijinks.

Follow @MeredithBlake on Twitter.

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