Leslie vs. Bobby: Pawnee City Council Debate | Parks and Recreation

Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) and Bobby Newport (Paul Rudd) go head-to-head in a debate for the Pawnee City Council elections.
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Episode Highlight: "The Debate" Season 4, Episode 20
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ABOUT PARKS AND RECREATION
From Emmy Award-winning executive producers Greg Daniels and Michael Schur, "Parks and Recreation" is a hilarious ensemble comedy that follows Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), a mid-level bureaucrat in the Parks and Recreation Department of Pawnee, Indiana, and her tireless efforts to make her quintessentially American town just a little bit more fun.
Leslie vs. Bobby: Pawnee City Council Debate - Parks and Recreation
• Leslie vs. Bobby: Pawn...
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[@GabeJohnson91]

"I'm against crime, and I'm not ashamed to admit it" That got a good chuckle out of me lol

[@kiddingme01]

3:15 Ben is me at so many things these days

[@vectrom21]

looks like a comic thing to say in the US, not so much in a brazilian university...

[@bobbyweirddick6556]

Being politicians is easy. People clap to everything. Unless your trump

[@burnthetrolls5971]

Your profile pic is awesome

[@jakegilroy8995]

“You mean to tell me you’re AGAINST crime?” “I am. And I’m tired of pretending I’m not.”

[@franzbigT]

Paul Rudd is so perfect for the role

[@flyforce16]

I hate his character in parks and rec but he acted it very well

[@ocean6828]

flyforce16 I kinda love him. He’s so nice

[@eggman5106]

@flyforce16 nah he was just wholesome and clueless, the only person i hated was his manager

[@carpentercadyn7948]

I'd hate his character if it wasn't Paul rudd and I felt like most people would've or he just wouldn't be as lovable

[@raspyswirly]

@@eggman5106 He isn't that clueless! Watch the Paul Rudd's Best Of from the show and you'll see how after having an honest conversation with Leslie, he steals her story as his own to use in his press conference. And Jennifer Barkley is amazing!

[@FedeArielS]

I really loved how Brandi Maxxxx was always geniunately trying to support Leslie as a woman but she just wouldn't realize the effect was the exact opposite

[@ManojKumararch]

She was put there to defame Leslie...Did you notice she was exactly copying Leslie upto the dress shirt...

[@JohnSmith-bn5mi]

It IS Pawnee.... she may have actually helped her.

[@Jerry-nv4tq]

To be honest if Brandi went to India and tried to become Chief Minister in any state, she would probably be a good candidate.

[@Koba1t]

@@Jerry-nv4tq More like Italy. Some of their politicians are were uh.. former... 'adult entertainment' ... 'stars'

[@arvin8050]

Me too, her scenes are always so hilarious and Leslie’s reaction to it. They should make a compilation video dedicated to her

[@geoff453]

"Just like Leslie i know what its like to be in a room full of men" 😂😂😂

[@ohyeah8224]

I love her trying to actual help Leslie without realizing the things she says always has double meanings lmfao. Funny character.

[@blew1t]

"im against crime and im not ashamed to admit it" >crowd cheers "if something's dirty, we should clean it up!" >crowd cheers some simple but amazing political parody

[@weekapaugphil]

Lesile's closing statement is one of the greatest things I've ever heard. Throughout this whole election, I've become a citizen of Pawnee...and she had my vote since the Season 3 finale.

[@sagara4e]

I agree with you 🙂👍 this is the best speech ever! I was hoping someone else felt the same way in the comments

[@jtestela]

Me too! I was scrolling thru the commengs and this is the first one I saw that talks about that ending. It is LITERALLY the best closing statement i've heard

[@burnthetrolls5971]

I can't believe that man saved the MCU in Endgame

[@annatatum5434]

He did it by climbing up thanos' but and becoming giant

[@asuspiciousturtlewithinternet]

@@annatatum5434 wow spoiler alert smh

[@BrendanJSmith]

anna tatum dude, that joke was never funny to begin with and you’re gonna make it nearly a year after the movie came out?? How comedically tone deaf are you?

[@nateexists6292]

@@BrendanJSmith speak for yourself, it was always funny

[@LiveHedgehog]

"I'm against Thanos, and I'm not ashamed to admit it"

[@luthfanwicaksono2721]

That one guy who cheers for Fester, the gun-store owner, is a loyal customer. The same guy who cheers for Brandi Maxxx, is also a *"loyal customer"*

[@CaptainLumpyDog]

Luthfan Wicaksono Woo!

[@beano2266]

Woo!

[@intothemagic]

I love that it’s the same guy

[@Cactina]

it's called 'intersectionality'

[@leslieaquino7363]

"This question about public safety comes from twitter because apparently that's something that happens now". My EXACT feelings.

[@xxxdumbwordstupidnumberxxx4844]

It is the one time where I wholeheartedly agree with Joan.

[@JacksonBetz]

frickn Brecklyn

[@aubreezily13]

The look that Bobby has on his face after Brandi's film comment makes me lose it every time😂

[@matthew8505]

6:07 for those that need it

[@haxpaxed]

10:09 Bobby's excited yet slightly confused run at the end of the clip is such a nice touch

[@robertoesquivel4447]

I love it

[@VinhPrag]

Peak Rudd

[@lukesskywalking]

This was written to be silly and outlandish and yet it feels more sophisticated and grounded in reality than anything I saw in last night’s presidential debate

[@cadenvanvalkenburg6718]

Yep

[@mr.chapel4179]

The fact that Bobby is actually a better person than Trump...makes you think.

[@sophiehoskins5642]

r/murderedbywords?

[@mclovingihavenofirstname9072]

@@mr.chapel4179 Another person that doesn't know their facts. Before you start criticizing a president, ACTUALLY research them

[@angelesskies]

@@mclovingihavenofirstname9072 Ex president* and yes I’m sure being a racist and being accused of sexually assaulting multiple women is so much research that you haven’t taken your ignorant head out of the mud. Trump was a terrible president, and he didn’t care for the people, especially when the coronavirus came out.

[@fireflyeclipse]

Brandi Maxx is an underrated character

[@MrNarwhaI]

Maxxxx

[@odhranmcsorley3389]

WOO! *looks around*

[@darkale658]

I love how she's just genuinely supportive of Leslie

[@Starmadien2019]

Ok Brandi trying to flirt with Leslie is cracking me up.

[@beenieweenie1986]

I know. She should be flirting with Ann. Then making a film of it

[@Hulkzilla0]

That last speech is all you need to know about Leslie. She's a leader that our world needs.

[@CaptainLumpyDog]

abridgedfan100 Crom, yes.

[@lindaleelaw5277]

abridgedfan100. Leslie Knope and Elle Woods on the 2024 ticket ? Women could use some hair cut and makeup advice these days lol

[@blaise6652]

Lake Leander carnivores...you’re all the same.

[@lordleo9047]

@Lake Leander there's no way in that wasn't sarcastic

[@jalapeno.biznaus5752]

@@Parpeing it doesn't matter if your a republican or a democrat, as long as your fit for the job and aren't motivated by one side or the other, but strictly by what is right for the people, then it doesn't matter

[@colton4261]

"Once again Brandi and Leslie and essentially, the same person" lol Joan cracks me up every time

[@LorenzoDoesntExist]

It's crazy how many things this show predicted.

[@MsBettyRubble]

So true! Where is our Leslie? Where is Ron? I feel like we're just surrounded by ppl like Councilmen Jamm and Milton. We keep being Jammed.

[@coochiecrushers4756]

It also predicted Fergie

[@dreamybombstudios724]

I thought Leslie was supposed to run for president in 2020 😭😭 where is she?!

[@FordCrownVic1995]

@@dreamybombstudios724 No, 2024. Almost there

[@jenm1]

I wish people would stop saying that. Capitalism is cyclic. Things happen over and over again. Closing the border has been an issue since before Trump, etc. Read your history and you'll notice it's not predictive. It's just based on trends.

[@Eli7owls]

Bobby Newport is like the wealthy version of Andy

[@motherofpea4rll]

Andy was wealthy tho

[@MrNarwhaI]

Probably in the end of the show

[@danielleza908]

That's Lord Covington tbh

[@Rudromukherjeenerv]

Lord Covington!

[@kirby7294]

I like Bobby, he’s just a sad kid who is being taken advantage off by his father and other politicians to get power with the promise of satisfaction and love from his father. It’s sad but damn if it ain’t a true representation on the dirtiness or politics.

[@dlweiss]

While Bobby certainly has some sympathetic and redeeming qualities, he also actively chooses to lie and cheat every step of his campaign. At one point he literally stole a personal comment Leslie said to him and re-purposed it to use in a speech, and made it about himself instead. He's great example of how a person doesn't have to be literally "evil" to be really harmful and bad.

[@doubledoubleusmokymirror4d405]

@@dlweiss George W. Bush Jr?

[@Xylarxcode]

@@dlweiss Booby's like a big, stupid, clueless kid in a grown man's body. He doesn't know what the hell is going on or what he's supposed to do, but he knows he likes it when people appreciates the things he does. He is genuinely a nice guy, but he's so stupid and clueless that taking advantage of him and his influential position is so easy, it's ridiculous and he doesn't even know it's happening. He just wants people to like him and have a good time together. There is literally nothing about Bobby's personality that is hateful, resentful or in the slightest way cruel or mean. His biggest flaw is his inability to see the harm his lies and deceitful actions can cause to other people. People he considers his friends, but he's just too dumb/naive to understand the consequences of his actions.

[@JITCompilation]

It doesn't have to be. Take money out of politics and suddenly it isn't a dirty game, but an honest discussion about what's best for people.

[@Strobobel]

Xylarxcode clueless nice

[@adilrahman1142]

Bobby is such a nice kid. I love how much he supports Leslie through this, despite being rivals. He's very similar to Andy, hopefully he finds his own April

[@nukethetunaxiii]

Pretty sure he marries Shauna Malwae-Tweep in the series finale

[@maggiec83]

He's not that nice lol. right after this he stole a story about her life that she told him to make him feel better and he tried to use it to score political points. Bobby's the kind of guy who's only 'nice' when he gets what he wants

[@adilrahman1142]

@@maggiec83 True but he immediately tells people to stop hating on Leslie when she had screwed up the whole day and was probably what helped her win in the end

[@maggiec83]

@@adilrahman1142 He's a man child. Capable of being genuinely sweet and caring but also ridiculously manipulative. Paul Rudd played it perfectly

[@dillonblankenship7093]

@@maggiec83 idk about manipulative. I just think he’s a stooge. He’s just doing whatever he’s told because he thinks that’s what’s expected of him. To Bobbie, this is essentially just his dad making him do chores. And because of his sheltered upbringing with other rich kids he probably assumes that’s why everyone else is there too. Because they were told to be, because it’s expected of them. It never occurs to him that people actually want the job, let alone work for years to achieve it. He doesn’t think he’s hurting people and he doesn’t understand why everyone is taking this so seriously. That’s why he’s so nice to Leslie sometimes. To him she’s like a lacrosse opponent or someone he’s in Saturday detention with.

[@nodnarb3540]

“I guess my thoughts on abortion are, you know, let’s just all have a good time!”

[@luckymosola8196]

Such nuanced and deep answer. 😂 What a well crafted doofus of a character.

[@stillsearching1284]

No way that many people would be at a city council election debate.

[@giantWario]

In Pawnee yes. The show makes it clear many times that Pawneans are pretty much the most politically engaged people in America, they really care. Unfortunately, they are also incredibly stupid.

[@CaptainLumpyDog]

It's almost 2020. Why the hell don't we have fully functional malls, or even a single functional mall on Jupiter???

[@aintnuthinbutathang1646]

Ikr thanks Obama

[@CaptainLumpyDog]

someone you'll disagree with That weenie!

[@moonlightshadowpony]

funnily enough, back in 2013, back when we were suppose to get these jupiter malls, obama actually did cut nasa's funding by 20% as part of a restructuring plan.

[@masterchiefpettyofficerjoh8840]

@Hassan Haimid Who cares? Just make flying platforms like Bespin from Star Wars

[@CT-rm1jk]

The one thing I hate about the show is the media. I know it’s satirical but damn it if it doesn’t piss me off

[@kellylagerlof]

“I love this town. And when you love something, you don’t threaten it. You don’t punish it. You fight for it. You take care of it.” I take hope from Leslie. ❤️

[@pennygirl015]

"I don't see any problems having concussion grenades in our theaters." That made my laugh so hard

[@ItsAWrap.]

Joan's reaction to the twitter thing is sooo funny, because that is literally every older newscaster's natural reaction to new technology. Such good writing.

[@Milkra]

A satirical comedy show had a more civil political debate than real life

[@janetsnakehole-macklin6426]

If anyone other than Paul Rudd had played Bobby Newport, I would’ve hated him.

[@mansishukla6779]

Leslie killed it in the end, she knew she had to go with her gut and be genuine for once instead of worrying about her percieved image. The election run in this season was both hilarious and intriguing.

[@theycallm3mj644]

Leslie at 8:12 gave me chills. The confidence in herself that she could pull it off 👌🏿

[@markb.9995]

who's here after the 2020 presidential debates because somehow, this is 100% better and gives me more hope?

[@hispanic_individual7523]

Here

[@FrannieFreshh]

Me!!!! Lol 😂

[@tyfi655]

ME!! KNOPE 2020!

[@sarahbarnes9648]

I'd take Bobby Newport over Donald Trump any day

[@studydanielle5762]

​@@sarahbarnes9648 lmfao🤣 times are really testing us.

[@jhamptonjr]

Katherine Hahn was such a funny character! "It's just sex. I'm really good at it". Kills it every time!

[@ama3182]

Funny how Leslie's speech speaks to me so much with everything going on around us. Wake up people

[@aishwaryachaudhary2933]

Paul Rudd is a gem, he is in some of the finest works like friends and parks and rec, but you don't even know it until you watch them. Underrated.

[@kadennelms8419]

“I don’t care about that issue, ask someone else” sounds like something someone would actually say in a debate lol

[@Cry0thecringeyicerobot]

i like how bobby newport was genuinely happy for leslies amazing closing statement

[@Msalazar2011]

Maybe if we got Perd Hapley and legendary news-woman Joan Callamezzo (newly single) to moderate the presidential debate instead of Chris Wallace, it wouldn’t have been such a train wreck.

[@biohazard429]

All this for a seat in a small town's city council; I loved this show!

[@miaelizabeth4353]

anyone here post the first 2020 presidential debate

[@maximillian875]

(6:08) His face. “Why, thank you!”🤣 “Holy [Bleep], Leslie, that was awesome!”

[@aeddonchapman1696]

Thank God for Paul Rudd

[@lancescallon7264]

“My godfather is the viceroy of the principality of Lichtenstein”

[@gianfrancoespinoza8828]

Bobby Newport is literally the best kind of soiled person

[@giantWario]

It's just annoying to think how much Leslie would have been elected so effortlessly if she had run any other year. Bobby Newport is the only reason why she even needed a campaign, otherwise she could have spent just 10 minutes a week writing slogans and still would have gotten over 50% of the vote against the other three.

[@xJ4R3x]

Yeah, for a small town with 12k votes is insane how Leslie has to fight the David vs Goliath situation for the election, if Bobby wasn't a candidate she easily would take 75% of voters

[@leolaspina3977]

One of the best bits of Parks and rec. Moving and funny

[@nayirnolamaz]

Why was Jerry with those nuns?

[@sagara4e]

Great question 😃🙌 never thought of it

[@TheBossMan1453]

This show's social commentary and satire is unmatched

[@jenm1]

Veep is more accurate

[@spirosb7822]

This is a really great piece of comedy. Not only because it's hilarious, but because it's a great way for people to realize that a lot of politicians are just full of nonsense. "I'm against crime and I'm not ashamed to admit it." Think of how many politicians use techniques like that. Nonsense that sounds nice to people who aren't paying any attention. Or how corporations who back these politicians literally blackmail people into voting for them and undermining democracy by threatening to move somewhere else if a politician even thinks of fighting for the interests of the people.

[@muuger1]

I’ve only recently fallen in love with Parks&Recs, and it’s quite scary looking at what’s happening in the USA.. a level of foreshadowing and mockery that is way too high

[@iamcoolerthanyouhehe1794]

That anthem was waaaay better than Fergie’s version

[@brycelavender2255]

How is this more pleasant that the actual presidential debate

[@burpostockings]

Lol that one guy in the crowd, *WOO!*

[@dsolo9876]

I’m just now realising that Bobby Newport’s publicist, played by Kathryn Hahn, is the wife of Adam Scott’s character in Step Brothers

[@lightly.darling]

Knope 2020

[@arvin8050]

Brandi Maxxx is hilarious there should be a compilation video dedicated to her

[@MagneticMessengerofOrion]

That was awesome and funny I am totally going to go buy the entire season of this show right now so I can see the rest 👏😎

[@EliasCruz3]

I wonder how Pawnee would react to Dwight's "BLOOD ALONE MOVES THE WHEELS OF HISTORY" speech from The Office...

[@MrGksarathy]

Bobby was just so sweet at the end.

[@zodiacqueengames408]

WHY WOULD YOU BE ASHAMED TO ADMIT THAT YOU'RE AGAINST CRIME xD Ben's reaction at 3:15 is priceless.

[@MrNarwhaI]

That’s the joke

[@Lucky-ih9gf]

Lol ya there would never be that many people at a city council debate

[@v8Buster87]

I would love an assault rifle vending machine rofl.

[@vikmanphotography7984]

Scary. Imagine that in a school cafeteria.....

[@ketansrivastava5053]

Aren't they already there...

[@zwide4]

5:39 "once again, people....... grenade launcher" , amazing delivery

[@roysweatman8436]

Just getting a sneak peak at the 2020 presidential debate

[@user-nr2ku9dk9b]

The national anthem killed me

[@swolby9230]

Ben's exasperated reaction at Bobby's statement on crime is hilarious.

[@andrewflores17]

saw this clip for humor the first time now years later im watching it for public speaking todays gonna be a good day.

[@alexispassarelli1006]

I can assure you if you had a gun mounted on your dashboard that automatically shot people who tried to steal it. You'd still have your car😂😂😂 where can I buy this brilliant idea!?

[@christopherrainey6487]

“Whooo!”

[@gabewilliams5993]

How can you not love Bobby

[@jaxthomas3202]

8:30 I love this show

[@ismailjames3781]

you can't convince me that the gun store owner isn't ted cruz from 2030

[@elenachristian9860]

1:42 Parks and Rec predicted the 2020 campaign.

[@kleer27]

I had to watch this for one of my classes and to be honest I am speechless lol

[@ianliechty7166]

How did I never notice he said Liechtenstein

[@billymarr25]

I love the hoosiers reference

[@thelightgamer1324]

I hate how truly realistic this is

[@MrOfeast]

Man I miss this show. 😂

[@lego007guym8]

Timothy Dalton!? He just lost my vote

[@showdown2006]

This brilliantly captures small town politics

[@williamclifford9079]

What’s with the Goodrx ads on this channel? Am I right!

[@mad_as_Hat.terish]

Candy apples! Get your candy apples here! We also have cotton candy, soft drinks, popcorn. Caramel and normal!

[@loading...948]

I love this show

[@simonboi2088]

I like how they applauded after bony said that was awsome

[@metro121482]

Knope/Wyatt 2020!

[@flamingstallion]

I love the idea of Assault Rifle vending machines

[@galadriusthemighty]

"I will make sure no one takes advantage of you..." "...except me, of course."

[@greghartshorne6621]

“Anteaters” “Killshot” “Moneyshot” “Fudgsicles”

[@bboy7656]

Lets spend our money on what matters

[@FollyChang]

"All my movies are based on books" is the wisest thing said in this debate.

[@galadriusthemighty]

Munchmeat new band name I CALLED IT!

[@Chtsht23]

In the words of Bobby Newport, “Leslie that was awesome!”

[@lovelybeez9555]

I was just watching that

[@sapphosscullerymaid4856]

Wish we could have seen more Jennifer Barkley she's the best

[@skeltonslay8er781]

0:52 Yeah, that’d be me

[@fascinatinglist9654]

0:53 WOOT!

[@lindaleelaw5277]

Is the Spanish speaker aka Marco Rubio's doppelganger

[@JMJGETTY]

5:48 Ah, T-DALT!

[@marcv253]

The gun guy looks like ted cruz lmao

[@razzle2112]

what bobby said after Leslie's speech lmao

[@xcake88]

That guys seems cool, he should be a superhero.