Republican Imitates Van Damme Truck Trick in New Ad

By Emily Cahn

Posted December 4, 2013 at 1:30pm

Talk about a wedge issue. Trucking company owner Mike Collins, one of six Republicans vying for Georgia’s open 10th District, has gone where no other House candidate has gone before by attempting to perform Jean-Claude Van Damme’s epic split between two Volvo trucks.

In a Web-only spot released Wednesday, Collins tries the stunt between two semi-trailer trucks to highlight the dangers of Obamacare.

“Starting a trucking business, I’ve had my ups and downs, my fair share of bumpy roads and heavy winds,” says Collins. “That’s what’s made me what I am today. Now I stand here before you, what you see is a small businessman confronted with Obamacare. A disastrous government plan that defies the laws of the market and a mindset that government knows better. “

The original Van Damme spot for Volvo trucks has been viewed more than 57 million times on YouTube.

Naturally, Collins — the son of former Georgia Republican Rep. Mac Collins — isn’t the first one to try to imitate it. Check out embattled Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s and actor Channing Tatum’s parodies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zq6DDVNm6g

Collins is one of six Republicans vying for the seat being vacated by GOP Rep. Paul Broun. Broun is running for Georgia’s open Senate seat in 2014, which is being vacated by retiring GOP Sen. Saxby Chambliss.

Other Republicans vying for the 10th District nomination include Baptist pastor Jody Hice, state Rep. Donna Sheldon, Army veteran Stephen Simpson, attorney Gary Gerrard and tea party activist Brian Slowinski. Georgia’s 10th District is rated a Safe Republican contest by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.