You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown

The cast of the "Peanuts" gang are getting caught-up in a world of politics, power and promises!! Watch out! Because, here comes Lucy, the campaign manager, adviser and publicist for her brother Linus's ill-fated political student body presidential career. Well, maybe it's not that bad, but it is a whole lot of fun!! And you can't exactly call Lucy and Linus a puppet regime either, because they're not Muppets, just cartoon characters after all. This episode is truly another 'Peanuts' great.

Talking about the political process at the 'school' of Charlie Brown, who in this case, declines to take a verbal 'nomination' from his buddy Linus for student body Prez. So Lucy hits the streets to meet the public and be a 'pollster'. She figures after pre-stumping for her brother's 'popularity' that he looks like a shoe-in for the office and that things in that school are about to happened. The timing and political climate is right, for 'change' or a tremendous political sun-burn.

Everyone turns out for the campaign of Linus, even Snoopy and Woodstock. A short 'cameo' appearance from 'Joe Cool' is in order. The music score is worthy of praise, from a solid, stylish, Guaraldi.

Linus is in for a surprise when he learns that it's not always easy when you're 'Elected'.

This one makes the political grade. (****)

The Peanuts gang tackles politics as Linus (not Charlie Brown, despite the title) runs for student body president. Lucy is his campaign manager. Lots of funny bits of business to be had here. Linus' campaign speeches are hilarious. This is an underrated gem among the Peanuts specials. Aside from the great political satire and all-around good fun that comes from Charlie Brown & friends, this one offers up the first animated appearance of Snoopy's best alter ego: Joe Cool. Vince Guaraldi crafts a wonderful song to introduce him ("Joe Cool, back in school, hangin' around the water fountain actin' a fool"). The version currently being shown by ABC, following the Great Pumpkin, is edited. Particularly the beginning and ending have been altered. It's still enjoyable but try to catch the unedited version. This is a very fun cartoon. Peanuts fans will, of course, love it.

Eighth animated special based on the Charles M. Schulz cartoon strips is one of the better ones, as Linus decides(with Lucy's help) to run for student body president, and how he makes nice speeches and many promises that he may have trouble keeping, especially when he mentions the Great Pumpkin again... Meanwhile, Sally is having trouble with her locker, but has faith in Linus, who is facing stiff competition from a classmate who still seems undecided about who he'll vote for. Amusing and thoughtful special about school life and political realities may be instructive to youngsters, and of course there's Snoopy as Joe Cool. Nice continuity with the Great Pumpkin mention!

"You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown" includes one of jazz genius Vince Guaraldi's greatest compositions: "Joe Cool". The short sequence is truly great and worth every Peanuts fan's attention. The rest of the 25 minute long special is pretty unremarkable, but enjoyable nonetheless.

Still worth the full and solid 7 Stars I gave it, but I watched it the same night as I watched 'It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown' and I just can't rate this one as high as I did for the Great Pumpkin. I really like the Snoopy and Schroeder scene at the piano. Snoopy is a funny character in this cartoon. Still quite enjoyable and definitely a classic cartoon for the growing children.