# Is Pat Robertson really Superman? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 27, 2006, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pat-robertson-really-superman/358456 "2006-05-27T15:36:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2006, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pat-robertson-really-superman/358456/1 "2006-05-27T15:36:34Z")
I just saw an article in the Dallas Morning News that claims, according to the CBN website, that good ol’ Pat did a leg press of 2,000 pounds. In the interest of bringing this news to Dopers, I held my breath and delved into [CBN.com](http://CBN.com) (kids, don’t try this at home). Lo and behold, here is the story - [How Pat Robertson Leg Pressed 2,000 Pounds](http://www.cbn.com/communitypublic/legpress_explanation.asp). Now, not one to assume that there was any hyperbole was involved I have to admit that I am just a wee bit skeptical. I mean, I know that I can leg press roughly 240 pounds, I don’t suppose that an extra 0 got added on by ol’ Pat, do you? In the interest of fair play, here is the DMN article that I mentioned: [Pat Robertson’s leg-pressing claim draws skeptics](http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/052706dnrelrobertson.1fa7997.html). Pat Robertson, man or superman? ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2006, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pat-robertson-really-superman/358456/2 "2006-05-27T15:43:39Z")
Oh, for a couple hundred pounds of kryptonite! ---
**Author:** ![drm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e57/32.png) [@drm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drm)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2006, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pat-robertson-really-superman/358456/3 "2006-05-27T15:49:27Z")
> [@wikipedia](#): > > Pat Robertson claims to have leg pressed 2,000 pounds. If this were true, he would break the Flordia State University’s Football team’s record in the leg press by a margin of over 600 pounds. I’m a little skeptical. It seems like a stupid thing to lie about. Why not say you can run the two minute mile or the 100 meter dash in 7.5 seconds. You know, something cool. ---
**Author:** ![Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2006, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pat-robertson-really-superman/358456/4 "2006-05-27T15:52:29Z")
Some leftie radio person was talking about this the other day and noted that the recognized world record is something like 600 pounds less than Robertson’s claim, that the person setting the record had to use specially redesigned and reinforced equipment and that in setting the record he blew out all the capilaries in his eyes. ---
**Author:** ![Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapioca_Dextrin)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2006, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pat-robertson-really-superman/358456/5 "2006-05-27T15:55:18Z")
> [@](#): > > Disclaimer: Consult with your physician before starting this or any new health or exercise regimen. Why would anyone need to consult a Doctor? Surely the big guy upstairs is the go to guy in these situations? ---
**Author:** ![SkipMagic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skipmagic/32/20706_2.png) [@SkipMagic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SkipMagic)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2006, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pat-robertson-really-superman/358456/6 "2006-05-27T16:00:05Z")
> [@Linked CBN Fiction](#): > > His doctor, by the way, has leg pressed 2,700 pounds. Well now, we know who tugs on Superman’s cape. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2006, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pat-robertson-really-superman/358456/7 "2006-05-27T16:33:41Z")
This whole thing seems to be a PR stunt to help Robertson peddle some kind of phony health shake. I have no doubt that thousands of loyal 700 Club watchers will fall for it, but it might have been a little smarter of him to fake something just a little more credible. Like 500 lbs, maybe…or 50. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2006, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pat-robertson-really-superman/358456/8 "2006-05-27T16:37:51Z")
[QUOTE=Otto] Some leftie radio person was talking about this the other day and noted that the recognized world record is something like 600 pounds less than Robertson’s claim, that the person setting the record had to use specially redesigned and reinforced equipment and that in setting the record he blew out all the capilaries in his eyes. [/QUOTE] Clay Tarvis of [CBS Sportsline](http://www.sportsline.com/spin/story/9454343): > [@](#): > > There is no way on earth Robertson leg presses 2,000 pounds. That would mean a 76-year-old man broke the all-time Florida State University leg press record by 665 pounds over Dan Kendra. 665 pounds. Further, when he set the record, they had to modify the leg press machine to fit 1,335 pounds of weight. Plus, Kendra’s capillaries in his eyes burst. Burst. Where in the world did Robertson even find a machine that could hold 2,000 pounds at one time? And how does he still have vision? > > It’s rare the ClayNation Guarantee makes an appearance, but here, it is justified. There is no way Robertson leg presses 2,000 pounds. Period. If he can, I will box a round against Andrew Golota without wearing a jockstrap. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2006, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pat-robertson-really-superman/358456/9 "2006-05-27T16:38:26Z")
[QUOTE=Diogenes the Cynic] but it might have been a little smarter of him to fake something just a little more credible. Like 500 lbs, maybe…or 50. [/QUOTE] Please…this is the same man who claimed to have prayed a hurricane away from Virginia Beach. Which brings up my favorite epithet for the Pat-man: A true son o’ Va Beach… ---
**Author:** ![Hung\_Mung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a88e4f/32.png) [@Hung\_Mung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hung_Mung)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2006, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pat-robertson-really-superman/358456/10 "2006-05-27T16:46:37Z")
Chuck Norris would have none of this. ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_Wright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@Steve\_Wright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_Wright)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2006, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pat-robertson-really-superman/358456/11 "2006-05-27T16:50:18Z")
And now I have the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band’s “Mr. Apollo” running through my head … _“Five years ago I was a four-stone apology; today, I am two separate gorillas! No tiresome exercises! No tricks! No unpleasant bending! Wrestle poodles and win!”_ :dubious: I’m not convinced. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2006, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pat-robertson-really-superman/358456/12 "2006-05-27T16:53:49Z")
[QUOTE=Hung Mung] Chuck Norris would have none of this. [/QUOTE] Chuck Norris can leg press 2,000 pounds with his middle leg. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2006, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pat-robertson-really-superman/358456/13 "2006-05-27T16:54:45Z")
I think it’s distressing that this is getting any news coverage, even as a joke, because it’s only going to turn into money in Robertson’s pocket. Although it does say something about public Men of God, doesn’t it? Not in the same way Jimmy Swaggart did, but it’s something. ---
**Author:** ![Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2006, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pat-robertson-really-superman/358456/14 "2006-05-27T16:55:15Z")
[QUOTE=Diogenes the Cynic] Clay Tarvis of [CBS Sportsline](http://www.sportsline.com/spin/story/9454343): [/QUOTE] 'Twas someone else I heard, but that’s the gist. ---
**Author:** ![Fiveyearlurker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@Fiveyearlurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveyearlurker)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2006, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pat-robertson-really-superman/358456/15 "2006-05-27T17:36:54Z")
[QUOTE=drm] I’m a little skeptical. It seems like a stupid thing to lie about. Why not say you can run the two minute mile or the 100 meter dash in 7.5 seconds. You know, something cool. [/QUOTE] “Skeptical” implies you think that there is a chance that it’s true. I’m gonna go with “horseshit”. ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2006, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pat-robertson-really-superman/358456/16 "2006-05-27T18:33:23Z")
Somebody needs to remind Pat that you go to hell for lying, the same as you do for stealing. :wally ---
**Author:** ![Hung\_Mung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a88e4f/32.png) [@Hung\_Mung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hung_Mung)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2006, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pat-robertson-really-superman/358456/17 "2006-05-27T18:57:18Z")
[QUOTE=Rick] Somebody needs to remind Pat that you go to hell for lying, the same as you do for stealing. :wally [/QUOTE] Good call, **Rick**. [QUOTE=Revelation 21:8] But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. [/QUOTE] ---
**Author:** ![if6was9](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e47c2d/32.png) [@if6was9](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/if6was9)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2006, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pat-robertson-really-superman/358456/18 "2006-05-27T19:06:06Z")
Like Bono said, “The god I believe in isn’t short of cash, mister.” ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Clam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/3bc359/32.png) [@Happy\_Clam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Clam)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2006, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pat-robertson-really-superman/358456/19 "2006-05-27T19:54:35Z")
Who is Pat Robertson, and what has he to gain from claiming he has the leg muscles of your average Kryptonian? ---
**Author:** ![betenoir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/258eb7/32.png) [@betenoir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/betenoir)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2006, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pat-robertson-really-superman/358456/20 "2006-05-27T20:05:25Z")
[QUOTE=Rick] Somebody needs to remind Pat that you go to hell for lying, the same as you do for stealing. :wally [/QUOTE] Don’t say that. I’m planning on going straight to hell, and I don’t want to find that asshole there. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pat-robertson-really-superman/358456.md?page=2)