Nikita Khrushchev (1894-1971) was the premier of the Soviet Union during the height of the Cold War, while simultaneously holding the other highest post (first secretary) from 1958 through 1964. In 1960, while at the UN, Khrushchev took off his shoe and began pounding on his desk, an incident which would color most later depictions and parodies of the man.
References
- In the September 20, 1960 edition of Sam and Friends, newsman Kermit tries to conduct on-location interviews with citizens regarding Khrushchev's then-current visit to the United States.[1]
- On the February 13, 1964 broadcast of The Jimmy Dean Show, Jimmy Dean reads Rowlf a card from Khrushchev's wife ("Roses are red, violets are red..."). In the March 12 episode of that year, Rowlf jokes about what having a female President of the United States would be like. He imagines her calling up Khrushchev and says, "Hello, Niki baby! Avon calling!"
- In one of the "Wilkins News Report" ads, Skip Others reports on new tensions between Moscow and Peeking caused by Khrushchev losing his ticket from a Chinese laundry service.
- In the special Free to Be... a Family, Soviet television puppet star Khriusha the Pig pounds on the table while negotiating with Kermit the Frog.
- In the second season Dog City episode "Of Mutts and Mayors," a newsreel depicts members of the "Unnoted Nations," including a Khrushchev counterpart pounding his shoe.
Sources