WATCH: The Rent is Too Damn High

Though the New York gubernatorial race has mostly centered on the verbal gaffes of Republican hopeful Carl Paladino up to this point, a new candidate has managed to claim some of the spotlight. At last night's gubernatorial debate, while most of the candidates volleyed the same old political charges back and forth, Jimmy McMillan captured the audience's attention with a simple platform. "The rent is too damn high!"

Speaking at a blistering speed, McMillan answered questions by focusing on the hardships that many New Yorkers have faced recently, struggling to put food on the table, find adequate work, and yes- pay their rent. Now, the candidate's performance has become the feast du jour on the internet. With a face full of 1800s-era facial hair and a background in karate, Jimmy McMillan has what it takes to become a certified meme of 2010.

What's more, his message has proven to strike a chord with many would be voters, with many facebook and Twitter status messages now reading (likely tongue in cheek) that they will vote for him. As a representative of the "Rent Is Too Damn High" party, (what else?) McMillan is likely just trying to communicate the plight of working class folks, though he should be careful, lest he ride this wave of support into the governor's mansion.

See video below.

Justin Starling (@CitadelNow) for Citadel Digital © 2010

Image used with permission by Getty Images