Paul Begala, Democratic political consultant and former adviser to President Clinton, asked a question on CNN Tuesday night that to many summed up the entire election season.

“2008 answered the question, ‘Is America ready for a black president?'” he said. “Now 2010 will answer, ‘Are we ready for an orange speaker?'”

Prospective GOP House Speaker John Boehner (Ohio), noted for a glow that sometimes borders on orange, began to lose his signature tan in October following speculation that he frequented tanning salons. 

Jokester Begala went on to say Tuesday night that “there’s a movement out there,” referring to
an expected Republican surge, but that “candidates still matter.” 

He is part of a panel that provides analysis and back-and-forth with CNN anchor Anderson Cooper.