What did Big Bird ever do to Mitt Romney? During the presidential debate last night, the Republican candidate said he would cut funding to PBS.

PBS children’s show Sesame Street is in its 43rd season.

“I like PBS. I love Big Bird,” said Romney, whose comment went viral on Wednesday night.

Despite being a household name, Sesame Street has ties to Saskatchewan. In 2004, the award-winning segment “Global Grover hosted by Grover -- the lovable blue monster who does not use contractions -- visited the province.

Grover goes to Saskatchewan where he talks with a little girl about learning how to be a cowgirl.

“We just got back from Saskatchewan! I love to say that. I’ll say it again. Saskatchewan!” Grover says in his introduction to the piece.

Original cast member Bob McGrath is also well-known to Saskatchewan. He’s a regular on Kinsmen Telemiracle. McGrath was awarded the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal for his work in 2006.

Sesame Street is not commenting on Romney’s comments.  In a statement they said, “Sesame Street has been a proud partner of PBS for 43 years, and is dependent on PBS to distribute our commercial-free educational programming to all children in the United States. At a time when improvements in school readiness are recognized as being much needed for a significant number of America’s preschoolers, PBS’s ability to connect Big Bird and Friends to these children is essential.  We highly value that connection.  Sesame Workshop is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, educational organization. We do not comment on political campaigns, but we’re happy we can all agree that everyone likes Big Bird.”

Romney’s comment prompted a response from PBS President and CEO Paul Kerger. Speaking to CNN on Thursday morning, Kerger says she was surprised by Romney’s threat.

“With the enormous problems facing the country, the fact that we are the focus is unbelievable to me. We are America’s biggest classroom, we touch children across the country in every home,” said Kerger.

Sesame Street says Big Bird missed the whole thing. On their Twitter account he posted, "My bed time is usually 7:45, but I was really tired yesterday and fell asleep at 7! Did I miss anything last night?"

kyeske@rawlco.com

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