Most of the time, when a candidate is introduced before a stump speech, the introduction is a chance to hear from someone respected who has been brought in by the campaign to make an appeal.

Sometimes the warm-up speech is short and sweet, Hillary Clinton often had a local organizer read a few words, but sometimes she had the “Big Dog” Bill Clinton in tow.  Barack Obama had Oprah Winfrey introduce him a few times in Iowa, but he also had retired Air Force general Merrill Anthony “Tony” McPeak, who served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, introduce him in Vinton, Iowa.

Mitt Romney recently had his wife, Ann Romney, publicly endorse him in Mt. Vernon, Iowa.

And Fred Thompson had his buddy, Congressman Steve King, give a warm-up in Washington, Iowa.

Below the fold, videos of three very different introductions for Obama, Romney, and Thompson.

Ann Romney is the wife of Mitt Romney, presidential candidate.  After her introduction of him, when an audience member told the candidate his potential first lady was “cuter” than he was, the former governor played along.

Candidate Romney said, “She’s hot too,” as he licked his finger and then made a sizzling sound before beginning his 10-minute speech.

That’s one way to thank the person who introduced you.

Here is Ann Romney on her man Mitt:

When Barack Obama was introduced recently by retired General Merrill Anthony “Tony” McPeak he asked the crowd, “What qualities do we want from a commander-in-chief?” He gave a list of characteristics and slanted the results to favor his candidate, Barack Obama. But McPeak likes the entire field of candidates and admitted that “If you look at the crowd of candidates, they’re all pretty smart, the people that are running on both sides.”

He talked about foreign policy and the need for “a new and a great commander-in-chief.”  McPeak then introduced a Vinton precinct captain for Obama, Elaine Harrington, who introduced the candidate.

Later, before beginning his speech, Sen. Obama said McPeak was “cool” because he resembled movie legend Clint Eastwood.

U.S. Rep. Steve King of Iowa’s western fifth district gave a testimony to the “fun” of campaigning by bus with former senator Fred Thompson. Part of King’s introduction concentrated on what he called “destiny” issues. He noted Thompson’s shepherding of Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts nomination.  He also told the crowd that Supreme Court Justices Stevens and Ginsberg were the most likely to retire next. His personal fantasy?  He wants to see Ginsberg and Stevens “fall madly in love with each other and elope to Cuba.”

King roused the crowd for Thompson’s entrance and once onstage, Thompson reeled off a series of jokes that had the audience laughing loudly for minutes.

Here’s part of King’s intro and Thompson’s comedy routine preceding his speech:

Thompson said King was, “not an average politician, he’s something special.”

The next “Highlight Reel” will focus on candidate endorsement videos. Stay tuned!