“Brutal”: Fred’s painfully awkward day in Iowa; Update: Video added; Update: Misrepresented?
posted at 3:40 pm on December 19, 2007 by Allahpundit
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The quote comes from the boss, rendering her verdict in the comments to the headline item on Politico’s account of his latest campaign stops. I actually winced while reading it, so astoundingly inept and almost antisocial does it make him sound. The narrative as of this morning is that he’s back and on fiah but wade through this and tell me the Fredheads aren’t pumping a dry well here.
There’s too much to excerpt but I have to quote this: “I’ve got a silly hat rule.” Wait until you see the context.
Update: I imported comments from the headlines item. Commenter “amish” notes that author Roger Simon is no fan of Fred but it’s not so much the commentary that’s damning, it’s the quotes. Mark Halperin, who was supposedly with Simon when all this went down, linked to the piece. If he thought it was unfair, he didn’t say so in his post.
Update: Bob Novak declares him the “X factor.”
# The “X factor” in this race is former Sen. Fred Thompson (Tenn.). Most Iowa Republicans did not even mention his name in discussing candidates they supported or opposed. He simply does not register in the minds of potential GOP caucus-goers, but when asked about him, voters have little negative to say.
# Thompson has far more upside potential than any other Republican, and he is spending the entire final stretch in the Hawkeye State. Thompson has perhaps the most broadly conservative record of any candidate besides the three congressmen (see below). Many conservative Iowans currently settling for Romney, Giuliani or Huckabee (or planning a protest vote of sorts for one of the congressmen) could certainly jump on board with Thompson. If he defies his reputation as a lazy worker, he could make a spectacular surge here…
# This battle will hinge on Thompson’s performance down the stretch. If he excels, he could draw down Huckabee’s support significantly, and maybe Romney’s, too. If Thompson is as uninspired as he has been to date, Huckabee will probably win.
Update: Via Slublog, here’s the video of the scene at the firehouse. It’s not as awkward as it sounds in Politico but the “silly hat” was indeed politely declined. Click the image to watch.
Update: Sundries Shack notes that Simon’s account of the firehouse doesn’t quite square with the video: for one thing, Jeri Thompson doesn’t put the helmet on her own head, Fred puts it on her. I don’t think that detracts from the point about not putting the helmet on, but to the extent that it calls Simon’s credibility into question on other details, fair enough.
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Don’t hat me bro!
Limerick on December 19, 2007 at 5:23 PM
Seems to me to be more consistent than contrast.
MB4 on December 19, 2007 at 5:26 PM
Folksy but a little aloof? Weird combo. As for world leaders, less folksy and more aloof is fine. No more looking into Putin’s soul kinda stuff please.
JiangxiDad on December 19, 2007 at 5:26 PM
And had it been Mike Huckabee or, god help us, Hillary Clinton who politely declined a firefighter’s helmet due to their “no silly hats” rule, you guys would be tripping over yourselves to unload on them.
Sometimes I feel about the Fredheads re: Fred the way I feel about Hewitt re: Romney. Fred’s a solid conservative so you’re happy to spin for him. Meanwhile, if this were Huck, you’d be killing him. The day I ever pull a double standard like that, I hope Michelle fires me.
Allahpundit on December 19, 2007 at 5:26 PM
Im not usually a fan of European styled laws, but in this case i think we should consider making Hat Speech a crime.
amish on December 19, 2007 at 5:27 PM
Anyone that doesn’t buy into the “silly hat” controversy can not be trusted in their analysis.
Sammy316 on December 19, 2007 at 5:28 PM
I just got an email from the Thompson campaign pushing the hat video.
Obviously, they interpret it as not being critical.
Bob Owens on December 19, 2007 at 5:28 PM
If you listen to the video closely he says ‘I’m about to break a rule’ or something very close to that, then hesitates before Jeri spares him his indecision. Michelle’s right, very different indeed.
Spirit of 1776 on December 19, 2007 at 5:29 PM
I think some people are really channelling their “beta male” today. Look at that video again and this time ignore Fred and just look at the faces and reactions to the people around him. Lots of smiles and good natured kidding. It’s a pretty typical guys around other guys moment.
rhuppertz on December 19, 2007 at 5:29 PM
No, they wouldn’t. With the exception of loony bin Iowa City, most of the dems are degrees of left center, not secular fringer types. Both my sisters are Democrats, one is Quaker and the other is Lutheran and they like their traditions.
a capella on December 19, 2007 at 5:29 PM
Get a life. If anything, this shows that Fred has a Washington elite streak in him just like all of the other candidates. The helmet probably had dried sweat and smelled a little bit. But Fred’s running for President and he should have put it on. His refusal showed a Washington arrogance from Fred that I had not seen before.
Still, I don’t know how you take Fred’s gaffe and call him lazy or headline the story “‘Brutal’: Fred’s painfully awkward day in Iowa.”
bigbeas on December 19, 2007 at 5:30 PM
Yes, I got the same e-mail and replied, asking them if they wouldn’t be pushing a similar video with Mike Huckabee in a much more negative light.
Allahpundit on December 19, 2007 at 5:31 PM
One of the main reasons HA is #1.
Spirit of 1776 on December 19, 2007 at 5:31 PM
Then maybe it is gut check time for the Republicans. For the record I am not a Fred supporter (yet). But if you juxtaposition Huck and Fred you have one candidate campaigning brilliantly while surging to the top, while at the same time being wrong on just about every issue the define conservatives. On the other hand, you have a candidate that campaigns ham-handedly, who can’t get traction, but is right on almost all issues that define conservatism.
So is it the candidates’ fault that this country staggers down the path to socialism or is it the electorate’s fault for insisting on this circus so we can come up with clever remarks on blogs?
sweeper on December 19, 2007 at 5:32 PM
That’s because Fred IS a real conservative. He isn’t constantly speaking his own double standards like Huckabee is. he isn’t claiming to be something he’s not. He’s not coating liberal policies in schmalz and then trying to pass himself off as a conservative. When Fred produces enough of his own spin to equal the torrent Huckabee unleashes, you can be sure I’ll be right there nailing him for it. You’re nailing him for
. Congratulations.
MadisonConservative on December 19, 2007 at 5:32 PM
Because I read the piece. It wasn’t just the helmet thing. And it’s not just me who thought he came off badly.
Allahpundit on December 19, 2007 at 5:33 PM
Not me.
I don’t much care for hats anyway unless there are poo-poo birds flying overhead.
MB4 on December 19, 2007 at 5:33 PM
You intended to bold part of your argument and instead quoted it, making you look like a complete jackass. Congratulations.
MadisonConservative on December 19, 2007 at 5:33 PM
What does that have to do with anything? Either it’s weak and impolite to refuse the helmet or it isn’t. We shouldn’t have to read the guy’s platform to decide. You’re making my point for me.
Allahpundit on December 19, 2007 at 5:34 PM
I think everyone’s tripping here today, over minutia.
fogw on December 19, 2007 at 5:35 PM
Which once again makes him the leader, not the follower.
*
But Jeri, now she is a class act, knew just when to step in and lighten up the room…man, he made a good choice with her. A class act.
right2bright on December 19, 2007 at 5:36 PM
Being a little hard on MadisonConservative, aren’t you? LOL
RushBaby on December 19, 2007 at 5:36 PM
I think you just summed up why we Fred supporters are spinning so hard we’re getting dizzy today. Like Jeri, our instinct is to try to “rescue” our guy when he stumbles.
aero on December 19, 2007 at 5:37 PM
There can be no doubt that we have entered the ‘silly season’ of politics as the press and blogs have taken an inconsequential incident and reported it as Armageddon for a presidential candidate who, incidentally happens to be a Republican.
I must agree with some previous commenters who believe that Thompson had visions of Dukakis and Kerry dancing in his head, and why he didn’t take the hat challenge.
On can only imagine what the press would have reported if it was a Democrat. The immaculately coiffured John Edwards comes to mind.
pocomoco on December 19, 2007 at 5:37 PM
I’ve read and responded on just about every Huck post out there. The vast majority of the negative comments have been about his positions. He could where a Mexican sombrero for all I care.
sweeper on December 19, 2007 at 5:37 PM
Perhaps, but I doubt it. As I said up above, I simply saw very little in the video to criticize.
Bob Owens on December 19, 2007 at 5:37 PM
It’s called benefit of the doubt based on reputation. Don’t tell me there are things you’d hold different standards on if the same thing happened to both Hillary and Tancredo.
MadisonConservative on December 19, 2007 at 5:37 PM
Kos declares that this kills Fred’s campaign. Click at your own risk.
Cuffy Meigs on December 19, 2007 at 5:37 PM
Yup, esp. your first paragraph. There is a value in us not having endorsed anyone in the primary. Once you endorse, you find yourself having to justify. Or spin.
And re Kos, he’s nuts. What else is new?
Bryan on December 19, 2007 at 5:37 PM
lol. Didn’t you say Huck reminded you of Hitler earlier today? Um, yes. Nope, no double standard.
Spirit of 1776 on December 19, 2007 at 5:38 PM
To be honest, I think the guy needs to leave work and go home and have a drink.
But he’s still WRONG.
MadisonConservative on December 19, 2007 at 5:38 PM
Yah, the “rule” of political correctness and pandering and being a trained monkey.
Just like he broke that with the schoolmarm.
MB4 on December 19, 2007 at 5:39 PM
Drinks are served you say? See you at his place.
RushBaby on December 19, 2007 at 5:40 PM
Wouldn’t bother. Bastard’s got BYOB burned into his door knocker.
MadisonConservative on December 19, 2007 at 5:41 PM
I thought his wife looked very hot in that hat. Do they have calendars of conservative women in hard hats?
JiangxiDad on December 19, 2007 at 5:41 PM
I used to wear one of those silly hats, and that doesn’t sound to good in a fire house. He could have said something other than what he did and come off more tactful.
Fred’s wife is brilliant. She would look great in any hat.
Hening on December 19, 2007 at 5:42 PM
Brutal?
Look at the people behind him when he didn’t put it but his wife did. Did they gasp in horror? Shook their heads in disdain? Oh, please. Allahpundit. Making it sound like it was the worst thing he did compared to John Kerry putting on his space bunny suit at NASA.
I seriously do not think by not putting on the helment makes it to be a bad day for him. Hardly. Painfully awkward? Not really. Painfully awkward would be to have Bill Clinton on Hillary’s side trying to rescue her campaign only to say it’d take a miracle at the Iowa caucus.
That’s painfully awkward and doubly brutal. Fred’s wife chipped and putting on the helment actually made her a bit sexy…remind me of those calendar work girls.
Kokonut on December 19, 2007 at 5:43 PM
Naw, no bias here…it was a setup, he smelled it and got out of dodge. The fire chief I am sure was sincere, but the press? Bunch of skinny coyotes looking for an easy kill. And he foiled them, and the press don’t like being “stuffed”. They travel all that way, and all they get is his campaign, not any “juice”. Let the scavengers harvest other candidates, the Alpha Dog ain’t taken the bait.
right2bright on December 19, 2007 at 5:43 PM
Oh, and regarding the “lazy” meme Simon promoted once again with his headline and story, I mentioned the following on the Jeri post earlier today.
Turns out Fred has been to almost 20 states over the past three months. I had to go look at the photo galleries and press releases on Fred’s site to figure it out–I had no idea based on the MSM coverage of his campaign activities–but it looks like Fred’s actually been very busy since announcing his candidacy. The idea that he’s been “missing in action” or “nowhere to be found” is simply false.
Now, his appearances in these 15-20 states may have been uninspiring and lackluster–I can’t speak to that since I haven’t been to a Fred event. But the notion that he announced and then disappeared out of laziness or a lack of passion is misleading at best.
aero on December 19, 2007 at 5:43 PM
Yeah, in both cases he was doing what he felt was best and didn’t back down, although in this case he employed good-natured humor to avoid giving offense. Dukakis would probably have enthusiastically put the helmet on, jumped on the engine and rang the bell as he drove away from the station with a big beaming-white smile on his face. What a fool Dukakis was; definitely not presidential material.
Gauging from the video, Fred seems like an amiable guy to me. Well done, Fred!
FloatingRock on December 19, 2007 at 5:44 PM
This thread is hilarious, we have gone from eating Fred to eating our hosts, to eating our own words. Too many cups of Starbucks everyone. Have a brandy instead.
Limerick on December 19, 2007 at 4:59 PM
38 more minutes, and I can embrace the bottle of Maker’s Mark at home…
MadisonConservative on December 19, 2007 at 5:22 PM
Frozen Tex on December 19, 2007 at 5:44 PM
excuse my skipping today in my writings…too bad there’s no edit feature.
Kokonut on December 19, 2007 at 5:44 PM
Just saying the helment on Jeri looks tons better…and sexy, too. It’s certainly wasn’t a “brutal” day. That belong to Hillary, everyday.
Kokonut on December 19, 2007 at 5:46 PM
I wouldn’t put it on either, there is a head lice epidemic around here!
He shouldn’t have referred to it as a silly hat, though. He owes Jeri one.
ctmom on December 19, 2007 at 5:47 PM
Here’s the question for you then: after seeing the actual video, noting the disparity between Simon’s account and what is there for your own two eyes, and considering Simon’s history of being somewhat less than flattering to Fred, do you still believe the headline descriptions of “brutal” and “painfully awkward” are accurate?
Or would perhaps, “mildly” or “somewhat” awkward be more fitting?
This was a gaffe, not a disaster.
thirteen28 on December 19, 2007 at 5:47 PM
Had he worn it, sans cigar and without any wisecrack, would you then critique him for being inconsistent with his perceived alpha personna? He didn’t really want to wear it, but he did it in hopes of a good review, so he’s really no better than the others? Hypothetical, I know, but still,..just askin’.
a capella on December 19, 2007 at 5:47 PM
Something that you printed, that you will wish one day you never did. Exactly you posting that, is the reason Fred didn’t put on the hat. You can’t retract a bad picture, or a bad posting. Never say never.
right2bright on December 19, 2007 at 5:48 PM
Feelings were hurt and negative progress made today. Send help. Last re-enforcements are dead. We are losing the battle and the war. Somewhere in the distance I heard Howard Dean scream. Politico whispers… “it’s working master.”
Griz on December 19, 2007 at 5:48 PM
Fred is not going for ‘Panderer-in-chief’.
If he goes before a black audience, can we expect the press to criticize him for not wearing a baseball cap sideways.
pocomoco on December 19, 2007 at 5:49 PM
Yup.
In the way The High Reverend Huckster tries to divert and in the way he exaggerates criticism of himself and tries to play the victim when he is the perpetrator.
And it had nothing to do with hats, so what’s your point?
MB4 on December 19, 2007 at 5:50 PM
Okay everyone. Here it comes.
I support Fred on this. SHOCKA
It’s not that the hat is silly, it’s that he would look silly in the hat. If he puts the hat on, the cameras click, and he looks like a ridiculous taller version of Larry King wearing a big macho Fireman’s hat that has no business on his gobble necked head.
It was a smart move on his part. However, he IS lazy and HATES ordinary people. What does Jeri see in him?
tommylotto on December 19, 2007 at 5:50 PM
Gold.
MadisonConservative on December 19, 2007 at 5:52 PM
I would expect him to go in front of a black audience, put on an even thicker than usual southern accent, and say something like “I ain’t no ways tarrrred…”
No, I wouldn’t, because he’s not a panderer.
aero on December 19, 2007 at 5:53 PM
Just when I think I’m out…
…they pull me back IN.
MadisonConservative on December 19, 2007 at 5:54 PM
*gasp* *choke* Need. Resuscitation…..
aero on December 19, 2007 at 5:55 PM
Seeing the Video just now, I can only say, “much ado about nothing” Had I not read all the hair-splitting analysis before hand, I must say I would having thought nothing of this incident. Come to think of it I still don’t. Suffice it to say I am unabashedly, a Fred-Head and won’t apologize.
Indeed, come Thursday night I expect to be phoning for Fred.
I will only add that I am not much bothered by the scrutiny payed by Michelle and Co. Thats their job and I’m grateful they are here to do it.
As citizen, my concern is to support the best choice extant among the candidates available. Thats my job, one for which I might add, the reading of M.M. and H.A. comes in might handy most times.
Nyog_of_the_Bog on December 19, 2007 at 5:55 PM
The hat the hat the hat……big deal…a screwup…what worries me (as a Fredhead) is his activities in town. None. Nada. Zip. Right now with Mitt and Huck beating each other to death Fred needs to take every opportunity to shake hands, kiss babies, and try another corn muffin. Iowa is within his reach if he has the wherewithal to take it. That is the point here folks. To hell with the hat. He got caught in a awkward moment and stumbled. What about voters who saw the bus pull in from the west and was gone to the east before they could put their coats on? Bad move.
Limerick on December 19, 2007 at 5:58 PM
Right and his supporters “divert and in the way he exaggerates criticism of himself and tries to play the victim” when he makes a mistake.
Point is two-fold. First, Michelle is right. He was indecisive and not decisive. He didn’t command the situation, his wife did. She’s great, from everything I’ve seen so far. cleanly his better half, and that’s not an insult to him, but a compliment to her.
Second, to criticize a candidate for his failings, etc, is not to call him not a conservative or to hope he fails. If he is really as bad a campaigner as all but Fred supporters report he is (and they contradict it with hope) then all the spin isn’t going to matter.
Spirit of 1776 on December 19, 2007 at 5:58 PM
You really want to compare the two?
Besides, are you serious? Not all black people wear their hats sideways. That’s actually a demeaning stereotype. However, all firemen wear firemen hats.
Esthier on December 19, 2007 at 6:00 PM
I am a big guy, not quite as big as Fred but close and I have an enormous head. My thinking is that Fred, knowing he has a big head declines to put on other peoples helmets because they are not likely to fit him. Just a guess.
Now maybe one of the crack reporters on this site will call the firechief and get his opinion of what happened. I just do not trust the Politico to give an honest assessment
Bill C on December 19, 2007 at 6:01 PM
Breathe, man; breathe! It’s only a bad move if you believe the press. And I’ve lived long enough to know that the 4th estate is a poor reflection on reality.
Tennman on December 19, 2007 at 6:04 PM
I just don’t get it. I watch the video and laugh. I see absolutely nothing wrong with it, and the firemen didn’t seem to care either.
Gregor on December 19, 2007 at 6:06 PM
Are we really this pathetic? We are judging candidates on if they put a stupid hat on or not? Good grief!
Gatordoug on December 19, 2007 at 6:06 PM
Haven’t heard a bad word about her, including from a conservative ex-military buddy of mine who met her a few times in unscripted situations. So will assume the best about her motives.
Judith Nathan on the other hand, is quite a different story. So I don’t think attacks on Fred through his wife are going to work–quite the contrary. Cute kids too. Helps.
JiangxiDad on December 19, 2007 at 6:08 PM
NAIL ON HEAD.
Griz on December 19, 2007 at 6:09 PM
I’m hardly hyper over it. Just saying that here he has an open door to make some points up and pfffffffffttttt it is gone. I don’t for a minute believe he is lazy, but I do think he is missing a grand opportunity while the rest of the field is smacking each other around.
Limerick on December 19, 2007 at 6:11 PM
After watching the video, the only conclusion I get is that the author of the article is a hack and a liar. Everyone was laughing and having fun.
Keep up the laziness, Fred!
arkansasmike on December 19, 2007 at 6:11 PM
Exactly! Kissing babies isn’t that horrible. Probably a poor second to kissing Jeri, but he can spread some magic dust if he’ll amble a bit faster. They will buy what he’s selling, but he has to kick it up a notch. BAM!
a capella on December 19, 2007 at 6:12 PM
Is the post-9/11-trauma-fireman-hero-worship circle-jerk over yet?
It’s a friggin’ protective helmet, not a fashion statement….a politician in a suit wearing it looks like an assclown greasing up to the flag-waving muppets LOOK AT ME I LOVE THE FIREMEN HEROES
A fireman in the helmet looks like a man about to do a serious job.
Quit being such a bunch of whining offensometers
Ochlan on December 19, 2007 at 6:12 PM
Jeez. You might start planning to open another thread on this topic when we reach 500 comments AP. To those who keep playing ‘the missed-opportunity card.’ O-MY-GAWD. Please stop. Refrain from thinking. The smoke from your ears is adding to the global warming trend.
Griz on December 19, 2007 at 6:15 PM
Well, I vote on super Tuesday, and if Fred is out of it by then I’ll be voting for the Huckster. If this party can’t nominate the one and only conservative in double digits and all because he wouldn’t put on a hat like a trained monkey, then I figure it needs a swift kick to the balls. And I can’t think of any bigger kick than voting for Huck.
n2sooners on December 19, 2007 at 6:17 PM
That makes no sense whatsoever if you are trying to apply it to Fred and the damn trivial silly hat soup opera instead of to The High Reverend Huckster and his calling other folks un-Christian, un-American and anti-life and saying “Don’t Mormons believe that Jesus and the Devil are brothers” and then trying to play the religious victim himself.
That hat don’t fit Fred, so you must not have a tizzy fit.
He was not indecisive as he decisively refused to put on the damn silly hat. And it was a damn silly hat under the circumstance and the situation and he didn’t put the stupid, under the circumstance and the situation, damn thing on, just like he didn’t raise his hand like a trained monkey to the fool schoolmarm.
MB4 on December 19, 2007 at 6:17 PM
Yes, punish the party for not being conservative by nominating a liberal.
Good plan.
Slublog on December 19, 2007 at 6:19 PM
All the time?
Even when they make love?
Kinky.
MB4 on December 19, 2007 at 6:20 PM
Especially when bucking the doe
Boots too
Ochlan on December 19, 2007 at 6:21 PM
Well there is lots of other views out there here is one http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/289425.aspx
Gatordoug on December 19, 2007 at 6:22 PM
I think you are right
Gatordoug on December 19, 2007 at 6:23 PM
This thread’s only served to remind me that F!DS is alive and well. Can’t wait to see how big it gets after the swearing-in.
P. James Moriarty on December 19, 2007 at 6:23 PM
What the hell would the fireman know?
If they were not insulted , and their ancestors going back 1400 years were not insulted, then they must be phony fireman.
MB4 on December 19, 2007 at 6:23 PM
All the rest of them in double digits is a liberal. Might as well nominate the one with the least chance of winning so maybe we can have another shot at a conservative president in four years instead of eight.
n2sooners on December 19, 2007 at 6:23 PM
Yeah, what would the reaction have been if Fred had said to Jeri, “You look cute in it,” and then turned to the fire chief and said, “Hey, can we borrow this tonight?” (wink, wink, nudge, nudge)
aero on December 19, 2007 at 6:25 PM
Your objection is sustained.
Case dismissed.
MB4 on December 19, 2007 at 6:26 PM
Oh,I don’t lay that at Fred’s door. Supporters however, different story. Just replace the word Christian with Conservative. Don’t support Fred? Socialist. Support Huck? He’s a fascist.
Not only was he indecisive, he was thinking out loud about the indecision. However, let me just call him brilliant and destined to win. All is well then!
Spirit of 1776 on December 19, 2007 at 6:26 PM
I would declare him to be the one true God
Ochlan on December 19, 2007 at 6:27 PM
If Politico was wrong about their characterization of the hat “controversy”, why would you believe anything else in the article?
FloatingRock on December 19, 2007 at 6:27 PM
Apparently this is what passes for serious punditry around here FFS.
No wonder democracy is is cesspit with quality ‘voters’ like this
Ochlan on December 19, 2007 at 6:28 PM
This thread needs an enema!
- Jack Napier
MB4 on December 19, 2007 at 6:30 PM
Gatordoug….thanks.
LOL….I’ll go back to the brandy now. Allah is correct. Thou shalt not speak poorly of the Fred.
Limerick on December 19, 2007 at 6:31 PM
Amazing what makes or breaks a candidate in people’s eyes nowadays.
A flub, oh well. And if not putting on a fireman’s hat outweighs strong principles in the eyes of regular Joes and Janes then we are well and truly screwed. I will certainly admit however that things do indeed work like that more often than not in today’s campaigns and thus, considering Fred’s position in Iowa, he certainly has little room for error.
CTDeLude on December 19, 2007 at 6:32 PM
Like I said, PATHEIC! I expect this from Liberals NOT from Conservatives. But I guess we have come down with touchy-feely syndrome too!
Gatordoug on December 19, 2007 at 6:35 PM
No more calls, please….we have a winner.
ChrisM on December 19, 2007 at 6:36 PM
Who said that The High Reverend Huckster was a fascist?
MB4 on December 19, 2007 at 6:38 PM
I’m having a hell of a time catching up on this thread and still haven’t read all of the source material, could somebody please tell me if this is a plausible description of what’s happened here? I wonder if perhaps the HA staff read the Politico hit-piece and, based on that, committed themselves to a swing at Fred of their own. Then, after the video was released showing that there was little if anything actually to the initial “controversy”, they’ve been furiously spinning away ever since trying to justify their initial actions?
I don’t know myself; I’m just wonder if this is why this thread is so freaky deaky. : )
FloatingRock on December 19, 2007 at 6:39 PM
Especially when it concerns patriotically symbolic stuff…as superficial as it may be.
If you don’t join in the happy-clapper “heroes” chorus line, you’re clearly anti-American, pro-terror traitor.
F that into a jauntily cocked hat
Ochlan on December 19, 2007 at 6:40 PM
Actually, it was RuPaul that insinuated Huck was a fascist. I’m gonna go out on a limb here, but I’m guessing that RuPaul is not a Fred supporter.
thirteen28 on December 19, 2007 at 6:40 PM
Dude you do not want to start that one up again…the tantrums were the stuff of legend
Ochlan on December 19, 2007 at 6:42 PM
FloatingRock on December 19, 2007 at 6:39 PM
That’s how it appears. Some read the Politico hit piece and proceeded to freak-the-f-out. Video came out and the tone changed, though the original freakout still had to be defended … even as Kos was having a simulfreak. Freaky deaky indeed.
The firemen should have handed him an axe.
Cuffy Meigs on December 19, 2007 at 6:46 PM
This argument reminds me of a video somebody linked at NRO earlier. I had forgotten about this, but if Alan Keyes can mosh with Michael Moore, then Fred can wear a fireman’s hat.
P.S. The debate scene at the end is by far the best part.
Big S on December 19, 2007 at 6:46 PM
I guess he will get the firefighter vote from Rudy in NY now…
To quote a line from a country song that kind of fits Fred’s decision to run
“What was I thinking?”
Bradky on December 19, 2007 at 6:55 PM
THANK YOU!!
Being a fireman is a noble profession, but let’s not make them out to be superheroes or something.
They get paid very well, and have to put out very few fires (here in suburbia). They mostly respond to accident scenes and medical emergencies.
I love firefighters, but the hero worship is pathetic.
My career involves saving lives and I don’t need (or expect) a pat on back from society. Get over it people!
BTW, I’m a Fred!head and he could have handled this much more tactfully, but it’s not in the “Brutal” category.
omnipotent on December 19, 2007 at 6:57 PM
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