(Providence, Rhode Island) – It is just over three weeks until Election Day 2014. Many people refer to the final stretch of the campaign as, “The Silly Season!” which is right on the money. All kids of oddities take place – some of them funny; some of them strange – but almost all amusing! Let’s “brunch” on that this week:
“Of Pizza and Politics” – I had my first interview with Gov. Chris Christie (R) New Jersey, this week. He was at Luigi’s Restaurant in Johnston, Rhode Island campaigning for Ocean State Republican Allan Fung for Governor. The press scrum asked a lot of the usual questions of him, when suddenly there was a silent pause. I had noticed the rotund Governor (who is about my size) walked passed a couple of fresh pizza pies, without eating a crumb: “Did you try Luigi’s pizza?” I shouted. “I didn’t try the pizza,” Christie said. “I saw you walk right past it,” I said, challenging him. Christie shot back, “I did. You know I am trying my best to lose some weight so you know, Luigi’s Pizza would not be a help in that regard, so.” Suddenly, Johnston Mayor Joe Polisena – a Democrat – interjected, “It’s lo-cal!” The crowd burst out laughing. “Yeah, that’s what everybody tells me Mayor,” said Christie, “That’s how I got in trouble in the first place. Everybody told me it was all lo-cal and it’s not.” The crowd loved it!
“Déjà vu All Over Again!” – I don’t know what it is about me and politicians and food questions. In my book, “Age of Obama: A Reporters Journey with Clinton, McCain and Obama in the Making of the President 2008,” I had a similar encounter with former President Bill Clinton. Like Christie, (and me), Clinton is a voracious foodie, and we’re always fighting our weight. I ran into Clinton outside of the Lexington BBQ, in Lexington, North Carolina. As he shook my hand, I inquired, “How was the barbecue Mr. President?” “It was unbelievable.” he said. “The barbecue was good. The hush puppies were good.” “Anything else?” I asked. “If I had the ice cream, I’d need a nap,” Clinton said. He walked a few steps farther and – still waving to the crowd – got into his Secret Service van and left. At first I wondered, “What was I thinking? This is the most critical election in sixty years, and I ask the ex-president and husband of one of the candidates about food?” Then I thought, “Lighten up, Mark. Campaigns are supposed to be fun, too!”
“The Cool Moose, On the Loose!” – I am just finishing my 37th year in radio and television broadcasting, and trust me I have met a lot of interesting characters. Among them, Bob Healey, who founded the “Cool Moose Party” in Rhode Island. Bob is this year’s Moderate Party candidate for Governor, and could very well be the “spoiler” in the race. Healey is not raising any money, so his publicity has to be creative. A friend of his owns a building along I-95 in Downtown Providence, so Healey hand-painted his own “free” billboard on the side (photo above). The fact that 180,000 cars pass the sign each day means Healey’s artwork is an artful dodge! Take a look: http://ww.abc6.com/story/26759261/bob-healey-puts-billboard-up-on-i-95
“The Grimes Grind” – Wow! Democrats had their best shot this year of unseating Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), in the nation’s marquis U.S. Senate race. In fact, control of the upper chamber of Congress hangs in the balance. Democrats had a good candidate in Secretary of State Alison Grimes (D-KY), who had led McConnell in some polls. But now, it appears Grimes – a big Hillary Clinton backer – did not vote for Barack Obama in 2008 or 2012. This may cost her the election. Ouch! Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NpAqyHs3RE
“Yikes!” – State Sen. Wendy Davis (D-TX), who grew up in my current hometown of West Warwick, Rhode Island, produced a jaw-dropping ad this week. Davis, who is running for Texas Governor, against current Attorney General Greg Abbott, has an ad featuring an empty wheelchair, saying Abbott has argued cases against the disabled. Abbott – who is partially paralyzed from a tree accident – actually uses a wheelchair to get around. Whether her claim has any legitimacy or not, it’s a tough political sell trying to attack a guy who actually is wheelchair-bound. What were her political consultants thinking? Here’s the spot: http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/10/politics/wendy-davis-wheelchair-ad/index.html
“Dalk Wog” – When I give public speeches, I often get asked, “What’s the dumbest flub you’ve ever made on-air?” Believe me, I could write a book. But I laughed almost uncontrollably the other day when I said something silly on the air. Look, this political season has made me “punch drunk!” I am covering politics, 24/7 and I’m tired. So during Monday’s newscast, I was talking about a charity “dog walk” I had emceed, except I kept calling is a “dalk wog!” Say that three times fast! You can’t make this stuff up!
“I Know a Guy!” – And finally, Rhode Island is one of those states where, “Who ya’ know,” can make a difference in what you can get done. Here, it’s referred to as the, “I know a guy” mentality. It’s about inside connections. So, my employer WLNE-TV ABC6 decided to spoof that philosophy, in a promotional announcement for my political coverage! Enjoy, “I Know a Guy! Do You?” Here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUna406DzsM&feature=youtu.be
What crazy story do you have from Election 2014? Please click the comment button at www.MarkCurtisMedia.com.
