Thaddeus McCotter is a sitting Congressman, the former Chair of the Republican Policy Committee (a position he lost when he tried to dissolve it in an attempt to reduce wasteful spending), an eloquent speaker, the rightful owner of the second most expensive spot at the Ames Straw Poll, a declared Presidential candidate, and a unique voice in the field of GOP-nomination hopefuls. And this is his response to Fox News’s indecision about whether or not to allow him to participate in their televised debate.
Please, take a moment to watch this (short) video. Watch it again. Let it sink in.
Thanks, dude.
Now picture any of the other candidates making this exact same video. Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Romney, Newt “I can use the twitter” Gingrich, and TPaw would come off as cheesy and outdated. Ron Paul would probably crack a smile at some point from the sheer absurdity of the prop-usage.
Thaddeus McCotter is the only candidate who, at least from my own observations, would actually be able to pull something like this off with a straight face. And that’s what’s so special about him–he’s able to be corny on purpose, and he can do it like a poker champ. I can only imagine what it would be like to see McCotter in a room full of evil dictators. Certainly there would be no Obama-esque bows or bear hugs. Perhaps just a blank stare, some rapid blinking, a quick and acerbic verbal blow, and then straight to business he’d go. But enough about his personality.
It’s true one of the qualifications for permission to participate in that debate is name recognition (more or less), but that’s all McCotter is lacking–and that’s exactly what a debate like this could give him.
“Candidates must satisfy the following by 4 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, Aug. 9:
1. Registered with the Federal Elections Commission as a presidential exploratory committee or presidential campaign
2. Meet all U.S. Constitutional requirements
3. Garnered at least an average of one percent in five national polls based on most recent polling leading up to the registration day.”
and a fourth rule that all nine candidates listed on the Straw Poll ballot should participate.
Well, isn’t McCotter one of the nine candidates listed on the Straw Poll ballot? (Yes.) Shouldn’t he participate? According to this, the criteria does enable McCotter to participate.
Whether Fox wants to play by Iowa’s rules or not is up to them, I guess. But for now, keep making more videos like this, McCotter. God knows you’re the only one who can.
Right on, Taylor!
And please write on, as well. (Oops, Thad’s punning is contagious!)
You’re very insightful in pointing out that nobody — but nobody — else besides T-Mac could pull this off.