Can Fat Jokes Really Turn an Election Around?

Allah, the Eeyore of the Conservative Movement, says he agrees with with Cavuto, but Cavuto actually thinks this one funny, charming appearance on Imus is enough to turn the election around. Does the pessimistic Allah agree with that?

There is no doubt this helps, but I wonder how much. I have to be honest with you: This is the first time I've actually heard Christie speak. My knowledge of him is all based on ads and blog-posts.

So, while I was surprised to find a nicely human guy here -- and one with a humorous dexterity -- I have to imagine that this is not news for many in New Jersey. Most people must have seen him before, right? Or am I overestimating once again the American public's interest in governing themselves?

So I wonder if the reaction here -- happy surprise -- is really the same reaction that NJ voters would have. I don't know how surprised they'd b. I mean, this guy didn't just roll out of bed yesterday morning and suddenly discover the ability for winning self-deprecation.

He also hits the right tone in criticizing Corzine for the fat jokes -- he's not outraged, just saying "Come on" and "Be a man, stand behind your insults, you effete loser." In so many words. Not outraged. Just kinda noting Corzine is passive-aggressive coward. And a dick.

Anyway, whether it's important or not, it sure is a pleasure to see some humanity in politics.

The Power of Pictures: Confession I don't like to make. Of bigotry.

Look, I realize now that Corzine ad affected me more than I realized. The slow-motion shot of his fat moving around beneath his shirt put it in my head, subliminally, that his brain was also fat. And slow. And sluggish. And lethargic.

And that comes from a guy who himself runs to the chubby. I have internalized society's hatred of me.

So I was more surprised than I otherwise would have been to see here a mind that's quick, fast, and kinda charming. Not a Fathead, but kind of an Athletic Head.

Now, my reaction was dumb -- this guy was a big-time prosecutor. How dumb and slow-witted could he possibly be?

And yet that's the impression I had of him, based on Corzine's ad.

Which re-makes my point about the media's delight in running the Prosperity Montage -- but only for Democratic presidents.

Bush had a 7.2% (advance) GDP quarterly growth rate in 2003 or 2004. Lost 165,000 jobs per the latest reading, but that's an eye-popping figure. His unemployment rate was at the time somewhere around 6%. And falling, as it had been for some time.

No montage.

Obama manages a 3.5% one-quarter wonder, where the latest reading is that he lost over 550,000 jobs in the past month. And the same basic figure every month of his presidency, more or less. Millions and millions of jobs lost and a 9.8% unemployment rate. Which is rising, and predicted to rise by the White House, as a matter of fact.

He gets the montage.

Pictures matter.

The media simply runs campaign material for Democratic presidents every opportunity it gets.

posted by Ace at 11:11 AM

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