Years ago, I watched a TV show which, among other things, had a group of comedians talking about each other. When Shelly Berman\’s name came up, one of them asked “Is there anything good you can say about this guy”. Everyone chuckled. And then Henny Youngman, who must have been nearing 90 years of age, suddenly blurted out “His brother was worse”. The room busted out in belly laughs.
That\’s great material for one comedian beating up on another. But not exactly stellar as a political endorsement.
Which is why North Carolina\’s incumbent senator Kay Hagan probably won\’t be bragging much about the “endorsement” she got yesterday from the Charlotte Observer.
Here is how it begins:
KayHagan has been a disappointment to many voters who sent her to theU.S. Senate six years ago – and to this editorial board, whichrecommended her.
Shehas done about the minimum you\’d expect from a U.S. senator, withfew if any notable legislative achievements. She has a chronicreluctance to take firm positions on controversial issues, leavingvoters wondering what she believes in and will act upon.
Herchallenger in this election has few such inhibitions. N.C. HouseSpeaker Thom Tillis has a history of staking out firm policypositions and following them up with legislative action. Although heoccasionally tries to run from that record, he generally isforthright and clear about where he stands on issues.
It\’sthose positions that are the problem, and they are why North Carolinavoters should send Hagan back to Washington and hope for somethingbetter.
Translation: “She stinks. He\’s worse. Vote Hagan.”
Don\’t expect Ms. Hagan\’s campaign to feature it in their ads.
