The Greatest Political Hits Of 2003
By
Lisa Fabrizio
URL: toogoodreports.com
Here it is, another year in the books. 2003 was a year of war and peace, of one nation's redemption and another's economic recovery. Others more prescient than I have made forward-looking predictions, but I prefer to reminisce about some of the high and lowlights of the last twelve months. Therefore, in no particular order, I present my year-end awards.
Arrogance in Academia: Former University of Florida Professor Sami Al-Arian bragged to Bill O'Reilly in 2001 regarding charges of abetting terrorists, "There has been no wrongdoing whatsoever even suggested." In March, Mr. Al-Arian was arrested and now faces up to 50 counts of terrorism-related charges. Enjoy the slammer, Sami.
I Can't Believe He Asked This: "May I ask what went wrong that so many governments and peoples around the world now not only disagree with you very strongly, but see the U.S. under your leadership as an arrogant power?"- ABC White House correspondent Terry Moran to President Bush at a prime-time press conference, March 6.
I Can't Believe They Published This: "If she had lived, Mary Jo Kopechne would be 62 years old. Through his tireless work as a legislator, Edward Kennedy would have brought comfort to her in her old age."- Charles Pierce in a January 5 Boston Globe Magazine article.
The Devil Made Me Do It: "We have supported public financing but the unabashed actions of this president to undercut our Democratic process with floods of special interest money have forced us to abandon a broken system." - Howard Dean at a November news conference after flip-flopping on his pledge to use only public financing.
The Devil Made Me Do It Too: "I wish that Howard Dean had kept his promise to take federal matching money. But he did not. He changed the rules of this race, and anyone with a real shot at the nomination is going to have to play by those rules." - John F. Kerry's explanation of his decision to stick his hand in the ketchup jar.
Best 2002 Election Night Joke: It took him almost twenty years to do it, but Walter Mondale finally lost that fiftieth state.
Best Illustration Of the Peace Movement: "We Support Our Troops When They Shoot Their Officers." - Banner held by a ski-masked punk identified only as "Mike" at a March 15 "anti-war" protest in San Francisco. He also told FrontPage Magazine that, "Our goal is not just to end the war. Our goal is to destroy capitalist society and that doesn't fit nicely into the rules of the proper, patriotic, political channels. Ultimately, it's a struggle against them as well. You might say we're against capitalist peace just as much as capitalist war."
Best Morgue Photos: Those zany brothers, Uday and Qusay laid out as rendered by the 101st Airborne Division and some really bad morticians.
Best Betrayal By A Running-Mate: "Whether it is inspiring enthusiasm at the grassroots, and promising to remake the Democratic Party as a force for justice and progress...or whether it is protecting us against terrorists and strengthening our nation in the world, I have come to the conclusion that one candidate clearly now stands out." - Al Gore endorsing Howard Dean over Joe Lieberman.
Best Betrayal By A Political Hit-Man: "It was the perfect picture of a doctor and a corpse standing there." - Former Gore supporter James Carville to radio host Don Imus on the morning after Gore endorsement.
Worst Job Reference I: "I've known Wes for a long time. I will tell you the reason he came out of Europe early had to do with integrity and character issues.... I'll just say Wes won't get my vote." - General Hugh Shelton on Wesley Clark at a September forum in California.
Worst Job Reference II: "There was friction between Gen. Clark and myself.... I felt that the ax, as such, when it fell, spoke for itself." - former Defense secretary William Cohen to CNN.
Worst Mental Picture: "I come home, I put on a flannel nightgown, make myself the most disgusting thing, which is cottage cheese with ketchup, and go and watch some ridiculous program on television." - Madeline Albright in an October 30 interview in The Guardian.
These are but a few of last year's hits. 2004 will be even more fun. And in that spirit, permit me to wish you as happy a new year as Karl Rove's. |
