Video Claims Another Victim

There’s no escaping the videocam.

Forget about TV cameras. Everyone—especially a Congressman—can see them coming. Evident from the pre-arrival preening that today’s blow-dry politicians engage in, the arrival of the News Crew is a ritual of ego.

No, I’m referring to all other manner of videocam—those that reside in iPhones, Blackberries and Flipcams. They are everywhere—and within minutes, your loss of self control is there for all the world to see.

And that’s exactly what happened to Rep. Bob Etheridge, a Democrat from North Carolina last week. Approached by “students” doing a “project”, the good Congressman flipped out---and his meltdown is one of the most viewed videos on YouTube:




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v60oNUoHBYM&feature=topvideos

You’d expect better from someone first elected in 1996—he’s not a rookie. Yet, a man approaching 70 is not fully engaged with the world of 2010, where gaffes cannot be contained. They expand exponentially into the vast, unlimited world of the internet-where they are hungrily consumed by a public always on the lookout for people to humiliate, especially the “high and mighty” of Congress, an august body that’s currently not held in the highest esteem.

The Congressman’s office issued an apology:

"Rep. Etheridge again deeply apologizes for his reaction on the street last week," Owens said. "He will continue to serve the people of North Carolina's 2nd District by focusing on the needs of middle-class families and hard-working folks."


Up for re-election in North Carolina’s Second District, his prospects were looking fairly bright (despite the current disdain for incumbents)----that is, until this week. Now, his Republican challenger, nurse Renee Ellmers, is beginning to believe. Campaign donations are pouring into her coffers. Good thing, as her “war chest” stood at about $5,400 last month.

Still quite the uphill climb to unseat an incumbent, Republican leaders are starting to show interest in Ellmers’ candidacy. Perhaps the best campaign ad for unseating Etheridge is the video above, running free of charge on TV news shows and all over the web.

While no one has declared the Democrat “toast” just yet, one has to wonder about the temperament of a man who would physically assault a young person who was not being rude or abusive—especially when he could clearly see that he was being filmed.

Idiot.

No shortage of imbeciles in elected office, but this one stands apart. And while he can chalk it up to a “bad day”, the voters of North Carolina must decide if this man, who hasn’t the presence of mind to exercise a little self control—has the qualifications to be considered a “leader”.

About 20 protesters appeared outside Etheridge’s Raleigh office, demanding he resign immediately.

I wouldn’t hold my breath for THAT to happen anytime soon. It will be up to the voters to decide if this “pillar of the community” deserves to represent their interests any longer.

If not—and the good Congressman loses his seat, perhaps there is an “Over 70” Division in the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Show “RAW”.

Smackdown!

If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com