“By George, I think she’s got it!”
That’s more than a killer line from My Fair Lady. It is essentially George Sheldon’s response to Pam Bondi’s new ad … an ad that, BTW, looks eerily like a promo for the upcoming TV series, Gotham.
Setting aside the caped crusader’s rather predictable claims of fighting crime, arresting bad guys and being against drugs; or forgetting the inexplicably odd smirk at the end, the really inexplicable part of this story is not about the ad itself, but George Sheldon’s Bravo! moment when asked about it by a reporter.
As quoted by James Rosica of the Tampa Tribune – and I will quote it in its entirety, so we can all be sure I didn’t take anything out of context — Sheldon broke new political ground by saying the political equivalent of Professor Higgins’ infamous exclamation:
“I think that’s a remarkable accomplishment … I’m very pleased that Pam is articulating that issue.”
Not just “pleased,” he is very pleased.
Sir George goes on to say, “It’s a jolly good ad.” (Ok, he didn’t say “jolly good” but he did say it was “a solid ad.” But the “jolly good” is so much more British — and damn it, he should have said it.)
Come on George! You liked it? Good ad? It was bloody well done?
Look, we know you are a great guy, have served our state and nation with compassion, competence and grace etc., etc. etc. But this is a campaign, not a stage show tryout. You are running against the woman. You don’t have a great deal of cash lying around, you are thirty days away from votes being cast, so take the shots while you can, especially when they are free.
Let the readers know you have something to say. Give them a reason to think you could do better, or why she needs to go. It’s not impolite to point out your differences. It’s called campaigning; you say why you are good and point out why your opponent is less fit for the job. I’m not saying you throw mud or make unfounded allegations but I am saying that you run against her. So run against her and save the “two thumbs up” for the movie reviews.
Here’s my unsolicited advice, cock up man and get back in the game. Next time you get a press call, if you want a few suggestions, give us a bell.
