gifford1967

I had an open mind about Kinky in the beginning, but after finding out that he voted for Bush in 2004, he lost a lot of credibility in my mind.


RING THE BELL FOR A TEXAS DEMOCRAT


AUSTIN, Texas -- Chris Bell for governor! I know, I know, it's stop the presses, Ivins favors Democrat! But the Kinky Friedman candidacy is worn thin and no fun. Besides, we actually have a good chance to get Rick Perry out of office. After six years in office, the Coiffure is at 36 percent approval. He gets another four years, I don't think we'll have a public school system left -- he really does intend to destroy it, at far-right GOP donor Jim Leininger's bidding, you know. We may never again get a chance to do our state such a great service. This could be the Alamo of elections.

For those, like me, who believe in music and laughter in politics, Kinky Friedman appeared to be a natural -- and besides, how hard can it be?

It turns out, a little harder than Kinky is willing to make an effort to go. In an excruciating interview with the Dallas Morning News, Friedman not only got about half his facts wrong (this is why we accuse Bush of misleading people), but also demonstrated that he does not understand school finance or taxes, nor does he have any intention of trying to do so.

I know this is coming third, but I also think Chris Bell is a good man -- intelligent, knowledgeable and funny. You'd like him, honest. Although he would be a step down for us in the hair department.

One of the great mysteries of this race is why Carole Keeton Strayhorn has imploded almost as fast as Friedman. The only reason Friedman is still in the race is because of free media: Reporters were all so bored by the thought of another snoozer Republican victory, they fought to keep Friedman's candidacy alive long past the point when it was clear that the Kinkster was in it entirely for ego and publicity. I still like the idea -- maybe next time, we should get a funny, smart musician who cares enough to study up a little. Marcia Ball, anyone? Joe Ely?

Strayhorn, normally a bulldog of a campaigner, does not seem to have persuaded many Republicans to her banner: She's no Kaye Bailey Hutchison. Since Republicans themselves are fed to teeth with Perry, aside from the right-wing Christian base, this looked to be a chance when they could reclaim their party, or at least redefine it some. Nope, no interest.

Bell is looking like a better bet because: (A) He has the Democratic base vote going for him, and (B) Perry is just so lame. As we start down the stretch, Bell is picking up on the outside, Perry is still at 35 percent after a year, Strayhorn is fading and Kinky stopped to poop on the track.

I'm all in favor of anti-political correctness -- a great source of humor, it is. After using the N word, Friedman claimed great comedians like him used such language. To belabor the obvious, Richard Pryor and Chris Rock are black -- Kinky is not.

Take a line like, "As Jesus once said to the Mexicans, don't do a thing 'til I get back." A Chicano comedian with great timing could do it. It doesn't work from Kinky Friedman. That's why all his funniest stuff is about the weird existential dilemma of being a Texas Jew. Dropping the N word into any sentence involving something black is just not funny. Unless it's funny, you get no points for being anti-p.c.

Right now, Bell's biggest problem is perception. "Doesn't have any money." "Can't raise money." "Democrats can't win." Once you've lost to a clod like Perry, your confidence kind of slips and you think it can't be done. Those who keep repeating these complaints about Chris Bell forget this is an entirely different race. Perry is running on a 35 percent approval rating and plans for 17 more coal-fired power plants. Not to mention seven special sessions and the Trans-Texas Corridor.

There was a bit of flap recently when Liz Smith claimed the late Ann Richards would have been in favor of Kinky for governor. Maybe Liz knew Ann better than I did. But I'd bet not. Listening to her memorial service, I was reminded how hard we fought and how tough it was. I thought of the slippage since she left office -- blacks and browns left out again. All we have to do to win this is get Democrats to vote. Let's make it a vote for Annie.

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Ottomaton

Yet another Texas pro-Democrat post that takes a swipe at Kinky on the way by. (Actually 2; one by Ivens and one by gifford1967) If Texas Democrats really intend to convince me not to vote for Kinky they are doing a p*ss poor job of it. They just come of sounding like the runner up for prom queen.

RocketMan Tex

Chris Bell and Rick Perry are part of the problem.

Kinky Friedman is part of the solution.

Too bad Molly can't see that.

gifford1967

Otto,

If you want to make a decision about who to vote for in November stop whining, go read their positions on the issues you care about, and choose. Are you really that passive that you're just waiting around for someone to convince you not to vote for Kinky?

Ottomaton

I tell you what. I'll stop whining about Democrats when Democrats stop whining about Kinky. In other words..

"Hello. I am the pot. And this is my black friend the kettle," said gifford1967

HayesStreet

Does anyone really believe the Democrats have a chance to win the race? All the 'even Republicans are dissatisfied with Perry' stuff sounds familiar.

Deckard

That was a really tasteless, ****ty thing to say, RMT. If you were trying to get votes for Kinky, you just cost him one, for sure. I wouldn't vote for him now if it was a choice between Kinky and a dead dog.



Keep D&D Civil.

HayesStreet

It was tasteless but no reason to punish Kinky for it.

Oski2005

I have a hard time understanding how any democrats want to vote for a guy who is for bringing religion "back" into schools. I don't know about you guys, but there were no 10 Commandments in any of my classes.

Deckard

Molly, despite continuing to write, is in really bad shape. I've heard that from people who know her personally. The comment really pissed me off. Short of an apology for the comment, which was beyond tasteless, it's the least I can do. I've had a difficult time as it is trying to put aside the fact that Kinky voted for George W. Bush twice. This was the nudge I needed. I respect RMT, and always have, but that was way out of line, and it wasn't funny, either.



Keep D&D Civil.

oomp

I represent the left fringe that will be voting for Kinky. I will gladly let religion back into schools if my gay friends can legally get married in this state and a pro-choice advocate is in the Governor's office. Those are the most liberal agendas out there in this race. I don't agree with all that Kinky stands for, but I'm willing to take a few steps back in some places to take a few steps forward in others.

I have been to this point a straight ticket blue voter. Watching the Dems try to bash Kinky so far has shown me the party is not headed in the right direction. Bell isn't touting why you should vote for him, he's letting others tell you why you shouldn't vote for the other candidates. Voting Independent will allow the system to be shook up. I'm for that.

DonnyMost

Molly is too much of a traditionalist to abandon the party in her home state.

I'll be voting for either kinky or bell depending on who polls the highest right before the election.

A_3PO

I didn't know Kinky vote for Bush twice. Has he publicly discussed why?

Mr. Brightside

Maybe he isn't as wise as people make him out to be. Hmm? Sounds familiar? Vote Werner!

RocketMan Tex

You're right. I fixed it, and I apologize.

But I still say that it is sad that Molly Ivins can't see the forest for the trees.

Deckard

Thanks, RMT. I appreciate it.
Ivins is an ardent Democrat. They exist!


Keep D&D Civil.

leroy420

I'm starting to get the feeling that Bell is going to do better than people think. I think when it comes right down to it, people are going traditional at the polls. There have been a few times when I've convinced myself that I was going to vote for a Libertarian or some other party only to change my mind last minute.

I'd advise everyone to watch the debate on Friday. Kinky is either going to pick up points or he will be finished by the time it's over. He has such the potential of charming as he does the ability to explode that it could only help or destroy him. There is no in between. Bell has some great ideas and just hasn't seemed to be able to get them publicised. I don't know if it's because I'm in bluer-than-blue Austin, but I have yet to see a Bell commercial.

The "Grandma" is going to finish no better than a very distant 3rd. She's not terribly trustworthy, she talks big but I still have no idea where she stands.

How is it that no one has been able to come up with any good dirt on Perry? He is such a slimebag that there has to be something out there. He's just got to go. Unfortunately, it's probably only going to take about 36-40% to win this election. Kind of sad if you think about it.

RocketMan Tex

True, true, true. I've been saying that since the race began. This debate will make or break Kinky's campaign, and he knows it. It's must-see TV.

Baqui99

Kinky Friedman is an embarassment to our state. He should learn to keep his damn mouth shut instead of spouting out n-bombs and other racial slurs. The guy has a bunch of half-baked ideas that have no chance of working. Hopefully he gets exposed this Friday so we can put an end to this nonsense.