Saying Stupid Things

The problem with saying stupid things is that it puts you on the front page of the newspapers. And the problem with being on the front page of the newspapers for saying stupid things, is that it prompts reporters to find more ways to put you on that front page for things you would rather keep on the back page. Again and again.

POLITICO.com on Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour:

The Mississippi state plane, a zippy Cessna Citation with a capacity of 12, is a favorite of corporate executives and the wealthy, and its principal passenger, Gov. Haley Barbour, might easily be mistaken for one of them when he arrives with a small entourage at airports in Washington, Las Vegas or New York, a car and driver waiting there at their disposal.

Barbour has traveled extensively on the jet, brushing off suggestions from Mississippi Democrats that he give it up in favor of a more modest propeller plane for his travel. The trips, according to a POLITICO review of the Cessna’s flight manifest since 2007, have mixed state business with both pleasure and national politics.

Of course, his defenders in the state of Mississippi will continue to say that the type of visibility associated with travel of this nature is good for the state and good for business. His critics will not stop branding him a “lobbyist.”

Critics say the flights suggest that Barbour has continued to live the lifestyle of a highflying lobbyist as he's slashed his state's budget for government services across the board since taking office in 2004.
"All he has to do is meet with one congressman or senator for five minutes, and he can say that he's on official business," complained Mississippi Democratic state Rep. Johnny Stringer, who introduced the bill in the state Legislature to sell the Cessna.

Expect a lot more on the comings and goings of Gov. Barbour as 2012 Presidential election speculation ramps up.

And like I said before, he will never be President.