Facts are for politicians

I know a lot of the discussion about Kinky Friedman lately has been about his questionable attitudes on race, and how that bears on a campaign that's based largely on a persona, but it's important to remember that in ways that really ought to matter, Friedman is a really bad candidate who has no business in the Governor's mansion.

In a wide-ranging interview last week, Mr. Friedman acknowledged his tenuous grip on the basic facts of state government. In one sense, it perfectly fits his campaign's theme: He's a man of the people who wouldn't govern anything like a traditional politician.

But with the campaign's final weeks on the horizon and questions already raised about his history of racially insensitive comments, Mr. Friedman could have trouble showing voters he's serious about being governor and qualified for the job.

"He needs to come increasingly closer to the facts as the election comes closer," said Southern Methodist University political scientist Cal Jillson. "The latitude he gets from voters is declining."

Mr. Friedman conceded in the interview that he had no idea what Texas spends on education ($33 billion over two years) or what the state budget is ($139 billion for two years). And he grew confused over state spending.

Statistics can be manipulated, the candidate said. And he contends he doesn't need to know exactly how government works.

"That's never going to be my bailiwick. Never," he said. "I don't look to the Legislature for guidance. I don't think they're the visionary leaders of Texas."

[...]

When he's confronted with conflicting statements, this is also a candidate who either rolls with it or is incredibly flexible.

For instance, on the state budget, he said, "There's overspending, and that spending is out of control. And this is a Republican. What in the hell is he doing?"

The last budget signed by Gov. Rick Perry is an increase of $22 billion over the previous budget, thanks to increases in health care, education and other areas.

Asked how he would address his key issues, including teacher raises, insurance, health and border security, without ballooning the budget further, Mr. Friedman said he would allow casino gambling, which would provide $8 billion in new tax revenue.

So, he, too, would increase the budget - just like he's panned Mr. Perry for?

"OK," he said. "So add it on."

So, to sum up, he has no clue how the state government operates, and when confronted by his own malarkey, this famously straight-talking tell-it-like-it-is anti-politician says to ignore what he just said because he didn't really mean it. Man, I sure can see what the attraction to this guy is.

And as one more reminder to any self-identified progressive who still haven't figured out that Kinky Friedman Does Not Share Your Values, we have this:

Among his advisers would be musician Willie Nelson on alternative energy and conservative commentator Pat Buchanan on border issues.

Putting Pat Buchanan in charge of border policy is like putting Robert Downey in charge of the medicine chest. It's just a disaster waiting to happen.

Link via Dallas Blog.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on September 25, 2006 to Election 2006 | TrackBack