October 20, 2003

ELECTED RANTING:

California comic eyed for Senate (James G. Lakely, 10/19/03, THE WASHINGTON TIMES)

If Arnold Schwarzenegger can be elected governor of California, can comedian Dennis Miller unseat Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer?

Some Republicans in the Golden State think so, and quietly hope they can persuade the sharp political wit — and registered Santa Barbara Republican — to take on the liberal senator. Variety magazine reported this week that Mr. Miller has contacted California Republican consultants to feel out a campaign. [...]

Hugh Hewitt, a popular conservative radio personality credited by many for helping to spur the California recall, has doubts that celebrity political magic could strike twice.

"A Miller candidacy guarantees the ability to get a message past gatekeepers like the Los Angeles Times. That's a huge plus," Mr. Hewitt said. "But the message also has to work in a Republican primary, and I'm not sure what Miller believes outside of a very appealing understanding of the war on terror. So there's a lot of potential there, but some questions as well."


The contrast of one of the wittiest guys in America against a Senator almost universally recognized as a few slices shy of a loaf would just be painful to watch--we'd pay money to see it.


MORE:
-INTERVIEW: "Live" with TAE--Dennis Miller: He’s a Hollywood celebrity. And he’s smart. He’s one of the country’s favorite comedians. And he’s a conservative. Wipe that smirk off your face and meet a patriotic entertainer. (The American Enterprise, Oct/Nov 2003)

Posted by Orrin Judd at October 20, 2003 2:57 PM
Comments

The fact is Dennis is unabashedely more conservative than Arnold could ever wish to be, and proud of it. The question is whether he really wants to be a senator. If he decides he does then I would completely deride all naysayers who claim he can't win, blah, blah, blah. Of course his campaign would be amongst the most electic ever, in the history of politics. He would cream Boxer, and, yes, alot of people would literally pay money to see him in the race, and alot more would simply vote for him. This is a no-brainer if the GOP machine could be fortunate enought to recruit him.

Posted by: neil at October 20, 2003 4:28 PM

No, I'm afraid that Hewitt's right -- Miller wouldn't make it past the primary. Unless ... the party didn't put up a party regular against him.

Posted by: old maltese at October 20, 2003 4:34 PM

I think I'd have to move back to California just to vote for him...even Orrin would forgive me for breaking the Time Zone Rule....

Posted by: Foos at October 20, 2003 4:47 PM

He would be a great candidate.
Assuming that he is reasonably informed and truly
in sync with those interest groups making up the
republican party, I think he would make a fine Senator.
Actually the Republicans should be recruiting more of this type (I don't mean entertainers per se but communicators)

Posted by: h-man at October 20, 2003 5:01 PM

Great Candidate?!!??!?!

Hell, just picture this guy in the well of the Senate, or in committee.

Knows as much arcane weirdness as Robert Byrd, but a helluva lot more interesting.

I'd love to see it.

Posted by: Andrew X at October 20, 2003 5:51 PM

I've seen him on Leno a bunch of times.

Not impressed.

Posted by: M Ali Choudhury at October 20, 2003 7:08 PM

I like Dennis Miller, but not sure I'd ever vote for him. Schwarzenegger was actually known for his business savvy and that counts in lieu of political experience, but I've never heard anything about Miller.

He couldn't even stay on Monday Night Football and people think he could be a Senator?

Posted by: Chris Durnell at October 20, 2003 7:49 PM

Personally I liked Miller on Monday Night Football but I knew he wouldn't last. Comparing football games to one of the Punic Wars wasn't likely to go over well with football fans who weren't Roman Military History 101 majors in university.

Posted by: Steve Martinovich at October 21, 2003 4:10 AM

He should've done baseball--its fans aren't idiots. :)

Posted by: OJ at October 21, 2003 8:41 AM

Guys like Miller are most affective if they just
remain informed and incisive public citizens.

I remember when I was a teenager Miller was
one of my favorite commedians (along with
most guys my age).

Even when he hadn't really articulated his beliefs
he still came off as the perfect anti-hippy (a
true product of the '80's).

By the way, Miller was excellent on Monday Night
Football, but probably too over the top for a weekly broadcast (and certainly outside of the
typical footbal demographic).

He would have fit in nicely as a guest commentator
in a pre-game or post-game slot.

Posted by: J.H. at October 21, 2003 9:13 AM

I agree, I too would pay money to see the smartest comedian eviscerate the dumbest Senator in a debate... heck, I'd by the DVD.

Posted by: MarkD at October 21, 2003 9:30 PM
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