Mother Jones cover story- "Paul Hackett, the Democrat who fought" t

[Dr.Phool]

I just got it out of the mailbox, and looked up the link to post. I'll read it later after I mow the lawn. I don't really know that much about Hackett, but Mother Jones is pretty good, so they'll probably have some info we can all use.



Paul Hackett is out for one last day of pressing the flesh.

It’s August 2, Election Day, and the lanky, blond, 43-year-old Marine has taken up position outside the polling place in Loveland, a burg on the outskirts of Cincinnati, flashing his toothy smile for the early risers. Hackett is dressed smartly in a blue shirt and striped pastel tie. His khaki pants hang loosely from his wiry, 180-pound frame.

“That’s low politics, punk!” a heavy-set man sneers as he marches toward the poll.
Hackett wheels around. “Pardon me?”
“You know, that radio ad that says, ‘You don’t know Schmidt.’” He’s talking about one of Hackett’s attack ads against Republican Jean Schmidt. The man spews a stream of epithets, and Hackett lets out a crybaby whimper: “Waaaaaaa!”
“What’s that, punk?” the big man growls.

A TV crew is setting up nearby, but Hackett doesn’t seem to care. “What’s your fuckin’ problem?” the candidate snaps. “You got something to say to me? Bring it on!” Hackett, all 6 feet 2 inches of him, is nose to nose with the heckler. “Problem?” he taunts. The man turns around and storms away.

“These guys in the Republican Party adopted this tough-guy language,” Hackett tells me, still steamed, an hour later. “They’re bullies. They’re offended when somebody takes a swing back at them.”

(snip)


http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2005/11/paul_hackett.html

[FreedomAngel82]

1. Nice

And yes. They are bullies. I'm glad to have someone like Hackett on our team. Maybe he can put some spine back into our democrats. :hug: I hope he doesn't give up with politics though. I remember when I first heard about him here on DU I had the strong sense we won't be seeing the end of him either way. :)

[bullimiami]

2. OK. I heard Hackett in an interview early on. I was not impressed by

his politics or particularly by his personality.

I couldnt figure out what the fascination with him was.

[Richard Steele]

4. I think people are just happy that he has a spine.

That's ONE thing that makes him stand out from the crowd.

Given the Hip-deep corrupt cronyism of his opponent,
his actual positions weren't really the main point.

Just the fact that he seemed like an honest guy
who was willing to FIGHT made him the best candidate.

[Jon8503]

3. I get Mother Jones too but still interested in how the yard mowing

turns out.

[insane_cratic_gal]

5. Wow I'm impressed

For the very reason he's willing to call their bluff. The article is very honest about what we are always complaining about. DLC candidates that always sell out and democrats who don't vote on principle of whom they represent but on whatever lobbying group offers up a free trip.

Refreshing to see some hard edges on a candidate who's willing to tell the world how he sees it.

I wish I lived in OH.. he'd have my vote hands down.

[Casandra]

6. WOW!

Saw this guy on 60 minutes last night. I was WOWED! This guy's got it all; charisma, tall, handsome, intelligent, anti-Bush/War, Marine who was in Iraq..WOW!

I can see this guy hitting the trail for '08 and running for President. If you liked Kucinich, you'll love this guy! His message is our message and he delivers it very well!