The Ben Carson Show (The Value of His Values)

Warren Rojas of Roll Call makes the obvious point:

Whether Ben Carson fudged a bit on that offer of a “full scholarship” to West Point or it’s a question of “semantics,” as he told reporters on Nov. 6, it wouldn’t be the first time a politician misrepresented their military experience.

Thus begins a brief review of Missouri congressional candidate Ron Dickey (D), Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL), Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), former Rep. Wes Cooley (R-OR), and former Rep. Bruce Caputo (R-NY)

And in some cases it’s worse than others, but we should note that getting caught making stuff up about military service and honors is not necessarily the end of a politician’s career.

And perhaps Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson ought to take a look through these sordid histories. And while it is true the good doctor really does need to work, generally speaking, on how he responds to revelations of exaggeration and fabrication about the telling of his inspiring life story, a candidate who wants us to believe he is “not a politician” faces additional challenges when trying to walk, talk, and play the game like a politician.

An Exercise In Contrasts

Juxtaposition:

While thanking supporter Miles Wobbleton for contributing the 100,000th “thumbs up” on his official Senate Facebook page, the Kentucky Republican indicated that he wants to see his online flock grow exponentially.

“We’re excited to be at 100,000, but really we’d like to see it at a million,” Paul proposed, tossing out that familiar Washington enticement—the proverbial “free lunch”—to those still on the fence about registering their virtual approval.

Paul has already crossed that self-imposed high bar on a mirror Facebook page.

And his personal account is so popular, prospective pals are now universally rebuffed.

“This person has reached the friend request limit and can’t accept any more,” Facebook warns.

—Warren Rojas

Priorities.

I realize there’s a “Stand With Rand” crowd that’s convinced the Kentucky Republican is a visionary when it comes to limited government, and I understand that much of the media establishment is eager for us to perceive him as a serious and credible person. But Rand Paul decided to chat with Glenn Beck, and during the interview the senator raised the prospect of marriage-equality proponents asking, “Does it have to be humans?”

If this is what constitutes an “interesting” politician and “rising star” in Republican politics, the GOP is in dire straits, indeed.

There is a contingent of the population that’s desperately looking for a prominent political figure in Washington who celebrates civil liberties, is openly uncomfortable with the national security state, and opposes the rush towards more wars, especially in the Middle East.

But we’re frequently reminded why Rand Paul probably isn’t the champion these folks have been waiting for. He believes bizarre and unsettling conspiracy theories; he’s convinced the Obama administration is responsible for problems with his toilet; his concerns about armed drones are strikingly ignorant and contradictory; he considers fringe outlet like World Net Daily to be credible news organizations, and on the morning of a civil-rights breakthrough for LGBT Americans, he hangs out with Glenn Beck and raises the specter of bestiality.

—Steve Benen

Values.

The Monster Mash

Warren Rojas, for Roll Call:

Former Speaker Newt Gingrich doesn’t use his enduring clout to support just any old vanity project. But he will, apparently, go to bat for the chance to plaster an image of his platinum-tressed third wife, Callista, on a craft brew bottle.

At the moment, Callista Gingrich appears to be leading the field of exactly two applicants vying for the honor of being the next Drop Dead Blonde poster girl.

Strangely, I can’t find an Adulteress Ale^*. Sounds like the market is begging.

I mean, really. There isn’t?

Okay, someone help me out. I must be overlooking something. I mean, if there was ever a beer that should have Callista Gingrich’s face on it ….

To the other, it is unfortunate that there is no beer for Newt. Blind Pig already has a label.
____________________

^* A note to Madera Verde: Really? There’s no Adulteress Ale? What am I missing? Tell me you’re on the case … keg … case … er … right.

The Part Where We All Say, “Ahhhh ….!”

Via Warren Rojas:

Minnesota Democrat Al Franken and his wife, Franni, have fallen (hard) for their first grandson, Joseph Bryson Greenwald.

“Somehow, in the last few hours, Franni and I have already managed to spoil the baby,” Franken gushed May 31 in a release announcing the arrival of his extended brood.

The young Joseph clocked in at six pounds eleven, and Rojas notes that Thomasin is said to be in good shape.

But, yeah. You know.

Welcome, good Joseph. We’re so glad you made it.

Congratulations to Thomasin and Brody, Al and Franni, Audrey and Harris … well, yeah. Y’know …..

Our best wishes to the growing Franken-Greenwald venture, and our greatest hopes for the latest partner.