Plantgate

Another day, another Hillary embarrassment. Sure has been a rough patch for her lately, partly self-induced, as in this staged question controversy. Today the plant suggested she wasn't the only pot in the room.

Sometimes one just has to stand back and marvel at the raw arrogance of politicians. In a world bathed in YouTubes, PDAs and iPhones all plugged into high speed internets the ability to embarrass has never been greater. It's as if some are still stuck in their father's political world of newspapers and winking reporters.

He then opened a binder to a page that, according to Gallo-Chasanoff, had about eight questions on it.

"The top one was planned specifically for a college student," she added. " It said 'college student' in brackets and then the question."

What's stunning is that they actually keep hard copy evidence of such shenanigans, something that could be inadvertently left behind in a hotel room, campaign hall, taxi, etc and fall into enemy hands.

If the questions are scripted the natural question is whether the answers are also scripted. Perhaps [answer 43] "George Bush". [answer 1] "Vast right wing conspiracy". [answer 75] "xenophobia", etc? Knowing the questions going in obviously allows the candidate to rehearse answers to maximize the notion they can think on their feet.

Admittedly it's doubtful this kind of crowd management is unique to the Clintons. Bush staffers have long been accused of trying to micromanage "town hall meetings" to prevent real voters from asking damaging questions and becoming the stars of the event, ala Taser Bro. Bush was even accused of having a radio receiver taped to his back at one of the debates. Who knows? There are professionals who try to crash such events for obvious reasons. Politics is hell.

But no question there must be a level of paranoia amongst the staffers about the uncontrollability of such events, which are crucial to making the candidates seem open, honest and engaging. One might think the risk of getting caught would overwhelm that fear but maybe there was a presumed notion the MSM would be there at the rescue? Or maybe it was the comforting idea the stealth candidate, aka "Rhett", stands at the ready in yonder bullpen to put out the fire.

WHEN IT RAINS.. 11/13/07

Well, if this is correct perhaps the DNC oughta rethink that Fox News boycott. How could it be any worse than being questioned by Hitler and Blitzer?