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Pataki Courts the Dull and Listless in 2008 Presidential Bid
After New York Governor George Pataki announced he would not seek a fourth term, many speculated he was planning a 2008 presidential bid. Now DeadBrain has learned exclusively that the three-term governor is indeed hoping to bring his bland, listless style to Washington.
While critics often accuse Pataki of lacking either presence or vision and of being effete, recent polls suggest those may be the very qualities voters are looking for. In a July CNN/People poll, 78 percent of those queried said they'd grown tired of dynamic and masculine leaders.
The swelling tide against the strong, charismatic leader is one that Meet the Press host Tim Russert says he's seen coming. "For too long we've had these sassy, strong leaders and candidates – look at George Bush 41 and 43, Bob Dole, Al Gore, John Kerry, and the list goes on. It only stands to reason that the American people, being as fickle as they are, would grow tired of everything they claim to value."
With networks feeding viewers poll numbers that support the move toward the dull candidate, Russert believes Pataki could fare well against a crowded field of dynamic Republican candidates. "People look at someone like Bill Frist and the first thing they see is raw sex appeal. The same is true for Rick Santorum. Chances are voters are going to be put off by their stunning charisma and look again at George Pataki."
Critics claim that while Pataki does a good job of playing an unassuming grandmother more concerned with doilies than policy issues, Pataki may be more exciting than he appears. Those opposing the governor's candidacy are quick to point out his connection to 9/11. According to one analyst, "He likes to seem bland, but he brought September 11th and all the excitement that accompanied it to New York, and voters aren't likely to forget that."
Yet Tim Russert is quick to point out that the Pataki connection to the terrorist attacks could cut either way, as America's role of Most Terrorized Nation is increasingly threatened by attacks in places like London, Madrid, and Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
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