The Mean Fritz

Many have commented lately on how genial the Reagan-Mondale debate was in 1984. Check out the latest edition of Jay Nordlinger's Impromtus at NRO for some comments on the other "Fritz" in politics, who is not so genial:

Speaking of blows, particularly of the low kind: It just may be that Sen. Ernest "Fritz" Hollings (D., S.C.) is the meanest man in politics. I have a sharp memory of a 1984 Democratic-primary debate — one moderated by Barbara Walters. Hollings was a candidate, and so was Reuben Askew, the former governor of Florida. Hollings thought Askew had misquoted him (or something), and Hollings barked, "You got a tic in your ear, too?" (Askew suffered from an eye twitch.)

Anyway, Hollings keeps calling Bush a "draft dodger." In recent days, he has said, "Look at the record. We're defending a Silver Star recipient against a damned draft dodger." Earlier in the month, he had said, "The Silver Star is being kicked around by a draft dodger."

A) Bush is not a draft dodger. And b) the Democrats nominated a genuine draft dodger for president twice, in the 1990s. Shouldn't Democratic senators keep their mouths shut on this? I mean, facts aside?

This item is cross posted at Polipundit.com. Check there for additional posts by me and many more talented than me.

Comments

[Bill]

Great blog Lorie.

The first glimpse I had of Hollings' nastiness was many years ago on "This Week with David Brinkley." Sam Donaldson was questioning old Fritz about his protectionist positions on textiles given that his suits were made in South Korea. Hollings tersely shot back something along the lines, "you don't have to say that. I don't run around telling everyone about your toupee."

Brinkley and Will were struggling to keep a straight face.

Cheers!