Is Deace’s PSA Parody Branstad’s “Katie Couric Moment” Voters Will Remember?

Monday, November 23, 2009, 11:10
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Ever have a bad 80’s tune stay stuck in your head that you cannot get rid of? I still have the Terry Branstad staggering sound bite playing in my head from the RPI event…

Quick! Somebody else say something silly or stupid just so I can think of something else. I read Krusty’s recent idiot piece and I thought that would cure me, but to no avail. Allow me to offer an analysis, but I will warn you I just took a nap and now I’m in a goofy mood.

Click this line to hear the Draft Branstad Parody.

Personally its been a big month in Iowa politics with Ron Paul’s recent visit, a trip to the Chuck Norris Ranch, Tim Pawlenty visiting, the tea party convention and the Mike Huckabee book signing. With all these events its Terry Branstad’s gaff that I keep thinking about. I keep assessing his loss of words when attempting to prove his prowess and the damage of such a dropped bomb. Deace’s public service announcement parody reminds me…

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Yes, I know it’s old news, but if this was a screenplay or a novel is this the foreshadowing that keeps the movie interesting? Is this what voters will remember? Is this prophetic.

It seems to have taken some kind of toll on the Branstad campaign. Take note from this IowaPolitics.com article…

Terry Branstad Goes on the Attack Goes After Bob Vander Plaats and Flip Flops on Attacking other Republican Candidates

On November 7, former Governor Terry Branstad announced that he would refrain from attacking fellow Republicans, saying “In fact, I am going to take the pledge to abide by President Reagan’s 11th Commandment, which is, and I quote, ‘speak no ill of another Republican.’ I will not attack any of the other candidates. They all have my respect.”

Candidate Branstad kept his word for precisely 12 days.

Meanwhile when I was listening live and in person to Branstad’s speech (taking pictures of him that make him look good at TIR mind you) and he began his now famous staggering search for composure, I thought to myself what a great bit he is working. I really and truly thought he was setting up a joke for a killer comeback to prove his competence all the more. In the first nanosecond in my mind I was giving him credit in advance for the brilliance to come as he kept verbal stagger sailing.

After all the ABC basics of comedy writing is to in essence put people on a rug, make them stand on the rug, then pull the rug out from underneath them. So naturally I thought he was putting us all on a rug to pull, but the killer line that would make him look intelligent, in touch or lighthearted never came.

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For myself in addition to being a writer and photographer I do public speaking and can certainly sympathize with any speaker who is at a momentary loss for words. I can certainly give the former Governor of Iowa grace and understanding for unfortunately making a crucial error at a big moment. In and of itself it really is no big deal, but you can’t always make people what you want them to think.

Back again in the daily news is Sarah Palin with her Oprah interview recaps promoting her new bestselling memoir. After all this time Oprah still asked her about the when Palin was interviewed by Katie Couric and was asked which magazines she read Palin replied, “All of them.” It really should not have been a big deal either, but the liberal press squeezed it for all it was worth and the gossip just kept on coming.

In Palin’s defense not even a Seinfeld character would break up with a girlfriend for claiming to read all magazines printed. Then again some break ups just don’t go as planned. Sometimes one person doesn’t get the message that the time together just isn’t what it used to be. Is Iowa feeling that same way about former Governor Branstad? Time will tell at the republican party’s season cliffhanger primary.

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And contrary to some TIR reader assumptions I really do like Sarah Palin, candidate or not. I especially like her pro life stance, but unfortunately what people remember is the gossip driven drivel like Katie’s magazine moment. I know Terry Branstad is better than he defended himself to be at the RPI event, but I have to think really hard to come up with that conclusion and I’m not sure most voters will take the time to do so.

In life and in politics we have to have fun even at our own expense and then press on. I quote a popular philosopher Hannah Montana when she sings. “Everybody Makes Mistakes.”

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Branstad photo by Dave Davidson

Tags: American Broadcasting Company, Hannah Montana, Katie Couric, Mike Huckabee, Republicans, Ron Paul, Ronald Reagan, Sarah Palin, Tim Pawlenty, United States

About the Author

TEApublican has written 66 stories on this site.

An artjournalism storyteller with 1/3 smart alec tea party angst, 2/3's creative artist republican, Dave Davidson is a TIR photographer and author of 2 dozen books including "Huckisms". His latest book, "You May Be A TEApublican" is available at TEApublican.com as a free ebook. In full disclosure: Dave is a Huckabee fan, Vander Plaats supporter, social media expert and a die hard Cub fan.

28 Comments on “Is Deace’s PSA Parody Branstad’s “Katie Couric Moment” Voters Will Remember?”

iavoter wrote on 23 November, 2009, 13:17
It’s never been pleasant to watch him talk, but this is just painful. They’re going to have to use the Palin approach and keep him away from debates, interviews, public speaking engagements, ordering at fast-food restaurants, etc.

At the same time, it was a good effort for the 6th grader who wrote his speech. Keep trying, Timmy!
Mr. Hawk wrote on 23 November, 2009, 13:21
I have to laugh that we’ve spent 18 months mocking the Democrats for choosing the empty suit who can speak the best, but is an inch deep on substance, and then we basically set out to do the same thing by choosing our candidate based on speaking ability and not substance.
Jeff wrote on 23 November, 2009, 13:41
The only people that will ever know about this kind of crap is people like us…that read political blogs. The majority of Iowans remember TB fondly, and Culver is gonna have a hell of a time convincing them he is better than TB.

TB wins on his reputation. He doesn’t lose on a bad speech or two. He has a *lot* of goodwill built up with most Iowa voters. Terry will win the primary without much trouble. Any attempt to paint it another way is just either wishful thinking or a ploy to get more readers. He might as well be the incumbent.

As for the general, he wins. We all know this, and this is why the IDP is concerned. They have a bad candidate in Culver who will run against a very popular 4 term former Governor. Terry wins (and I hope that means Deace loses) and Iowans win.
belikebunce wrote on 23 November, 2009, 13:48
Jeff, nothing is anywhere close to certain in this primary. There are lots of people who view TEB as “the establishment” and that won’t bode well in the “Tea Party” era, especially since…
He has done nothing to separate from them
He has done nothing to exposit how his positions have changed since he was last in office.
kaiser sose wrote on 23 November, 2009, 13:55
Jim Cunningham from Donnie Darko = Bob Vander Plaats. Watch the movie, it’s a little scary.
kaiser sose wrote on 23 November, 2009, 13:58
BBunce, did you go to the tea conference? What a sorry excuse for an organzation. Tea party era is over. The Reagan Republicans are coming back and we’re going to silence all of you snake charmers and holier than now Deace losers.
belikebunce wrote on 23 November, 2009, 14:03
KS – See you at the Caucus, Conventions, and Poles.
belikebunce wrote on 23 November, 2009, 14:04
KS – The Tea Party Movement is not an Organization. That is why it is so unique and unpredictable.
kaiser sose wrote on 23 November, 2009, 14:06
Bring it, brah!
Mr. Hawk wrote on 23 November, 2009, 17:06
I love that people (and Deace) think that the “tea partiers” and SoCons are the same group. They are not.
Deace voted for Obama wrote on 23 November, 2009, 17:44
There has to be overlapping.
Michael Ryan wrote on 23 November, 2009, 18:09
DVFO,
I think there is some overlapping but there is a mix of conservatives and conservative Republicans who think and act like independents. Gov. Branstad really didn’t do himself any favors on the speech. I felt bad for him to see a man who had a great legacy as he did just make himself look bad. As for Steve playing this, I know Steve really didn’t like seeing Gov. Branstad potentially tarnish his legacy for in which he should be proud of.
Deace voted for Obama wrote on 23 November, 2009, 18:57
” I felt bad for him to see a man who had a great legacy as he did just make himself look bad. As for Steve playing this, I know Steve really didn’t like seeing Gov. Branstad potentially tarnish his legacy for in which he should be proud of.”

Who are you kidding? If you’re talking about Steve Deace you can’t tell me that he wasn’t rejoicing in seeing Branstad “potentially tarnish his legacy”.

This statement is ludicrous. It is laughable. You are not to be taken seriously.
Deace voted for Obama wrote on 23 November, 2009, 19:17
Ryan: What the heck is an independent? What does their platform say?
Michael Ryan wrote on 23 November, 2009, 19:23
DVFO,
Actually if you listened to his show, he has said it was was said after the event he basically said that Branstad is hurting his legacy by running, and urged him to step out so he won’t tarnish his legacy. It’s on his podcast part if you actually want to hear what he said so you type with truth. As for the platform question follow this link and it will give an independent platform http://www.aipca.org/platform.html
Mr. Hawk wrote on 23 November, 2009, 19:37
Michael: I think your sarcasm meter is broken.
Deace voted for Obama wrote on 23 November, 2009, 19:52
I think he has more broken than his sarcasm meter. This link to this Independent party is with a capital I. It’s being run by Tom Hoefling and it is not to be taken seriously.

This is crazy. I can’t believe we have a Republican candidate for governor who is endorsing this. Does VP not know what he’s doing? If Shaw is serious about running for the Iowa House and expecting Iowa Republicans to vote for him, he should run as a Republican.

Who talked him into doing this and why would VP endorse this?
Michael Ryan wrote on 23 November, 2009, 20:17
Mr. Hawk and DVFO,
Actually my sarcasm meter is fully working, and if you took the time to actually listen to the podcast that would greatly help.
Now as for Tom seeking GOP help, he is not, nor has he ever asked. In fact Tom would rather the Pocahontas Central Committee stay nuetral than endorse him. The committee has never endorsed him (only me personally so far) we just gave an appreciation of service if you have time to read the resolution on his website. Tom so far has aligned himself with that website earlier. Also Tom came to that conclusion on his own. I as well as Kent Sorenson, Christopher Reed, and countless others have encouraged him to run as a Republican all to which so far no avail.
As for BVP endorsing him, I caught wind of it after it transpired. BVP did the action on his own, that is a question you can ask BVP sometime.
Deace voted for Obama wrote on 23 November, 2009, 20:42
We have two Toms here. I think you’re talking about Tom Shaw. Well, how stupid is Tom Shaw? Does he expect to win just with the votes of this so-called “Independent Party”? How many members are there in the distrcit? Maybe a dozen?

He has to be smart enough to know he needs votes of Republicans to get elected. BVP is pretty stupid for doing this, too. Does he really expect Republicans to support him for governor when he endorses someone running for an Iowa House seat on a third party ticket?

Wouldn’t it have been smarter to see if there is a real Republican running? He’s gotten himself into a box now, too.

Smells like Deace pulling the strings to me. Too bad Shaw allowed himself to be sucked in by Deace.

Are you talking about Shaw aligning himself with the “Independent” website? Real smart.

Just today VP sent out a press release scolding Branstad for helping Nelson of NE. I completely agree with VP’s criticism BUT VP has done something equally stupid by endorsing someone for the Iowa House who is not a Republican.

What if a Republican runs and Shaw and the Republican split the votes and allows the Dimocrat to get back in. What if the Republicans lose the majority by one seat? Thanks a lot, VP.

It’s time for some people to start thinking before they act.
Michael Ryan wrote on 23 November, 2009, 20:49
As for Steve Deace pulling the strings that is something you have to talk to Tom, Steve, and Bob about. Tom Shaw actually has knocked almost every towns doors and has gotten good name recognition. Tom is hoping to pull votes from all parties and some are willing to vote for right now. Tom is really involved with the Tea Party movement, So far no GOP candidate has emerged and hopefully Tom will run as a Republican, (it would make my job easier as Chairman). But as you know and as I am learning more and more, politics is a never say never situations (s) and seems to always throw unexpected drama. Until later, have a Happy Thanksgiving guys and gals.
belikebunce wrote on 24 November, 2009, 6:53
MR – What do you intend to do as County Chairman as you approach the March 19th Filing Deadline. Will you be actively seeking another Republican Candidate? Do you feel it is your responsibility to have an (R) on the ballot in November? Would you and your Central Committee nominate a Scozzafava just to have an (R)?

This is where the rubber meets the road, where the Ideals vs Candidates debate is actually taking place. What do others think? Is Shaw a Republican inspite of his rejection of the name? Will he be allowed to vote with the Republican Caucus in the State House?
Deace voted for Obama wrote on 24 November, 2009, 9:26
” Would you and your Central Committee nominate a Scozzafava just to have an (R)?”

This question is beyond stupid–like the only choices are Shaw or a Scozzy. There could be other choices.

This whole scenario is like a bunch of amateurs playing politics.
belikebunce wrote on 24 November, 2009, 10:07
It was a perfectly valid question DVFO. I was not making an allegation, I was simply reversing the chronology of the events out in NY23. Shaw feels the Republican party left him, so he ran as an Independent, and the Republican party is looking for someone to run as a Republican. In NY23 Hoffman felt that the Republican party left him by nominating Scozzafava, therefor he ran as an Independent. Same scenario, just cause and effect are somewhat reversed. Additionally, I asked questions much more substantive than that one. Why did you decide to attack that one question and ignore the rest of them?
desmoinesdem wrote on 24 November, 2009, 10:22
I thought the county Republican organization had endorsed Shaw in that race. Is that not true?
belikebunce wrote on 24 November, 2009, 10:35
Read the above comment…

>Michael Ryan wrote on 23 November, 2009, 20:17>Mr. Hawk and DVFO,
[removed]>Now as for Tom seeking GOP help, he is not, nor has he ever asked. In fact Tom would rather the Pocahontas Central Committee stay nuetral than endorse him. The committee has never endorsed him (only me personally so far) we just gave an appreciation of service if you have time to read the resolution on his website.
Mr. Hawk wrote on 24 November, 2009, 11:47
“Mr. Hawk and DVFO,
Actually my sarcasm meter is fully working, and if you took the time to actually listen to the podcast that would greatly help.”

- If you really think that Steve Deace is genuinely concerned for TEB’s “legacy” then you, my friend, have some real issues. Of course, knowing Deace’s target audience, this might not be uncommon.
Michael Ryan wrote on 24 November, 2009, 17:57
belikebunce,
If Tom remains independent, then the committee would probably remaining nuetral, personally I am not looking for anyone before the filing deadline. But thank you for the question on wether or not we would nominate a person with an (R) just to fill it. And I could point that answer to our new by constitution which states” The purpose of the organization shall be to conduct, under one central organization, the activities of the Republican Party of Pocahontas County and to aid in every way the establishment of fundamentals of Republican principles and policies on a voluntary basis and to cooperate and assist in the conduct of national, state, and local elections in support of the conservative Republican ticket(s) and/or like values as deemed by the Pocahontas County Central Committee.” So this helps our committee to not help a liberal GOP at all if the committee chooses so. Thanks for asking belikebunce.
electshaw2010 wrote on 28 November, 2009, 16:46
For the record, I am not running on any party ticket (third or otherwise.) I have been endorsed by America’s Independent Party, but they endorse candidates based on their principles — not party registration.