The Hanging Shad’s ‘Apropos of Nothing’

Now that the election is over, it’s time for this fun segment—a series of observations, random thoughts and general nonsense. Readers are always welcome to contribute.

1. The best headline about this mess involving CIA chief David Patraeus was in the New York Post:

The race is still on for the best double entendre involving the name of the girlfriend’s bio of the general called, “All In.”

2. There are few things more entertaining than listening to half-a-nut-bar former US Rep. Chris Shays and the bullying mook of a campaign manager Cory Bliss argue over the results of the US Senate race. Of Bliss’ candidate Linda McMahon, Shays tells the Hartford Courant’s Chris Keating, “The people advising her were thrilled to take her money, but they knew this was a long shot…Corry Bliss, who ran her campaign, basically left Vermont in shambles, and he’s leaving Connecticut in shambles. But he’s got more money. He made more money.” Ouch. Harsh but not inaccurate. Bliss countered by offering to pay for psychiatric care for Shays. Careful, Cory, you already spent $100 million.

3. Benghazi could learn something about security from NBC Connecticut. Since I arrive before 6 a.m. for most of my segments, the people in the newsroom just buzz me in. However, on Election Day, I came back for a segment for the 11 a.m. hour. I couldn’t get in. The buzzer wasn’t working for either the outside door or the door to get into the lobby both of which are locked at all times. There was a temp-secretary working frantically to let me in but in the end, someone walking by just opened the doors for me.

As far as NBC Connecticut is concerned, those folks are an absolute joy to work with—professional, competent, friendly and helpful. I have done a lot of TV in my day but it’s always nice to have the support of the people around you.

4. Can we all agree now that Karl Rove is an embarrassment? Not only did he blow through $300 million from contributors (“Hey Karl? This is Harold Simmons from Dallas…about that $20 million I gave you…”), he made a fool of himself by refusing to accept the fact Obama won Ohio. Fox News called it—that’s right, Fox News—and the host had to leave the studio to interview the network’s experts.