This man is running for New York City mayor and will not win. However, he's a hell of a lot of fun to watch during a debate and will help take your mind off the endless mind-numbing campaign stories and ads on TV this time of year. Check out his campaign anthem above... A few years ago, he ran for the New York State governor's office on the Rent is Too Damn High party ticket and lost to Cuomo. He gained a lot of attention for his outfits, facial hair, slogan, and charisma. Also, we can all agree with him that rent in New York is too damn high so he speaks truth. People like that, right?
The reason we know Jimmy McMillan at all is because the New York State political scene and news bureaus give time and attention to third party candidates for various reasons. I think the main reason is that a good drama can use some comedic relief to give the viewer a break from the tension and stress. That's why when Howard Stern ran in the New York State governor's race years ago he garnered a lot of attention in the press. It was nice to forget about the chumps that would probably win and have a chance to listen to someone who could make you laugh. The entire political process seems like a joke today anyway. Why not make the circus entertaining?
When I lived in New York, the local news outlets would televise a debate and invite the main two party candidates to the stage along with several lessor known candidates as well. It was refreshing. It could also be entertaining if the third party candidates gave the Republican and Democratic candidates a hard time. Everybody loves a spoiler. It was a show and was also informational.
Virginia politics is SO BORING in comparison. We have a governor's race going on with two main party candidates who are totally lame and uninspiring. I dislike both of them and don't want to vote for either man. God forbid a woman should even run ~ that will never happen... I have no idea if there is another choice on the ballot besides these two chumps because the news media doesn't let us know. We "have to pick" from one of two choices. Not only does this seem very un-democratic to me but it's also boring as hell. Depressing.
Several Virginians made comments to me a few months back like "I can't believe that New Yorkers would vote for Spitzer or Weiner" and "New Yorkers are going to get who they deserve" and a sort of superior attitude resonated outwards. I could tell that they were thinking New Yorkers were spastic to even give the time of day to either womanizing loser. I said "They won't actually win" and I was thinking to myself "It's part of the entertainment phase of the race" but I don't think they believed me. I suppose to understand you have to have lived in New York and experienced the show. In which case, you'd realize how boring politics in Virginia can be. *sigh*
On a happy note, rent is NOT too damn high in Southwestern Virginia. It is in NoVA which is why I don't live there. :-)
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