I don't like politics in general or politicians in particular. I must admit, though, that politicians are good for something; they're good for a chuckle. It amuses me, for example, when a politician complains about another politician for "playing politics."

Playing politics is what our fearless leaders live for. So, this whiny behavior is tantamount to one trout accusing another trout of swimming. Another aspect about politicians that amuses me is the hard-nosed humor they use in their campaign rhetoric.

In a 1984 presidential campaign debate against former vice president Walter Mondale, Ronald Reagan had to answer a question about his age. Reagan smiled and remained calm. His answer made the question an asset for him rather than a liability. Basically, Regan said that he didn't want to take advantage of his opponent's youth and inexperience. Reagan got big laughs (and support) for his comment. Mondale said later that he knew at that point in the debate that he had already lost the election to Reagan. Politicians on the state level use this type of hard-nosed humor in their campaigns, too.

Here in Ohio, James A. Rhodes was governor for 16 years. In one of his gubernatorial campaigns, Governor Rhodes said, "My opponent has done the work of two men: Laurel and Hardy.

Ouch.

Learn more about this author, Robert Workman.
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