“Dean’s List” is an Honor—“Dunce” is Not

So the “National Republican Senatorial Campaign” wanted to say something cutting and cruel and derisive about John Edwards, because he was meeeen to Dear Leader in a fundraising letter. (He said Bush didn’t handle Katrina very well. O the horror! O the shock!)

So they called him “Dean for a Day”! Oooh. Owwie. I bet that just made Sunshine Johnny cry big tears.

Eh, okay. Not. And why should it, pray tell? If I didn’t know better I would think this “NRSC” was a gang of unpaid interns from the College Republicans whose campaign bible was “The Wit & Wisdom of Ann Coulter” or something.

The National Republican Senatorial Campaign - the group focused on keeping the Senate in GOP hands and led by Sen. Elizabeth Dole of Salisbury - took a swipe at Edwards for a message he sent on behalf of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

Um, okay. Much is explained here. Mrs. “Bob Dole” Bob Dole has proved over the course of her Senatorial career not to be exactly the brightest pumpkin in the patch. In the drawer of sharp knives, she’s a butter-spreader. Her spot on the turnip truck is still quite secure. But anyway..just what did John say that was so hurtful and mean?

“Last week marked the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, an event that revealed the Bush administration’s callous disregard for millions of American citizens who continue to live in grinding poverty,” the message reads.

Okay, looking over this a second and third time, I am at a loss to find the tiniest spot of inaccuracy, much less harsh, god forbid “shrill.” Simple statement of fact right up there with “the water, she is wet.” Was there something worse farther down?

It criticizes Bush and the GOP for policies that Edwards says hurt middle-income residents. It ends by asking for a donation to the Democrats.

The National Republican Senatorial Campaign accused Edwards of crossing the line.

Still waiting for the searing shock of finding the item to blow out the outrage meter. Maybe it’s on the blink again, but I don’t really think so.

But this whole “Dean for a Day” concept has me tickled. If that’s the worst thing they can think of to call a Democrat who’s getting under their (remarkably thin, don’t you think?) skin, perhaps we need a response. We should have a “Dunce for the Day” list, the Republican who issues the statement (or campaign letter or whatever) of the most exceptionally moronic quality.

Readers, esteemed colleagues, post your nominations here as you see them as the day goes on. Start the comment with “DUNCE FILE” so they’re easy to round up, and we’ll name a winner about 8 tonight.

Cry havoc! and let slip the dogs of derision.