Tommy Thompson Risks Serious Poundage In Iowa
When you're a third-tier candidate, sometimes you have to ditch the "practice what you preach" mantra, throw caution to the wind and do whatever it takes in the face of hypocrisy to woo voters. For GOP presidential hopeful Tommy Thompson, that means eating his way through Iowa.
The former governor and former Health and Human Services secretary has a jam-packed, artery-clogging campaign schedule that would make any foodie freak out.
Former Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson
From glancing at his schedule, Thompson will be spending most of his days between now and the Aug. 11 Ames Straw Poll chowing down on hot dogs, brats, pie, donuts, pizza, ice cream, and much (munch) more.
On Friday, he kicks off his "Common Sense Solutions" tour through the state at the Prairie Moon winery in Ames. Then it's up-and-at-'em the next morning for coffee and rolls in two different cities, followed by a noontime pizza party in Pocahontas County, an ice cream social at 4 p.m. in Rockwell City, Lord knows what at 5 p.m. (the schedule just says "an afternoon with Tommy Thompson"), capped off by a cookout -- a "grillin' with the governor" party -- at 6 p.m.
And the next day, and next four days after that? More of his fattening faves (with very little free time to exercise).
Thompson's schedule for Saturday lists an ice cream social and a picnic. Then, over the next four days, he'll be doing coffee, breakfast, picnics, drinks, ice cream and pie, coffee and rolls, coffee and donuts, hot dogs and brats, lunch at Flapjacks Restaurant and even a house party at the home of Gary and Mary Leopold. (And the mouth just waters thinking of what great chow Gary and Mary will serve up!)
And that's just the public schedule.
Between events, Thompson's spokesman, Rennick Remley, tells us the ex-governor "loves the caramel frappuccinos from Starbucks" and vanilla ice cream cones at Dairy Queen.
"And he rather enjoys...pulled pork sandwiches," Remly added. "And raspberry pie is his favorite."
So how does Thompson go from railing against child obesity and advocating healthy eating as preventive health care to porking out on pizza, ice cream, donuts, Frapps and pie?
"Salads don't go over well with voters," Remly explained. "The [junk] food gets the voters out."
And what about poor Remly and the other campaign aides, are they ready to pack on the pounds to help Thompson stay viable in the presidential race? "We'll be packing our running shoes...to run some of that off," he said.
Asked if Thompson would be joining them, Remly burst out laughing. "He'll be too busy shaking hands," came the excuse, muffled by more laughter.
By Mary Ann Akers |
July 5, 2007; 4:34 PM ET
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Posted by: Ron Karten | July 5, 2007 07:19 PM
so let me see if I understand. A fat-a$$ with no chance of winning the nomination is binge-eating in an attempt to get people to like him? Fascinating.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Posted by: Jesus H. Christ | July 5, 2007 10:58 PM
Tommy moderation is key! Advice from a democrat friend from WI!
Mike Janczy
Posted by: Mike Janczy | July 6, 2007 11:19 AM
Tommy moderation is key! Advice from a democrat friend from WI!
Mike Janczy
Posted by: Mike Janczy | July 6, 2007 11:19 AM
Good article. Nothing wrong with a little clean humor, however cholesterol stuffed. May be big Tom's greatest contribution to the nation.
Posted by: Tom Walch | July 6, 2007 12:29 PM
Running shoes? Don't tell me that Tommy is like that evil president of France who is being castigated by the lefty's in his country for being a "jogger". To the left this implies he's too individualistic and therefore on the extreme right. It's no wonder the French need the U.S. and the rest of Europe to maintain their status as an independent nation as was demonstrated twice last century.
Posted by: r man | July 6, 2007 02:43 PM
Tommy- a little medical marijuana will give you the munchies; this week should be a breeze.
Posted by: GOP smells funny | July 6, 2007 09:24 PM
This confirms what everyone already knows about TT: He's a PP (Professional Politician)! He loooves the pomp, livin on other folks money, and not having to answer to shareholders or the Board. As his standing indicates...the public has figured him out.
Posted by: Pimander | July 7, 2007 09:02 AM
Sorry Tommy, you're just too ugly to be president.
Posted by: Fred | July 12, 2007 12:35 AM
This article is a joke...nice reporting there kiddo. Why don't you get out there and do some real work.
Posted by: Joe777 | August 1, 2007 09:03 PM
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Boy, do you get behind the scenes. Incisive work. A real contribution.