Jim Stockdale - does that name sound familiar? [View all]

[demwing]

For those who don't remember, Jim Stockdale was Ross Perot's VP choice during Perot's historic 1992 run. Stockdale was a highly decorated Navy Admiral, but in his VP debate performance he introduced himself by asking out loud "Who am I? Why am I here?" Instead of appearing philosophical, the comments came off as scattered and unfocused, and Stockdale became the butt of many "confused old guy" jokes. Hey Clint Eastwood - does this sound familiar?

The selection of Stockdale added to a perception (fairly arrived at or not) of Perot as too quirky, and not 100% ready to be the President. Again Clint, sounding familiar?

The jokes also changed Stokdale's reputation. Once a decorated veteran of his craft, respected by his peers, Stockdale became an image of your grandfather who had just wandered into the kitchen and can't quite remember why. Eastwood is obviously not a VP candidate, but he was put up in a spotlight on a night when all lights should have been shining on Romney. He's a superstar, or was.

Now he's Grandpa Simpson, shouting at an empty chair. Hey Stockdale--does all of that sound familiar?

I hope it sounds familiar to America. We don't really want a quirky, obscenely rich guy running our country like he ran his businesses. We were offered that choice once. Perot didn't carry a single state. I'd say America answered that question with a firm NO!

Now we're being asked that question again. America, does this sound at all familiar?