The Democrats' Case For Drafting Stormy Daniels
You know about his predilection for the services of the "D.C. Madam," the late Deborah Jeane Palfrey -- but that's the tip of the iceberg for the anti-woman Sen. David Vitter (R-LA). He's also fought to restrict abortion rights for Native Americans, force AIDS prevention money to be spent on unworkable abstinence-only education, and voted against Hillary Clinton's State Department nomination (but it was her husband's fault, according to Vitter).
Vitter would seem to be the perfect candidate for a challenge in 2010, but the lack of a viable Democratic candidate has ensured that his only real political threats next year come from possible conservative challengers.
So what's a good Vitter foe to do? Support Stormy Daniels. As Daniels put it to CNN today, "I might be a porn star" -- but unlike Vitter, "I haven't done anything illegal." We're pulling the interview for you now, but here's why Daniels' candidacy makes sense.
Without a prospective Democratic challenger, and Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) fueling strength in the state GOP, Vitter needs to draw a primary opponent from the right to make life harder for him next year. With Daniels drawing media attention and making a strong case for questioning Vitter's morality, frustration is more likely to mount among Louisiana conservatives.
In addition, a Daniels candidacy has a good chance of pulling Vitter back into the national spotlight, making him a late-night punch line once again and distracting Republicans in Washington.
If you need another reason for backing Daniels, consider that she chose her stage name as a Mötley Crüe homage and joined Seth Rogen to record a parody of My Dinner With Andre.
Late Update: Here's video of Daniels' interview with CNN today. I defy you not to be charmed.
Josh
Elana
Matt
Eric
I wonder what Diaper Dave's porn name would be?
February 9, 2009 4:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well as you may know his porn name should be the name of his first pet followed by the name of the first street he lived on. Is there a David Vitter biography out there that'd have such info?
BTW my porn star name? Friska or Frick Neenah.
February 9, 2009 5:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
I traded porn names with a (female) friend. Otherwise, mine would have been Fluffy Centre while hers would have been Dick Hardman.
No, really.
February 9, 2009 5:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Some people just aren't born for the porn trade Steve.
February 9, 2009 5:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Funny you mention that Elana. I was thinking the exact same thing. But, this could also backfire.
Republicans could turn it around and say look what kind of candidate the Democrats come up with. It could get ugly and I'm not 100% sure, heck I'm not even 1% sure Daniels is politically savvy enough to position herself well enough to dodge the political storm that would come her way. Plus, the DNC would be in no position to fund her run.
I don't know how good that would look if the DNC were backing an ex porn star.
If she runs, it will be all on her own. Dems won't touch her with a ten foot pole.
But it would be great for the lulz.
February 9, 2009 4:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
I just wanted to follow up with they may touch her with a six inch pole, but that's a whole other story and I think this is a family blog so I'll just stop there.
February 9, 2009 4:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
I can't believe the GOP isn't going to primary Vitter out. The Dems need to run a serious candidate, though Ms. Stormy Daniels would be a great independent candidate. Who better than to outright mock Vitter than a porn star - I mean he can't challenge her line of work, without asking for his extra curricular activities to be brought up.
February 9, 2009 4:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
She is outspoken in saying that she has not been recruited to run by the Democratic Party.
February 9, 2009 4:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
I thought she was challenging him in the republican primary.
February 9, 2009 8:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Does Louisiana have open (Jungle) primaries for Senate? That's what fivethirtyeight implies:
http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2009/02/land-of-thousand-liebermans.html
February 25, 2009 2:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
It is louisiana you know. Now if it was alabama or mississippi, I could see a primary challenger taking vitter out. Louisiana? No way. Louisiana kept sending cold hard cash jefferson back to congress even after his freezer was raided. Hookers? that's nothing for louisiana pols and could be considered a badge of honor.
February 9, 2009 4:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Only one question:
Where do I donate?!?
February 9, 2009 4:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
draftstormy.com
February 9, 2009 4:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Holy cow! I just watched the cnn clip. I agree with this observation 1000%: I defy you not to be charmed.
She is very well spoken and charming. Wow! Never would have guessed that one in a million years. She also sounds very intelligent. Kudos to her. Maybe she would make a better senator from louisiana than vitter.
February 9, 2009 5:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh Jesus, c'mon did you see little sparklebursts flying around the room too? She's a very attractive young porn star but she probably doesn't know anymore about policy than Caribou Barbie. I'd love to be proved wrong and that does make her about 100% more knowledgeable than Vitter but senate material?
February 9, 2009 5:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree with both observations.
1. She probably is more knowledgable than rambo.
2. She is probably more knowledgable than vitter as well.
Remember, we are talking about the republican caucus here. I'd put her up against colburn, turkey man, and a bunch of other republicans. Now on the dem side, she wouldn't stand a chance. Also, I would be willing to bet that she would be in favor of helping people before big oil, the super wealthy and corporate america. Therefore, I would vote for her over almost any of the republicans any day.
February 9, 2009 5:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Incidentally, wackier things have happened. Wouldn't it be a fitting epitaph to the republican party? The republican senator from the great state of louisiana gets taken down by a porn star. I know its a total fantasy, but it would be awesome.
February 9, 2009 6:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Says the guy who was questioning Al Franken's appeal. ;)
February 9, 2009 7:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
True, that's why I didn't raise the franken issue at all. There could have been a host of comments that I could have made tying that one in and I didn't. I've taken my lumps on that one and give up. By the way, she gives a hell of a better interview than franken does. Here comes the blasts.
On another note, watch what comes out of the conference committee. I think that you will be pleasantly surprised. Watch obama political ju jitzu at work.
February 9, 2009 7:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
By the way, she gives a hell of a better (insert verb here) than franken does.
February 9, 2009 8:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's funny, and it helps make a strong point about Vitter, but actually winning will take a more serious candidate. Franken was a comedian, but he wrote thoroughly researched books and showed his wonkishness on his radio show for three years, as well as appearing at other candidates' rallies and fundraisers for years and years. A celebrity of some sort could win, but it has to be someone with some political and policy chops. Then again Louisiana must have someone like that if no known politicians are ready to step up and run.
Isn't Harry Shearer from Louisiana?
February 9, 2009 5:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think Harry Shearer is originally from Los Angeles but I think he lives in NO at least part time now. Regardless if you listen to his show it's obvious he really loves the city.
February 9, 2009 6:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why can't I get the phrase "come-from-behind victory" out of my head?
February 9, 2009 6:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey, I'd voter for her. All part of my "the less professional politicians, the better" philosophy.
February 9, 2009 9:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wow. Like Sarah Palin only smarter, sweeter and better looking.
February 10, 2009 8:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
A lot smarter than Vitter, too.
February 25, 2009 1:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
She is most definitely a charming, intelligent and eloquent (and of course beautiful) young woman. And there would be something incredibly apropos about having an adult film star represent Louisianna.
February 25, 2009 2:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Is Vitter "anti-woman" because of his activities with prostitute(s)? Perhaps he was "pro-woman" and was engaged in a courageous one-man stimulus package for the "fairer sex".
February 25, 2009 3:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well she appears smart and charming, but she may have been coached on the answers. I'd need to know more before supporting her.
Perhaps I'll have to do some "research!"
February 25, 2009 4:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't think you'll get far there - she was probably coached on the moans.
February 25, 2009 5:31 PM | Reply | Permalink