This post on Reductio Ad Absurdum v3 – Revoke the Gasbag’s Privilegesstarted me off rambling across the internet looking up some of my favorite gasbags and other colorful characters. (Don’t blame Kevin for anything I found – his post just set me looking.)
I eventually ran across this site – Free James Traficant :
James Traficant’s error wasn’t committing fraud and taking money. His error was doing it old style. While other politicians had moved up to sophisticated methods including campaign donations, speaking fees, book advances and other hidden ways, Traficant stayed true to his suitcase full of cash roots.
Agree with them or not, American politics just wouldn’t be any fun without these sorts of characters. I’d take an Al Sharpton over a John Kerry any day.