Sadly, the US lost one of the truly great gentlemen in politics yesterday. In memory of Lloyd Bentsen, Texas' last Democratic Senator before being appointed President Clinton's Treasury Secretary, I offer this clip of Bentsen in the 1988 VP debates delivering the most memorable line ever said in a VP debate.
What I love is Bentsen's reaction as Quayle says that he has as much experience as JFK. Bentsen raises his eyebrows, shakes his head and thinks "He just compared himself to JFK?!! Not even close!" Bentsen was too much of a gentleman to think the thoughts that would have gone through my mind: "What the hell is he thinking?!! Quayle couldn't even carry Kennedy's jockstrap!"
Afterwards, Dan Quayle appeared stunned and was exposed for the lightweight he is. I love it! I'm going to make some t-shirts with those lines on them. Pure brilliance from one of the great political statesmen of our time.
Thank you for everything Mr. Bentsen.
Posted by Ben at May 24, 2006 10:49 AM