FL-09: Anti-Social? Misanthrope? Whatever...

Does the word misanthrope properly describe toady congressional candidate Gus Bilirakis?  His anti-social tendencies and confrontation-avoiding practices have been remarked upon time and again by the media during his campaigning -- both during the primaries and the general election campaign.

He's absolutely fine when money or Washington insiders are around, but the general populous or his opponents?  Well...

I'll let the video, recorded yesterday, do the talking.  More after the flip.

Now, for full disclosure -- Gus has a vision and hearing impairment.  Me too for that matter.  That's why I don't run for public office.  Not because I can't function, or don't think disabled people should hold office -- but because the voters deserve a representative who can talk about the issues or debate the issues outside of a bubble or fixed environment.  To serve the public you must be open to the public -- be that your political supporter or your political rival.

Bilirakis has a lengthy record of not being able to accommodate opponents (and the voters) in a forum or debate format (see the above video for examples).  Someone who is not open to deal with the voters or speak in front of the constituency shouldn't be a representative in the US Congress.

Phyllis Busansky does not treat her age as an embarrassing hassle like Gus treats his disabilities.  She has been open to talking to those on both sides of the fray while Gus hides from it. 

And because Gus cannot and will not satisfy the public with an open dialog, he comes off very much like the empty suits we are tired of in FL-09.

He's not Greg House M.D. -- cranky, mean but brilliant.  He's stumbled into his fathers footsteps and expects to be crowned successor to his dad's throne.  Help stop Gus -- help support Phyllis.

•  Tip jar...

  ...or Tip Jar.  Take your pick.

  by jpfdeuce on Thu Oct 26, 2006 at 03:51:21 PM PDT

  •  Or the third option

    Neither nor :-/

    by jpfdeuce on Thu Oct 26, 2006 at 04:19:21 PM PDT

•  So sorry...

  I'm just now seeing this diary.  I've been out working all day.  

  I do wish this race were getting more national attention.  If we could only draw Gus out, the voters would see that he is an empty suit and is seriously lacking in the gravitas necessary to holding a Congressional seat.  

  Phyllis is much more qualified than he is.  It's appalling that he is leading in the polls.  I'm sure that half of those polled think it's his father (12 term Congressman Mike Bilirakis) and not Gus on the ballot.  If he were forced out of hiding, the difference between the two would be so glaring, Phyllis would be a shoe-in.

  by Susan S on Thu Oct 26, 2006 at 08:05:32 PM PDT

  •  No need to apologize

    The only "Sorry" thing about this (the diary) is that it garnered no interest in Kos in whole.

    by jpfdeuce on Fri Oct 27, 2006 at 10:10:42 AM PDT