What a crazy world we live in...Ken Mehlman, the Chairman of the Republican National Committee, refuses to endorse a Republican. From last night's
Hardball:
Matthews: Ken, who are you rooting for in Connecticut this November? Your guy, Alan Schlesinger...or this sort of disaffected, rejected Democrat Joe Lieberman?
Mehlman: Connecticut Republicans and Democrats and Independents are going to decide this and I'm leaving it to folks there to make the decision...it's up to folks up there to decide.
Matthews: Do you think it's possible your Party will end up backing Joe Lieberman with money and help?
Mehlman: I think, I think that what everyone is going to do is look to Connecticut and let the folks in Connecticut, let the Republicans in Connecticut decide this important question.
Matthews: Do you believe that a Republican should vote for Joe Lieberman or should vote the candidate of your Party? You've got an opportunity to endorse. Who are you endorsing?
A simple question, right? Apparently not, because Mehlman then strapped on his dance shoes and started tapping...
Dance, Ken, dance:
Mehlman: I endorse Chris Matthews. I think it's up to the Republicans individually to make that decision.
Matthews: You're not going to endorse, you're not going to ask the people. We've got a bunch of Republicans in Connecticut watching this show right now. Do you want them to vote for Joe or for Alan?
Mehlman: I think, I think, look, I think they're going to make their decision on the issues of the day...
Matthews: Are you endorsing Alan? You're not talking straight here, Ken. You always talk straight on this show. Are you now, on television, endorsing, do you want Republicans in Connecticut to vote for the Republican candidate or do you want them to vote for Joe Lieberman? Which one?
Mehlman: I'm letting Republicans in Connecticut make that decision, that's the right way I think it should go...
Matthews: Ken, last question...who should I give that money to. Should I give it to Alan Schlesinger, the Republican candidate who I hear is pretty weak, or should I give it to a guy who I really respect on the Democratic side, Joe Lieberman? Who are you going to tell that guy to give his money to?
Mehlman: People never get past the first question because I tell them to give it to Ken Mehlman, I need it.
Matthews: Pardon me, I didn't, go ahead, Ken, say that again.
Mehlman: I told them, I tell them to give it to me. Give it to the Republican National Committee.
Matthews: And what will you do with it?
Mehlman: I will spend it to win elections, to keep our majority in the House and the Senate.
Matthews: You are, I can't believe that you've let this opportunity pass, out there in Cleveland, you're trying to get Mike DeWine re-elected, and yet I give you a perfect chance to endorse a Republican for election in the United States Senate and you hesitate to do that.
Mehlman: What I, what I, what I said to you in response was I think it's going to be up to individuals in the state to make that decision. Certainly our Party has nominated a good man and I like him and respect him, I agree with him on most issues...
Matthews: Do you say this same thing about, uh, you're in Ohio. Are you going to tell people to vote for Mike DeWine or just leave it up to them? Where do you stand on that one?
Mehlman: I, I certainly spent the day telling people to vote for Mike DeWine, and...
Matthews: Then why not Alan Schlesinger?
Mehlman: When I, when I go to Connecticut, you can follow me there too.
And then Chris finished up by saying it had been "fun."
But am I being too hard on Mr. Mehlman? Perhaps he never officially endorses a particular candidate...perhaps not. In just the past few days he's said:
The Republican Party strongly supports Rick's candidacy, and is certain he will continue to work hard for a prosperous and secure Colorado
Tim Walberg...The Republican Party fully supports his candidacy on behalf of the hard-working families in Michigan's 7th Congressional District.
Mike Bouchard...The Republican Party stands firmly behind his U.S. Senate bid.
Dick DeVos...The Republican Party strongly supports his candidacy and believes that this race serves as one of our best opportunities in the country to elect a Republican governor.
And Alan Schlesinger? Ken and the RNC want to leave that up to the good folks in Connecticut. Come on, Ken, just say it...you and the Republican National Committee endorse your favorite (former) Democrat.