Coulrophobia and the GOP

Bachmann on John Wayne Gacy Gaffe: I’m Not Perfect

“People can make mistakes and I wish I could be perfect every time I say something, but I can’t.”

Yes! That is how you own it. Touchdown, right?

The parents of John Wayne the actor lived in Waterloo for a time, she pointed out. But the technicalities were beside the point, she added. “Of course, the main point I was making are the sensibilities of John Wayne, which is patriotism, love of country, standing up for our nation, that positive enthusiasm is what America’s all about,” Bachmann said.

Damn. She fumbled at the 5 yard line. She should have just stopped at admitting her mistake. She ruins it by saying essentially, “He wasn’t from here, but you know his parents lived here.” Um, OK. Then she says she really meant the other John Wayne. Well, we knew that.

All politicians screw up. There aren’t 57 states, and FDR wasn’t president when the stock market crashed. If you’re going to own it, own it. Don’t add the explanation, excuses, etc.

Anyway, it was the subject of the gaffe that made me do a double take. John Wayne Gacy. The serial killer. He was one sick son of a bitch. He killed 33 teenage boys in a span of 6 years. Yeah? And? I know serial killers abound in the news and movies, but Gacy was extra special. He had an alter ego. “Pogo the Clown.” He’d dress up as Pogo for community fundraisers and kids’ parties. Wonderful.

I never had a problem with clowns when I was little. They were silly and colorful. Then, I learned about John Wayne Gacy and saw that picture. He totally ruined clowns for me. They creep me out now. This is how my twisted mind works: Clowns –> John Wayne Gacy –> serial killer –> clowns stabbing me.

Message to Michele: Like you said, we make mistakes. But clowns and serial killers? The lyrics to Insane Clown Posse’s song Fearless comes to mind: “What’s the matter? What’s the matter? Are you scared?” Hell yeah I am! I know you can’t choose your gaffes. Next time, though, I hope it has something to do with puppies and flowers. Now, if you’ll excuse me. I have to go check the closet and under the bed. Again.