Pat Paulsen For President
16/04/25 15:54
April 16, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 17) - Tired of writing about that schmuck in the White House, I decided to turn my attention to one of the great leaders of America's not-too-distant past, Patrick Layton Paulsen. OK, I realize that most Americans under the age of 70 may be scratching their heads and saying, "Who?" But he was an inspirational leader introduced to us in 1967 as a writer and performer on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, a show that provided some of the most astute political commentary at that time. Paulsen was a deadpan satirist who we first came to know for his outrageous editorials. However, during the presidential election year of 1968, the Brothers took things a step further, showcasing Paulsen as a candidate for president running on the Strait-Talking American Government (STAG) Party. And, as you will see in this clip, the man could really turn a phrase. Unfortunately, Paulsen lost that election to Richard Nixon - and, in fact, to everyone else as well. He made one of the greatest concession speeches in American history. One of my favorite books on my personal bookshelf is Paulsen's How to Wage a Successful Campaign for the Presidency, published in 1972 at a price of only $2.95 a copy. In it, he wrote, "In America, any boy can grow up to become President. Or, if he never grows up, Vice President." One of the chapters in the book is entitled "Choosing Your Party: Democrat, Republican or Tupperware." Why did Paulsen want to become President? He said it was because with the job you get "a big house, a big plane, $100,000 salary and it's the only government job that does not require a civil service examination." In light of the outrageous lunacy of today's political scene, how could you not vote for a man like Paulsen? Unfortunately, Patrick Layton Paulsen died in 1977 at the age of 69. Come to think of it, that changes nothing. Considering today's offerings, how could you still not vote for a man like Paulsen? That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.