Posted on 03/03/2010 11:44:34 AM PST by SmithL
Democrat Jerry Brown, at 71 years old, is offering himself to California voters as the pragmatic, moderate and mature gubernatorial candidate with the experience to bring the state back from the brink of disaster.
But with four decades in public service and a reputation as a political chameleon, the attorney general must try to shake the one word that critics have aimed at him for the past 35 years: "Moonbeam."
Moments after Brown, who was governor from 1975 to 1983, delivered a three-minute video Tuesday announcing his candidacy, his GOP opponents began reviving memories of the nickname as shorthand for Brown's perceived failings: too liberal, too unorthodox, too unpredictable - just too out there.
But some political observers called Brown's campaign launch yet another brilliant effort to repackage the Brown legacy.
"If I were a headline writer at the New York Post, I'd probably have written it: "Moonbeam goes mainstream," quipped Bob Gardner, a political advertising veteran who heads the Advocacy Group, a crisis communications and advertising firm in San Francisco.
Peering straight into the camera during his campaign video, Brown delivered the messages of a practical realist, a centrist and even a libertarian - arguing for no new taxes, smaller government, more local control, an end to "poisonous partisanship" and budget-balancing gimmicks, along with some painful straight talk about California's dire financial situation.
Brown was given the Moonbeam label in the late 1970s not just for his idea for a state-owned communications satellite but because he broke the political mold. He opted to live in a one-bedroom apartment instead of the governor's mansion, turned down the state-paid limo to drive his own Plymouth, and was so austere that other California politicians loved to recount stories about his thriftiness.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
Moonbeam is a typical lying leftist.
Rose Bird
I want a copy of the bumper sticker (or one of the originals) going around in 1974, “If It’s Brown, Flush It”
Absolutely right! But some activist judge found a loophole so we’re stuck with him.
Steve Poizner spoke at our club last night. He laid out his plans, and answered every question in a thoughtful, calm manner. I had not made up my mind until last night. I’ll vote for Steve. I may even campaign for him. Meg’s deceitful tactics are more than nasty, and the Howard Jarvis people should be ashamed for the deal they cut with her.
words fail me...Jerry Brown is like Great-Grandma’s old motheaten luggage that you can never be rid of no matter what you do. Even Goodwill won’t take it.
Many of us thought we saw the end to Communism when the Berling wall came down, too...
I sure hope not. If you think California is in trouble now just wait....
Sorry Jerry, California is already drowning in mental midgets and the country doesn’t need you to cause the commode bucket to run over.
A couple of years back ol’ Jerry was on our plane to Puerto Vallarta. Prior to boarding he was apparently trying to be bumped up to first class — request denied as he ended up by us in the cattle car. Then, at the PV airport — which is the size of a postage stamp — he was obviously clueless as to how to get around and had to be led to baggage claim and the exit by his female companion. A complete and utter doofus.
Just find that old speech from his presidential run where he talks about “exploring space and colonizing the stars.” that should do it.
Not a friggin chance ... shame he’s a member in good standing of Estanislao Chapter 58 of E Clampus Vitus (clampers) ... oh ... and so is Gary Condit
If I were Steve Poizner (the real conservative in the race), I’d simply show photos of downtown Oakland. Boarded up, homeless everywhere, high crime. Brown brought nothing . I’d remind people about his liberal judges - like Rose Bird, who was so awful the people of California passed a law for the sole purpose of throwing her out on her butt.
I’d also remind them that Brown refused to support the vote of the people for Proposition 8 when suit was filed against the state.
Who could forget, I even remember his father, lets hope this does not happen again.
When in fact he is the architect of that disaster, by allowing State employees to unionize.
I can’t believe he’s running again. Is this the best California Dems have to offer?
I still call him Linda Ronstrat little groupie LOL!
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