Demagogue

I suspect most of our readers have heard the word, but, just in case you haven't, the Associated Press reported yesterday:

Republican U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris, who was praised and vilified for her role as Florida's secretary of state in the 2000 presidential recount, said Tuesday she will run for the U.S. Senate next year against Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson.

Her announcement brings a high-profile name and the potential to raise a substantial amount of money to a race that Republicans already have said they would target.

"Today, after months of encouragement from friends and constituents, colleagues and advisers, many prayers and with the love and support of my family, the time has come to launch a campaign for the U.S. Senate," Harris said.

Harris would have us believe that it took "months of encouragement" to lead her to enter the Senate race. Yeah, right.

Nearly all politicians like to present themselves as reluctant candidates, but Harris' quote is obviously bullsh*t. As the very same AP article noted:

[Harris] considered running for Senate last year after popular Democrat Bob Graham announced his retirement. After weeks of speculation, she said she would run later, just not in 2004.