Friday, April 11, 2008
Politics Pith and Padgett: Perfect Together
Posted by Matt Pulle on Fri, Apr 11, 2008 at 4:23 PM
As we might have mentioned once or twice before, we've had trouble getting in touch with the elusive, Saab-driving Bob Tuke, who is (allegedly) running in the Democratic primary for Senate and doesn't like answering questions that make him uncomfortable. Fortunately, we were able to catch up with Tuke's likable opponent, Mike Padgett, and, well, we went all Tim Russert on him.
Below is an excerpt of our blistering interview. Journalism students take note.
Pith: When did you first realize that you would make a great U.S. Senator?
Padgett: About the time gasoline hit $3 a gallon.
Pith: How about those Vols?
Padgett: I couldn't be prouder! I expect someone will be putting Pat Summitt up for a voting membership at Belle Meade Country Club most any day now. Heck, why not the whole team, bless their hearts?!
Pith: What are your thoughts on Sen. Alexander's decision to back CCA corporate counsel Gus Puryear to the federal bench? Bob Tuke doesn't have any.
Padgett: Well, I don't run in Nashville legal circles, so I don't know Mr. Puryear. But I do know Senator Alexander's record as a card-carrying member of the "ol' boys'" network.
Pith: What advice would you give Bob Tuke when he decides to run for juvenile court clerk?
Padgett: Oh, I hadn't heard he was getting out of this race. I'd tell him that if he wants to get into public service, he has to start somewhere, like I did more than 20 years ago.
Pith: Bob Tuke doesn't have think he needs to have opinions on pertinent political issues? Do you?
Padgett: As I said, I haven't had time to think about Bob's stands on the issues. I have been too busy trying to figure out just what Senator Alexander DID when he was UT president and the secretary of education for Bush I.
Pith: Do you like puppies? I would ask your opponent, but he won't call me back.
Padgett: I like puppies. In fact, my English bulldog, Molly, is on our steering committee. And I'll bet Bob likes puppies, too. Lighten up on the fellow, Matt. He's got a lot on him right now.
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