The following is the top of Connecticut Magazine Editor Charles Monagan’s take on why state Atty. Gen. Richard Blumenthal made up stories about serving in Vietnam:
Anyone who has been involved in Connecticut politics or media (or both) over the past 20 or so years knows all about Dick Blumenthal’s tremendous drive to be seen, to be known of, and to be admired. His pace is relentless and his energy unflagging as his office issues press release after press release, he offers statement after statement, and then pinballs around the state to what seems like every ribbon cutting, small-town pep rally and photo op. At Connecticut Magazine, we have been gathering photos from Connecticut social events and putting them in the magazine for nearly 40 years. There is no questions but that Dick Blumenthal has appeared in more of them – published or not – than anyone else. By far. The man is never home.
What could be fueling this endless making of the rounds? Well, political ambition, obviously. But in politics he has been a most reluctant player, always secure as Attorney General and never sure about running for higher office until this year. Dig a little deeper into Blumenthal (and many other of his fellow office seekers) and you’ll find that classic need to be loved and admired, and well known, and, if possible, in everyone’s home with his name on everyone’s lips. I have literally been elbowed out of the way by Blumenthal as he flew into camera range like a whippet going after a Frisbee. It was so important for him to be in that picture, to be seen by whomever would see it. That happened more than 20 years ago, but it was so extraordinary that I’ve never forgotten it.
The most important thing a politican like Blumenthal wants to do when facing a roomful of new faces is to identify with them, to instantly strike a rapport and be a friend. If you are speaking to teachers, open with a story about an admired uncle who was a teacher. Was he really an uncle or just a friend of the family? What difference does it make – it was a good story and it struck the right tone. If you are speaking to a group of sportsmen, tell an entertaining story about spending a weekend in a Maine hunting camp. Did you actually spend the days reading by the fireplace? Well, that’s okay – no one needs to know. And if you’re speaking to a group of war veterans . . .
Check out the rest of his blog and other worthy items here.
Blumey shounds like a very sick man. He should retire and go away.