The View from the Meadow

Observations of the Passing Scene

Political and Social Commentary by Dave Satre

Kinky Friedman for Governor
Singing Jewish cowboy targets top Texas office

After yet another discouraging year of the Bush presidency there may finally be a glimmer of hope on the horizon for the politically disappointed in this country. Kinky Friedman is running as an independent candidate for the governorship of Texas.

Is there anything more kinky than a musician/novelist running for governor in Texas? Possibly not, but Friedman definitely offers an alternative to the constant lying, backroom dealings and insufferable egos of today’s politicians. But, can he win the election?

Friedman’s campaign philosophy is adroitly summed up in his initial campaign slogan:

Also under consideration as a campaign slogan is his catchy response to the question, can he handle the job?

As Friedman puts it, “I think musicians can run this state better than politicians. And, hell, beauticians can run the state better than politicians.” Considering the legacy of the Texas gubernatorial reputation, which so recently included G.W. Bush, it’s not hard to see his point. Friedman could be as competent as just about anyone who’s held the job. Maybe better.

When reminded that musicians are not known for their excellent work habits, Friedman replied, "OK, so we're not gonna get a lot done early in the mornings. All right? But you know what musicians are? They're honest! And I want people in this administration that don't care about the Republicans and don't care about the Democrats --- but care about Texas. That's what I passionately care about."

When asked if he has the experience to handle the position of governor, Friedman replies, “Politics is the only field in which the more experience you have, the worse you get." Kinky has the distinct advantage here. He has absolutely no experience at all. He tells people, “Trust me, I'm a Jew, I'll hire good people."

But can he win? Friedman is appealing to the 71 percent of Texas voters that didn’t vote in the last gubernatorial election. “Every crazy redneck in Texas is already supporting me,” says Friedman.

"We're going after the young people. The politically discouraged. It is not Kinky Friedman versus Rick Perry (the current governor). It's Kinky Friedman versus apathy."

Kinky is not just an independent candidate, he is an independent thinker. It was this very attitude that led him to Dean Barkley, the campaign manager who helped put Jesse Venture into the Minnesota governor’s mansion. Barkley loves an underdog and fully believes Friedman can win.

He isn’t worried that some of Friedman's songs, such as They Ain't Makin' Jews Like Jesus Anymore might offend religious Christian voters. The fact that Friedman has never been afraid of offending people with his attitude is one of his major strengths. Friedman comes across as honest; he isn’t going to become a typical politician that just says what the polls indicate the people want to hear in order to get elected.

“If he gets on the ballot, it raises the delicious prospect of a three-way debate between the Democratic candidate, Governor Perry and Kinky,” says Barkley. It seems unlikely that an independent candidate will be invited to participate in the debates, but Barkley sees the possibility that Perry might be interested in having him participate in order to split the opposition vote. "Well, I hope he does welcome us into the debate, 'cause that's what they thought in Minnesota," says Barkley. "And guess what happened?"

Kinky Friedman’s primary campaign issues are illegal immigration and education. He is concerned that Texas’ education system, which is apparently the basis for Bush’s nationwide No Child Left Behind campaign, ranks 50th in the country.

Other issues Friedman will have to address include gay marriage and prayer in schools.

"I'll tell you right now. I'm for prayer in school," he says. "I say what's wrong with a kid believing in something? I don't care if it's a tree or a rock or something, he should believe in something.”

He supports gay marriages. He thinks that “they have every right to be just as miserable as the rest of us. And I'll tell you another thing, you won't find any candidate that supports prayer in school and gay marriage. For that reason alone, people should vote for an independent-thinking person."

Whatever the outcome of Friedman’s campaign, the early indications are that it will be both interesting and entertaining, as well as humorous, and provide a true breath of fresh air in Texas politics. For which I’m sure you’ll all join me in a hearty and grateful, “Yeeee Haaaaaa!” for the effort.