VERITAS: FUMBLE - CLINTON'S METAPHOR OVERLOAD

With election day in the state of New Jersey inching closer, gubernatorial candidates are rallying for voter support. A string of Democratic Party notables have been front and centre, throwing their support behind Governor Jon Corzine, who’s in a tight race against Republican Chris Christie. One such notable, is former U.S. President Bill Clinton who chose to deliver some advice to voters in the form of (overly) colourful metaphors. Clinton urged voters to avoid acting rashly during an election, comparing them to race-car drivers: “The ones who are fearful and can’t concentrate and can’t calm down run into the wall.” The problem is that the very candidate he was trying to support, Corzine, actually did “run into the wall” during a terrible crash which nearly cost him his life two years ago. Clinton went on to cast the voters as quarterbacks who “keep looking at the field, even when these 300-pound behemoths are about to crush them.” His comments earned a few laughs, but not for the right reasons. Throughout the campaign, the Democrats have been accused of playing up Chris Christie’s weight problem. Now they can add this jab to the list. Out of the gate, Clinton made it seem that he hadn’t done his homework with the race-car metaphor. His follow-up blow was a little too close for comfort, though. Sometimes, a little body check makes the game exciting – but a dirty hit could earn you a penalty. Judging by his love of sports metaphors, Clinton will surely understand what we mean when we say, this play is worthy of a Fumble.