As some of the more online among our readers may be aware and we’ll forgive them if not, an exchange between Gov. Jared Polis and Republican challenger Hiedi Heidi Ganahl at their debate last week in Grand Junction has enjoyed a curious afterlife, becoming by far the most-discussed moment of the series of debates between Colorado’s gubernatorial candidates. As Colorado Public Radio reported from the scene:
“I am mad,” said Ganahl. “I am a mad mom. We have skyrocketing crime, out of control inflation, a huge fentanyl problem that’s killing our kids, and our kids can’t read, write or do math at grade level. I have a right to be angry and I represent a lot of parents.”
Polis responded, “my opponent identified herself as a mad mom. I identify myself as a happy dad of two great kids, 11 and eight, raising my kids in the best state of all the states, great outdoors. We love our freedom. I will always protect our freedom.”
After some contemplation, Ganahl apparently realized that “mad mom” is not a positive branding experience, at least not to a majority of Colorado voters:
NEW: @heidiganahl tells KOA that she never called herself a mad mom before @jaredpolis said Ganahl identified as such. She calls it offensive. Here’s Ganahl earlier in the same debate: “I’m a mom on a mission that’s pretty darn mad.” #cogov #copolitics pic.twitter.com/VeiC6ovnzg
— Kyle Clark (@KyleClark) October 27, 2022
But by this morning’s in-kind contribution guest column at Fox News, Ganahl was over her offense:
Our current governor mocked me in a debate last week for being a “mad mom.” Yes, I am indeed a mad mom. I wear that badge proudly. [Pols emphasis]
No really, she’s over it, to the extent that “Mad Mom” is now the Ganahl campaign’s rallying cry:
And that, gentle readers, marks the most whiplash-inducing turnabout from “how dare you” to “you’re damn right” since Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men! When you’re down by an average of fifteen points in the polls one week from Election Day, you’re obliged to grasp at whatever straws are available. The main problem here is that few voters know anything about the origin story of the “Mad Mom” tagline from last week’s debate, even Ganahl’s embellished version. They’re just going to see the words “Mad Mom,” without the vital context that makes it…
Slightly less offensive to moms everywhere, we guess? It’s too late to poll test.
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More like "Mommy Dearest."
Brace yourself for at least one more bizarre publicity stunt before next Tuesday. They just can’t not.
Meanwhile Fat Donnie’s little #TraitorTot used his two firing neurons (between snowstorms in his nostrils) to weigh in on Paul Pelosi…
Ganahl has acted so much the fool during this campaign that I wonder what impact it will have on her business post-campaign. There aren't enough MAGAs around to keep it afloat.
From the 2012 Republican convention:
MAGAs don’t take their dogs to day care. They simply chain them to the back of the trailer or to the junk yard chain link fence.
It’s the kind of frivolity that the educated elites indulge in. In other words, Democrats.
My pooch got a nasty infection from Camp Bow Wow and so no more Ganahl day camp for him. 6 weeks of antibiotics. But feeling much better after jettisoning Ganahl. Looking forward to that feeling myself in a week
It'll be interesting to see whether she breaks into a NO!!! WIRE!!!! HANGERS!!!! rant from the podium.
.
Mad as a hatter, or perhaps mad cow, yes.
Otherwise, this is nothing but more maga-asshat feigned ‘indignation’ and manufactured ‘outrage.’ Sooo bloody transparent.
Now they’re just throwing s–t at a wall, hoping something — anything — sticks.
Nice try, Hidey. Stupid, pointless, ineffectual, obvious. But nice.
Maybe her #MadMoms could run on over to a Bennet rally and thank Michael for his part in passing the Childhood Tax Credit bill (and remember it was Republicans and Joe Manchin who killed the extension).
One of the best pro-life pieces of legislation to pass Congress.
How did we lift so many out of poverty? Government programs:
That Northgate Event Center where Ganahl is holding the Mad Mom rally is by Mullen High School and just east of the Fort Logan Cemetery . The Northgate Center always flies the Gadsden “Don’t Tread On Me” flag, usually above the US or Colorado flag on the pole.
I think it’s insulting to the dead soldiers buried across the street.
Also not a good look for someone who wants to govern Colorado.