The Inauguration of Unintended Consequences
January 19th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
With Austin finally thawing out a bit, the capitol work crews just yesterday took down the unused decorations and grandstands from Perry’s inauguration. Proving that one man’s iced-out (literally, not chopped and screwed) inauguration is another’s unexpected bounty, Perry’s caterers adjusted to low turnout at the traditional BBQ lunch by feeding any and all comers, including about 500 homeless people.
Later that evening, with the cuff-links off, the governor also put a little twist on his post-inauguration celebration. Perry made an unscheduled appearance on stage to team up with country singer Clay Walker in a Texified duet of “Sweet Home Alabama.” The video is here. (Thanks to commenter Mshawk for the tip.)
January 19th, 2007 at 6:31 pm
Unless I misheard the gov and Clay Walker, they sang, “In Austin, Texas they love the governor.”
Election Results from Travis County:
Chris Bell (D) 101,989
Rick Perry (R) 59,794
Carole Strayhorn (I) 31,090
Kinky Friedman (I) 30,519
Votes against Perry: 163,598
I think the more appropriate line would have been, “In Austin, Texas they’d love to see the governor gone.”
February 4th, 2007 at 9:06 pm
“Sweet Home Alabam” in a tailored Italian tuxedo, starched shirt, silk socks and patent leather pumps? He should have taken off more than the cufflinks - the fancy shoes, tux and shirt should have been traded for overalls and bare feet.
It would have been funny to see the dapper and dignified Rick Perry, who is always impeccably dressed, singing country songs in dusty overalls and bare feet. Maybe auction off his formal clothes as a joke. It might at might at least have been funny. What a ridiculous choice of song!