Video: Vermont gubernatorial candidate Peter Shumlin (D) poorly executes his lame attempt at a surprise visit on the headquarters of challenger Brian Dubie (R) prior to a scheduled broadcast debate nearby. Swing and big miss for Shumlin but you be the judge.
Notice Shumlin, flanked by rolling cameras (statewide TV news) and others in this obvious set-up intended to embarrass an unprepared challenger. Dubie was not at the location when Shumlin arrived with a box of central casting donuts.
Also, notice the Dubie spokesperson who steps up and hits out the talking points and then hands the copy to Dubie’s challenger and then generously offers Shumlin some Dubie bumper stickers. She did everything but offer him a fresh diaper for the walk over to the debate.
It looks like someone at Brian Dubie’s office got a heads-up call in order to have a video camera rolling and aiming at the door as Shumlin came it. Judging by the entourage of supporters and media, the parking lot activity was likely not difficult to notice from within the Dubie campaign office.
Politics is a full-contact sport but Peter Shumlin played it like flag scrimmage.
My friend, Mo, had the best line on this one: “That’s what happens when you bring donuts to a pie-throwing contest!”