The "Would you have a beer with this person" Credential....

I have, since I became of legal drinking age, frequently used the hypothetical "would I want to have a beer with this person" as a test of my true feelings about a public figure. I recognize the many shortcomings of this analysis and that no one but me cares whether or not I would want to have a beer with a public figure. However in this election year, when the dung is flying like it had wings, I thought this was a good non-partisan topic and a good record of my personal vetting of those in the political square.



Bill Clinton. I never voted for Bill Clinton. I liked some things he did as president, disliked others. As our president, I detested his lack of conviction for anything but his own political fortunes. However, would I have a beer with Bill Clinton, you bet I would. Imagine the stories that guy could tell. I also bet that we wouldn't have just one beer and might even start getting into the scotch before the evening was over. I guess there would be a lot of cutie girls hanging around as well. Would I have a beer with Bill if his wife were to tag along? That is a high tariff to pay, and frankly I think that it would take all the fun out of the event, so Bill Clinton solo...you bet! Beers and cigars. Bill with his betrothed...not so much.



Another guy I think would be a blast for beers, but who I am guessing is more likely a whiskey drinker would be James Carville. While he is a pit bull's pit bull in the political arena and I rarely am backing his candidate, I love his conversations, his analogies, and his ability to emote such pure disgust for his opponents. I think he is smart, funny, and on the wrong side of the political aisle, but would he be a great drinking buddy, without question.



While she might not have time as the mother of five kids and the governor of Alaska, I have to think that Sarah Palin would be fun to chat with over a beer. I bet she drinks beer and likes it. I would like to hear her hunting and fishing stories and how she toppled the entrenched and corrupt republican pinheads in her state. Sarah Palin would easily pass the beer test, but she might have to leave early to tend to all that is on her plate.



Barack Obama....I know I am not voting for him, I disagree with many of his ever changing positions on the issues. However, I think he is sincere in what he is and I think he would be a great person to have a few drinks with and debate great pie in the sky issues. I am guessing he be a rather philosophical conversationalist, so I may have to get my points in early in the night while I am still on my game rather than after the third pitcher.



John McCain...I have the utmost respect for John McCain. Do I want to have a beer with him....maybe not.

I cannot imagine having a beer with Joe Biden. I think it would be one of those conversations where I spend a lot of time admiring the art work hanging on the wall as I quietly sip my beer, looking for either a way to enter the one-way conversation or a way to go home.