Great Moments in Hyperbole
Greg Wallace (from What Attitude Problem?) writes in with this observation on the slippery slope of continuous variable exaggeration:
Interesting post you have on Dr. Cranford and his 105% certainty of his diagnosis. It reminds me that George McGovern was 1,000 percent behind Thomas Eagleton when the story first broke that he had received electroshock therapy for depression. And we all saw how that turned out.
Greg refers to the star-crossed 1972 Democratic ticket and George McGovern's unyielding support for his running mate, Missouri Senator Thomas Eagleton. More from the History Channel:
Controversy soon arose when it was revealed that Eagleton had been hospitalized for nervous exhaustion three times during the 1960s and had twice received electric shock therapy as a treatment for depression. Eagleton confirmed the reports, and McGovern defended his running mate, saying, "I'm behind him 1,000 percent." However, just a few days later, McGovern changed his mind and asked Eagleton to step down under pressure from party leaders and the press.
I guess that's what 1,000% certainty buys you in politics, a few days. A hard lesson learned for Eagleton. And that wasn't the only one. More from Snake Soup for the Presidential Candidate's Soul.
The sad story of Thomas Eagleton is a story with many lessons, all of them worth their weight in Zig Ziglar seminars. His is the story, however, of one great lesson that every man who would seek the highest office in the land (or the number two spot) should learn: If you need help, for God's sake don't get it!
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