Dave Weigel notices Nixon calling Fred Thompson stupid:
Last week we learned that young Fred Thompson was a willing shill for the Nixon administration. This week we learn Nixon's opinion of Thompson.
"Oh shit, that kid," Nixon said when told by his chief of staff, H.R. Haldeman, of Thompson's appointment on Feb. 22, 1973.
"Well, we're stuck with him," Haldeman said.
In a meeting later that day in the Old Executive Office Building, Baker assured Nixon that Thompson was up to the task. "He's tough. He's six feet five inches, a big mean fella," the senator told Nixon.
Remember, this is the key reason Zach Wamp gives for supporting President Fred. More from Nixon:
Nixon expressed concern that Thompson was not "very smart."
"Not extremely so," [Nixon's lawyer, J. Fred] Buzhardt agreed.
"But he's friendly," Nixon said.
As Dave says, this sounds great. "Give [Thompson] some ice cream and a shiny dime and he'll be distracted for hours." Let's hope no change drops on the floor during the man's presidency.
Actually, on second thought, maybe we should hope lots of change drops to the floor.
