July 03, 2007
Hunter: Ann Coulter Approaching 'Great American' Status
Looks like the Edwardses aren't the only ones (allegedly) turning to Ann Coulter for a little media attention.
Duncan Hunter, one of the lesser-known GOP presidential candidates, sought to capture a bit of Coulter stardust last night on MSNBC's "Hardball." When asked to weigh in on the recent on-air spat between Coulter and Elizabeth Edwards, wife of Democratic candidate John Edwards, Hunter didn't shy away from professing his love for the acerbic conservative commentator.
"In this case, Ann Coulter is a very articulate spokeswoman for the conservative view," Hunter gushed. With a wink, he continued, "But I think, especially since Ann Coulter said nice things about me, I think she's closely approaching that level of being a great American."
Yes, that's right. Coulter may get more press when she calls people names, but she does say nice things sometimes, and on more than one occasion she has praised Hunter as the ideal conservative candidate in the GOP field.
But does a Coulter endorsement help or hurt Hunter? On the one hand, he needs all the attention he can get. He remains stuck in the single digits in most state and national polls, and with his signature issue of immigration now on the back burner, may find himself struggling to find a new niche.
Coulter, meanwhile, is arguably the most visible (and naturally, the most vocal) supporter to back Hunter's candidacy thus far. By casting her comments about the Edwardses as part of a larger crusade against liberal whiners and out-of-control political correctness, Hunter was tapping into a sentiment that resonates well with conservative primary voters.
However, even they might think Coulter has crossed the line. The conservative blogosphere's outcry over Coulter's use of an anti-gay slur directed at Edwards earlier this year seemed to indicate that her clout with the right is waning. The fact that no other GOP presidential candidates (most of whom have much more to lose than Hunter) rushed to defend her is further indication that a Coulter endorsement is not as meaningful as the mainstream media might suggest.
(Photo of Coulter courtesy of Anthony Catalano; publicity photo of Hunter.)
Posted at 1:50 PM
Posted to:
Ann Coulter, Duncan Hunter
Share via
