The Berger/Page Meet-Up

 

I found the time to watch the Phil Berger vs. Sam Page "town hall." The event was hosted by the Rockingham Co. Republican Party on Feb. 5th and featured an odd format: the two candidates had been given four questions -- some of them pretty sharp and specific about negative advertising -- and both Berger and Page got to read aloud what they had written -- essentially, canned talking points (and Berger's much better at that than Page) -- so there was nothing alive or spontaneous about their "joint appearance" -- except my getting to witness Phil Berger, seated not two feet from his nemesis and looking like death, hear without wincing Sam Page blame him for the repeal of the Bathroom Bill. The repeal. So Sam Page wants to bring back the Bathroom Bill.

A high point for me was when Berger read his accusation that the Democratic Party was actively meddling in the primary. "They want Sam Page to win because I'm so effective in the Senate." That's a paraphrase. And it's the absolute truth. I don't know a Democratic operative who wouldn't applaud a Berger loss. If Berger collapses ... is grist for fantasy.

But Sheriff Sam Page? He presents as kind of a clown to be honest. With Berger beside him in "business casual" (no tie), Page shows up like he's playing an 1890s Utah sheriff, in red plaid shirt overlaid by a grey outdoorsman vest, the ensemble topped by a big black Western hat. Page takes himself very seriously. His white handlebar mustache added just the right splash of light under the dark brim of that cowboy hat.

They both touted their devotion to Trump and their closeness to trumpism, though Sam Page actually implicated the president for offering a bribe. The President called me, Page said, and I was very appreciative of the call. He actually offered me a high level job in his administration. 

Give the sheriff credit for not taking the bribe.