Yeah, I'm up here.
And I give him fucking kudo's for saying fuck you to the media. It was getting to the point of obsurdity the last year he was in office. Every day it was some other "breaking scandal" like his 17 year old kid having *gasp* a party with friends at the governors mansion (yeah.. a kid had a party at his dad's house. holy shit.).
Like they tried to get kids to go "undercover" with hidden cameras and stuff, to try to see if there was underage drinking. Then the media would just blow up every little tiny comment he'd make that might be not totally PC into some huge deal where "Ventura hates the Irish" or whatever the minority group of the day was. I think if I were him, I would have been disgusted by it and refused to run again too. Having some fun with his ex-wrestling career and somewhat off-key public persona is one thing - totally ignoring all the good he's trying to do is another.
There are not ANY politicians I have respect for like I do Ventura. He was able to at least attempt some very serious and important policy changes while in office (even with a legislator trying to block every single thing he tried just out of spite), while retaining his sense of humor and never being afraid to speak out.
I wish Ventura 2008.
He'd be the only politician I'd ever feel good enough to actually even consider volunteering for. However, even that said.. I don't really think he'd have a shot since it's so largely dependent on the media taking you seriously. Out of all the third party folks, I think he would have the best chance though.
Ah well, good times.
-Phil