The Most Difficult Job in Louisiana Politics

Communications Director for Senator David Vitter.

The last one moved to the Ukraine. Seriously.

Today, thanks to The Dead Pelican, we get this:

Hello, this is Joel DiGrado, Sen. Vitter’s Communications Director. The senator is on his way to a lunch with the LA delegation, but I wanted to let you know that in the spirit of this week, Sen. Vitter announced that his “dates” to today’s delegation lunch would be Mary Landrieu and Cedric Richmond. I trust the press will applaud this for weeks since this is bipartisan and bicameral.

Also, Sen. Landrieu and Rep. Richmond are from New Orleans and Sen. Vitter is from Metairie. Some others in the delegation thought that’s the same area, but Sen. Vitter explained it’s actually opposite ends of the universe. This just shows what can happen when we’re united by higher common goals…like not getting caught in between Reps. Boustany and Landry when the food fight over redistricting erupts.

I’m sure Joel is a nice guy, and no doubt, he’s probably overworked and underpaid. But Joel, this is exactly the kind of inside-the-Beltway snark you guys should avoid: Look at Vitter! He’s having lunch with two other members of the Louisiana delegation from the Greater New Orleans area! See! He’s bipartisan! He deserves to be applauded by the press for weeks!

No, no, Joel, your boss is just doing his job. You don’t need to write a press advisory, even though it may seem like a remarkable and unusual occurrence. Yes, it’s assuring that the junior Senator from Louisiana is at least willing to have lunch with our senior Senator and Congressman Richmond, but when you ask the press to pat your boss on the back for this, you’re only undermining Mr. Vitter’s earnestness and credibility.

Also, sorry, but Metairie and New Orleans aren’t on “opposite ends of the universe;” Metairie is a suburb of New Orleans. From a United States Senator, the joke isn’t funny; it’s stupid, and it reinforces stupid stereotypes and generalizations. It reminds Louisianans that Mr. Vitter may not entirely appreciate or understand the range of issues affecting people living in New Orleans. From a United States Senator, it comes across as condescending, flippant, and dismissive.

But in fairness, Joel, I know you’re just doing your job, and without question, you have the most difficult job in Louisiana politics.