A man named Ford Bell is running for the DFL (Democratic) nomination for Senate this year, seeking to succeeed Senator Mark Dayton, whose performance was so pathetic that he didn't bother running for re—election.

Dr. Bell is a veterinarian, which is a very honorable profession. But it may not supply quite the proper set of metaphors for a Democrat politician seeking voters. Witness his attempt at alarmist rhetoric on health care:

'As a veterinarian, I know perfectly well that having a significant part of your herd (47 million people) without health care isn't good, not when we're worried about bioterrorism and avian influenza and other pandemics. We can't afford that many people without health care.' [emphasis added]

Leaving aside the mistaken contention that the uninsured lack all health care, calling voters a herd is probably a mistake, even if the good doctor regards them as sheep.

Thomas Lifson  1 12 06