There are some really stupid people in Maine politics.
But Mike Michaud isn’t one of them.
Michaud, the Democratic U.S. representative from the 2nd Congressional District and his party’s candidate for governor, is never going to be invited to join Mensa. But the myth that he’s a dope stems from misinterpretations of a couple of his personal traits and one very big character flaw.
Not his flaw, though. It belongs to his critics.
The issue of Michaud’s alleged lack of smarts got thrust into the mainstream media a couple of weeks ago when Democratic state Sen. Geoffrey Gratwick of Bangor was surreptitiously recorded by a constituent as he campaigned door to door. In the heavily edited clips released by the state Republican Party, Gratwick can be heard saying Michaud is “not a brain guy.”
Gratwick then goes on to say that if the gubernatorial contest were a two-way race between Michaud and independent Eliot Cutler, he’d prefer Cutler.
In the wake of this controversy, I’ve heard comments to the effect that Gratwick may not be a “brain guy” himself for having been coaxed into making such ill-advised remarks. But I‘ve also been told repeatedly that his assessment of Michaud’s intelligence was, if anything, too kind.
I haven’t spoken with Michaud since his days as a Maine legislator more than a decade ago, but during his years in Augusta, I interviewed him dozens of times. My assessment: He was uncomfortable when a microphone was thrust in his face. Even when he knew the reporter, he was rarely at ease during an interview, and he certainly wasn’t articulate. Most of his vocabulary seemed to consist of “um” and “ah.” If you were looking for punchy soundbites, you’d best keep searching.
Michaud graduated from high school, but never went to college. His lack of higher education is a rarity at his level of politics, and probably contributes to his inability to be glib. But over the years, he’s schooled himself in the way government works, and he has a solid, practical understanding of issues. If I made enough of an effort in my interviews with him, I often got some insight into what was really going on in the Legislature, because he understood the process better than most of his colleagues.
That should be obvious to his critics. Michaud learned how the strings were pulled from John Martin – at that time the autocratic, all-powerful speaker of the Maine House. Michaud put that knowledge to good use, serving credibly as both chairman of the Appropriations Committee and president of the state Senate. Those are complicated jobs. No stupid person could fake his way through them.
That doesn’t make him a “brain guy,” but it places him several notches above the average legislator.
So how come the perception he’s a clunkhead has such staying power?
In Gratwick’s case, I think there were two factors at work. First, he was campaigning in Bangor, Cutler’s hometown and a city he carried in the 2010 governor’s race. Gratwick said nice things about Cutler because he was sucking up to a voter. Legislative candidates do this all the time, and it’s hardly worth noting their petty dishonesties.
The second reason Gratwick might disparage Michaud’s intelligence is considerably nastier. It’s called elitism, and there’s a lot of it going around.
Gratwick is a medical doctor, a specialist in rheumatism and arthritis according to his website. He comes from a background and lives in a world far different from that of a Franco-American millworker such as Michaud. Likewise, Cutler, the son of well-to-do parents and a Cape Elizabeth millionaire lawyer, never hesitates to brush off Michaud as a lightweight, unworthy of the Blaine House.
Like many of Michaud’s critics, they’re predisposed to snobbery. And like the candidates Michaud beat in his many runs for office, they’re inclined to underestimate his mental capabilities.
None of the above should be interpreted as an endorsement of Michaud for governor. It’s fair to criticize him for flip-flopping on issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage. He’s got a record of failing to address persistent problems in areas ranging from health care to veterans services to welfare. He has yet to demonstrate he has the imagination or vision needed to lead the state in a positive direction.
But that doesn’t make him a stupid politician. It just makes him a typical one.
But let’s get back to that inarticulate thing. Here’s the esteemed Dr. Gratwick verbatim from the ambush tape: “So, Michaud is… [inaudible] Michaud is … umm he’s not the … he’s good, he’s good, he’s strong, high average, but he’s not a brain guy.”
That’s followed by this: “Appears I would have probably if it were Michaud and Cutler, I probably would have probably voted for Cutler, because I think he’s probably more measured and brighter.”
I would probably not go around probably disparaging other people’s intelligence if I probably couldn’t talk better than that. Probably.
Smart comments can be emailed to me at aldiamon@herniahill.net.
I attended a Michaud rally a few weeks ago. I heard him speak and later shook hands and exchanged a few words.
I found Mike Michaud to be articulate,pleasant and down to earth.
I think he will make a good governor. I think he has the political savvy to accomplish his goals; something that is lacking in Cutler and LePage . I think both of them have some good ideas, but don’t have the skills and experience to see them come to fruition.
I don’t know who the hell would even consider voting for LePage. Not only has he done a successful job of tearing apart this state and offending people, he now is saying he’s not even going to attend debates because he doesn’t want to share the stage with Michaud. What an arrogant $%@#. I cannot wait for Mike to take over and finally get this state on the right track. We need to be investing in innovation, education and uniting Mainers. Not giving rich people tax cuts at the expense of state workers so they can “go create jobs.” Because it would be just so devastating if you didn’t get a two million dollar yacht every year.
“Mike Michaud…articulate,pleasant and down to earth.
I think he will make a good governor. I think he has the political savvy to accomplish his goals; something that is lacking in Cutler and LePage . I think both of them have some good ideas, but don’t have the skills and experience to see them come to fruition.”
I’ll second that, snowman.
Well, Rob S, not only am I considering voting for LePage, now (thanks to your arrogant, ignorant post) I am definitely voting for him. I will have an especially wide grin on my face come November 4th as I relish in the fact that my vote is cancelling yours.
“Because it would be so devastating if you didn’t get a two million dollar yacht every year.”
…speaking of idiotic comments. If I bought one, the day it becomes your business, Rob S, a really hot place will have frozen over.
I am one of the idiots considering voting for LePage and now I know that I will be voting for him.
If my comment is the reason why you’re voting for LePage, you’re the idiot. Don’t be lazy, check the facts and vote for the person who best fits your views. My comment about the yacht was that we have a very large rich population and a very large poor population. The working class is shrinking everyday and before you know it, there won’t be a working class. You’ll be either be rich or poor, just like in third world countries. Born into a social class and no way to move up. So much for America being the Land of Opportunity.
Definitely voting for LePage. He is making the correct choice avoiding these clearly biased media circus events. They do not like him because he thinks”differently” from them and that is no longer allowed by the farce that is journalism today in Maine.
I didn’t know there were even two people in Franklin County who have million dollar yachts.
Go figure.
I don’t see how even those who support LePage, can be so impressed by his first term in office that they don’t hope for someone better. That is how I felt about Obama, but there wasn’t another better choice for his second term. I still think Hillary Clinton might have done a better job.
The furthest I go back with Maine governors is Brennan. None of those that have been governor since then have made me feel they did an outstanding job. Some have done Okay. I am sure they all did their best. Certainly LePage qualifies as the most unpleasant so far.
I really look forward to Michaud giving it a shot. I think he brings a really good set of unique skills and experience to the job.
Lepage’s daughter is said to be doing very well since his election. We even get to pay for her health care and housing,yet he has denied basic healt care for those who aren’t related to him. Thanks Tom Saviello for trying to help. I will always vote for a decent man regardless of party.
I’ll vote for LePage, at least you know where you stand with him, not a bunch of political double talk. It’s nice to hear the truth even though it’s a bit brusque. I can handle brusque.
Since the politicians in Washington are constantly doing things TO us, I’d like to propose that they do JUST ONE THING FOR US, end these unrequested and unwanted ‘phone calls and the unwanted and unrequested mail. I get 25 to 30 magazines a month (only four of them requested). Probably save the USPS a bundle but then that wouldn’t make much sense.
Snowman: Whether other are two or twenty in Franklin County, answer one question. How is it even remotely your business?
Rob S: If Michaud wins election, it won’t even take a year to know which one of us is an idiot.
“Born into a social class and no way to move up.” You are very good at describing the socialist society of Great Britain, which the proglodytes from your side of the aisle wish we were more like.
Davis:
Wow, feeling anger or what?
Franklin county is one of the poorer places in both Maine and the US, plus it lacks a body of water large or deep enough to float a 2 million dollar yacht. I was attempting a bit of levity.
I thought I did a pretty good job of writing my views and feelings in a calm, pleasant and non-confrontational manner. I didn’t label anyone, or put anyone down.
I just read that London (England) has more billionaires living there than any other city in the world. So much for your socialist society.
I think LePage had some good intentions, or at least he said he did; make Maine better for business, decrease unemployment, decrease the state debt, etc.
But, he got bogged down in trivial issues that had no positive impact. He could have taken the feds offer for increases medicaid; at least for a few years the states general health would have improved. Right away, he got all bogged down in that silly mural mess and got laughed at by the whole country. What did that acomplish? How many jobs did that create? How much money did that save?
he made a big deal about changing the liquor sales to pay the hospitals, but the price of booze and the amount still sold in New Hampshire to Mainers hasn’t changed much.
He made a big deal about standing up for gun ownership- it was never an issue, nobody even considered taking away any Mainer’s guns, their rights are in the state constitution as well as the federal.
So while he raved about that, and the crowds waved their guns in Augusta, the economy continued to languish. We are still well behind most of the rest of the country in most measures of economic success.
You get things accomplished by being nice to people, or acquiring enough power over them that you can force them to your will. LePage has neither. He came to the office with little political experience and even less skill and then proceeded to alienate the people he needed to get his agenda enacted.
Al. Well done I have heard and seen much the same myself. In the few times I have actually met and spent time with Mike I came away with a sense that he used underestimation and pity to his advantage. I also talked with a few people who served with him in Augusta and confirm what you say about his budget knowledge.
Mike Michaud is a basic good guy, kind and generous with his time. He actually listens to people and when he attends meetings of constituents, sits through entire meetings, rather than making a show of being seen and then leaving, as some do.
I’d much prefer an honest, decent person like Michaud than a lobbyist lawyer for filthy corporations like Cutler. And changing one’s mind is a good sign. Michaud has been convinced over time about certain issues such that he now supports what he once disagreed with. This is a sign of growth – who stays the same all their lives? Insects.
I don’t dislike LePage personally. In a one-to-one or small meetings, LePage can be quite charming and likable. But in front of the media or a larger crowd, he shows his inferiority complex, likely due to his background.
Too bad; I think he could have done much better without Severin Beliveau, et al, as advisors for his appointments. Patti A-ho for DEP Commissioner? Just about the worst thing he’s done. Really bad for Maine’s clean waters, as out of state garbage continues to pour in via her old client, Casella the Garbage King.
Cutlet is just bad for regular Maine people. LePage has flip-flopped on several issues, and issued vetoes on good Bills because he was personally annoyed at this or that legislator. Personal feelings have no place in governance.
Deciding what’s best for Maine’s regular people is the way to get the best for we, the people, of Maine – without personalities or political parties entering into decisions. I believe Michaud is the best at this critical form of governance.
After reading this…all I know is who I am not voting for.
I had breakfast with Mr. Michaud at an event a couple of years ago and I found him to be engaging and on top of the issues. I told him we did not agree politically but I had originally supported him. I outlined a couple of reasons why I could no longer support him and his response was “we have to do better”. But now I think he is a shell of that former self that served in the Maine legislature so well. Other than voting in lock-step with the Obama Administration which from all of the evidence has been a disaster, please explain to me one piece of legislation that Mike Michaud has ever produced that is going to bring to fruition the wondrous successes that some here feel will be produced should he become governor? Michaud has done some good things for veteran’s but by towing the party line really has done more to hurt the middle class than to help it. Lest we forget the income difference between rich and poor has expanded greatly thanks to the schemes and dreams of our current Democrat Administration. Incomes are down, cost of living is up, I am not feeling a lot of love out of this!
That doesn’t even include his war on women (or should I say Republican women so that must make it ok), and then blame Republicans for his failure to vet his own tweets and ads. Yeah there is a guy we need representing us today.
Anger Snowman? Really? I asked you a point blank question calmly and you have yet to answer. My comment and question about the two million dollar yacht stemmed from Rob S’ sentence that was dripping with “social justice” anger. My point was I don’t care who owns one or two in Franklin County or the whole State of Maine for that matter. It is none if my business nor yours. I hope voters reading these comments will understand the “social justice” undertones in your and Robs’ comments and that is the type of action your side of the aisle is looking for in electing Michaud. Also, I am not the one who used profanity and profanitype in both describing LePage voters and LePage himself.
Britain is full of if billionaires and a great healthcare system? Great! Why are you still here?…if that is what matters so much to you.
i can’t wait for election day when i can spastically cast my vote based entirely on my childish reactions and punitive attitudes toward inane and uninformed comments by rocking-chair pundits on the bulldog! you’ll all be sorry you weren’t nicer muahahaha!
Davis:
my side of the aisle? I thought I made it quite clear that I think, and vote independent of party.
I would be very happy if every citizen of Franklin county owned a yacht; for my own reasons.
What “social justice” tones do you pick up in my comments here?
The candidate who I think has the best ideas, is Cutler. But, he doesn’t have a chance of winning, and if he did, he lacks what it takes to actually get any of them implemented.
If LePage could just actually DO something constructive, instead of acting angry and nasty- I would vote for him too, although-no- I would never vote a person who said the president could kiss his butt. It doesn’t matter who the president is, what party he’s from, or what he did, he’s the person who got elected and as citizens, we have to respect the office. You can say you don’t agree, you can work to change things, you can be vocal in your dissent, you can say you don’t like the man- but you don’t disrespect the office.
Richard Nixon was my commander in chief and as such he could give me orders, and I would follow them, right up until he resigned. That’s the way it works.
Michaud has shown that he has the ability to work with both parties. He understands and has experience in working with the Maine legislature. He knows what its like to work in Maine. The guy has punched a time clock. He’s worn a hard hat, and not just because he’s touring some industrial site while wearing a suit and tie. He’s real.
As governor, he’ll be good for Maine.
Le Page has proved himself unsuitable to speak publicly…too many inanities, tirades, etc. No wonder he won’t debate Michaud. Guess the Gov. got his feelings hurt about something in a campaign ad. Can’t he control himself enough to confront the issue in a debate?!
He wouldn’t take the stage with the other 2 candidates to discuss ”energy”.
What’s up with him? It comes off as arrogant and erratic.
Listening to the LePage commercial when he states “I’m not a some smooth talking politician” I’m reminded of last year when the governor called a mandatory meeting with Unemployment Insurance appeals hearing officers at the Blaine House (his home turf) behind closed doors, it added to a growing list of controversial actions.
Good judgment would have said a closed door meeting with no audio or video recording on a sensitive subject as labor relations is a bad idea. Easily a few documented examples of his concerns could have been distributed, a recorded discussion of the governor using the document to explain why they are concerns, followed by a question and answer period. No news story, no controversy, no wasting time defending against accusations that could have been easily averted.
However, some defend the governor as a man of action, a man who gets to the heart of the matter, strips away the BS and gets his message across of what must be done. Many admire his approach, consider it leadership.
Leadership requires both intelligence and intellect. Intelligence is the ability to grasp and complete those tasks that are within a limited, predictable framework, and clearly stated goals. Intelligence is practical in its efforts; it re-orders, re-adjusts, and filters away information that does not seem important in completing the task.
With intelligence as a foundation a leader with intellect examines, theorizes, and contemplates the meanings of situations as a whole. A strong leader sees the big picture, understands the impact downstream, and connects the dots. We admire those who through their intelligence get things done, and through their intellect insure the results have a more far-reaching affect than the specific task at hand; they are effective.
A leader’s effectiveness begins with involving others, by building a strong team, having the confidence and a sense of appreciative attachment to depend on them. Many have tried; none have succeeded in knowing everything about their area of responsibility, it is impossible. Those who claim to be fully conversant, talking endlessly without assistance and involvement from others are using their bravado and actions as a wall to hide personal insecurity and a lack of confidence.
Strong leaders look for what others have done well, and seek to build on that success. Rather than focusing on what has gone wrong, strong leaders expect competence creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of team success which becomes the norm. Celebrating success is required; recognizing and firmly correcting failure and incompetence is critical.
If the meeting with Unemployment Insurance appeals hearing officers were an isolated incident, it could easily be cast aside. However, there is a three year pattern of controversial situations which would have been mitigated by a more effective use of time in preparation rather than the greater time spent in damage control. As described above effective leaders surround themselves with a good team, whose job is to research and advise, both strategically and tactically. Did the governor’s team do their “homework” or not in advising the governor, did the governor listen or not – we’ll never know.
Less time spent on damage control results in more time spent on job creation, education concerns and other areas which will benefit the citizens of Maine. Why the governor and his advisors have yet to grasp basic time-management and communication skills are two very troubling questions.
This is not Mardens, this is the state of Maine where 1.4 million people look towards their governor for leadership; leadership that has yet to occur from Paul LePage.
Paul LePage knows what he wants; a corporate state. Paul LePage, his staff, and his supporters clearly march to the following orders; establish optimal conditions for private firms to enter Maine so that they may profit without interference.
The marching orders follow a simple set of principles.
Eliminate outside influence on compensation and benefits.
Consolidate control of operating expenses.
Remove controls (regulations) impacting freedom of action.
Establish barriers that prevent challenges to the corporate state’s control.
The marching orders are clear, concise; the guidelines are flexible, yet focused. Easily understood and executed in our world of sound bites and generalities; critical thinking is not required.
Removal of collective bargaining rights for Child Care Providers was a symbolic message to corporate entities “Maine is Open for Business, no wage or benefit concerns here” and to the citizens of Maine “your rights to fair compensation and benefits are controlled by the corporate state”.
The attempt to repeal the Maine ban of BPA, the harmful chemical found in plastic bottles, was another symbolic message to corporate entities “Maine is open for business, put what you want into your products” and to the citizens of Maine “don’t waste your time challenging the corporate state about health concerns because Paul LePage and his administration doesn’t care about your health”.
Educational Commissioner Steve Bowen’s dismissal of a citizen’s group shortly after Paul LePage’s comment that “all middle-management are corrupt”, was a message to corporate entities “Maine is open for business; if someone gets in your way, they’re gone”.
Steve Bowen indicating he would develop the educational plan internally by the end of the year said to Maine citizens “you will not have input into your child’s education except through support of for-profit charter or religious schools”.
None of this is difficult to accomplish if you have the legislative votes and pre-written legislation (ALEC); critical thinking is not required.
Can it be more insidious? State revenue from within the state comes from state income, sales, and real estate taxes. Reducing the state income tax more than likely places additional burden on sales and real estate taxes; and that is Paul LePage’s intent.
Those who can least afford real estate tax increases are the middle-class and working-class. Mainers will have to work harder and longer, for wages and benefits more highly controlled by corporate entities.
The message to corporate entities is “Maine is open for business, pay the citizens what you want, no one will get in your way because they won’t have the time or money to object” and to the citizens of Maine “go to Wal-Mart, treat yourself to a six-pack of PBR, sit on the porch and count your blessings”.
Elimination of the middle-class and working-class, is it social Darwinism or social genocide? Paul LePage doesn’t care what you call his actions, all he cares about is being CEO of a corporate state.
“Then learn from this”, added M. de La Mole,
“that a man always gets emotional when he has made some stupid mistake.”
The Red and the Black by Stendhal
In Stendhal’s “The Red and the Black”, Julien Sorel is determined to rise above his humble peasant origins and make something of his life, adopting the code of hypocrisy rampant in French society after Waterloo; corruption, greed, and a general dissatisfaction resulting from lack of activity or excitement. Julien, a cold exploiter with a Machiavellian campaign is eventually undercut by his own emotions leading to his demise at the guillotine.
If we agree with Stendhal, then the number of emotional outbursts by Paul LePage over the past 3+ years is his own admission of many, many stupid mistakes. With each emotional outburst, the mistakes are further amplified and instilled in our memories. With each emotional outburst, Paul LePage takes a step closer to the political guillotine.
Can LePage’s handlers protect Paul LePage from himself? Can they tie his hands behind his back and build a wall to prevent the outside from seeing the true character of a man who is impulsive, has fits of rage, behaves as if he is all-powerful, all-knowing, and entitled to every wish, having only contempt for others’ feelings of distress?
I hear the political guillotine sharpening.
Bumper sticker- ” Vote for Michaud- he’s not all that stupid.”
Bumper sticker-“Vote for LePage-He tells it the way it is
The story is over… time to turn the LePage…..
Snowman, I’m voting for LePage BECAUSE he told the president to kiss his butt.
Captain Planet: Such a remark is as vulgar as Le Page’s.
LePage will get my vote because he speaks how he actually feels. I don’t always like his approach but there is no guessing as to whether he is speaking his truth. Most politicians these days say what they think the majority wants to hear, they take the popular stance. I’m tired of the same old, same old with politicians. Tell us like it is, be honest, let us know what is truly happening. Mike Michaud has served this state and country, and for that I thank him but it is time for changes. Reforming some of the broken government systems is not popular nor is it easy. Most people can (or should) see how damaged most of our government programs are, whether welfare abuse, EBT cards, government grants, EIC , non-profit salaries, taxes, disability, the list goes on and on. Why can those who don’t work go to college for free or next to nothing when those working daily can not afford and/or go into debt to send our children to college? Life is not fair, this we know, but changes are certainly needed. To each their own, every vote matters.
LePage definitely has my vote! I am proud of his no-nonsense approach to keep the layabouts and those taking advantage of the system in check. We need more people like him. As a taxpayer, I am sick and tired of the liberal “giveaways” on the backs of those like myself who are hardworking, God-fearing individuals.