The Mojo ran out on WSAZ reporter Kallie Cart March 10, 2008
Who in the world is this Kallie Cart? Has she not received the memo?
Memo to WSAZ leadership - the next time you send a reporter to the Capitol to do a live interview with the Governor, make sure they read the memo.
You know, the memo where reporters aren’t supposed to ask the Governor follow-up questions and RULE NUMERO UNO in West Virginia journalism - if the Governor says its so, well, its so. Never mind that it might not be true, if the Gov says its true, just believe it.
Ms. Cart obviously didn’t read the memo.
In one of the most hysterical interviews I have seen in some time, this new reporter at WSAZ completely beat the daylights out of the Governor and made him look… well, like he was living in his own world apart from the rest of us… which is true, but you just never see the Governor take a beating like this.
Let’s face it, West Virginia reporters for the most part simply accept what Manchin says as if he carried the Word down from God himself.
Even the reporters who do have some backbone seem to get weak-knee’d when Mojo puts on the charm. In fact, I think Gazette reporter Phil Kabler has a mancrush on the Mojo.
So, imagine Manchin’s surprise when this young reporter asked him a question about an AP report that said the Senate session was delayed because the Senators were watching the WVU game that went into overtime.
Mojo brushed it off and said “I didn’t hear any of that” and launched into his talking points.
Mojo had the big smile working and the doughy-eyed stare into the eyes and thought he had swooned this female reporter as he does most others.
OK, NOW, this is the point where most reporters, with Joe turning on all the Mojo he can muster - simply agree with him and move on to some softball question.
Not Kallie.
Since Mojo DIDN’T ANSWER her question, she did the unthinkable.
SHE ASKED IT AGAIN.
“Was the senate session delayed?”
Joe muttered, “not that I know of.”
Cart pressed him… ‘they were saying that because the game went into overtime, lot of missed meetings, fewer late nights than ever… was this session a lackluster session?”
KAPOW!!
The Mojo was stunned. You could see it in his face. It was like Kallie landed one on the champ’s chin and buckled his knees for the first time. And, Mojo knew he was in for a fight.
Joe said, “well, maybe they are working more efficiently, maybe people aren’t used to that, I don’t know.”
That one cracked me up.
The Mojo seemed shocked at her questioning, he threw his head back with this big, fake smile and rattled off how we were going to cut taxes (when the next Governor takes office, of course) and we were adding money to the SBA for new schools and that this session was the most glorious in his entire lifetime (OK, he didn’t say that last part, but you get my drift).
I’m sure in the Mojo’s mind THIS had to finally put this reporter in her place, how dare she ask follow-up questions? So, he went back to the big smile, the hesitation, the look into the reporters eyes, I mean, he was throwing all the Mojo he could muster at her, she just HAD to fall under his spell.
It didn’t work.
So, he blurted out - ”WHO keeps saying all of this?” (about the WVU game and it being a lackluster session.)
Kallie gave a fake laugh and said, “it was just an AP report that was put out today.” Joe threw his head back and gave a fake laugh himself.
Then what?
SHE ASKED HIM ANOTHER TOUGH QUESTION.
She started into the question “it does feel like the sense of urgency here on the final night isn’t really the same…”
And, before she could get the actual question out, Mojo cut her off and went into a diatribe about the calendar not being the same (which I’m sure most average West Virginians thought that maybe we switched from the Gregorian calendar to the Mojoian calendar where every day is a holiday filled with candy canes and lollipops)…
And, he ended his comment with “there are so many positive big things. (and his voice went high-pitched) R-E-A-L big things.”
It was hysterical.
Yes, REAL big things Kallie, if you just listened to me long enough, you would believe everything I say.
So, Kallie was finally coming around. After all, Mojo JUST told her that REAL big things were happening!
Kallie asked… “even though it’s an election year, do you not think an election year played any part of maybe a lackluster session?”
KAPLOWEE!
I thought Mojo’s head was going to explode when she said LACKLUSTER for the third time.
It was as if she landed a one-two-three-four combination and Manchin was on the ropes just trying to get to the end of the round.
Manchin became unhinged and went off about how much better off we are in this state than our surrounding states.
Trust me, if this was Russia and Mojo were the Czar, Kallie would be doing her next report on the latest outbreak of scurvy at a Siberian labor camp.
So, Joe threw a haymaker of his own at Cart and confirmed that he is next in line for the loony bin. I mean, if he actually believes this next statement that he threw out there, then he really is living in an alternative universe.
And, I had to rewind this (the magic of TiVo) and listen to hear if if ACTUALLY said this… but, he did.
“For some reason, people are having a tough time coming to grips with all the prosperity we have had.”
SAY WHAT?
Did he actually say that our state was SO prosperous and that people just didn’t know what to do with all the prosperity?
Holy smokes. He’s off his rocker.
Right, we are all kinda like Jack Whittaker, so flush with money and prosperity that we don’t know what to do with it all.
I know there are people in Campbell’s Creek tonight, so prosperous they are beating their heads against the walls of their houses muttering… “should I get the Mercedes or the Lexus? The Mercedes or the Lexus?”
I’m sure there is a husband in Gilmer County today looking in his fridge and yelling to his wife, “Ethel, dammit woman, we are out of caviar AGAIN, what DO you DO all day?”
I’m sorry, but Mojo has lost it. He has way too many yes people around him telling him what he wants to hear.
The state is so prosperous that people don’t know what to do with it? Wow.
Someone needs to give the Gov a reality check.
The taxcuts he talks about? During his next term we will have a 0.25% reduction in the corporate net. It’s not until 2012, 2013 and 2014 that the tax is actually reduced. When? Right, when the next Governor takes office.
The Mojo reminds me of the Jesus loves me song that children sing… you know, the “Jesus loves me, this I know, ’cause the Bible tells me so.”
Only his version is the one hummed by the vast majority of state reporters, “West Virginia is prosperous, this I know, ’cause the Mojo tells me so.”
Maybe Ms. Cart’s punishment will be to memorize that song - as she packs her long johns for Siberia.
****
You can watch the interview on http://www.wsaz.com/news/headlines/16420211.html.
It is awesome. You really have to watch. The live shot is after the actual report, so don’t click off too soon.
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28 Responses to “The Mojo ran out on WSAZ reporter Kallie Cart”
I love it!
Does anyone have a number I can call to get some therapy? I’m really having trouble dealing with all this prosperity we’re having in WV. Between the revamping of the business tax system (ahem!) and all this extra money I’ve had in my wallet since Manchin took office, I just don’t know how to deal with it. HELP!
If I had not already met Dale Martin, Kenny Tucker, Danny Wells, Sharon Spencer, Lidella Hrutkey, Ron Fragale, and about 10 other Democrat legislators, then I would think Joe Manchin is the dumbest person at the capitol. They should have a reality show at the capitol called “are you smarter than a six-month old mutt in obedience training?”
Joe must have spent the day at the dog track and overheard everyone there talking about prosperity. He surely does not live in the same West Virgina as the rest of us. Perhaps we should all move to Fairmont, get a government contract from Mollohan, and then go to Muriel’s for dinner and talk about how prosperous we all are together. See you guys there when the corporate net is finally taken off.
From Photo Op Joe’s and the rest of the Legislature perspective, the State is prosperous.
When you have big budget surpluses, fueled by coal and natural gas severance taxs and gambling, everyone in State Government is fat and happy.
I suspect “Let them eat cake” is heard in the halls of State Government routinely.
And for Ms. Cart, when the Governor’s office calls the management at WSAZ, it won’t be Siberia, it will be a Mingo County Democrat re-education camp.
Yep, this is Emperor Joseph.
I just finished reading Russ Weeks’ book, “No Strings Attached”. I recommend that every West Virginian read it–and wake up! Although I am certainly not naive about WV politics, I became more discouraged as I read.
Weeks corroborated the accounts of a former House of Delegates member. I fact Sen. Weeks was obviously in attendance during one of the rants the Emperor had at a Republican delegates’ caucus session.
I recognized the tactics: ANY legislator who dared to stand up for the people of West Virginia was targeted for removal as happened to Sen. Weeks and the House of Delegates member. The Emperor demands mindless allegiance and complete compliance.
The Democrats have brought slavery by another name to a fine art. Disgusting.
I’m going to get in my car and drive around these pothole-riddled West Virginia roads, aimlessly burning gallon after gallon of $3.25 gasoline just because I’m feeling so darn prosperous. It’s a great day to be a West-bygosh-Virginian.
Vic - I just wanted to pass my thoughts onto you concerning the lack of progress by our
‘leaders’ this session.
Although there was time to pass themselves a raise,there wasn’t time to save teens and other lives by passing the cell phone bill;
the ATV bill and other important legislation that are really of a concern to those of us that live here.
I also have a problem bailing out the teachers for
their pension benefit. I do not feel that is my responsbility as a tax payer tov’make up’ lost revenue for someone’s poor judgment on their pension investment
(whether or not it was the individual’s decision or not).
No one makes up for my lost revenue on my pension investment. I cannot believe the legislature is
even considering that. I’m sorry, but we have many other problems that need money and that is for the benefit of one group not the state as a whole.
Please accept these comments as they are intended. My voice/vote for the
actions of my elected officials. I am beginning to believe that what the voters want is of no concern to our legislature once they get into office. I appreciate your service and efforts. Thank you for taking the time to read the
rantings of a tired and disappointed WV resident.
Vic - this was an awesome post! You had me laughing out loud… Ethel and the caviar? That’s priceless.
The problem is that Joe overwhelms the people who work for him. They dare not counter anything the Governor says and simply nod their heads when he says the way things are.
He needs some people around him who are not afraid of him. Who are willing to disagree. There just isn’t anyone around Joe who can get away with it without Joe coming unhinged. Not Pucchio. Not Ramsburg. Not Carte. They are Joe’s closest advisors but because Joe is so stubborn, he doesn’t listen, gets angry with any dissenters so all these people have simply went along with whatever Joe wants and says.
I know this sounds crazy (and he would never do it), but Joe needs someone like you on his staff. He just never hears any dissent and so, in his mind, everything is going perfectly well and we ARE prosperous. Why? Because everyone around him TELLS him how great he is and how wonderful he is doing and never, ever disagree or say he is going in the wrong direction.
My goodness. The state is so prosperous that my best friend’s husband and countless others like him have to drive an hour and a half to jobs in Virginia. If they only knew what they were missing!
West Virginia’s unemployment rate is much lower than it was twenty years ago it is true. High energy prices have gotten the coal miners back to work. The Bush tax cuts have kept the national economy in good shape between 2001 and just recently. West Virginia’s service sector jobs have risen as well.
The result has been that we are not in the Great Depression style days that we experienced under Governor Rockefeller, but we certainly have not seen prosperity. We have been treading water despite the state legal and tax system, not because of it.
Vic,
We seldom align on issues that span the political spectrum but I am inclined to agree that “Mojo” lives and thrives in a political sphere all to himself. Young Kallie just may have exposed that facade.
Great post, very informative and to the point. I Loved it.
It’s easy for Mojo to feel prosperous when he lives in a gilded palace, courtesy of the W.Va. taxpayers. Another flat screen TV here!
Well, IF we are SOOOOO prosperous and SWIMMING in $$$$ Where the hell was the Senate Pensions Comittee when WV’s Vol. Firefighters begged for a Vol. retirement fund of a mear $400/mo after age 60 and 20 years of servic (if we all live that long.. you see firefighting is very dangerous). Smug A-H#$@s don’t get respect form me!
Well, if they’d let me get near him up here in Parkersburg I’d be asking tough questions too.
Just so you know Vic, there is a crop of young reporters - like Cart and myself - who plan on asking the tough questions. We’re small, but our number is growing.
Three cheers for insurrectionist media!
Personally I’m thankful that many of the nanny state bills (e.g. legislating where we can use cell phones and rewarding a few people for poor personal choices in their 401ks) were shelved. By the way, don’t nearly all fatal car accidents occur on paved roads? Perhaps we should outlaw the use of automobiles on paved roads in West Virginia.
We had one Manchin in office before, and he was a quack! Now we have another one who can’t even begin to identify with the great folks of West Virginia. Vic, your articles continue to amuse me. I would love to be able to work for Manchin. I wouldn’t put up with one minute of his bull!
Vic, I still wish you would run for Governor…seriously, think about it!!!
Maybe we can get Kallie Cart to join Russ Weeks’ campaign. I still don’t think that MoJoe is ready for what’s going to happen to him.
By the way, make mine a Mercedes R Class. Why settle for a copy (the Lexus) when you can have the original….besides it’s made in the USA.
I’m new to reading your blog since this session started and I must say I didn’t like it at first, I guess I was expecting more of a “news and notes” sort of commentary.
But, as I’ve read it more, i’ve come to really enjoy it and I start my day with it before I read the Gazette or listen to the radio.
I think you are an incredible blogger in the sense that you are almost like a sportscaster “painting the picture.” And, it cracks me up. I loved the scurvey in Siberia comment, that was great and you bring humor to otherwise boring topics with your sarcasm.
Keep up the good work, I hope that now that you aren’t running, that you won’t discontinue this, were else would we get such an honest take on West Virginia politics. Its refreshing and entertaining.
Very good post. Great interview!!! I guess I need to deal with this prosperity….wait, prosperity? OH! the governments prosperity…Yeah their having a tough time dealing with it.
Hmmmm! give ourselves a raise, what else can we do.
Maybe, give the citizens a tax break. How about starting AT THE PUMP!!!! Since the government makes the BIGGEST PROFIT off each tank of gas.
Theres a good palace to start!!!
You know, what number 8 replied to the Mojo report reminds me of what old McCain would be like. He doesn’t like being disagreed with I hear and he likes ‘yes men’ all around him.
As for state workers making all the money. I worked 29 and a half years at WVDMV as a DEOII for all but three years when I was a clerk IV, and I never did make as much as $25,000 a year! I retired early with all the vacation time and sick leave time I DIDN’T use and now I get the wonderful total of $650.05 a month! Which would have been a hundred dollars more except that the year I was applying for retirement the RETIRED judges wanted a $25,000.00 RAISE on their retirement!!! So they had to take a hundred dollars a month FROM my retirement!!
The Pied Piper of Fairmont has mesmerized so many West Virginians that his “approval”rating is at an astounding rate of about 65%. If voters don’t wise up we will continue to wallow in Mojo’s world that he sees as perfect. I am so disappointed that our folks can no longer think for themselves…and neither can Mojo’s Cabinet Secretaries. All see him as the answer to the State’s problems…I see him as the State’s primary problem…Kudos to reporter Kallie Cart-she really did a marvelous job of confounding a clueless Governor. WSAZ should give her a pay raise and the position of permanent Capitol reporter…at least until Mojo goes back to Fairmont where he belongs.
But isn’t this the best statement of the whole session?
“Eventually, if the trend continues, no one could discriminate against anyone for any reason.”
– Del. Kelli Sobonya
Mojo sez, “Hey, at least I’m not patronizing call girls, like New York’s governor! You West Virginians should count your blessings. I know I do.”
He L, You have got the quote wrong: “Hey, AS FAR AS YOU KNOW, at least I’m not patronizing call girls…”
Love Spitzers wife, but I wonder if Gail would play, “Sluts got your tongue” too?
Joan,
Thanks for reminding us about the Russ Weeks book. I remember Vic talking about it when it first came out. Do you know what the best way to order a copy is?
By the way, Mojo’s commercials remind me of Coach K’s commercials. They both are on TV to promote something, but can’t help promoting themselves, too.
That was a riot!
there’s very few bloggers that I come back to and read THE SAME post on several occasions, but i can’t get enough of this one. I’ve read it like three times today and it cracks me up every time!
I hear all of these people griping about bailing out the teacher retirement system. It wouldn’t need bailing out if the crooks in Charleston had funded the system like they were supposed to do. How can the state offer a retirement package and not fund it for 11 out of 14 years. The teachers are not the ones at fault.