Roger L. Simon: Tales of Old and New Media: Two Roger Simons, Fred Thompson and Hats

It seems I'm the subject of a bit of a brouhaha today. The Roger Simon who writes for The Politico cast some aspersions on the way Fred Thompson donned a fire hat on the campaign trail in Iowa and some people thought this was me (casting the aspersions). Others defended me, saying I would never do something like that.

Can't say. In all honesty, Roger Simon (Politico) is a much more experienced political reporter than I. We're the same age, but he has been doing it for decades. I spent most of those years as a hack in Hollywood because people told me you made more money writing scripts and detective novels than from journalism. (I was a leftie in those days, but, like many lefties, as you may have noticed, had a strong capitalistic streak.) Anyway, came 9/11 and I ended up doing a little opinion writing of my own and (once in a while) some reporting.

I still make no claim to journalistic expertise, but if there's one thing I know about it's hats (see logo above). I bought and tried on many a Borsalino over the years in a vain attempt to brand myself as a detective writer. I've even purchased a fair number of Kangols and various fedoras.

So as a tried and true member of the Hat Squad, and having viewed the video, I can say this: I don't know what the hell the other Roger Simon was talking about.

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When I read a blog story by a Roger Simon I always look for the l or lack thereof. The other Roger Simon (and IMHO lessor incarnation) is generally readable, but when he doesn't like somebody he just starts making stuff up (or diliberately misquotes them). So the only thing I can take from his article is that he doesn't like Fred Thompson.

I'd use the confusion--send all bills to the other roger simon, heck he may slip up and pay some of 'em.

If the other Roger had given it a moment's thought he may have realized that the "silly hat" comment probably comes from years of witnessing candidates donning various hats and gear and then being made a mockery of by their detractors all over the media. But I guess not liking someone is a great deterrent to searching out reasons for why they do, or don't do, something. I sincerely doubt Fred actually thought that the hat symbolized anything silly at all.

The "silly hat rule" *should* have been in force when Calvin Coolidge put on that eagle feather Indian chief's headdress back in the 20s.

When I see BBC footage, I see their fireman wearing these shinny red planet like helmets. For some reason our fireman's helmets remain virtually unchanged.

Funny how so many professional journalists turn out to be, um, how shall I put it, let's show proper courtesy, a bunch of lying fools?

"Roger Simon (Politico) is a much more experienced political reporter than I."

Just watched the video. Roger, I hope you never become this type of "experienced political reporter." The Politico's version obviously doesn't like Fred, but that does not excuse him from lying. And that is exactly what his blather is on this one.

December 20, 2007: Tales of Old and New Media: Two Roger Simons, Fred Thompson and Hats

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