Mama loves all things Current. Yet just for a moment, I want to say ‘thank you’ to a brilliant and gracious woman, Rachel Maddow, who appears on another cable network (I won’t name it, but you know the one I mean — it’s desperately in need of a vowel).
Because I was traveling to Columbus, Ohio, for the “Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour” show last Friday, I didn’t hear what she said until I turned on my phone. And then my voice mails, texts and Twitter feed all exploded simultaneously.
Here’s what Rachel said about my dad and me:
But first one more thing about Bill Miller, Barry Goldwater’s pick for vice president in 1964. Yes, Bill Miller and Barry Goldwater got beaten really, really badly in 1964, the Republicans’ worst presidential showing ever. Johnson and the Democrats beat them by over 20 points. And, yes, Bill Miller was lost enough to obscurity that a decade later he did one of those American Express “Do You Know Me?” ads where the whole idea of the ad was of course you didn’t know who this person was. But there’s one thing about Bill Miller besides being Barry Goldwater’s vice president and being in that American Express ad and his previous career in politics and the military, there’s one thing that really does survive the years about Bill Miller for which he still to this day is totally, justifiably famous in a very positive way. And that is that he is Stephanie Miller’s dad! Stephanie Miller, the high priestess of excellent liberal talk radio. Her dad was Bill Miller, Barry Goldwater’s vice president. And it is conclusive evidence of a life well lived that she is his daughter.
Wow. What a kind thing to say — even though I consider myself the least of my dad’s accomplishments — especially at a time when the lazy media is simplistically comparing Paul Ryan with my dad (just because both were Catholic and sitting members of Congress when they were picked). Rachel thoughtfully acknowledged my dad’s long career in public life (particularly his experience in the military, which included serving as a prosecutor in the Nuremberg trials). Even though our politics are different, my father’s commitment to country and his courage inspire me every day.
Thanks, Rachel. I know that your parents are incredibly proud of you too (especially since your dad tells me so regularly in a steady stream of emails — keep ‘em comin’, Bob!).
P.S. Tomorrow night, I’ll be on yet ANOTHER cable network with Sean Hannity (he knows he loves me). Buckle your seat belts, kids. It’s gonna be a bumpy ride!
(Photo: Getty Images)
