Photo Flak

posted by Zach Patton

So we've gotten some really negative comments for my earlier posting of Mike Huckabee's Christmas card.  I've got to say, I'm a little surprised at the feedback.  And while I guess there might be some wisdom in not responding to it, I figured I would.

In my defense:

1.  This was Huckabee's official Christmas card that he sent out -- probably to thousands of people -- when he was the governor of Arkansas. It's not like I sought out some unflattering, tacky candid of him.

2.  I linked to this after first seeing it on the National Journal's Hotline site. I figure, if something's good enough for the National Journal, it's good enough for me. [Full disclosure: I used to work at National Journal. Despite my employ, I think their reputation remains unsullied.]

3.  Is the problem because Huckabee is fat in the photo? Well, Mike Huckabee used to be fat. Period. He would be the first person to say that. In fact, Governing has recognized him as one of our Public Officials of the Year for losing weight and putting a policy emphasis on combating childhood obesity.

But there was one comment that gave me some pause. From commenter Virginia:

What's your Mom's address, Zach? I'd like to contact her for an old yearbook photo of you to post. Thanks.

Well, okay.  I'll post an old photo of myself. Even though I'm not a public official, and even though this photo wasn't made to be publicly distributed (unlike Huckabee's), I'm feeling game.

So after the jump, a photo of a young Zach Patton. CLICK IF YOU DARE.

I don't have any high school yearbook photos on hand, but, oddly, I do have the photo of a portrait of me and my sister when I was about 11. I think it's sufficiently embarrassing to settle the score with Huckabee.

 

Comments

[Brynna (Hall) Kelley]

Christmas came early! What a truly wonderful present, Zach.

Now, I think it's time we talk C back into that hairstyle because she is totally working it.

[Virginia]

Bravo, Zach, that's the true journalistic spirit shining through! Thanks for rising to my challenge to your sense of fairness. :-) Happy holidays to you and your lovely sister!

[Victoria]

My objection to your posting the picture was not the picture itself (it was always a public picture, etc.), but the spirit with which you posted it:

"So we're posting this old Christmas card photo not to make fun of him, but to, uh, praise him for, um, losing the weight. Sure, that's it."

Teasing a Presidential candidate - and his family - over their weight is too juvenile and insulting for a quality publication like Governing.