The Staggers

The New Statesman’s rolling politics blog

John Boehner gets emotional

Watch: the man set to become speaker of the House couldn’t hold back the tears.

By George Eaton Published 03 November 2010 9:36

Perhaps the most memorable moment from last night's midterm elections was John Boehner's display of unrestrained emotion.

The man set to replace the Democrats' Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House couldn't hold back the tears as he recalled "mopping floors, waiting tables and tending bar at my dad's tavern".

Just listen to the way his voice cracks as he utters the words: "I poured my heart and soul into running a small business."

Meanwhile, the permatanned Boehner has been amusingly described by The Daily Show as "the first Orange American to become speaker of the House".

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Tags: US Midterms 2010

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8 comments

Wed, 2010-11-03 23:33 — cmz (not verified)

The mark of small minds (and smaller prospects in the end) is snarkiness in the face of sincerity -- it's just SO OUTRE, DAHLING. You saw it at the idiotic 'rally to restore sanity and/or fear,' which fell flat even according to those who attended. This pose of world-weariness is just silly and adolescent. Hmmmm. Just like Democrats, I guess. Someone has the be the grown-up, people. Even my six year old knows that. Well, Mom and Dad are back in charge. You can all go back to rolling your eyes and saying "gag me with a spoon" (or current equivalent. Reality is not subjective.

Wed, 2010-11-03 10:41 — ang (not verified)

How embarrassing, not really presidential material. Bet he can't believe his luck!

Wed, 2010-11-03 11:04 — Benedict (not verified)

I bet his cue card said:

Voice to crack up here.

Wed, 2010-11-03 18:02 — Americelt104 (not verified)

You poor, clueless miscreants. You just don't get it, do you? If I have to explain why a patriot would find it difficult to hold back a flood of emotion when he sees his countrymen push back against an arrogant, over-reaching federal government, the reasoning would be lost on your vacuous non-intellect. You're pathetic!

Wed, 2010-11-03 18:05 — Benedict (not verified)

Americelt104, Clever the way you got your point across without recourse to abuse.