ABC News, The Note: Can Tom DeLay Dance Back into Political Limelight?

August 17, 2009
Bookmark and Share

ABC News’ Rick Klein reports:

Beyond the fun imagery that Tom DeLay’s selection for “Dancing with the Stars” evokes — will it be “Hammer Time” for “The Hammer”?; will the former exterminator wear sequins? — there’s another element to the former House majority leader’s new foray into popular culture.

DeLay’s appearance on the hit ABC series is virtually guaranteed to elevate him in the public sphere. Sure he’ll be talking about his two-step, but it’s only a matter of time before DeLay, R-Texas, is talking about the political dance he was once the master of back in Washington.

“You’re reaching an audience that otherwise is going to tune out politicians,” said Stuart Roy, a former DeLay spokesman, likening DeLay’s appearance to President Obama’s decision to fill out his NCAA brackets on ESPN.

“People will view you in a different way,” Roy said. “What people don’t see — but political people will — is that the promotion of the show goes far beyond putting out a press release.”

In true 2009 pop-culture style, DeLay used today’s announcement that he’ll appear on the next season of “Dancing” to send a series of Tweets.

“Well, it’s official … I am going to compete on Dancing with the Stars! This is going to be so much fun. I will need your support,” DeLay wrote.

Associates are sending word that the 62-year-old former House member may surprise some folks with his moves on the dance floor.

“Tommy is so excited and he’s been working out to get in shape for the show before rehearsals even start,” DeLay’s wife, Christine, told a former staff member, Emily Miller, for a Politics Daily column.

Christine DeLay added: “People are going to see the real man” on the show.

DeLay was one of the most influential — and most colorful — players in Washington until he was forced to leave Congress in 2006, under a legal cloud that still hasn’t fully cleared.

He’s been a sporadic voice as a strong critic of President Obama in recent months, though he hasn’t been nearly as visible as some former colleagues, such as former House speaker Newt Gingrich, and former majority leader Dick Armey.

DeLay’s return to the limelight today is reviving some memories of the controversies that always seemed to follow him.

“It would be interesting to see if Mr. DeLay can do the Perp Walk,” Andrew Wheat, research director of Texans for Public Justice, a watchdog group,told my colleagues at The Blotter.

But DeLay’s focus now will be on reverse turns and box steps, not redistricting schemes and Jack Abramoff.

“It’s fun. And it’s a classy reality show. You don’t have to live in a house or worry about getting kicked off the island,” Roy said.

Yet friends are realistic about his chances, against such luminaries as supermodel Kathy Ireland, former Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin, and musician Donny Osmond.

“I don’t know that he’ll win it without knee-barring Chuck Liddell,” Roy said, referring to the Ultimate Fighting Championship star.

And DeLay himself is showing a sense of humor about his chances: “Didn’t realize, I was the oldest #dwts contestant by 11 years. Have to go after that #AARP vote,” he Tweeted this afternoon.

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

1,199 Responses to ABC News, The Note: Can Tom DeLay Dance Back into Political Limelight?

  1. blog on June 22, 2011 at 11:27 am

    Ă€ quoi bon ne pas discuter de la question quel fixe l’au Ă  siège dispose a plupart fermer lecteurs? le theme capital des prĂ©cĂ©dents trimestres Ă  l’idĂ©e de la communication des nouveautĂ©s;

  2. article on June 22, 2011 at 12:10 pm

    Depuis certaines passages sur ce domaine je reconnais que j’estime beaucoup votre touche et d’articuler ces reportages. Vous pouvez faire un tour sur mon post en vue de donner votre opinion! A très vite

  3. Mitchel Kempinski on June 22, 2011 at 2:00 pm

    Hi! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back often!

  4. site web on June 22, 2011 at 2:55 pm

    Merci beaucoup par rapport Ă  l’intelligibilitĂ© des dire mentionnĂ©s par ici : on a la permission ici s’interviewer quant Ă  la sincère signification de certains des arguments que vous-mĂŞme citez ci?

  5. Sean Nabor on June 22, 2011 at 3:37 pm

    I was very pleased to search out this net-site.I needed to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I positively having fun with each little little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you blog post.

  6. Boston Limo on June 22, 2011 at 5:51 pm

    Boston-town-car.com Boston Town Car | Boston Limo 617-367-1000

  7. i need money on June 22, 2011 at 5:52 pm

    I recently realized this now I request you all, ‘m My partner and i the only person that has noticed that the actual rss attribute will be broke

  8. chez moi on June 22, 2011 at 5:53 pm

    J’admire cette vue cependant j’en ai auparavant entendu bien d’autres de meilleures qualifications:

  9. amd c60 netbook on June 22, 2011 at 9:30 pm

    Thanks for this blog post, I have been searching for this information for ages now. It really is the information I have been searching for

  10. World of Battles on June 22, 2011 at 9:58 pm

    There is perceptibly a bunch to identify about this. I consider you made some good points in features also.

  11. invest liberty reserve on June 22, 2011 at 10:38 pm

    ABC News, The Note: Can Tom DeLay Dance Back into Political Limelight? | Emily Miller Excellent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely magnificent. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it sensible. I can not wait to read far more ABC News, The Note: Can Tom DeLay Dance Back into Political Limelight? | Emily Miller again from you. Thanks For Share.

  12. Brian Campbell Jerseys on June 23, 2011 at 12:22 am

    What a awful post! Because of you on sharing it on your site.I’ve been visiting your blog instead of a while now and I forever get a marvel in your new posts. Thanks with a view sharing.

  13. rosetta stone english on June 23, 2011 at 12:36 am

    This is my first time i visit here. I found so many entertaining stuff in your blog, especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! Keep up the good work.

  14. fingertip pulse oximeter on June 23, 2011 at 12:44 am

    I’m impressed, I have to say. Really hardly ever do I encounter a blog that’s each educative and entertaining, and let me inform you, youve gotten hit the nail on the head. Your concept is excellent; the problem is one thing that not sufficient individuals are talking intelligently about. Im very happy that I stumbled throughout this in my search for one thing referring to this.

  15. wheelchair ramp on June 23, 2011 at 12:45 am

    I Think Dwyane Wade And LeBron James Got Some Going On Forreal Ain’t No Nigga That Damn Close,LilBasketball,

  16. emuaid on June 23, 2011 at 3:41 am

    *After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.

  17. Milton Fulwood on June 23, 2011 at 4:37 am

    Awesome job on the blog, thanks!

  18. post on June 23, 2011 at 4:40 am

    Hello everyone, I do not certainly totally agree to your new piece of writing… I personally believe that you should certainly quote much more explicit number as well as validate your own statements

  19. cheapest web hosting on June 23, 2011 at 5:04 am

    With everything that appears to be developing throughout this particular subject matter, all your points of view tend to be fairly refreshing. On the other hand, I beg your pardon, because I do not subscribe to your whole theory, all be it radical none the less. It would seem to everyone that your commentary are not entirely justified and in reality you are your self not even thoroughly convinced of your assertion. In any case I did appreciate examining it.

  20. fingertip pulse oximeter on June 23, 2011 at 6:43 am

    Cellulite is something which can make a lot of people feel self conscious. Cellulite is usually apparent in women and men, and may well strike this hips, thighs and buttocks. Many women wish to get a way of how to get rid of cellulite, especially as we approach the summer months, when it is time to wear pants and bathing suits.

  21. Carla Averitte on June 23, 2011 at 7:47 am

    I know this can be really boring and you are skipping to the next comment, but I just wished to throw you an enormous thanks you cleared up some things for me!

  22. brunello di montalcino on June 23, 2011 at 7:49 am

    I do consider all the ideas you have presented in your post. They’re really convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are very brief for newbies. May you please lengthen them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.

  23. McKinney TX New Homes on June 23, 2011 at 8:38 am

    This was a good read. Thanks for the post.

  24. Umbrella Strollers on June 23, 2011 at 10:06 am

    What a fantastic post, appreciate it very much, was wondering do you have a RSS feed where I can register and follow your future articles?

  25. auteursrecht advocaat on June 23, 2011 at 10:48 am

    I think that your perspective is deep, its just well thought out and really fantastic to see someone who knows how to put these thoughts down so well. Great job on this

  26. Ernesto Vasko on June 23, 2011 at 12:12 pm

    Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and all. However imagine if you added some great photos or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this site could certainly be one of the most beneficial in its niche. Amazing blog!

  27. zgaga on June 23, 2011 at 1:06 pm

    Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to browse your site on my iphone during lunch break. I love the knowledge you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how fast your blog loaded on my mobile .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, awesome site!

  28. fingertip pulse oximeter on June 23, 2011 at 1:52 pm

    I wrote a couple articles about the exact same subject but you seem to know a bit additional about it than I do.

  29. call of the dead in black ops on June 23, 2011 at 3:08 pm

    Youre so awesome, man! I cant believe I missed this blog for so long. Its just great stuff all round. Your design, man…too amazing! I cant wait to read what youve got next. I love everything that youre saying and want more, more, MORE! Keep this up, man! Its just too good.

  30. le régime rapide on June 23, 2011 at 3:39 pm

    Hello everyone, I do not truly totally agree to that article… I personally think that you should preferably quote additional particular percentage as well as validate your actual arguments

  31. sunrider calli tea on June 23, 2011 at 3:56 pm

    Hi there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok. I’m absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.

  32. queens car dealerships on June 23, 2011 at 4:27 pm

    We were doing some research and came across this website. I admit that this information is on point! Keep up the good info. We will be following your sites

  33. College Homework Help on June 23, 2011 at 6:54 pm

    hey all, I used to be just checkin’ out this weblog and I really admire the basis of the article, and have nothing to do, so if anyone would like to to have an engrossing convo about it, please contact me on AIM, my identify is heather smith

  34. purple carrots on June 23, 2011 at 8:07 pm

    Heya! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing many months of hard work due to no data backup. Do you have any methods to protect against hackers?

  35. credit auto on June 23, 2011 at 8:21 pm