Brugge Blog

First it was Studs Terkel suggesting it during a keynote introduction two years ago; now it’s Molly Ivins in an op-ed column, and John Nichols suggesting it’s not a silly notion: let’s get Bill Moyers to run for president.

When I first heard Studs Terkel mention it at the 2003 National Conference on Media Reform, it sounded like a great idea, but then again it might have just been the excitement of the crowd. But given the divisiveness of the political playground we’re in now, I would love to think of it as a real possibility. And as John Nichols points out, if you look at who we’re seeing in politics, someone with Moyers’ background isn’t far-fetched at all.

There may be a fly in the ointment, though: why would he want to do it? Given the kind of character attacks that would be inevitable, where would be the fun? It seems more like a great movie idea, a populist good-guy, like Dave. However, if there’s any time for it to happen, it feels like now is as good as ever. He has the look of the wise, experienced elder who still has plento of gusto as well.

I’ll be on the lookout for a petition.