Do Not Joke With The Political Press

Earlier today, Eric Woolson, the former Iowa campaign manager for Mike Huckabee, sent out an informal email to some people, including a bunch of reporters. He had meant it as a funny thing that we would all keep private. But he made a horrific error. He got funny. To wit:

It comes as no surprise to most of you who know me: My office is a mess. The problem is, it's my company office, not a campaign headquarters, and that big stack of Huckabee for President T-shirts is one reason why. So, to make sure we find good homes for all those shirts in short order -- and my office space gets back to normal -- we're having a blowout sale this week only. All Huckabee for President T-shirts in my office are now just $5 plus $1 for postage and handling. (You can't even buy two gallons of gasoline for that price -- and think how much longer this wonderful souvenir of Governor Huckabee's campaign will last.)

Members of the media: I have a SPECIAL OFFER for you! All shirts are just $35.00, $7.50 postage and handling. Just kidding! You receive the SAME GREAT DISCOUNT as everybody else. I know you can't wear one in public, no matter how good your heart is -- and I know you all have very, very good hearts. But you will want one of these high-quality, comfortable white 100-percent cotton T's with that familiar campaign logo you know and love as a cherished keepsake of your time covering the the campaign you loved best.

Check out this great review from a satisfied customer: "My Huckabee T-shirt took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. I laughed. I cried. It was better than 'Cats.'" -- Mr. C. Saltsman, Memphis

OK, I made that up. Order today because even though that stack of shirts seems big, quantities are LIMITED. And after this, they really will become collector's items and I will start charging $35 per shirt.

C. Saltsman is a reference to Chip Saltsman, Huckabee's campaign manager. When I emailed Woolson back to ask if he minded if I posted his email, he seemed to panic, “NO!!!” he wrote me. “It is just for a few friends. Honest. I'm only trying to clear out my office. Of course, if it starts a bidding war ... hmmmmm.... whaddya think? I could use top dollar for them.”

But it was already too late. The Associated Press began working on a story, and the New York Times posted the email online. And the rest is history. Just before noon, Woolson emailed that he had moved 22 t-shirts in the previous hour. “Well, the inventory is moving, at least,” Woolson wrote. “So, we know humor sells. Fortunately for everyone involved, I did not have to resort to selling with sex.”

To that, I will agree. Quit while you are ahead, Eric.