Great Moments in Douchebaggery…

…Rick Perry Edition.

It’s not like it’s a surprise that the Governor of Texas is refusing to set up the Affordable Care Act Exchanges, or refusing the Medicaid expansion.

But I did think Perry knew the difference between an official letter and, say, a press release:

Yes, thank God indeed.  For one thing, at least you used the actual abbreviation for the bill in the second paragraph.  I hate to be the one to tell you this, but nobody passed or signed anything called “Obamacare.” Or even “Romneycare”.  You’re using official Texas stationery, Rick – not the place for casual political slights.

Also: Kathleen Sebelius isn’t your damned messenger. You want to say something to the President, give him a call.  If he has the good sense to ignore you, then you can whine on Fox News.  I don’t know if you’ve been paying attention, Rick, but that’s how it’s done these days.

Finally, Ricky – and I reallly am trying to help – all you needed to send to Secretary Sebelius was the following terse note:

This is to inform you that the state of Texas hereby declines to set up the health care exchanges specified under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, and further declines to implement the medicaid expansion included therein.

Sincerely yours,

Rick Perry

Then you take that letter, hold a press conference and go off on Barack Obama to your tiny heart’s content.  And enjoy the love from Sean Hannity and Bill O’Reilly.  Remember, when you do satellite avails with those guys, you can have notes AND an aide whispering whatever the third thing on your list might be.  If you were a forgetful man, it could save you a lot of embarrassment.