Don't you feel at least a little bad for Marco Rubio.
There the Republican senator from Florida was on national television Tuesday giving one of the most awkward State of Union rebuttals the world has ever seen.
He sweated, wiped foam from his mouth and chugged water after lunging to the side for it.
This of course came after President Obama gave his state of the union address and, at least, did not chug water on camera.
The president’s opening act referenced to shooting tragedies, our men and women in uniform and the most adorable
102-year-old Miami voter you ever would want to see.
Congress — both sides of the aisle — fell hard for determined-voter Desiline Victor.
Then there was Rubio, the junior U.S. senator from Florida, a few minutes later seemingly alone in a room.
He spoke with authority and talked with his hand.
The performance seemed fine — at first.
Then Rubio, a man with a great American story politics aside, got trapped in a giant weird bear trap.
Patting away perspiration and wiping away a little spittle are one thing.
Leaning out of frame and swigging down a mini bottle of Poland Spring water is going to get you some negative feedback.
"Who does that?" America collectively asked.
The incident has been jokingly labeled Watergate because, well, this guy abruptly quenched his thirst in the middle of a nationally televised speech.
Prediction are that Watergate has ruined any political aspirations this son of immigrants had.
I am sure Rubio will survive. He’s already trying to turn it around.
Reclaim America, Rubio’s political action committee, is peddling refillable “Rubio” bottles for $25 a pop.
Still, as a person who doesn’t always talk so pretty, I feel a little bad for Rubio.
The pressure of the moment apparently dried out his mouth and pushed his sweat glands into overdrive.
I’ve been nervous and done that whole anxiety thing.
My teeth rattled. I stammered.
I joined the public speeching organization Toastmasters International.
Now I imagine I am speaking to a room of high heel stilettos when I give speeches.
Perhaps Rubio should use my intriguing technique the next time he has to explain the looming military spending cuts - the sequester - to his constitutes.
Shoes don’t judge.
Rubio should at least have a bottle of Poland Spring closer at hand.
What do you think? Have you ever had trouble giving a public speech?
Contact this columnist at arobinson@DaytonDailyNews.com or Twitter.com/DDNSmartMouth
Following the death of Leroy "Sugarfoot Bonner a few weeks ago, I challenged Dayton to embrace its funk.
Here are a few responses sent in by readers:
Charlene Wortham — "I think a funk museum and funk festival and a funk festival are a great idea. I think the powers that be in Dayton, Ohio think that if it doesn't involve an airplane or aviation it won't work here. In the past I have made other suggestions to the city commission and there was no interest… I don't think the city of Dayton will grasp hold of the idea. It needs wings on it to make it a reality here."
David Williams — "I remember when I was in the army stationed in Germany in the mid 70's, the Ohio Players were huge. I was always saying they were from my hometown. Dayton always seems to miss the boat on things like this. Some years ago, New York City declared a Guided By Voices day. I only heard about it when the Dayton band appeared on
