(CNN) – It was the silence heard 'round the world.
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer's now infamous opening statement during a debate Wednesday night has gone viral many times over - as watching the cringe-inducing moment again and again just proves too tempting.
On Thursday, Brewer herself weighed in on what some are calling her 'meltdown,' joking with an Arizona radio station her deafening pause was the "longest 16 seconds of my life"
But will the performance prove fatal to Brewer's election bid?
Probably not, says Christina Boomer - a reporter for ABC15 in Phoenix - at least so long as Brewer is able to make light of the situation.
"The good news is it happened in early September," Boomer told CNN. "It is a long way until November. And, you know, when you cover these contests, you know a lot can happen in this stretch of time."
"What she did on a local radio show yesterday by making light of the situation …that's the kind of thing she should be doing," added Boomer. "It is laughing it off and moving forward."
Of course, Democratic opponent Terry Goddard almost has a ready-made TV ad at his disposal and will likely make every effort to ensure voters don't forget about the moment between now and November.
But Brewer – the former Arizona secretary of state who was appointed to her post in 2008 when then-Gov. Janet Napolitano joined the Obama administration – has seen her popularity grow over the months she vigorously defended the state's controversial immigration law and has a healthy 10-point lead over Goddard according to many recent surveys.
It's also likely voters might empathize with Brewer's seeming bout with nerves – after all, who hasn't been in a similar situation?
"I think at that moment, there was just a lot of empathy for her," said Boomer in describing her experience watching the debate in the pressroom. "You felt badly because a lot of us have been in that position and we know what it feels like to be there.
From CNN Politics
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She may not be a good debater, but she's a great American and a great governor. I'd take one of her over ten Obama's any day of the week.
She's another on of those loud-mouth t-baggers that just yells for attention. And the idiots go to watch.
Sad to say this talking figure head is my governor. Hate and politics are just sad. No beheaded bodies, No father that died fighting. Just hate. So sad!
This utter incompetent is intent on spreading her neo-fascists policies to destroy America. She bears an uncanny resemblance to Eva Braun, a right wing role model of the first order.
this boomer lady from abc phoenix must be lobbying for the ad money that the arizona hag took away from cbs because of the expose on the corrupt corrections business she is involved with..........do not defend her stupidity
Of course the Dems will try to make a big deal out of this, but it really isn't. Brewer has already proven herself to the people of Arizona. Goddard can spin this all he wants, it won't work.
CNN is making more of this than what it was.It's her policies that matter and her performance as Governor.So far she has been spot on.
Oh Jan the gracious governor of Ariz got caught big time, she could not defend her self in a lie that she told. As it gets closer to the election people are going to remind her of this. Looks like she is trying to fall in Sara's footsteps her, by telling lies.
Jan Brewer is a total idiot, I do not know which idiot voted for her, I bet bunch of old GOP thugs, and innocent uneducated ones from that desert voted for her...I guess....no brainy educated votes for this kind of idiot...and GOP thug...well, it is Arizona, any thing is possible in this unpopulated desert.. there is a saying, if there is no tree, Castor oil tree is big tree...I would not have voted for this lady had I been there in election.....
Brewer: I can see Mexico from my back porch!
Arizona Governor And Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Jan Brewer's Debate I Hope Was Close Captioned (Or Sub Titled) So That The Audience Who Could Hear Her Could Interperate Wednesday Nights Debate (Train Wreck Performance). From The Arizona Cannibals (Headhunters Out In The Desert), To Her (Alleged) Balanced State Budget! I Believe Is Was A Milestone (Or More Like Passing A Kidney Stone) For Governor Brewer I Bet. She's Even Given New Life To A Simon And Garfunkel Classic "The Sounds Of Silence!" (Incorporated With Her Dear In The Wilderness Glares Into The Camera).
Of course white-wash it, as usual
No, those were not two "senior" moments in less than a minute, Brewer was simply channeling Bailin' Palin's consternation, when as an ex-beauty pageant contestant, she looked down and realized she could not read "world peace" that she had written on the palm of her hand.
That foible turned her into a forever wannabe Miss Alaska, normally called the "first runner up" and loser.
She has been a bitter lipstick wearing female pitbull ever since.
Jan Brewer is a Mean and hateful person. She is full of false, erroneous facts (beheadings in the desert) and hateful rhetoric is sure to come to light eventually. The world will be better when people like Jan Brewer go back to their hateful cave and get out of our lives!
This woman is worst than Guiliani, she speaks a noun a verb then immigration when that's not the question. What does one expect, she wasn't elected governor, she was appointed after President Obama called Governor Janet N. to Washington. Republicans across the country are speaking out against her and are embarrassed by her pure stupidity and they want her gone.
The more we see of the republicans the more we all "cringe". they are nothing but hate spewing and violence urging individuals. The more hate the invoke and the more violence they get going the better the feel. It is a shame that more Americans can not understand these greedy individuals. ALL they want is more. More for the rich, More for the corporations and much more for themselves. Oliver Twist any one.
This woman did NOT have a meltdown, she is mentally insane and should be commtited to the "brain dead" ward. The people of the state of Arizona need to seriously question the state of her mental health and her capacity to lead....or she is just be a lackey & puppet of the rightWing NUTS who is signing laws & making false "beheading" statements" she has no clue about?!
Don't worry about it Governor Brewer. We still LOVE your spark and enthusiasm.
She needs to clarify her comments regarding the beheadings. Seems it was just a ploy to push forward with SB 1070 and line the pockets of Corrections Corp of America. She's doing everything she can to avoid that question.
Christina Boomer is right, everybody at least once in his/her life went through a situation just like Mrs. Brewer found herself in last Wednesday, so there's room for empathy for her...
...As long as the said situation don't repeats itself too much...
Given Brewer's lack of 'disposition' to meet the (not always openly friendly portion of the) press, I have my doubts.
Although it makes her look incompetent, it might not prove fatal but some of her outlandish comments should do it. Unless she can prove that because of illegal immigration there are bodies found in the desert that have been beheaded, then it looks like she not only exaggerates but also actually lies about some things. The fact that she does few public outings and news conferences makes it seem that she does not want to be confronted and put on the spot. Good politicians have to be able to think on their feet. The worst was when she totally stonewalled the reporters who were asking about the "beheaded victims" and just turned and walked away.
Hurry, Somebody call Russell the puppet master ... Wacko Jan needs to have the string in her back pulled out again.
Or maybe it's that really good Mexican chili she hides in the closet to eat ... gotta watch that gas ...
So we had Obama, a perfect speaker, cool guy on TV but a useless leader, so if someone is a bit off as a TV celebrity, should we call them off??!!
This GOP garden tool put the U in Ugly,both inside and out.She can always become a prison warden at one of the prisons she is funding for the corporate scumbags.
Jan Brewer is a phony. She fell into the governship by accident, has decided she likes the power, and is now using the illegal immigration issue as a means to get elected. Unfortunately, most of the people in Arizona are playing right into her hands.
Don't forget about the money she and her friends will make with each person they put in their private jail.
This is EXACTLY what happens when you are LYING. Face it folks. People like Gov. Brewer that have their PARTY'S agendas ahead of their state's run the risk of having these DEER IN THE HEADLIGHTS moments.
Additionally, It would appear that being out in front of the cameras, knowing your subject matter, and articulating your point is NOT as easy as our wonderful President Obama makes it seem.
Amateurs need not apply Brewer.
I would empathize with her she'd proven herself to be an independent thinker. She's been taught to take a position, dig in and not think for herself. The sad thing is, right wingers today have agreed to exchange truth and logic for party loyalty. She doesn't HAVE to say anything that makes sense. She only has to say that her allegiance is to "conservative values." Who the h*ll knows what that even means any more?
Go Jan! You've got my vote. Don't let the critics get you down!
Count on the liberal media to try to make something out of nothing. Not all politicians are good at debates. One question Mr. Carville raised in his expected bashing of the Governor is that people in Arizona should question whether she has the capability to handle a tough situation, or make a tough decision. She has already done that. She passed the an immigration bill that would force state police officials to actually enforce the laws that our country have passed. And then the democrats in Washington attack the whole state for it and sue them in court. She has made the circuits defending this bill. She can make the tough decisions, and obviously stand up to those she disagrees with in Washington. She had a bad night, it can happen to anyone. But the coverage of it by CNN shows that they have a hidden agenda, especially with the headline "Debate Debacle" they ran with the whole day yesterday.
No, it will not prove fatal. Remember, this is Arizona we're talking about. That place is like West Carolina. The slack-jawed yokel "real Americans" are too stupid to pick up on stuff like that. They will vote however their TV tells them to. Have a nice day!
Brewer has been mouthing off about all she has done for Arizona and how she is going to stop illegal immigrants from coming into Arizona.
She has taken the spotlight and now she must understand that the batteries are dead and accept the consequences of inability to stand up to the heat of battle when it counts.
Now we'll hear from all the apologists, who will drag Obama into this by either making up quotes. The thing is this – you're on the wrong side of the argument when all you can do is EXCUSE someone for making what looked to be a totally crazed shutdown of the mind. She froze on-camera in front of everyone, giggled and then blankly starred at her hands like someone hopped up on goofballs. Afterwards, she starred off into space before walking away when questioned about some of her bizarre immigrant statement she had made that have been proven to be wrong.
Those of you who feel it has to be her in order to dig at Obama – forget Obama! Think of who you're voting for – a woman who latched on to the immigrant issue as a way to cover-up other corruption in her administration and when caught can't even explain herself. She looks to be heading towards a breakdown. Is this really someone you want leading you?
Once again CNN shows itself to be a tabloid like and sensation seeking
news provider.
Calling this a ' silence heard around the world " is infantile drivel.
This makes news ?
Just shows you that true journalism in America has become a rare event.
It is easier to grab headlines than tackle real and important issues.
Lot of inexperience candidates in GOP this time she is one of them
Now we'll hear from all the apologists, who will drag Obama into this by either making up quotes or talking about a teleprompter (a device used by many presidents before him ... but I guess mentioning how often Reagan had to rely on one is too much for some).
The thing is this – you're on the wrong side of the argument when all you can do is EXCUSE someone for making what looked to be a totally crazed shutdown of the mind. She froze on-camera in front of everyone, giggled and then blankly starred at her hands like someone hopped up on goofballs. Afterwards, she starred off into space before walking away when questioned about some of her bizarre immigrant statement she had made that have been proven to be wrong.
Those of you who feel it has to be her in order to dig at Obama – forget Obama! Think of who you're voting for – a woman who latched on to the immigrant issue as a way to cover-up other corruption in her administration and when caught in her lies can't even explain herself. She looks to be heading towards a breakdown. Is this really someone you want leading you?
She is an opportunistic lightweight!
She looks like Mrs. Howell from Gilligan's Island!
Didn't she get any debate preperation? I know that I would needed. I would have expected that given all of her public speaking would have gotten her some experience.
She is another Sara Palin.. brain dead!..if you depend on her to feed your family and defend your right.. you must be crazyyyyy.
Empathy for her? How about empathy for the citizens of Arizona who might be subjected to more years of her reign of stupidity and bad decisions and sub-par leadership. We need to vote the woman out. Arizona is in bad enough shape already.
Jan Brewer has been caught red-handed in her attempts to fear-monger.
She is now a demonstrable liar.
I do not think that the voters will let that go.
We may have been in tough situations, but for most of us this was not running for governor. This was not avoidance of a question (one asked many times) that deserves an answer. Unfortunately, the art of appealing to the fears of people in tough economic times works. Everyone was critical of the "Americans cling to guns and money" comment, but guess what. In these tough times, we are seeing this as the tactic being used...and it is working. Sad!
Her hanging fire during her speech might not sink her. But maybe all that wierdness about imaginary beheaded bodies in the desert will.
Plus after the debate she refused–refused–to answer reporters' questions about the "headless bodies." Do people want someone like this incompetent person as their state executive? If so, that speaks volumes about the electorate too. Pathetic.
Brewer is a LIAR!!!
What will kill her chances is the fact that she has made false statements about beheadings in the desert and will not recant her statement.......there is no evidence to her statement and she will not answer any questions about it.......who would want a LIER for Govener, this is the same track that all Republicans take to get votes.....Lie about things, create stories that they have no evidence to back them up and create FEAR and try to SCARE people........and if you people in AZ vote for her you, you deserve everything you get........she is going to kill your tourisum industry and any Businesses from coming to your STATE.
Okay, I watched the entire debate. She is not fit for office. She refused in a debate to answer the questions asked. Her answers were just attacks on opponents unrelatedmto any question she was asked.
This person is in charge of the state guard
She doesn't have the intellect to govern
I'm not impressed. Just because she signed a famous bill doesn't prove she is competent to govern Arizona
No way
There are two types of pauses when giving speeches. The first is the non-verbal, the type that Brewer had. Then there is the verbal, you know the ums and the ahs, the kind that Obama has. Will it hurt her? Did it hurt him?
God wot, I find her repellant, and have often said so, but her "meltdown" is nothing to be made light of. It looked like some type of either mini-stroke or petit mal, and it could be followed by the big one. She needs to run, all right... to the doctor.
HUH.....Meltdown more like Disintegration, if she thinks the way she looks it's under-standable!
if arizona elects her they get what they deserve. her anti imagration stance isnt even about politics, its worse. its about money. she is in the pockets of private prison lobbyist. she is an awful american and a worse person.
EPIC FAIL. Once again another muppet of the GOP. I hope the people of AZ realize this nutjob for what she is and vote Dem.
What is more important is her refusing to acknowledge or answer her outlandish statements about people being beheaded. This has been proven to be untrue yet she refuses to address this.
I had read she has close connections with privately run prisions, which AZ has many of and are becoming very profitable. Do wish someone would investigate and give is a yea or nay on this.
OK then....so she didnt have a teleprompter! She is a great govenor doing what she is supposed to do. Stand up for her state and it's citizens...not a "global" governor. I would vote for her if i lived there.
i don't see what the fuss is... it was not that long of a pause... geezzzz
So she forgot her notes. Big deal.
The REAL elephant in the room (which you inexplicably managed to completely ignore) was her refusal to even ACKNOWLEDGE questions after the debate about some very serious claims she made about "beheadings in the desert" perpetrated by illegal immigrants, which has turned out to be completely fabricated. She was given numerous opportunities to retract the statement, and instead just ran from the room.
Maybe that's what you should be focusing on. But then again, CNN is terrified of being accused of "liberal bias" if they dare to put too much scrutiny on any Republican candidate. So we get fluff about her "nerves," and nothing at all about her LIES.
It's time we start judging our leaders on whether or not they can lead with ideas instead of being good actors in front of the TV screen. I would have though we learned that lesson with Obama. I'd rather have the steak than the sizzle.
I don't think so. She is VERY popular in that state. Almost as popular as Sheriff Joe, whom the Feds are suing now.
God paid her back for that Immigration bill!!!!! Ummm ... ummmm...
Sure, we've all "been there," but you can't just "laugh off" the fact that you avoided questions.
I think in that moment she realized that she was way in over her head. She was handed the job as governor, and now that she sees that she actually has to do real work and speak coherently to keep her job, she became terrified.
Unemployment is up again and people are worried that Brewer froze for 15 seconds? God help this nation.
What I got was her being unable to say "we have done what was right for Arizona" with a straight face.
This Az. gov. must have Alzheimers to have lost continuity in her speech. She should be relieved of duty on mental incompetence alone!
Her competency would have surely been brought into question had she been a Democrat.
Hello-this was an opening statement of a debate-
you know the baiting strategy and aphrodisiacs utilized to lure than hook the salivating electorate that self congratulate themselves that their candidate is 'right on'.
The substitute governor strongest suit is her ability to play the minions and augment their anger on her one ace-immigration
and hope these droids will not see thru her onion skin exterior of numbing intellect and a weak political sharpness that would render her an ineffectual 'public servant'.
Be afraid AZ-be very afraid!!
Brewer only became Governor by default and she obviously is unqualified to hold the position. The voters will be the ultimate test of her electability however utilizing the devisive immigration ferver she will likely be elected despite how detrimental it will turn out to be for Arizona.
I am no fan of the Governor, but that is considered news is just further proof that there really isn't enough actual news to fill 24×7 coverage. In any case, this will not hurt her with her supporters. If anything it will endear her to them even more. Sadly, my opinion of the far right in this country is that they worship what is average. Anything above that makes them feel bad about themselves.
The liberal media would have loved her to to do a howard deen and show true stupidity. Well, she is not as dim witted as dean and most liberals.
Maybe she should have just added some ughs and ahh noise to fill the silence...it seems to work for other politicians.
No just makes her stronger aganist the Socialists
It started with Sarah Palin who was running for VP of our country; she said during a VP debate that she wasn't there to answer questions that were asked that she was just going to tell us what she wanted to say. Follow her with Sharon Angle who ducks reporters questions all the time. And now the governer of AZ. What makes these women think they are not answerable to the public when running for public office.
Nobody ever said that politicians (of all stripes and gender) have to like the questions but if we are putting them in charge, then they become answerable to us. When politicians hide from questions, it makes me question everything they do.
The liberal media would have loved her to do a howard dean and show true stupidity. Well, she is not as dim witted as dean and most liberals.
The GOP women candidates are laughable and a real setback for women in politicc! No wonder there are more democratic womman in office ! Angles is anutcase'so beware ! just hope you don't get raped she will make you have the child .M,aybe she can adopt all the babies born under these circumstances.Anti public education 'anti social security anti health reform keep the rich 4 rver rich sounds klike a typical Republican selffish 'unsympathetic people who talk Constitution xcept when it does'nt fit their agenda i'm an independent and altho a little dissapointed in Obama I WOULD NEVER VOTE REPUBLICAN since none have the courage to pur BECK in his place !OOOH he hears Gods voiceOpportunist using GOD!!Wake up america dis these nutjobs