AZ Gov. Brewer Botches Debate Opener

Here’s one way not to start a political debate: silence. Unfortunately, this is exactly what Arizona Governor Jan Brewer did during a televised debate on Wednesday night. “We have, uh, did what was right for Arizona,” Brewer said after much fidgeting. Even Brewer herself, during an interview with a Phoenix radio station on Thursday, said she could have done better. “It certainly was the longest 16 seconds of my life,” she said. “I’m human, I’m human.” Not surprisingly, the pause—and the media’s post-debate about it—became an Internet sensation Thursday, with Brewer getting roasted on political blogs. Salon.com’s headline, for example: “Jan Brewer: Bumbling politician of the year.” Brewer became governor when her Democratic predecessor resigned in January 2009; she’s since drawn national attention for signing the state’s controversial immigration law.