James Traficant Is Out Of the Clink And Feisty As Ever

September 8, 2009 · Filed Under Politics, Video

Ohio — Seven years in prison doesn’t appear to have changed former U.S. Rep. James Traficant’s style whatsoever, and the 1,200 supporters who gathered at a Boardman banquet hall Sunday afternoon loved him for it.

"I was a quarterback. I was a congressman. Now I’m a convict," Traficant said, his signature toupee firmly back atop his head. "I wouldn’t change one single thing. And to the powerful enemies that I have, I’ll just say this to you: They had to cheat to convict me.
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The crowd roared. After 15 minutes of remarks, hundreds swarmed the make-shift stage to shake his hand or ask for an autograph.

At least to a certain segment of the Mahoning Valley, Traficant remains a hero who was wrongfully convicted. The former Democratic congressman remained coy about his plans, but told the crowd several times that he will make some major announcements in an interview with Greta Van Susteren on her show scheduled to air 10 p.m. Friday on the Fox News network.

Traficant is one of my all time favorite democrats. He may be one of the most crooked Congressmen ever, but he’s funny as hell. He’s not one of these crooked weasel politicians who gets caught and then slinks away in the dark of night. Traficant is as unapologetic and brash as ever — which is something you have to appreciate. He also has an awesome toupee.

(hat tip Moe Lane)

Traficant also happens to be a YouTube legend. Here are some of his greatest hits: