You know it’s a weird day when THIS pops up in your email inbox.

The guy on the left is, of course, Lt. Gov. John Rodgers, who spent 2024 cosplaying as a Republican in order to win Vermont’s bucket of warm piss, and has lately been pivoting madly to the left with his openly anti-Trump public statements, almost as if he plans to run for governor on the Phil Scott plan whenever an opening next presents itself. On the right is Jason Lorber, former Democratic state representative, standup comedian, and all-purpose consultant for hire. Two peas in a bipartisan pod, right?

So why did this too-large-for-comfort image appear in my inbox? It was sent by a reader who is, I suppose, on Lorber’s email list. The accompanying text announces a standup gig featuring Lorber on May 15 at the Savoy Theater in Montpelier. And guess who his opening act is?

Why, John Rodgers, widely known for his, uhh, comedic stylings?

The only previous tickle Rodgers has given to Vermont’s funnybone is his introduction of the lovely old phrase “horse hockey” to the Statehouse vernacular, back when he was still a Democratic state senator. Otherwise, he’s better known for a short temper, a crusty demeanor, and his introduction of dead animal parts to his official office’s decor. Not sure what his standup routine will be about.

Nor do I care. What bugs me about this, aside from the photo making me want to edge away from my monitor, is the glow this provides to Rodgers by association with a well-known Democrat. The Dems just looooooove this kind of thing, and they always risk elevating a future opponent whenever they indulge themselves.

Now, opening for a standup act on a weeknight in a small theater is nowhere near as high-profile a platform as, say, appearing at an anti-Trump event with a bunch of top Democrats. Plus, it’s been 12 years since Lorber held office as a Dem, and I don’t know how active he is in party circles. But it bothers me nonetheless.

I also have my doubts about Rodgers’ capacity for humor, but that’s coming from the comedy fanboy in me. Your Political Observer just wishes that publicly identifiable Democrats would stop trying to spitshine the image of a man who’s got the inside track for the Republican gubernatorial nomination whenever Scott retires. If this year’s legislative session proves anything, it’s that the Dems need to regain the corner office before they can hope to advance much of anything on their agenda. What they don’t need is to be doing anything that might persuade themselves or their voters that John Rodgers is the logical successor to Scott and Jim Douglas.

I predict that the audience for this event will consist largely of officeholders, lobbyists, and other denizens of our political ecosystem. And I taste a touch of bile in the back of my throat when I imagine a bunch of Democrats laughing at Rodgers’ jokes and convincing themselves that he’s not such a bad guy after all.

Tremendously entertaining Update! Pertinent information about Rodgers’ comedy stylings. Near the end of each session, state lawmakers hold a Cabaret event with a variety of brief entertainments. And when Rodgers was in the Legislature, he was a regular participant. Insider tip!

John Rodgers did a cabaret skit every year as “Freedom Boy”, a standup act in a muscle shirt and jeans. Basically, it was a Rusty Deweese wannabe act of manly advice, sexist jokes, locker room humor. Not very funny, somewhat cringeworthy.

You are now forewarned. Although if he pulls that act out of his steamer trunk, he’ll lose more goodwill with Democrats than he earns. “Gee, I kinda through he was an okay guy, but now I remember: He was a real asshole.”