Politico “reporter” Roger Simon (not to be confused with Pajamas Media blogger Roger L. Simon) seems to be a bit miffed that a Fred Thompson campaign staffer would not let Mr. Simon speak with Fred. While Dan Riehl and some others have done a good job of exposing this hack for his biased and bitter writing against Fred Thompson, it should be noted that Mr. Simon has a history of attempting to bludgeon Fred’s campaign.

After Fred’s first debate, Mr. Simon had credited Thompson’s win as a factor of him “not vomiting” or “drooling” on stage.

Come now, Mr. Simon. Did you really expect us to think that you did not have a bias against this man from the start?

And now the quote chopping - granted, the “silly hat” rule might not be taken as something which everyone knows or remembers - an allusion to Mike Dukakis’s infamous tank photo from the 1988 election, or more recently, the John Kerry in a bunny suit from the 2004 election.

But the “sour face”?

Mrs. Jeri Thompson “taking the hat from Fred” and saving the day by wearing it herself?

Or the now infamous quote itself:

“I’ve got a silly hat rule,” Thompson said.

…which you scripted to make it sound as if Fred was so callous as to brusquely refuse, and thereby insult the firechief?

Mark Twain, I believe, was once credited with warning the casual offender against fighting someone who buys ink by the barrel and paper by the ton.

But we should think to add the person who also buys electricity by the megawatt and camera gear by the hundredweight, as well:

Well gosh, Mr. Simon… whaddya got to say to that? It looks like Fred and Jeri Thompson were quite happy to spend time with those fine folks at the firehouse, and maybe I need to get my eyes checked, but kick me in the shins if most everybody there was smiling and laughing with the good humour of the moment.

Or could it be that you were just being a grumpy, fussy little crybaby that was sore because Fred’s staffers knew that you’d probably be up to no good anyway?