Yikes! Ike’s ad libs and bad libs

As Hurricane Ike takes aim at Houston, it’s time to bestow awards upon two of the primary spokespeople and one of the constant heroes.

Texas Governor Rick Perry wins the award for the best al lib quote this week. As he was questioned about early evacuation plans in advance of the approaching Ike, he said, “I’d rather be moving in buses than moving out body bags.”

That is the type of brilliant quote that drives home the severity to citizens.

In contrast, the award for the biggest bad lib goes once again to New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin. During Hurricane Gustav I clearly stated that Ray Nagin is an idiot. One Ragan reader challenged me on my criticism, but this latest bad lib further confirms my premise.

Last night, as Nagin invited Houston residents to evacuate to New Orleans, he told the media Houston residents should call hotels in New Orleans and, “ask for the Ray Nagin special.”

The media immediately called hotels in New Orleans to find out if there was a special discount rate for Houston residents called the Ray Nagin special. The answer from every hotel was that there is no discount and they’ve never heard of a Ray Nagin special.