Skip to the list

In his remarks to the General Assembly this morning, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell managed to get in some metaphors, jokes, and even an SAT word. The highlights (emphasis ours).

1. Best joke attempt

   “Seven months ago we met in the State Capitol for my first Address to the Joint Houses of the General Assembly … The only difference between that time and today is the temperature outside.”

2. Biggest buzz kill

   “Today I am pleased to report that we closed the fiscal year with a $403.2 million surplus … But please don't get too excited, most of it is already obligated in statute or in the budget to meet various needs.”

3. Best metaphor

   “In this global and competitive economy, capital moves freely and quickly. A line on a map means nothing compared to the need to meet a bottom line.”

4. Best couching of an unhappy fact

   “I thank our hard working state employees, though there are fewer of them, for saving so much even after their budgets were reduced.”

5. Best use of SAT word

   “This decision … ignores the need to maintain our joint interoperability capacity, which is critical for American superiority in modern warfare.”

6. Best Bob McDonnell use of a Bob McDonnell quote

   “In the remarks I made to you last January I also said this: ‘The inherent dignity of a good day's work in a worthwhile pursuit strengthens the soul, supports the family, and reduces dependence on government.’”

7. Most useless truism

   “When we look back on this difficult period in our history, we will want people to know that we didn't look to the next day; we looked to the next generation.”