1. Joe Lieberman. Wait, he’s a Dem! He’s an Indy! He’s a Republican, kind of! All while seeking universal party support. Say it ain’t so, Joe.
2. John Edwards. The well-coiffed North Carolina senator — and once-presidential hopeful — cheated on his wife, Elizabeth, during his presidential bid as she struggled with cancer. But he kept her on the campaign dais in between her medical treatments and his “visits” with a campaign aide. Class act, John boy.
3. Eliot Spitzer. Speaking of infidelity: The former New York governor’s story is a cautionary tale to any politician who patronizes a high-profile prostitution service while attacking the unethical practices of others. His wife, Silda, was on the dais, too, when he resigned from office. Silda and Elizabeth, find a stage of your own. You’re worth it.
4. General Motors, Chrysler and Ford. Here’s some free advice to the Big Three auto execs: When asking Congress for a bailout, leave your private jets at home. Who do you think you are? Wall Street?
5. Wall Street. Lucky for Wall Street and bank execs, they’re chummy with Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and, apparently, most of Congress, which doesn’t seem to mind multimillion-dollar executive bonuses amid a $700 billion bailout — oops. I mean “credit rescue.” Park your jets right here, sir.
6. Sarah Palin’s turkey. More free advice: Never pardon a turkey on camera while a less fortunate turkey meets his fate in a nearby chipper. Did your press handlers have the day off?
7. Rob Blagojevich. The Illinois governor stands accused of trying to sell a senate seat. Blagojevich maintains his innocence, but U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said the governor took America to a “new low.” Looking back on this year of political gaffes, that’s pretttttttty low.
8. John McCain. Remember this? “The fundamentals of America’s economy are strong.” Um, John, cue your gracious concession speech.
9. The Rev. Jesse Jackson. It’s probably a good idea to check your microphone before talking about cutting off Barack Obama’s anatomical parts. Better bring a warm coat to the inauguration.
10. George W. Bush. No president wants a visual legacy of hurling shoes. The brown loafer is the new tomato.
ListMania’s mission is simple: Sum up a year in pop culture in lists.
Amid all the dour economic news and international shoe-tossing, there were a few moments to treasure about 2008. Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis made a record together, “The Mentalist” hypnotized TV viewers, and a rusty, love-struck robot named WALL-E may be knocking on Oscar’s door. These lists reveal there were some worthy nuggets to nibble on in 2008.
