During a hearing last June, Boxer interrupted Brigadier General Michael Walsh of the Army Corps of Engineers in mid-sentence: “Do me a favor?’’ she said. “Could you say ‘senator’ instead of ‘ma’am?’ It’s just a thing. I worked so hard to get that title, so I’d appreciate it. Yes, thank you.’’
Boxer said the general was not offended by her remarks, but many in the GOP clearly were, including the two Republican challengers.
Former Hewlett-Packard chief executive Carly Fiorina thought the exchange was so memorable that it prompted her to create the website CallMeBarbara.com, which she uses to raise money and keep in touch with supporters.
Campaign aides said the site has received thousands of hits and led to thousands of dollars in donations.
The campaign of state Assemblyman Chuck DeVore juxtaposed the Boxer clip with an Austin Powers movie frame showing the Dr. Evil character upbraiding those who dare refer to him as “Mr. Evil.’’ The 30-second video has generated more than 108,000 clicks on YouTube.
Barbara O’Connor, professor of communications at Sacramento State University, said the use of Boxer’s comments from the hearing will no doubt fire up the GOP base during the primary campaign but probably will not hurt the third-term senator in the general election. Jobs, health care, and other bread-and-butter issues are expected to take precedence, she said.
Leisa Brug Kline, the campaign manager for DeVore, expects that the Boxer video will be useful after the primary election because it illustrates the senator’s disregard for others. The popularity of the Dr. Evil video proves that people were upset by the exchange, she said.
Fiorina’s campaign is focusing on the exchange because it exemplifies the tone voters have come to expect from Boxer, said Julie Soderlund, a spokeswoman for Fiorina.
“A member of the military calling somebody ma’am or sir certainly isn’t something that’s unusual,’’ Soderlund said. “Most people who see the video recognize that and recognize the level of arrogance that Senator Boxer brought to the situation.’’
Tennessee representative will not seek 14th term
