Politics: Ask Me About Paul Ryan

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Politics Ask Me About Paul Ryan In a surprisingly close Rhode Island race, David Cicilline gets a lifeline. By David Weigel Posted Wednesday, Aug 15, 2012, at 10:51 PM ET PROVIDENCE, R.I.—The men in white polo shirts stand out like a Starfleet recon team as they grip-and-grab their way through the anarchist street fair. Rep. David Cicilline, who was the mayor of this city for eight years, strides quickly and carefully from booth to bar to booth. His much-taller aide, identically attired, keeps one eye on the congressman and one eye on his smartphone. The annual Foo Fest, an art-and-counterculture celebration that takes up a couple of downtown blocks, has attracted some people who really don't want to meet a congressman. Cicilline walks through the Anarchist Books tent in the center of the block. "Hi," he tells two members of the Rhode Island Anti-Sexism League, which is selling a collection of Occupy and feminist literature. "David Cicilline." He doesn't ask for their votes or tell them what he's running for. They know what he's running for. Cicilline sees a mother with a baby nearby, and beelines over to meet them. The Anti-Sexism Leaguers are gobsmacked. "Is he actually doing that?" asks a horrified Renae Chaves. "I thought that was a cliché, politicians kissing babies. Oh, come on. What a douche." She's offended that a politician would even show his face at Foo Fest. "I think everyone's cynical about politics now. None of these guys do anything they promise. Rhode Island always votes for the Democrats, anyway." Not necessarily. For ages, Democrat David Cicilline was one of the most popular mayors in America ... To continue reading, click here. Join the Fray: our reader discussion forum What did you think of this article? POST A MESSAGE | READ MESSAGES Also In Slate Ask Me About Paul Ryan The Starbucks of Nightclubs Boopy Goes to Berlin	Advertisement
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