MAN, 41, REGRETS DASCHLES DECISION NOT TO RUN
But Reporters Cry Hoax
A Florida man who expressed his regret that Senator Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) had decided not to run for President became embroiled in controversy today, as some in the media accused him of perpetrating a hoax.
The man, Charles Fallon, 41, called reporters from his St. Petersburg home yesterday to express his disappointment about Mr. Daschle's decision, thus becoming the only known voter in the country to be sad about it.
But Mr. Fallon's statement, in which he said that he had "really been looking forward to a Daschle Presidency," raised the suspicions of reporters covering the story.
His story doesnt pass the smell test, said David Bonner, a reporter for the Associated Press. At best, this is a guy whos trying to get publicity. At worst, the whole thing is a hoax.
Shelley Cullen, a reporter for The Miami Herald, agreed: Before I believe that someone out there is disappointed about Daschles decision, Id like some proof that this so-called person exists.
Mr. Fallon scheduled a press conference today to clear the air, but failed to show up, raising further doubts about his credibility.
There may be a guy somewhere out there whos sorry that Daschle's not running, said Peter Carson of The Orlando Sentinel, but Ill have to see it to believe it.
A spokesman from Mr. Daschles office said today that the Senator appreciated Mr. Fallons support, if, in fact, Mr. Fallon exists.
The spokesman also poured cold water on rumors that Mr. Fallons statement would force the Senator to reconsider his decision, or that Mr. Fallon was, in fact, Senator Daschle himself.
****Borowitz Report****
But Reporters Cry Hoax
A Florida man who expressed his regret that Senator Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) had decided not to run for President became embroiled in controversy today, as some in the media accused him of perpetrating a hoax.
The man, Charles Fallon, 41, called reporters from his St. Petersburg home yesterday to express his disappointment about Mr. Daschle's decision, thus becoming the only known voter in the country to be sad about it.
But Mr. Fallon's statement, in which he said that he had "really been looking forward to a Daschle Presidency," raised the suspicions of reporters covering the story.
His story doesnt pass the smell test, said David Bonner, a reporter for the Associated Press. At best, this is a guy whos trying to get publicity. At worst, the whole thing is a hoax.
Shelley Cullen, a reporter for The Miami Herald, agreed: Before I believe that someone out there is disappointed about Daschles decision, Id like some proof that this so-called person exists.
Mr. Fallon scheduled a press conference today to clear the air, but failed to show up, raising further doubts about his credibility.
There may be a guy somewhere out there whos sorry that Daschle's not running, said Peter Carson of The Orlando Sentinel, but Ill have to see it to believe it.
A spokesman from Mr. Daschles office said today that the Senator appreciated Mr. Fallons support, if, in fact, Mr. Fallon exists.
The spokesman also poured cold water on rumors that Mr. Fallons statement would force the Senator to reconsider his decision, or that Mr. Fallon was, in fact, Senator Daschle himself.
****Borowitz Report****
