Bush & Company

Who started this trend, anyway? Was it Newt, The Donald or Huckabee or does the idea go back to Ms. Sarah?

Announce you'e running for president. Raise money for your bogus campaign. Present your crackpot opinions. Then bow out gracefully because you're outfunded. Meantime, your name has become widely known and before you know it, you're a Fox News commentator, a best-selling author and a much-sought speaker on the lecture circuit. Only the serious-minded remain. Those weeded out can expect similar rewards.

The victor may gain the presidency and a tenure of trauma, frustration and abuse, in some cases, deserved.

Here's the latest thing to do---
Make a run for president,
Even though you'll finish low,
But that always was your plan

And the reason that you ran.
I can't quite remember who
Came up with this clever con,
But the concept has caught on.

Boost your name's the way to go,
Stay until you've made a dent,
Then get hired by Fox News
Where you can express your views

And make lots and lots of dough.