Hammer-Time

Tom Delay’s third career as a dancer was short-lived. After a career in pest control, he turned to politics. After 2 years as Republican House Majority Leader, “the Hammer” decided to try a foray into something a little more glitzy.

Decked out in a red outfit with a prominent Republican elephant on his back, he strutted his stuff, showing that conservative politics and the arts do mix. He wanted to show that he is more than just a stuffed suit by being a contestant on Dancing With the Stars. I think he surprised everyone with his moves. He’s actually very light on his feet, even in his high heels.

DeLay said that while it may have surprised many that he was a contestant, it wouldn’t have surprised the people who knew him well. “They know that I like to have fun. I like to push the envelope.”

DeLay was partnered with two-time Dancing with the Stars professional champ Cheryl Burke, who apparently had to Google him to find out who he was.
Comedian Jimmy Kimmel asked her if their pairing was a result of her being “punished by the producers.”

“Tom’s a great guy and I learned a lot from him. We had a lot of fun together,” she said.

Tom got along famously with everyone, despite their differences.
“The thing that surprised me the most were the people on the show … I didn’t know what to expect coming to this show and Los Angeles and being amongst the more creative people. I found that even as liberal as some are, they were very open and very warm. The professional dancers were just amazing. The kind of people they are, their work ethic, how smart they are, how talented they are — I was blown away. I made some very good friends,” DeLay said.

While not the most polished dancer, Tom held his own. It was fun and impressive just to see him in this context. At one point, DeLay admits he panicked when he almost dropped Cheryl – but it was either grab onto her or let her fall “on her rear end.” They say recovery is the most important aspect of talent.

Tom, who had been diagnosed with a pre-stress fracture in his right foot, decided to ignore doctor’s advice not to perform.

“What’s a little pain when we can party?”

He eventually was forced to withdraw due to stress fractures on both of his feet.

“Does that embarrass you at all?” asked Jimmy Kimmel.

“Frankly, a little bit,” answered DeLay. “A boy from Texas breaking his feet dancing?”

DeLay reportedly asked Kimmel, “can you could shake your booty like I can?”

“I want to dance no matter what,” the 62-year-old former House Republican Whip said Monday, but he reconsidered on Tuesday.

His partner, Cheryl said, “I told him over a million times not to dance. I told him you’ve already gone out there and shocked America, showed them what you can do already. But he’s a stubborn man, and he’s very determined!” she added.

A polarizing figure, some just can’t separate politics from entertainment. His elimination sparked some venom from the Left on the Huffington Post’s site. His opponents were celebrating his injuries.

c.2009