Jon Caldara, Colorado's wackiest conservative, socks it to 'em

Jon Caldara mugging for the camera. Once upon a time, this very newspaper named previous Westword profile subject Jon Caldara the city's "Best Media Manipulator" -- and one reason he so richly deserved this honor is his willingness to make an ass of himself in the name of his cause...

By Michael Roberts

October 2, 2008

Audio By Carbonatix

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Jon Caldara mugging for the camera.

Once upon a time, this very newspaper named previous Westword profile subject Jon Caldara the city's "Best Media Manipulator" -- and one reason he so richly deserved this honor is his willingness to make an ass of himself in the name of his cause of the moment. Still, even longtime Caldara watchers will be caught offguard by his latest silliness spectacular: a YouTube video explaining his advocacy for Amendment 49 with help from a series of sock puppets.

Big Jon makes no effort to avoid moving his lips while delivering a series of often-goofy voices, including an unnerving falsetto he unleashes when portraying a handy female. Then, at the end of the clip, he tells his new gal pal that she's kinda hot -- an admission that conjures horrifying images of what he used the sock for after the camera clicked off. Hope he ran it through the washing machine afterward.

Think I'm exaggerating? Click "More" and see for yourself. -- Michael Roberts

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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