Tom Cole (R-Okl) about Paul Ryan (zombie-eyed granny starver-Wis):
This is a guy — it’s very unusual for a House member: He has genuine national stature. He has been a thought leader in the Republican Party; he is a consistent conservative.I hate the term "thought leader." I hate hate hate it. I don't understand why it has become so popular. It sounds like a stupid person's attempt to describe a smart person. Plus, we already have plenty of words for that idea that aren't as dumb. Like, say, "intellectual." It's not just politicians who use "thought leader." It has become a buzzword in the business world as well. It probably started in the business world. The denizens of that planet specialize in creating stupid sounding new words for old concepts. It's only natural for a term that idiotic to migrate to the mouths of Congress.
