I probably shouldn’t open up with an admission of weakness on a blog ripe with zingers in the comments. But the truth is I’m not exactly the queen of snappy comebacks. I still haven’t thought of a good one for the Gandhi gauntlet — the group of skateboarders who would hang out in front of the library and taunt me, almost inexplicably, with yells of “Gandhi!” when I made my way inside to the children’s section circa 1986. (In a possible foreshadowing of Sondheim’s assassination humor, my dad suggested I call them “Kennedy.”)
Judging by his skill in deploying memorable rapid-response retorts on behalf of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) Hari Sevugan probably didn’t have that problem when he was growing up. Born in Madras, raised in Illinois and a veteran of several political campaigns including Chris Dodd’s run for president, Sevugan completed a stint in the New York City public school system with Teach For America and practiced law before moving on to politics.
In an interview with Fox News Sevugan, a Cubs fan, shares his fondness for the underdog and the story of a bet made with his middle school students that left him with Dennis Rodman-inspired blond hair. He’s not a bleach blond anymore, but these days his colorful quips as the DNC’s national spokesman attract attention.So far it’s been the easiest job I’ve ever had as there’s still no Republican budget proposal to respond to. — Politico. Sevugan on his first day on the job.
I’m going to pass on marketing advice from folks who hadn’t fully thought out the implications of using tea bags as a brand. — Oregonian. In response to a Republican resolution to rebrand Democrats as Socialists.
1996 Called. They Want Their GOP Sunday Show Lineup Back. — Americablog. After John McCain appeared on “This Week,†Newt Gingrich on “Fox News Sunday†and Dick Cheney on “Face the Nation.â€
After that presidential campaign, Fred Thompson knows a thing or two about failure. — The Plum Line. Responding to Thompson’s desire for Obama’s policies to fail.
I’ve only recently become acquainted with Sevugan’s work from browsing a few political blogs after noticing a quote from him in the news. But given his role with the DNC and way with words we’re very likely to hear more from him over the next few years.
More: The Hindu profiled Meyappan ‘Hari’ Sevugan last year in “The Obama aide from Devakottai.”
Cut-rate Bobby Jindal! 😉
In an interview with Fox News Sevugan, a Cubs fan,
Dear SM Intern, Can you do a follow up story on Mr.Sevugan in late October this year when he is on cloud nine after the Cubs win there 1st world series in over 100 years.
Is sharp-wit a Tamil trait or the ability to compose smartass comebacks some Tamil rite of passage?… because dmn! See: Rahul, Aziz Ansari and Mindy Kaling, pingpong…wait, is Manju Tamil? Why not harness the power of the SM commentariat by asking for some for sharp zingers to deflect unwanted attention and racist comments.
I am guesting that in another 100 days of what your party is doing to destroy our country the people of the United States are going to have more than a tea party, they are going to run you out of town.People are sick and tired of you people spending our money, we can not afford to pay any more taxes.If your boss is so gun ho on fixing things why does he not put back the money that was taken from social security?
“You people?”
Yay @ #4! SM’s first teabagger.
Hari can be a little too snarky at times, but whatever, it’s all good.
If your boss is so gun ho on fixing things why does he not put back the money that was taken from social security?
He ain’t my boss, he is my President…!!
I also like the use of passive voice. “Was taken.” Was taken by whom? NOBODY KNOWS!
Ron Berhorst (#4) has been assigned the task of monitoring desi blogs for the conservatives. The poor dude finally got his chance to post some stuff after having to sit through endless articles of brown this and brown that and lousy Nicole Kidman ads. Let the man vent !
I am amazed at how many young desi talent has been tapped by the Obama political machine. More power to Hari Sevugan and the rest of the yound desi brigade, making their mark in politics.
I know Hari sevugan, he’s chettiar (I am too). He’s okay. I still see him every once in a while at chettiar functions.
The name Sevugan is new to me. How do you pronounce it?
It is pronounced Say-vu-gun.
Thanks. What does it mean?
Sevugan means aide. What a coincidence!
i share the same first name with him and am a chettiar from devakottai. my aunts house is the the next to his in madras, i hope to meet him soon