by The American Accountability Foundation has produced a 24-page research report on David Chipman. They have dug very deep into his background. It is well worth a read.
Some of the things that popped out at me were his divorce, how he tried to play the system to get relocation expenses, his change in behavior and views, and how he became increasingly both radical and anti-law enforcement.
Discussions with friends who used to work with him at BATFE were interesting. For example, a former BATFE agent who had been his friend had this – “but after he got divorced, and then joined AA, he because very self righteous and almost evangelical in views that he holds; no more competing ideas and middle ground, and more like once he gets in his head that something is “right” he pursues it with a passion and fury.” That leads to the question as to whether Chipman is a recovering alcoholic. If so, for how long? While that does not disqualify him for the position, it does raise questions on how he handles stress.
I would read the whole report and then contact my senators signifying my opposition.
At this point I am worried about “anchoring.” https://www.negotiations.com/definition/anchoring/
I don’t think Chipman will be confirmed. Trouble is, he is so bad the next nominee can only seem better. They have set the bar really low with this guy. Bloomberg did not get to be a 60 billionaire by being bad at negotiation. The next one may slide through simply because “(s)he is not Chipman.” Maybe the next one will even pay homage “I own guns but…”
I have mixed feelings. There will be a Biden nominee for BATFE, and the nominee will be rabidly anti-gun. There is no doubt about that. The Senate cannot block a Biden nominee forever.
Which makes me wonder if we should call their bluff and let Chipman slide through. He will energize people for 2022. There is no better opponent than a polarizing jack-a$$ like Chipman. Heck, he even makes WLP and his cronies look useful.
The question for me is not “how bad is Chipman,” the question for me is who is on deck?
Sadly, I have to agree with dwb.