Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

2008 Hall of Infamy Inductees

A month-by-month gallery of the year's most ignominious figures

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 25, 2008 8:21 PM CST

(Newser) – As we look back at the great people who made their mark this year, let us not forget to document the schlubby, the sneaky, and the just plain criminal. Vanity Fair has done the legwork, rounding up a month-by-month rogue's gallery. Some highlights:

  • January: Rudy Giuliani's Florida strategy was hapless at best.

  • March: Eliot Spitzer exposed his proclivities to the world.
  • June: Robert Mugabe reminded us how bad African dictators can be.
  • October: "Joe" the (unlicensed) Plumber spoke his mind—even when he knew none of the issues.
For their rhyming tributes and the rest, click on the link below.

On March 10, 2008, New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer makes a statement to reporters during a news conference, where he apologized after a report that he was involved in a prostitution ring.
On March 10, 2008, New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer makes a statement to reporters during a news conference, where he apologized after a report that he was involved in a prostitution ring.   (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer/FILE)
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani takes a call from his wife while delivering remarks to the National Rifle Association in Washington, Sept. 21, 2007, while campaigning for the GOP nomination.
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani takes a call from his wife while delivering remarks to the National Rifle Association in Washington, Sept. 21, 2007, while campaigning for the GOP nomination.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe speaks at his party's 10th annual Congress in Bindura, Zimbabwe, Dec. 19, 2008. Mugabe said Friday that Zimbabwe is mine and vowed never to surrender.
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe speaks at his party's 10th annual Congress in Bindura, Zimbabwe, Dec. 19, 2008. Mugabe said Friday that "Zimbabwe is mine" and vowed never to surrender.   (AP Photo)
Samuel Joe The Plumber Wurzelbacher speaks at a rally for Republican presidential candidate John McCain, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008.
Samuel "Joe The Plumber" Wurzelbacher speaks at a rally for Republican presidential candidate John McCain, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008.   (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
Shannonals
Dec 30, 2008 10:04 PM CST
Only CK would think of Joe the Plumber as his Hero...
jaguarj
Dec 27, 2008 10:11 PM CST
Yah, Joe the hero. That's about yout speed.. King.
Shannonals
Dec 27, 2008 2:03 AM CST
Honestly, who reads the Vanity Fair?

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne