Okay, so maybe Jay Cutler isn't the most charismatic guy in the room. And perhaps his frowny disposition is often misinterpreted for indifference. Or worse: used as a comedy vehicle by politicians.
Wisconsin Republican Congressman and Packers fan Paul Ryan invoked Cutler's name several times while speaking at Chicago's Economic Forum Monday. It was somehow less funny than you might imagine.
Via FoxNews.com:
"I want to thank you all for inviting me to speak. It was especially gracious of you to host me, even though I’m a Packers fan and I assume most of you are Bears fans," Ryan began.
"But that doesn't mean we can't work together. As chairman of the House Budget Committee, I stand ready to do whatever it takes to help you re-sign Jay Cutler. I'm here to talk about the economy today -- about the need to get four quarters of strong, consistent performance. That wasn't another Jay Cutler joke, I swear. It could be, but it's not," he continued.
But worry not. Wisconsin's Democratic Party defends Cutler's honor through the, ahem, liberal use of backhanded compliments.
"Republicans would be better off with Jay Cutler as their candidate in Wisconsin. Cutler has at least helped the Green Bay Packers win a Super Bowl, while Tommy G. Thompson has spent the last decade doing the bidding of the Bush administration and his special-interest clients at his lobbying firm," Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokesman Matt Canter said.
Canter is referring to the nadir of Cutler's career: last January's NFC championship game against the Packers. Cutler left early in the third quarter and didn't return because of a knee injury. Apparently, he didn't look injured enough because fans, media and other players questioned Cutler's toughness. Brian Urlacher came to his defense, and it was later revealed that the Bears QB had suffered a Grade II MCL tear.
In news that should surprise no one, Cutler's agent didn't return a request for comment from Fox News.