Nice Try, Google, but You're No Idiot

In contrast to the subdued tone of most of his responses, Schmidt's idiot speech takes on a tone of overearnestness. I find it hard to listen to it without imagining Schmidt practicing it in front of his mirror. (Not to mention those infamous clips of Schmidt in a public speaking class from the 1980s.)

Nor is it terribly risky for Schmidt to say this. No one can argue with any credibility that Google, with the best search engine out there and growth rates that most companies can only dream about, is run by idiots. But the quote is too tantalizing for journalists and bloggers to not bite at. And you see how we have.

What bugs me, though, is that it's not even original. Ever since the 2004 Red Sox, calling yourself an idiot has become such a common back-handed compliment that it's almost a cliché. Let's just hope Google's new tactic of mock humility doesn't lead Schmidt, Brin and Page to start sporting dreadlocks, corn rows and massive facial hair.

Mr. Schmidt, I have followed the Boston Red Sox. I know the Boston Red Sox. The Boston Red Sox have broken my heart and mended it whole again. Mr. Schmidt, you Googlers are no idiots.

Since Elliot Schrage took control of Google's public relations last fall, the company has gravitated away from arrogant aloofness toward arrogant accessibility. Listen in the interview how Schmidt insists, somewhat unctuously, how the reporters at hand are "smart guys," and his repeated insistence that he's not criticizing the press, right after he complains how the press invents stories or takes things out of context.