would be an understatement at best, a terrible pun at worst.
After receiving some flack — according to the Detroit Free Press a state official told the governor that residents wouldn't drink the water until he did — Snyder came up with a novel idea: for the next thirty days he would drink filtered Flint water all day, every day.
The goal: to show just how safe the water is now and, of course, to show that he cares.
“I completely understand why some Flint residents are hesitant to drink the water and I am hopeful I can alleviate some of the skepticism and mistrust by putting words to action,” Snyder said at a press conference around his "Flint Water Challenge" on Monday.
“Flint residents made it clear that they would like to see me personally drink the water, so today I am fulfilling that request. And I will continue drinking Flint water at work and at home for at least 30 days.”
While the governor's plan may be well-intentioned (benefit of the doubt, people), many are arguing that this is one big PR move. In other words, that his costly image consultants are pressing for this somewhat unverifiable coup (he only took home 3 gallons of Flint water on Monday, but said he'll re-up when he runs out).
As of late the internet has become a great, magical, hateful, witty, interesting place when it comes to Snyder. Here are some of the most [fill in the blank] responses to Snyder's 30 day plan.
Yeah, no.
if you really believe that he's drinking water from Flint, then I have some magic dick growing beans to sell to you. https://t.co/VDOqvzt0lO
— Allen Parish (@AllenParish74) April 19, 2016
This has gone from tragic to comic in a real hurry: @onetoughnerd will drink Flint water for next 30 days https://t.co/KWYBr3zz5f @freep
— Chris Gerben (@cgerben) April 18, 2016
You might be drinking the water but we ain't drinking da Kool-Aid! https://t.co/mmiJbBkthC
— AKAdemic (@gjladson) April 19, 2016
Snyder: At work, at home, I'll drink Flint water https://t.co/8b2dKdChFt via @freep What a gimmick & an embarrassment. Not the point, Rick.
— Kaitlin Popielarz (@KaitPopielarz) April 19, 2016
Drink your weight in the stuff and we'll talk. https://t.co/lTGSWwBr6t
— Sub-Quantum Engineer (@denny_deluxe) April 19, 2016
What is this, the modern hair shirt?
— Alice Dreger (@AliceDreger) April 18, 2016
"Snyder says he will drink Flint water for next 30 days" https://t.co/A4VHOfLcFz
Snyder says he'll drink Flint water for next 30 days https://t.co/HfbRLpfXFd Clown really thinks that this stunt will fix his credibility!?
— No_Politricks (@No_Politricks) April 18, 2016
1. Ppl won't believe man who lied to them. 2. How'd public health crisis become game of chicken? #FlintWaterCrisis https://t.co/upN11uw4F9
— Heather Gies (@HeatherGies) April 18, 2016
Some were confused by Snyder's planned intake considering he only took home three one-gallon bottles of Flint water on Monday.
He's going to drink 3 gallons over 30 days? So @onetoughnerd only drinks 1 1/2 cups of water a day? https://t.co/w8EVXD4yfG
— Nick Krieger (@nckrieger) April 18, 2016
Oh, I see his wife will be drinking from those same 3 gallons. So Snyder only drinks 3/4 of a cup of water each day. https://t.co/w8EVXD4yfG
— Nick Krieger (@nckrieger) April 18, 2016
Well, we know something's up when a public relations firm is noting that this is some "strong" work.
Strong PR move...Michigan Governor says he will drink Flint water for next 30 days https://t.co/Gxma5vPMDU
— LT Public Relations (@LTPR) April 18, 2016
Many brought up the fact that drinking the water is not the same as stepping down, which is what many residents have been calling for.
Snyder said he would drink the water because residents asked him to....didn't they ask that he step down, too? https://t.co/hdedc1SukS
— Olivia Lewis (@TheWrittenPeace) April 19, 2016
How does this asshole still have a job? - Snyder says he will drink Flint water for next 30 days https://t.co/xaY7kVsQZG via @freep
— Jessica (@Jessica_Effect) April 19, 2016
The real gems are in Gov. Snyder's mentions following his tweet about the 30-day "challenge." There are even celebrities who got in on the action.
More from that trove...@onetoughnerd @MLive Cute Stunt! Now go and bath in their tubs and see if you don't get the same illnesses as many of your residents.
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) April 19, 2016
@onetoughnerd @MLive he doesn't have to drink Flint water to prove he's an asshole to me
— Angst Schadenfreude (@WearingWelcome) April 18, 2016
@onetoughnerd @MLive pic.twitter.com/T2o2NDkBvZ
— Dan Brillman (@DanBrillman) April 18, 2016
This @onetoughnerd is a very, very bad man. Why does he still have a job? https://t.co/lU7Y54eOQ6
— Tyler Hower (@tylerhower) April 19, 2016
@onetoughnerd @MLive oh wow. 30 days with filtered water knowingly drinking the water. So relatable to what the people of Flint have endured
— Hannah (@hannahsdaydream) April 19, 2016
@onetoughnerd @MLive great to see this! Forgive me if I ask for impartial third-party verification. Also, your grandkids gotta drink it.
— Cadence Cellardoor (@cobaltskky) April 18, 2016
@onetoughnerd @MLive 30 days? Wtf you want a consolation prize? You had people drinking that water for 2 fucking years + before sayin shit✋🏾
— lyn (@dllynnnnn) April 19, 2016
So that went really well, no? Good luck in your big endeavor Gov. Snyder — we'll see you in a month.
