It's Called Being A Public Figure

In context, this little rant by David Vitter at Dulles Airport at least makes a little sense. VItter showed up 20 minutes before departure and wasn't allowed entry, despite the plane still being at the gate. I understand there are FAA rules against re-opening the gate once the doors are closed, but they have to explain to me why it would hurt to allow a screened passenger onto the plane when it's still sitting at the gate. This has happened to me and I definitely was angry about it, though I didn't create a scene.

But David Vitter did.

Vitter, our spy said, gave the airline worker an earful, employing the timeworn "do-you-know-who-I-am" tirade that apparently grew quite heated.

That led to some back and forth, and the worker announced to the irritable Vitter that he was going to summon security.

Vitter, according to the witness, remained defiant, yelling that the employee could call the police if he wanted to and their supervisors, who, presumably, might be more impressed with his Senator's pin.

But after talking a huffy big game, Vitter apparently thought better of pushing the confrontation any further. When the gate attendant left to find a security guard, Vitter turned tail and simply fled the scene.

Vitter is denying the story, but the point is that any loud of belligerent conversation, no matter how dignified, is going to be blown up when a Senator does it. You would think someone in public service would know that. Then again, Vitter asked his prostitute if he could wear diapers in front of her, so he may not have much of a handle on the value of discretion.