Remember the alleged strong-arm tactics the Clintons used with GQ earlier this year? No? Well, basically the allegations were that unless GQ spiked an unflattering story about Sen. Hillary Clinton's campaign, then Bill Clinton would not cooperate with an article and accompanying cover photo for the December's Men of the Year issue. Not surprisingly, GQ dropped the story. At the time, one editor said the Clinton camp did not force them the to kill the story, adding that the magazine drops stories all the time and for lots of reasons. Well, with just a few days before the magazine hit stands, we must ask: Was killing the Clinton story worth spiking a potentially revealing political piece? Do we really need to see a Smiling Bubba on another magazine cover? And what's up with your Men of the Year choices, GQ? After the jump, feast on the list, which includes -- WTF! -- a woman?
GQ articles editor Jason Gay emails FishbowlNY: "GQ's Men of the Year selection process is basically a highly unscientific but very spirited staff argument that starts on January 1st -- and doesn't end until the December issue is shipped out the door. For us, the debate is half the fun of the issue. Some picks this year were no-brainers, like Kayne West. But other choices -- like the love-him-or-hate-him Alex Rodriguez -- came right down to the wire. In the end, we hope this year's issue is as enjoyable to read as it was to put together.''
2007 MEN OF THE YEAR HONOREES
Casey Affleck - Breakout of the Year
Judd Apatow, Michael Cera, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd - Comedy Mafia
Javier Bardem - Villain
Brad Bird, director of 'Ratatouille' - Innovator
Cate Blanchette in 'I'm Not There' - Performance of the Year
Mike Bloomberg, Mayor of the City of New York - Maverick
Boise State vs. Oklahoma at the Fiesta Bowl - Game of the Year
Josh Brolin - Tough Guy
Cast of 'Mad Men' - Instant Classic
David Chang of New York's Momofuku - Chef
David Chase, creator of 'The Sopranos' - Final Act
Simon Cowell - Mastermind
John Cusack - Comeback
Daft Punk - Trailblazers
Daria - Supermodel of the Year
Sgt. Joshua Delgado and the new breed of medics serving in Iraq - Unsung Heroes
Roger Federer - Court King
Tom Hanks - Icon
Emile Hirsch - Wild Man
Ryan Howard, first baseman, Philadelphia Phillies - Slugger
Lil Wayne - Workaholic
Josh Marshall, blog founder, Talking Points Memo - Muckraker
James McAvoy - British Import
Derek O'Dell, student, Virginia Tech - Lifesaver
Hayden Panettiere - Obsession of the Year
Ron Paul, presidential candidate - Dark Horse of the Year
Alex Rodriguez - Hit Man
Seth Rogen - Father of the Year
Mark Ruffalo - Secret Weapon
Julian Schnabel - Visionary
Jason Schwartzman - Cool Kid
John Smeaton, baggage handler, Glasgow International Airport - Employee of the Year
Channing Tatum - Man of Next Year
Robin Thicke and Rihanna - Smooth Operators
John Varvatos - Designer of the Year
Shaun White - Reinvention
GQ's 2007 Men of the Year Issue {Media Bistro]
