I wouldn't be surprised if the governor acted more because he sensed an opportunity than out of fear of the story. By playing the story this way, he gets to ac

I wouldn't be surprised if the governor acted more because he sensed an opportunity than out of fear of the story. By playing the story this way, he gets to act out the feelings of a constituency that feels judged by educated urbanites and unable to keep up with a changing world. He is standing up for the honor of Missouri against the sneering condescension of the fancy city reporter. From that point of view, he isn't dealing with a threat so much as feasting on a political opportunity.