Tuesday, the NRSC Stanford Tree made its debut in Washington at Russ Feingold’s fundraiser being held at 201 Bar, which he once bashed for being a place where influence is bought and sold. The tree mascot highlighted Feingold’s time spent in California at Stanford University.
Feingold wasn't the only Stanford Cardinal at 201 Bar tonight #WISen https://t.co/IITV6CeARj
— NRSC Republicans (@NRSC) November 18, 2015
Shortly after, Jonathan Martin of the New York Times blasted out the Stanford Tree’s committed performance.
The @NRSC is shadowing @russfeingold with a Stanford Cardinal mascot. Yes, a tree
https://t.co/LMieAoMMXa
— Jonathan Martin (@jmartNYT) November 18, 2015
Buzzfeed and Washington Post reporters also joined in tweeting out praises for the Stanford Tree.
Right Wisconsin also appreciated the Stanford Tree, declaring it the "Winner of the Day":
Believe it or not, but political trolling is an art form; and we may be watching some of the best ever implemented by the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) against former Sen. Russ Feingold.
Charlie Sykes also gave the Stanford mascot a shoutout on his WTMJ-AM radio show, mentioning Feingold’s "so arrogant that he’s going to be able to win in Wisconsin that he’s actually out at Stanford."
— NRSC Republicans (@NRSC) November 18, 2015
*Gannett Media* [commended](http://www.postcrescent.com/story/news/politics/elections/2015/11/19/feingold-critics-get-creative-senate-race/76016706/) the NRSC for their creativity.
>Well, guess who showed up to follow Feingold at a fundraiser in Washington, D.C.? No other than a version of the Stanford mascot, a tree nicknamed “Cardinal.”
The Stanford Tree has already made quite the impression. Despite trying to ignore the tree while *”on a phone call,”* it seems the faint outline of a smile can be seen on Feingold’s face as he laid eyes on his beloved mascot.