Harbor Freight Tool version of Bogen auto-pole and Lowel giant clamp?

[Mark Suszko]

Maybe similar, maybe not. The article is short on details and describes it more as part of a set decoration than a lighting rig.

I did see the Clinton thing happen on a tape replay: the lighting truss falls right behind them with a clatter, and the now-Secretary of State cries out: “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!”. Which is something that more pious older Catholics might yell instead of $%#^$ if suddenly and violently surprised.

Again, auto-poles are not dangerous if used correctly, any more than any other piece of gear. After just once seeing a busted globe leak molten quartz drips onto our carpeted set, all the fixtures got safety screens permanently attached. You have to take reasonable precautions in all things.