Comic No More
An article in Politico reported that after President Obama met with Congressional Democrats, Al Franken and other senators met with David Axelrod, Obama’s chief advisor. The Minnesotan was highly critical of the White House for failing to lead, on among other issues, health care reform.
Because he is actually a very bright man, Franken’s comments meant something, but he certainly wasn’t alone in voicing his displeasure. There was considerable frustration apparent at the meeting; someone used the word "hot" to describe some of the Senators who think the White House should be leading, not just delivering unserviceable platitudes.
But here’s the core of the problem. Joining Axelrod were the head of the Democratic National Committee, Tim Kaine, and political consultant Paul Begala. Neither of them should have even been in the room, but it underscores that the White House puts politics first.
Unfortunately, the DNC is embarrassingly – nay, dangerously – inept. They snatched defeat out of the jaws of victory in the Massachusetts special election. And it was reported that they spent $450,000 last month on television commercials in behalf of Ben Nelson, who had been bribed for his tepid support of health care reform. It was a stunning waste of money, first because there is absolutely no need to be running spots in January, and second because they could have reached all of Nebraska for a fraction of that amount.
Speaking of incompetent political machines, the California Democratic Party put up a website trashing Carly Fiorina in her bid to be governor of The Golden State. Only she isn’t running for Governor; she’s running for the Senate.
There was a move in the House to call for public financing of elections, but it got no where. That’s because the incumbents are quite happy, thank you, with the current system that massively favors those already in office. Maintained by the special interests who fund their campaigns,, they wouldn’t think of changing the system.
©2010 SetonnoteS
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