The remaking of beset House Majority leader Tom DeLay’s image has begun…as he edges towards a mea culpa…an act that usually has some success in American politics:
House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) delivered an emotional homily yesterday on the need for greater humility in public servants, declaring himself a sinner before a largely Christian audience and warning that pride has brought down leaders throughout history.
“Just think of what we could accomplish if we checked our pride at the door, if collectively we all spent less time taking credit and more time deserving it,” DeLay told the 54th annual National Day of Prayer gathering on Capitol Hill. “If we spent less time ducking responsibility and more time welcoming it. If we spent less time on our soapboxes and more time on our knees.”
“On our knees..” That has been done before. Most notably by an intern in the last administration. Here’s more:
DeLay drew appreciative smiles when he added, “For in God, all things are possible, ladies and gentlemen. And even greatness from lowly sinners like you and me — especially me.”
Appearing before TV cameras and 300 people in the ornate Caucus Room of the Cannon House Office Building, DeLay said: “No matter what your faith, no matter what your political persuasion, your prayers for our increased humility, for our ever-humbler service to God and neighbor are needed and wanted.”
So it’s clear what’s in play here: contrition wrapped in religious language and symbolism.
DeLay, a Baptist, spoke at a time when the House ethics committee is considering an investigation of the financing of his overseas travel with lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who faces criminal and congressional investigations. Most of DeLay’s speeches these days appear aimed at shoring up his support among national conservative groups and constituents in his suburban Houston district.
“Throughout human history, all evil, all sin and indeed all suffering is ultimately a product of human pride and self-conceit,” DeLay said. “At the same time, all heroism, all virtue, all true progress is ultimately a product of humility and self-sacrifice, from the obedience of Abraham and Moses, to the courage of Jesus on the cross.”
This is edging towards an apology, of sorts. While it won’t satisfy his critics, and probably won’t shore up DeLay in the polls, it will be welcomed by his core supporters who’ll probably feel even more fired up about defending him.
Admissions of guilt or requests for public forgiveness have usually helped in American politics. DeLay has NOT admitted guilt or issued a plea for forgiveness. But he’s softened his inflexible image a bit. This kind of speech will likely prove a net plus for him in terms of suggesting he’s doing some soul searching — but it won’t totally erase his problems.
Joe Gandelman is a former fulltime journalist who freelanced in India, Spain, Bangladesh and Cypress writing for publications such as the Christian Science Monitor and Newsweek. He also did radio reports from Madrid for NPR’s All Things Considered. He has worked on two U.S. newspapers and quit the news biz in 1990 to go into entertainment. He also has written for The Week and several online publications, did a column for Cagle Cartoons Syndicate and has appeared on CNN.