From the what-planet-are-you-on desk comes the illogic of politics in America. Democrats, who got their butts kicked in the most recent political season, will stay with the same team. No testing of the free agent market. No trades. Coaching staff remains in place.
Granted, this is predictable. The Democrats have become the country’s most reactionary political party, still promulgating policies last known to have found favor in the 1930’s and 1960’s, well before the national industrial economy gave way to a service economy and globalism. Much like the European reactionaries of the 19th century failed to recognize the transition from agrarian to industrial economics and urban culture, the Democrats display an unwillingness to change either their thinking or their leadership. This is no surprise. But it is disappointing.
After two years of backward looking government-as-savior communalism, with crushing deficits and Washington once again dictating to Main Street, Pelosi and Reid keep their positions. Never mind that they were the two headed monster that became the despised face of record congressional disapproval ratings and stirred the bludgeoning of congressional Democrats in the mid terms. Now we learn that DNC Chair Tim Kaine, who oversaw the congressional debacle, expects to remain as well.
Over at the RNC, Michael Steele, who chaired the committee through a historic turnaround is almost certain to lose his leadership position. Politico reports that more than half of the Republican National Committee members will not vote to re-elect Steele. Of the 168 members, 55 say they will not vote for Steele under any circumstance, while 33 more have endorsed other candidates. That’s 88 out of 168, or 52%, who won’t vote for him. According to Politico, Steele is not the second choice of a single member of the committee.
Yes, Michael Steele spent his first year as RNC Chair as a gaffe prone caricature, often more quotable than Sarah Palin or Michelle Bachman. But, while others remained caricatures of themselves, Steele settled in, removed his foot from his mouth, and put together a winning team. His reward appears to be a ticket to the unemployment line.
Years ago, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones decided he couldn’t get along with two time Super Bowl champion head coach Jimmy Johnson and let him go. The Cowboys since have one championship trophy, with a team built by Johnson before his departure. It looks as though the Republicans, not satisfied with success, are determined to follow Jerry Jones’ example.
Contributor, aka tidbits. Retired attorney in complex litigation, death penalty defense and constitutional law. Former Nat’l Board Chair: Alzheimer’s Association. Served on multiple political campaigns, including two for U.S. Senator Mark O. Hatfield (R-OR). Contributing author to three legal books and multiple legal publications.