A Weblog of Centrist Voices in American Politics
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A Weblog of Centrist Voices in American Politics | |
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February 25, 2005UnprecedentedBoth parties break new ground in hardball, says Arlen Specter
So what is it, anything goes as long as it's not illegal? Or should those who escalate hardball tactics be called out? Posted by rickheller at February 25, 2005 09:51 AM Comments
Interesting that you just posted this...I had just finished reading and was going to link. Centrist Mind's think alike. I have a lot of respect and admiration for Specter. He's always been his own man, and there certainly are not a significant number of fellow Congressmen (and women) who can lay claim to that. He's right, the tactics are unprecedented on both sides. Part of me would like to see an up or down vote, but then there's another part that understands the frustration of the minority and their desire to make their voices heard. After all, didn't Republicans use somewhat different, but very familiar, tactics with Bill Clinton? It's very hard for the GOP to preach about the fairness of up or down votes when they had people like Jesse Helms (R-NC, Ret) who blocked votes on individuals based on something so insignificant as sexual orientation. There is a compromise here, and it's the obvious. Bush needs to pick some centrist candidates...plain and simple. I think that if he nominated a few moderates, Democrats would be willing to allow a few conservatives. It's a give and take. Play the game. Posted by: ufrh4 at February 25, 2005 10:15 AMUnfortunately, there's no political benefit to Bush picking centrists. It's not going to win him any friends with Democrats and it will only alienate his conservative supporters. Granted, he can't run again, but I'm sure he wants to retain influence in the party and, of course, he has an agenda he wants to move through Congress. Posted by: MWS at February 25, 2005 12:56 PMI'm thinkins we try to set a good example by ignoring all "mom he hit me"-"he hit me first" fights. Posted by: bk at February 25, 2005 01:43 PMUnfortunately, there's no political benefit to Bush picking centrists. It's not going to win him any friends with Democrats and it will only alienate his conservative supporters. The real tragedy is that it's ALL about paying off wingnut constituencies and what will keep their support and money flowing. What is entirely missing from any of this is what is good for the country. Posted by: Ducktape at February 26, 2005 11:29 AMWhat is entirely missing from any of this is what is good for the country. You just nailed what is far and away the single greatest reason why I became an Indie years ago and why I remain an Indie to this day. Posted by: Kevin at February 26, 2005 12:13 PMecho Kevin Posted by: Tully at February 26, 2005 04:22 PM |
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