By Dan Calabrese ——Bio and Archives--November 14, 2014
American Politics, News | CFP Comments | Reader Friendly | Subscribe | Email Us
Quelling a small but vocal rebellion, Reid (D-Nev.) won reelection to another term atop the caucus, now as minority leader after eight years in the majority. But his victory came only after a 31 / 2-hour meeting that became a forum for political grievances and a rollout of an expanded leadership team meant to balance the caucus’s ideological and regional diversity.
Four straight election victories had produced unwavering support and increasing power for Reid in the Democratic caucus, but the repudiation on Nov. 4 tested his clout. On Thursday, he listened to his critics complain about the party’s campaign agenda, and some demanded that he steer away from confrontation with Republicans. Instead of the usual voice vote for leadership positions, the caucus — which will be at least eight seats smaller in the next Congress — forced a roll-call vote. Dissenters wanted to go on the record with their opposition to their leader. The six who said publicly that they opposed him include both of Virginia’s senators: Mark R. Warner, who narrowly won reelection last week, and Timothy M. Kaine, who previously served as chairman of the Democratic National Committee.My favorite tidbit here is that Reid is going to look to Elizabeth Warren to help him with messaging. How does that work? Warren is a hero of the insane left, but the substance of the anti-capitalist rhetoric that comes out of her mouth is really no different than the stuff Reid says. The only difference may be that she is a bit more of a true believer, whereas he may or may not believe it but it hardly matters because he would stand there and tell you your nose was in your ear if it would help him win a vote or raise some money. Is Warren going to coach Reid on how to spew liberal blather more effectively? I can't wait. Seriously, though, Reid's only value to the Democrats - such that it was - was to prevent any type of worthwhile legislation from ever getting a hearing, a debate or a vote. It wasn't because he was particularly skilled. It was just because he was totally shameless about using his power. Now that he's lost that power, what exactly recommends him as minority leader? Got me, but then, if the Democrats want to dig their own graves, I'm not going to stop them.
Support Canada Free Press
View Comments
Dan Calabrese’s column is distributed by HermanCain.com, which can be found at HermanCain
Follow all of Dan’s work, including his series of Christian spiritual warfare novels, by liking his page on Facebook.