Moments of Rationality
Two interesting stories today that may indicate a new trend.
First, Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn (R) has been demanding for over a week that the Senate Healthcare Bill be read aloud on the Senate floor, I guess to show that our nation’s responsible legislators (i.e. the Democrats) can craft lengthy legislation to address major societal issues that have been neglected for untold decades. It would take 34 hours to read the entire bill nonstop, and the Democrats, led by Senator Harkin, have embraced Coburn’s demand and told him that if he wants it read then Coburn himself must start reading it tonight, and he cannot ever stop for a break or a glass of water, less the Democrats make a motion to suspend, which would pass. Now, I suppose Coburn thought that this was a brilliant PR stunt that would have the support of all of the GOP Senate Caucus. He was wrong.
Republican Sen. Tom Coburn is backing off his threat to require that the Senate read the 2,074-page health care bill because some GOP colleagues aren’t supporting the effort.
Second, Mike Huckabee has this to say about his Republican Obama-hating base, and those politicians that cater to them:
When he [Barack Obama] was at Dover the other day, and went there to pay respect for soldiers, I heard a lot of people on the Right say “Aw, that’s just a cheap photo-op.” No, I think it was the Commander-in-Chief of our military paying respect to a dead soldier, and I’m grateful that he did that, and I was proud of him for doing that. And I think we all — as Americans — should give him credit for doing that.
[…]
When he and Michele hosted the tricker-treaters on Halloween, quit finding something wrong with that. Say “Good, I’m glad that he and the First Lady are treating children to an experience at the White House.” And I just find it deplorable that some people on my end of the aisle want to find everything wrong and nothing right about the man as a man.
Now, these are very mild signs of rationality within the Republican ranks, but it speaks volumes of the extremist GOP that such signs deserve a breaking news alert. Now, it could be that the Senate GOP caucus just wants more time to air their lies about the HCR bill, and the reading stunt would take away from that, and it could be the Huckabee’s pushback is just a good political move on his part to make himself appear somewhat palpatable to the last remaining Republican moderate and right leaning Independent. In other words, these two moments of rationality may not be sincere. But it would be good for country if we did have a rational opposition.
I think the GOP irrationality is probably a blessing in disguise for pols like Huckabee because he can position himself as some kind of thinking alternative when he’s not really different at all.
I like Huckabee. Don’t agree with his ideaology, but I like him. He’s funny, obviously thinks about fairness, was a socially liberal governor, and seems to have heard the Christian message as more than just hate and wedge issues. He is a serious threat and we should respect that.
I have to agree with Rebecca. While I don’t see a baptist minister from the south winning the presidency in 2012, he does seem like a genuine person whith charisma and a sense of humor and certainly is a threat. The problem for the GOP is the southern strategy, used so effectively for 40 years, has now run its course. In order for the GOP to transcend that image, it must find a populist notherner that can extend the GOP brand beyond 12-15 states in the south which is now the only base left for the Party. Personally, I’m kinda looking forward to the messy 2012 GOP primary that is going to unfold with Palin, Huck, Pawlenty, Romney and god knows who else.
Huckabee is as big of a jerk as the rest of them. He’s just better at hiding it. He actually believes all that stuff he says, too.
I have to say that I am MUCH more interested in politicians, bloggers, subway conversations, etc … from people who are reasoned and respectful. Whether I agree with them or not. Things become truly stupid when we – right or left or whatever – devolve into slander, name calling and other puerile outbursts. What a waste of time. Personally, I am a huge fan of the Jon Stewart show. I watch very carefully how he speaks with everyone, and I have noticed that he has respect for people who are principalled and thinking. Those who are in knee jerk mode, regardless of their postion on a given issue, become subject to that brilliant wit. I hope that I can emulate this kind of wit and wisdom, in my contributions to debate and conversation.
Good point Zen.
The reason Huckabee worries me is the “likeablity” quotient. Remember, Mericans elect likeable over competent.
The fact that he was one of the most successful governors in America during his 10 year stint may be a hint at competence.