Washington Post congressional reporter Lyndsey Layton was online yesterday for a Q&A with readers. Atrios noted this jaw-dropping exchange.
Crestwood, N.Y.: Lyndsey, I like this Harry Reid strategy of late night theater to break the filibuster, because it underlines how many of the GOP Senators are making touchy-feely speeches about opposing the war, but refusing to support any real efforts to end it. I think the next step should be to hold up votes on almost anything Bush wants a vote on, starting with his judicial nominees. I know that this back-fired on Newt Gingrich in the ’90s when he tried it on Clinton, but can anybody remember what noble cause Gingrich was fighting for back then? Ending this war is of a different order of magnitude, and I think the voters appreciate the Dems finally, finally taking a strong stand on something instead of wringing their hands about the iniquities of the senatorial system. Your take?
Lyndsey Layton: Hi Crestwood, I’m not as certain. Recent polls show Americans are frustrated with this Congress and its inability to pass legislation. If the Democrats start blocking every initiative – even in the name of a cause that 70 percent of Americans support – it’ll be hard to peel off the obstructionist label. As it is, the party is worried that it won’t have enough of a legislative record to tout during the ’08 campaigns.
Did I mention that Layton is a congressional reporter? For one of the nation’s most prestigious and influential news outlets?
There’s been considerable discussion lately, at TPM and elsewhere, about the media’s role in the public understanding developments in the Senate. The House passes important, popular legislation, there’s a majority in the Senate who support the bill, but Republicans block everything that moves.
The public, understandably frustrated, can’t understand why a Democratic House and a Democratic Senate can’t pass the legislation they support. As a result, Congress’ popularity tumbles.
But maybe the public wouldn’t be so confused if congressional reporters like Lyndsey Layton weren’t so breathtakingly wrong when describing actual events. Dems are “blocking every initiative”? Dems will have trouble shaking off “the obstructionist label”?
I’m afraid I can’t help but wonder what planet is Layton on.
Consider this list of filibustered bills Chris Bowers recently put together.
January 17, Reid Amendment to Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act of 2007: a bill to provide greater transparency in the legislative process.
January 24, Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007: a bill to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide for an increase in the Federal minimum wage.
February 5, A bill to express the sense of Congress on Iraq: disapproving of the troop escalation in Iraq.
February 17, A bill to express the sense of Congress on Iraq: disapproving of the troop escalation in Iraq (again).
April 17, Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007: an original bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2007 for the intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Intelligence Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.
April 18, Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2007: a bill to amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for fair prescription drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries.
June 11, No confidence vote on Alberto Gonzales: a joint resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that Attorney General Alberto Gonzales no longer holds the confidence of the Senate and of the American people.
June 21, Baucus Amendment to CLEAN Energy Act of 2007: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for energy advancement and investment, and for other purposes.
June 26, Employee Free Choice Act of 2007: A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes.
July 11, Webb Amendment to the national defense authorization act for fiscal year 2008: to specify minimum periods between deployment of units and members of the Armed Forces for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
What do you suppose the chances are that most of the country realizes that these bills would have passed, easily, were it not for Republican obstructionist tactics?
And what do you suppose the chances are that people might have a better understanding if reporters like Lyndsey Layton were more responsible in their professional responsibilities?
I don’t deny for a moment that congressional Dems need to work diligently to keep people informed, but they can only do so much when they’re up against journalists who are misleading people.