Never let ’em see you sweat

September 13, 2005

This must be a tense time for Republicans in DC. The party is faltering in polls, the head of their party (the president) is loosing support quickly nationwide, there’s little hope of passing right-wing agenda items (estate tax repeal) anytime soon, and Dems are poised to make gains in next year’s midterm elections.

Still, it’s a shame to see a guy fall apart like this.

[Rep. Tom Reynolds (R-N.Y.), chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC)] began the interview lashing out at his counterpart, Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.), who heads the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and has attacked Republicans for their ties to GOP lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who was indicted last month by a Florida grand jury. […]

“I’m tired of having Rahm calling up you guys” to discuss allegations of wrongdoing by Republicans, said Reynolds, calling Emanuel “Mr. Righteous.”

Reynolds added, “While he wants to play this game, he’s got exposure. If the Democratic leadership thinks the Republican leadership will be silent on ethics, the Democrats got another thing coming. … I intend to have the NRCC come back.”

First, this is silly on its face. Dems are too interested in ethics? We’re overly anxious to defeat Republicans who lack integrity? Somehow I don’t see this as a persuasive campaign pitch.

Second, when you’re a campaign committee chair, you’re not supposed to let the other side know they’re getting to you. Reynolds seems to have forgotten about this. His little outburst prompted Emanuel to respond, “I feel for Tom. He’s got a tough reelection again. He’s got a horrible political environment. More of his colleagues are seeking other office or talking about retirement. More races are in play. He’s under a lot of pressure. I have nothing but empathy for him. My recommendation: work out. It helps you deal with stress.” Ouch.

Third, as Dems have emphasized the GOP’s ethical problems (DeLay, Ney, Abramoff, etc.) this year, Republicans have huffed and puffed about starting what they call an “ethics war.” But there’s been no follow-through, in large part because it’s a “war” they’re likely to lose. Not only does it hurt the majority party when Congress grinds to a halt amid partisan bickering, but if ethics becomes the center point of the 2006 cycle, Dems will be thrilled.

No wonder Reynolds is so stressed out.

The Hill’s article is very interesting. I did not hear that DeLay’s PAC was indicted… How is this different from DeLay being indicted and what needs to happen to get the indictment pushed down from his PAC onto him???
Anyone?

  • Very nicely done Mr Emmanuel……..quite an eloquent smackdown!

    I also liked very much how The Hill refuted Mr Reynolds on the mistating of facts……now if only the rest of the media would start doing the same instead of just reporting what they are told.

  • Gridlock,

    Have patience. The Texas D.A. handling the investigation, Ronnie Earle, has a track record of being methodical and tenacious in his work. It is only a matter of time before the BugMan is indicted. Before that can happen, the dominoes are being set up — indicitment of corporate contributors like Sears (in violation of Texas law), indictment of DeLay’s underlings, and now his PAC, and then having them turn “state’s evidence” to testify against DeLay — to make sure that DeLay takes a very hard and (politically) fatal fall.

    It’s just a matter of time. In the meantime, enjoy the sweating that DeLay and all the other crooked Rethugs will do before the indictment and electoral hammers fall on them. I have lots of microwave popcorn (Orville Reddenbacher’s “Butter” is my favorite) ready to pop while I enjoy the meltdown!!

  • AL,

    While I can understand the enjoyment that one gets out of seeing these roaches squirm, I am quickly running out of patience. 5 years is about my limit… I need to get some satisfaction from the end game. Not only that, but I need SOMETHING that will wake up the people in my circle of friends, my town, my country!

    Where’s my Moses now??!! (vague Billy Crystal reference)

  • Like you, Gridlock, I’m deathly weary of promised falls that the Rethugs never seem to take. Investigations like this one and Fitzgerald’s hold great promise but seem to take forever. Though in fact the closer both of these hit to the 2006 Congressional elections the better off we’ll be, assuming that they drag some prominent Rethugs down kicking and screaming. But I’m with you: it’s so hard to see all their malfeasance go unpunished for so, so long.

    I fear that Bush and his cronies will never be held accountable except in a couple of rare instances (and Rove will likely get pardoned, he’s probably already written out and signed the damn thing already). What a shame, since so many of them deserve to be tried as war criminals.

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