It has to be about politics today. If you don't live on the moon, you know that Scott Brown defeated Martha Coakley in the race for the Massachussetts senate seat formerly held by the late Ted Kennedy, a seat that went for the Democrats for almost 6o years. In an amazing upset, the republican Scott Brown came from about 12 points behind over the final week, despite a campaign visit from the President, and despite the big support from the Washington machine.
You could sense what was going to happen yesterday afternoon as it looked like Brown would pull an upset. The White House and key democrats began to subtly (and not so subtly) blame Ms. Coakley, saying she didn't work hard enough, she didn't have what it took...Pelosi came out and said that it would have no effect on the health care bill...the President's "team" pretended like this had nothing to do with them. The fact that a seat that was symbolic of the Democratic Party in so many ways, had overwhelming gone to a new, unheard of republican...a guy that drove a truck, and had no problem saying "I will be the vote to defeat the health care bill" and "we need to treat terrorists like terrorists".
When the President visited to campaign for Coakley over the weekend, he took a few jabs at Brown and his truck. Once again...the President seemed to take a "I know better than you all" sort of attitude...one that he has exhibited this entire first year. The whole thing reminded me of how Bill Clinton had faced a similar situation during the first part of his presidency. After getting clobbered in mid-terms, he was forced to take a step back and listen...and he did. This began what was to be a pretty amazing period in our history...a period where a democratic President worked with republicans....for the good o f the people. Compromises were made....debates were had....it was a good time, reminding us of what our forefathers had tried to lay down the framework for....But our President is not on this path. He seems to have been convinced by the Oprah Winfreys and the Chris Matthews ('when he speaks, I get a tingle up my leg") that he is the second-coming...and he is not here to listen to the "people". He has an agenda which seems to trump whatever the American people want. He is not a centerist...as he tried to lead people to believe....and he never was. There is a real danger in his attitude. What he needs to realize is that the American people still harbor good feelings for him....they still hope he gets his act together. But this election is a sign. It's like a big banner that says "We voted for you, but our patience is wearing thin. We like you, but we don't like what you are doing." If he is smart , he will listen.
As for Scott Brown, there were people this morning speculating that he might have what it takes to be President. I admit to having the same thoughts last night. He has a certain John Kennedyesque-ness about him. I don't know how intelligent he is...and he is certainly short on experience...but the guy has charisma. He also has a lovely family and a humble attitude...and a desire to "do good".
So that's it for today. The fall out from this election will be interesting. Will the Dems continue to cram the health care bill through...or will they stand back and start over? Will they learn from the successes of Clinton...or do they feel like they are invincible?...Time will tell...
Until tomorrow, with a prayer for the people of Haiti who experienced yet another earthquake over night....While we quibble over politics, there are people literally fighting for their life...
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