Decision ‘08

The Imperial Presidency? Try The Imperial Congress

Tom Bevan notes the growing evidence of a Congress that feels it needn’t play by the rules and sees the seeds of a November surprise:

As is so often the case in politics…perception is reality. And right now the perception is that members of Congress don’t feel they have to live by the same rules the rest of us do.

The average American can’t smack a police officer without getting arrested. He can’t smash his car into a stationary barrier at three in the morning, get out stumbling and slurring, and then get a ride home and a pat on the back from the cops. And he certainly can’t complain to any real effect about the FBI entering his co-worker’s office with a warrant and just cause seeking evidence to support credible allegations of bribery.

Congress has been plagued for decades by the general perception that influence peddling and corruption is part of how the system works and that “everybody does it.” These days, however, the public has at its fingertips a number of tangible and quite seedy examples that fit this perception to a tee; lavish skyboxes, hookers, poker games, $2,800 dinners, free golf trips and ringside seats, and wads of cash stuffed in freezers. That’s not exactly what most Americans would consider “doing the people’s business,” if you know what I mean.

There are examples of genuinely admirable men and women in Congress - but I must say I share the general discontent. ‘Throw the bums out’ may be a viable option this cycle - and it may very well cut both ways (though, of course, the majority party has the most to lose)…

8 Responses to “The Imperial Presidency? Try The Imperial Congress”

1 peter Says:
May 31st, 2006 at 7:30 am
You would have been proud to see your newfound hero, Barney Frank, making the same argument last night on Keith Olbermann’s show –
2 too many steves Says:
May 31st, 2006 at 7:34 am
“Throw the bums out.” I would add an exclamation point. Alas, it just doesn’t happen. Living in the Boston area there is considerable coverage of all things Kennedy. When the congressman from RI ran into his troubles (pun intended) there were several nights of televised news man-on-the-street interviews which, to a person, expressed favorable opinions of the troubled Rep.
3 Mark Says:
May 31st, 2006 at 7:37 am
Hey, he’s not my hero, but I’ve always found Barney Frank to be a bit more candid and forthcoming than your average politician…well, more than a bit, actually…
4 peter Says:
May 31st, 2006 at 8:13 am
So you’re not going to start a “Draft Frank” movement?
5 Mark Says:
May 31st, 2006 at 8:19 am
Sorry to disappoint you…
6 peter Says:
May 31st, 2006 at 8:57 am
Well, I’ve learned to live with disappointment — I’m still waiting for George (Steinbrenner) to ask me to play shortstop for him –
7 dmac Says:
May 31st, 2006 at 10:08 am
If you can play any position without looking like a complete clown out there, then my team (the Cubs) can certainly use you these days. Just suit up and come on down to the ballpark, they’re not picky.
8 peter Says:
May 31st, 2006 at 10:14 am
Well, Roger Clemens signed with the Astros yesterday, and he’s 43 — a mere eight years younger than me –