A Political Thought

Republicans began the month by absorbing blistering attacks on President Bush's management of disaster relief after Hurricane Katrina (or Himicane Corinna if you are Laura Bush) and the massive flooding of New Orleans.

Later in the month, aTexas grand jury indicted Majority Leader Tom DeLay's political action committee.

By last Thursday, the GOP wasn't feeling all that grand, and one of them snapped...

Who was the snapper (or is it snappee)?

New York Rep. Tom Reynolds.

You know Tom Reynolds.

Well, ok, maybe you don't. He is the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC).

Mr. Reynolds was quoted as saying: "The name calling ... these things have gone too far," referring to comments by (my new personal hero) House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California.

What did Rep. Pelosi say to get Rep. Reynolds so agitated you ask? Ms. Pelosi simply stated that "President" Bush (or Puppet-in-Chief as my good friend Scott calls him) was oblivious to what was happening in New Orleans.

Come on Tom, she was onl y speaking the truth. The entire Bush family seemingly was oblivious to the devastation in New Orleans and Mississippi. Heck, the entire Bush administration was oblivious. Bush himself looked confused. Dick Cheney remained on holiday in Wyoming. Condoleezza Rice saw a Broadway show, “Spamalot”. All while New Orleans was fighting for their lives.

Then in the same interview, Reynolds lashed out at Rep. Rahm Emanuel (a Democrat from my state of Illinois and also a Bill Clinton confidant) who heads the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) .

DeLay's political action committee; Texans for a Republican Majority (isn't that a scary thought) was indicted Thursday on five felony counts of using corporate money to influence state elections ("I am shocked - shocked to find gambling in this establishment!') The Travis County grand-jury investigation threatens DeLay's political standing in the House because, if indicted, he would have to step down as majority leader.

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

Emanuel discounted the allegations, saying, "I feel for Tom. He's got a tough re-election again. He's got a horrible political environment. More of his colleagues are seeknig 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."

Reynolds stated, "While he (Emanuel) 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."

Never underestimate the ability of Republicans to turn things around to try and benefit them.

Right now, it really sucks to be a Washington Republican, and Reynolds, along with a few others, are starting to crack under the pressure.

Ain't life grand?

That's all for my political writing for the week - I just felt something had to be said.

I will be funny again tomorrow, I promise. I have good entries in the pipeline about my kids and their ever-changing moods, our search for a new home, and other, knee-slapping, milk-coming-out-of-your-nose laughing, rib-tickling writings.