Sure, I had previously agreed with folks who were looking forward to a Senator Barney Frank. But the truth is - he's at the end of his political career.
I wouldn't suggest that any of these guys are likely to run for president in 2016 (although you never know). But with the addition of a few women to the list - this is the face of the future of the Democratic Party.
There's a reason why that is important. We need leadership that understands the new challenges we are facing today. No one I've read has described that any better than David Simon.
America will soon belong to the men and women — white and black and Latino and Asian, Christian and Jew and Muslim and atheist, gay and straight — who can walk into a room and accept with real comfort the sensation that they are in a world of certain difference, that there are no real majorities, only pluralities and coalitions. The America in which it was otherwise is dying, thank god, and those who relied on entitlement and division to command power will either be obliged to accept the changes, or retreat to the gated communities from which they wish to wax nostalgic and brood on political irrelevance.
You want to lead in America? Find a way to be entirely utilitarian — to address the most problems on behalf of the most possible citizens. That works. That matters...
Edward Brooks (R) served three terms representing Massachusetts in the Senate, beginning in 1979.
ReplyDeleteDespite that omission, I think your premise is correct
Thanks for the correction.
DeleteLove the way you included pictures in the body of the text. Very classy and easier to read. That break did you some good. Glad to have you back.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping he will appoint Rybak for some kind of position in his cabinet. His political future is just beginning. I really like and enjoy that man. He has been a good Mayor. Maybe Transportation Secretary?
ReplyDeleteBut I'm guessing that it will turn out to be a brilliant move.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing it will turn out to be an irrelevant move, since the actual next senator from Massachusetts will be Ed Markey, and interim appointments don't matter a lick and never have.
Instead, interim appointments are just a mild exercise in cronyism and political favors, as these governors reward some chief of staff or senior aide of their own or the departed senator (in the old days, it was often the wife of the deceased/retired as well) for a career of service. Like when Biden became VP and his replacement was...his chief of staff. Or when Ted Kennedy died and his replacement was...his longtime adviser and head of the DNC. Or when Inouye died and he was replaced by Hawaii's Lt. Governor.
A governor picked his friend and chief of staff to play senator for a couple of months, whatever. Perfectly routine and unexceptional behavior. Oh wait, black guys are involved, so actually it must be uncharted waters and intensely meaningful.