Monday Must-Reads: "If you want a friend in Washington, get a douchebag."
In private conversation, Republican members blame Majority Leader John Boehner and Majority Whip Roy Blunt in no small part for their mid-term election debacle. Yet, either Boehner, Blunt or both are expected to be returned to their leadership posts Friday. For good reason, the GOP often is called "the stupid party."I think it was Novak who once said, famously, "If you want a friend in Washington, get a douchebag."
Naftali Bendavid profiles Rahm Emmanuel who is about as subtle as a three-pound sledge hammer -- and just as effective:
In a world where congressmen refer to each other as "my distinguished colleague," Emanuel, 46, is sometimes unable to get through a single sentence without several obscenities. His politics are centrist, but his style is extremist. The top of his right middle finger was severed when he was a teenager, adding to his aura of toughness--especially when he extends that middle finger, which he does with some regularity.Don't miss how Rahm handles James Carville, who seems to get under everyone's nerves these days.
The Associated Press says Joe Lieberman won't rule out caucausing with the Republicans if his precious undies get twisted into a knot:
"I believe that the American people are considering both major political parties to be in a kind of probation, because they're understandably angry that Washington is dominated too much by partisan political games, and not enough by problem-solving and patriotism, which means put the country and your state first," Lieberman said....first after Joe Lieberman, that is. [P.S. Can you imagine any Republican talking like this after they took over Congress in 1994?]
Republican strategist Ed Rogers sizes up both sides of the field for 2008, crying bitter tears for George Allen (who he says is "dead"):
Apparently, Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.) and the Rev. Jesse Jackson are the only ones who can say racist things, receive forgiveness and redemption and have their records expunged. For Republicans, it stays with them forever. Allen is probably now serving a political life sentence with no time off for good behavior.Poor baby.