Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Evan Bayh the pretentious

Pardon me if I'm not all that impressed with Dem. Ind. Sen. Evan Bayh's explanation of why he won't run for a third term come November. He talked all about the Senate being dysfunctional and hyperpartisan, but he has done almost nothing to bridge any gaps. I suspect he resents the fact that nobody looks to him, the quintessential moderate, to take a leadership position or be the go-between, but I suspect that's largely because he's a bland split-the-difference kind of guy without notable leadership qualities. He seerms like a nice guy and that's about it.

He's also more likely top lose or face a serious challenge in November than he lets on. And there's nothing especially commendable about being a moderate. Most of the time it means you don't have very firm convictions or the courage of whatever convictions you have. Don't let the door hit you in the butt on the way out.

James Fallows issued an interesting challenge. If he's so disgusted by the behind-the-scenes deals and absurd bowing to special interests ad nauseam, spend the rest of his time in office identifying and denouncing them, and naming names. Don't hold your breath. The guy couldn't even face Reid or Obama face to face because the poor dear was afraid they might try to talk him out of it. Profiles in courage.

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