The cable news chatterers are buzzing about Sen. Harry Reid's idiotic gaffe in describing then-Sen. Barack Obama as "light-skinned" with "no Negro dialect" back in 2008. And, of course, the Rethuglican establishment is jumping on board, trying to score political points (it would be interesting if Rethuglican political meetings were on hidden camera to see how the mostly white, Southern Rethug politicos referred to the President in everyday conversations). While the Rethugs are trying to make this an issue of "liberal hypocrisy", it's clearly a generational problem for Reid, who is 70, more than one of political beliefs. Reid's record of support of legislation that benefits lower income and middle class Americans -- black and white -- is in clear contrast to the Rethuglican politicians speaking up in phony outrage over his comments.
That said, it's unfortunate that Harry Reid is the current face and leader of the Dems in the Senate. He's essentially a parochial, small-bore politician from a state whose major industry is gambling. Yes, his votes and heart are in the right place, but it's a shame the Dems don't have a younger, more charismatic person to lead the fight in the Senate. And one not prone to language of the '50s.
