Inside Politics

“If Mr. Reid is intent on doing to the Democratic Party what he’s already done to Congress — i.e., drive down its popularity — he’s more than welcome. But to the extent that his comments embolden the enemy to kill American troops, they surely are not helpful. Words have consequences. Abroad, as well as at home,” the Post concluded.

And George too

What has 24 live radio shows, a dozen TV-show tapings, 75 bloggers and two progressive magazines champing at the bit?

Everyone duck and take cover: The annual “Take Back America” conference sponsored by the District-based Campaign for America’s Future gets rolling today, providing a showcase for all good progressives to gather at the Washington Hilton to feel all warm, cozy and connected to the cause. Oh, and shutting down the right, impeaching President Bush and other fun activities, they say.

Democrats are out in force, including Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Jon Tester of Montana, who will discuss “populist energy.”

The leading 2008 presidential candidates — New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich of Ohio, and former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina — will be speechifying some time during the three-day conference.

Actor Jason Alexander, best known as George Costanza on “Seinfeld,” hosts the Campaign for America’s Future’s gala awards dinner tomorrow night honoring House Speaker Nancy Pelosiand civil rights leader Roger Wilkins.

Mitt channels liberals

“Who’s that peering over Mitt Romney’s shoulder? It’s not John McCain. It’s the Massachusetts liberal, ” Joan Vennochi of the Boston Globe said yesterday. “Bay State lawmakers last week defeated a proposal to put gay marriage on the ballot for an up or down vote. From the Romney campaign perspective, the left-wing crowd is at it again, and that’s not so terrible.”

“ ’It helps Mitt,’ a Romney adviser said. That view could be correct, up to a point.

“The vote taken by Bay State lawmakers showcases the state’s ultra-liberalism and gives the former Massachusetts governor another reason to kick Massachusetts around.

“Beyond that, it fires up opponents of same-sex marriage, who constitute a fierce conservative base. They are already expressing fears about what happens now that Massachusetts is the only state where same-sex marriage is legal: Gay couples will travel here, obtain a marriage license, then sue to strike down laws banning same-sex marriage in other states.

“ ’It confirms what we have always said about trajectory of this debate. It’s headed toward a national standard governing the social institution of marriage,’ said Matt Daniels, president of the Virginia-based Alliance for Marriage. Instead of settling the debate, Mr. Daniels said the Massachusetts vote ensures it will be part of the 2008 presidential discussion.

“ ’I think the issue is sufficiently important to most Americans and sufficiently advanced that it will be an inescapable part of our public discourse. … I can’t imagine it’s going to fade away,’ said Daniels.”

Mitt channels Teddy

Story Continues →