More Democrat Backpedaling

Yesterday, I referenced Lester Maddox, a late former governor of Georgia, who was well known for a somewhat unique skill: he was able to ride a bicycle backwards somewhat easily. What that had to do with politics I don't know, but it provides a nice backdrop for what the Senate Democrats and the president-elect are now doing.

It's called back-pedaling and they could take some lessons from old Lester.

The entire Roland (I'm the magic man) Burris fiasco could have been avoided easily. Eight days ago, Obama and Senate Democrat leaders saw Gov. Blagojevich (D-IL) as so politically damaged that they announced they would reject anyone he appointed to finish Obama's term. Every Democrat senator signed a letter to the same effect.

Bad move. Now, in private, many are admitting the same. Let the backpedaling begin!

The Senate underestimated Blago's cunning. He may be wounded, but he is also cornered. It's never a good idea to mess with a wounded and cornered politician. Those who have little or nothing left to lose can leave some nasty marks on their opponents.

The Democrats attempted to use a play from the 2008 Republican political playbook: guilt by association. Blago is accused of trying to sell Obama's seat to the highest bidder, therefore, Burris -- appointed by Blago -- is guilty by association or "tainted."

They already figured that Burris would be a weak candidate in 2010 for election, thus making this seat available for a Republican to pick up. Reid and company wanted a stronger candidate, giving them a better chance at the highly desired supermajority.

They didn't count on Rep. Bobby Rush coming in as a wild card to throw down the race card. They also didn't expect Burris to assume the role of the martyr in this drama. Both wild cards made Burris a sympathetic figure in the national media.

Immediately the question was raised: how can the Senate Democrats refuse to seat another Democrat who is black and is replacing the only black Senator?

Further, no one has been able to dig up any dirt or sleaze on Burris -- not even so much as a parking ticket. The man is so politically clean he probably squeaks. In the media he comes across as likable and non-confrontational.

Quite unlike Reid and friends.

Quickly the Democrats resolve began to crumble as their plans fell apart. Seeing the writing on the wall, Reid hastily arranged a meeting with Burris probably to patch things up. Seeking to turn the spotlight off his own missteps, Reid tossed the ball back to the IL Supreme Court to wait on their decision on whether Sec. of State Jesse White's signature was needed.

Reid and friends don't want to take responsibility for waiving their own rules.

How many more hurdles will Burris need to overcome to be seated? For some odd reason, Reid seems insistent that the entire Senate vote to seat Burris. It will be interesting to see if the same standard is applied to Al Franken or to whomever is appointed from CO, NY and DE. If not, I wonder if anyone will dare question Reid as to why a vote on Burris but no one else?

In assessing his behavior in all this, Reid seemed a bit petulant. "How are we supposed to react? We've acted in a very reasonable way."

Right. I suppose the same could be said for every child's (or childish) temper tantrum.

Update on yesterday's prediction: Burris is unlikely to be seated by the end of this week, although signs point to Blago being impeached by week's end. I now believe Burris will be sworn in and seated by the end of January. Ideally, by Jan. 19th, but only if Obama puts some pressure on Reid. Blago will be removed from office before Lincoln's birthday.