Political Hay
The Running of the Bulls: Is Harry Reid the Next Scott Lucas?
The fourth Majority Leader to face the political sword reserved for Senate’s Old Bulls?
Senator George Norris was stunned.
“Why should people be so mad at me?” he wondered in amazement to a reporter for the New York Times.
It was November, 1942. And Senator Norris, one of the most famous and powerful American progressives in the land, one of the Senate’s “Old Bulls” (he was, among other things, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the “father” of the Tennessee Valley Authority ), had just lost his longtime Nebraska Senate seat in a landslide. Said the angry and depressed Senator, tears filling his eyes: “The more I think of it, the more I get bewildered. I can’t understand it. I simply can’t understand it.”
And then it surfaced.
The Old Bull viewed himself as a righteous man. And without a trace of irony, even the smallest sense of recognition that his ego had perhaps gotten a wee bit out of control, he insisted that “in my view, righteousness has been crucified.” Crucified. Just like, well, Christ.
Yes, he acknowledged reluctantly, every Nebraska voter had a right to vote “as he saw fit.” But? “But I think sometimes in a democracy, in the excitement and on the spur of the moment, that it [rewarding the faithful servant like George Norris] is not observed.”
Which is to say, George Norris, then 81 years old, who had begun serving in Congress with his election to the House in 1902, followed by his first election to the Senate in 1913 — making his time in Washington a very ripe 40 years even — just felt those poor Nebraskans weren’t smart enough to appreciate him. Elected first as a Republican, he had become so disenchanted with Republicans and enamored of the Progressive movement he had long since been calling himself an Independent. This was, the Old Bull intimated, his Senate seat. Nebraskans had no idea what fools they were in voting for someone else (Nebraska Republican Congressman Kenneth Wherry). Didn’t they know George Norris was the father of the Tennessee Valley Authority? The man who successfully sponsored a constitutional amendment to, good government style, change the date of presidential inaugurations from March 4 to January 20? That he was the powerful chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee? There wasn’t a progressive cause out there with which Norris was not associated. Everybody who was anybody in Washington and the media of the day knew George Norris was as much a part of the town’s landscape as the Washington Monument.
And yet — in one night, George Norris’s political career was over. The Old Bull had been run to political ground, just as the bulls of Pamplona are run into the bullring to be killed at the hands of the matador. Except in this case, the matador was the Nebraska voter.
So. What do we have here? We have Mr. Man of the People spends decades in Washington, morphs into an Old Bull, and is absolutely clueless — stunned, infuriated, bitter — that in fact the voters of his state had just waved the red cape of an election in his face. Charging the red cape as he has for years, to his shock he found himself suddenly staring at a gleaming political espada, a political version of the Spanish killing sword used to end the life of the real bulls after the real running of the bulls. In this case, the Nebraska political sword had cut Old Bull George Norris#039;s political life dead.
Sound familiar?
Of course it does.
So does the reaction to Norris’s defeat sound familiar. President Roosevelt was so upset he invited Norris to the White House for a private lunch. Progressive champion Vice President Henry Wallace, shocked at his friend’s defeat, was the main speaker at a hastily organized testimonial dinner for Norris, saying of Norris that he was “one of the far-visioned social planners of his time.” Unintentionally revealing of the progressive mindset (not to mention the incumbent mindset), Wallace lauded Norris the Old Bull as one who belonged to “that small group of wise public men who clearly see the future and are willing to do something about it.”
As poll after poll in 2010 signals Big Trouble for today’s Old Bull Senate Democrats, from Harry Reid in Nevada to Arlen Specter in Pennsylvania to Blanche Lincoln in Arkansas to Barbara Boxer in California (to name but a few — and we’ll stick with the Old Bull definition for women senators out of a spirit of equality if not decorum… Old Cows would somehow seem a tad ungentlemanly) nothing is clearer in the wake of the Scott Brown victory than the historical fact that America has been in this political bullring before. Many times.
This particular political bullring proving time after time after time that Washington fills up with all manner of men and women in the United States Senate (and the House and, yes, the White House) who come to view the seat they occupy at the governing table as theirs. Not their state’s or district’s. Not the nation’s. Theirs. Even more telling is the acquiescent view of the mainstream media, agreeing as a routine matter of political fact that such political pillars are somehow immune to defeat because they are, as Wallace said of Norris, part of “that small group of wise public men.” The now immortalized question during the Brown-Coakley Massachusetts Senate debate from Washington insider David Gergen asking Brown whether he was really serious in opposing health care if he sat in “Teddy Kennedy’s seat” captures the Save-the-Old Bulls mind-set precisely.
The hard political and historical fact is that famous and powerful Old Bull United States Senators aplenty have quite frequently found themselves, as did George Norris, shockingly put to the sword in the political bullring. The list includes both Senate Majority Leaders (three of those) and powerful committee chairs (lots of those.) It politically spears Senators formally in line for succession to the presidency along with those mentioned as potential presidential candidates. Their defeats, with the predictability of the sun rising in the East, always sends shockwaves of political panic through an absolutely agog press corps (or “press corpse” as President Obama might say), a press corps that had convinced itself (if not their fellow Americans) that the Old Bull of the moment was invulnerable in the bullring. After all, “everybody in Washington” knew this Old Bull was the indispensable genius, right? “Everybody in Washington” also knew the Old Bull’s home state political base was as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar. Only to find the reality of the political bullring in state X,Y or Z was something different — quite different entirely.
About the Author
Jeffrey Lord is a former Reagan White House political director and author. He writes from Pennsylvania at jlpa1@aol.com.
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brewpop| 2.9.10 @ 6:49AM
Great article! Time to turn 'em all out and take back our government.
rick| 2.10.10 @ 1:09AM
It's interesting that here in Arizona, my family and I will not be voting for John McCain in the Republican primary. I am done with the RINO's as well.
Richard Baker| 2.9.10 @ 7:10AM
Let's be rid of the entire sorry group.
The Clintidote| 3.2.10 @ 11:58PM
I'd be content to be rid of that dumbass Patty Murray - considered by Capitol Hill aides to be one of the three dumbest fools on the Hill, along with Babs Boxer and Patches Kennedy.
She's a colossal, titanic idiot.
Melvin| 2.9.10 @ 7:53AM
Calling Harry Reid an, "Old Bull" is giving him way too much credit. It is more akin to, "Herding Cats."
What is Harry Reid have to worry about if he gets voted out of office?
He mad his money on real estate deals that he turned into a nice fat profit by making the land more valuable by passing legislation that used tax payer money to make the once worthless desert into prime top dollar real estate.
If anything the sly fox needs to be investigate by the ethics committee or here is a funny one, the US Attorney General.
Otis, my man!| 2.9.10 @ 7:57AM
Unfortunately, the thing that strikes me about this article is the people threw out a powerful Liberal 68 years ago and the situation has not improved since.
RAMIII| 2.9.10 @ 12:43PM
Hear! Hear!
MTB| 2.9.10 @ 8:55PM
Absolutely right, Otis. In my opinion it is because the libs are so very effective at lying and making promises they kn0w they aren't going to or can't keep. They have no conscience. They have no shame. And for some reason, many of our fellow citizens (or non-citizens?) believe them and vote them in (if/when the elections are honest).
The Bishop| 2.9.10 @ 9:02AM
A very good and thoughtful article. One correction though. Dale Bumpers defeated Republican Winthrop Rockefeller for the Arkansas governorship in 1970. I was a dish washer in college at the Holiday Inn in Searcy, Arkansas and had to clean up after a Dale Bumpers fund raiser that year. (That's where I learned to hate cigarettes stubbed out in catsup.) Orval Faubus was replaced by Rockefeller.
The Bishop| 2.9.10 @ 9:06AM
Correction to the correction: Bumpers defeated Faubus in the Democratic primary in 1970. My bad.
Michigander| 2.9.10 @ 9:29AM
My sister in Nevada tells me that Harry Reid is a non-starter in his next re-election bid, they're done with him and it's about time.
I replied that Michiganders are rapidly reaching the same decision with Carl Levin. His "follow Pelosi no matter what" has worn thin in the state with the highest unemployment and nearly the highest taxes. His latest faux pas, the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell", has no support with Michiganders, and is just another example of the prevailing "you don't know what's good for you" attitude . His "days in the china shop" are rapidly winding down, and we'll be better off without him.
WR Tolkas| 2.9.10 @ 10:49AM
Dear Michigander,
If only what you wrote comes true. Levin is a sorry piece of work. Stabenow should be next. I write both of them at least twice or thrice a month. I know this is a waste of ink; however they have been warned that the few working people left in Michigan are very, very angry.
Oh they'll get the union vote - buss loads of brain damaged union members zombie like following the single order from the union boss driver: "Pull that democrat lever and don't think about it. And here are your pack of smokes for a job well done."
Luckily the number of brain dead union members is dying off.
I'm living on the west side of the state.
By the way, the company I work for is going strong. And blessedly, there is no union.
Best regards,
WRTolkas
DG in GA| 2.9.10 @ 11:53AM
As a former Michigander I want to cry when I see what the Dems and the unions have done to that great state. I've lived in the Detroit area AND in Western Michigan. Y'all need to get Pete Hoekstra into the Governor's office, and get Levin and that idiot Stabenow OUT!
jd| 2.9.10 @ 7:59PM
Levin and StabeCOW will get re-elected because Michigan has turned into such a reliable liberal Democrat, union state. I would love for people in this once great state to wake up but what happens is they just leave the state. Eight years of GranMOLE as governor has put the nail in the coffin for this state.
MTB| 2.9.10 @ 9:00PM
I'm not from Michigan, but I'll bet you're right jd. They are going to lie and make promises and persuade Michiganders to give them another chance because they "feel their pain," and will work hard to make things better for them. They will also remind Michiganders that their current situation is Bush's fault and that they just need more time to overturn his (Bush's) bad politics. And like lemmings, the majority (no offense Michigander) of them will believe them and put them right back in office, where they will claim a mandate for more social policies which will continue to bring America, including Michigan, perhaps even especially Michigan, down.
Anthony| 2.9.10 @ 9:30AM
Careful Mr. Lord, you might get an email from Boxer demanding that you not refer to her as an "old bull" but rather SENATOR Boxer, as she worked so damn hard to earn the title.
This whole crop of professional political hacks are toast. It will be a pleasure to watch them fall in November, should have happened years ago.
Unfortunately, we voters wait way too long to do the right thing, thus allowing way too many old bulls to die in office, like Jack Murtha.What will happen now to that private airport he was building for himself with stimulus money?
bob alou| 2.9.10 @ 11:47AM
I would think that Boxer would rather be mis- labeled an "old bull" than the more appropriate "old cow" that she really is.
Louis Jenkins| 2.9.10 @ 9:47AM
So when do we fire up the grill? I know the meat will be tough, but does anyone care for a steak? It is due time that these Old Bulls and Cows be put to pasture, or on the table. In all seriousness, we won't be rid of all of them, but maybe just enough.
MTB| 2.9.10 @ 9:01PM
I'll take mine medium rare, please.
Eric Cartman| 2.9.10 @ 9:55AM
By all means, lets get rid of Reid and all the Liberals in congress. And replace them with? Republicans who simply want to drive slowed off the cliff? There has to be a change in the way many Americans think - the basic premise of the welfare society and notions of government as benevolent Santa with magical cure dust. I am not holding my breath.
Eric Rasmusen| 2.9.10 @ 10:00AM
Great article. I like it when journalists actually give us some facts as well as analysis. That's Michael Barone's secret. Usually that means the analysis is a lot better too.
As a mere commentor, tho, I'll just add some analysis. Vulnerable, junior, senators are protected by their seniors from taking electorally risky stances. One of the obligations of the majority leader, tho, is to step out on limbs. More armor, more combat. Thus, the probability of re-election gets evened out.
Bill| 2.9.10 @ 10:03AM
Michigander..... don't for get Carl's counter part Deb. I do like to send her weekly e-mails to reminder who she works for but I think they fall on deaf staff ears. I do not think she has ever read a bill or even the pesky little documents called the United States Constitution or the Bill of Rights. I think these people need to past a qualification test.
Time for term limits, time for a limitation in spending based on a percent of GDP and time to get rid of ear marks attached to major legislation. So much to do and so many people in congress who are out of touch and have lost their way.
Pingback| 2.9.10 @ 10:11AM
Twitter Trackbacks for The American Spectator : The Running of the Bulls: Is Harry R links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Margie| 2.9.10 @ 10:37AM
Harry Reid will be run out of town on a horn.
Dean| 2.9.10 @ 12:26PM
I was gratified to read the comments from fellow Michiganians of their disdain for Levin and Stabenow. Our two senators are not worth their weight in Spam---and in Stabenow's case, that is a hell of a lot of Spam!
JimP| 2.9.10 @ 12:55PM
Thanks, Jeff. This was great and funny and apparently propehtic.
Joe Baxley| 2.9.10 @ 1:22PM
Do you think David Gergen would like to take back that comment about Scott Brown running for "Ted Kenedy's" seat? Would you like to guess how much that comment helped elect Scott Brown?
Anthony| 2.9.10 @ 2:21PM
I agree, prissy David Rodham Gergen's comment did wonders for Mr. Brown. Thanks Mr. CNN. Hope this pompus fool makes a similar comment about the Murtha seat in PA.
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Roger Ross| 2.9.10 @ 8:23PM
Another Old Bull, older than most, more powerful than most? David Obey, FINALLY, after almost throwing him out in 94, 2010 is going to be the year. I can't wait, 42 years too long. Can Russ not so Fein-gold be considered an Old Bull after just 18 years?
MTB| 2.9.10 @ 9:08PM
Is Harry Reid the next Scott Lucas? Let's hope so. Him and the others mentioned in this article, and I'd especially like to see Barney Frank, Maxine Waters, Charles Rangle (sp?), and Nancy Pelosi given the boot and never, ever heard from again. What a bunch of classless, do-nothing losers!
Bruce | 2.9.10 @ 10:28PM
I should also be noted here that there are a number of "Republican" Old Bulls who should also get the horns in the coming elections. There are a few who have yet to learn that We The People and the Tea Party supporters are SERIOUS when we talk about conservative principles of less government intrusion into our lives and responsible and sound fiscal policies. They deny it at their peril.
AMBRO| 2.9.10 @ 10:38PM
Let's face it, this opportunity is the Stoopid Party's to lose. The traditional Rockefeller wing of the Party and their allied interests have since the '30's felt far more comfortable managing the excesses of the Left's programs than in fighting to establish a more conservative agenda; witness the attempts to derail Goldwater, Bush I the originator of "voodoo economics, Bush II's contempt for those opposed to illegal immigration, etcetcetc.
Conservatives have placed themselves in the position of staving off attacks from the Left and being puzzled by more insidious assaults from within their own party.
Pingback| 2.10.10 @ 9:47AM
MLS Cup 2008 Red Bulls vs Crew | New York Red Bulls MLS Announcer links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
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Chicago Bulls vs Indiana Pacers Live Stream NBA | Indiana Pacers NBA Announcer links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Mark | 2.21.10 @ 5:19PM
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The media cover ignored GOP’s 2003 use of reconciliation | SenatorWatch.info links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Puma x Alexander McQueen | 8.12.11 @ 11:23PM
is good