Posted on 11/19/2003 5:21:42 PM PST by Tumbleweed_Connection
Senate Minority Whip Harry Reid’s Democratic colleagues agree that his nine-hour filibuster last week has bolstered his reputation and solidified his position as heir apparent to Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.). “I think he was just terrific,” Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) said. “This is a man with the patience of Job.” Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) agreed, saying, “I was impressed by his stamina, and his willingness to stand up and give the other side of the story.” Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), who lost to Daschle for the leadership post by only one vote and was considered the only likely challenger to Reid, described the Nevadan’s filibuster as “certainly a heroic performance.” Reid is respected for tirelessly monitoring developments on the Senate floor, putting in long hours and tracking a range of issues. That leaves Daschle free to focus on the “big picture” aspects of leadership, including developing the party’s message, strategy and fundraising. A year ago, when Daschle considered retiring or running for president, Reid busily lined up votes for a possible leadership race. But Daschle stayed out of the presidential race and is seeking reelection to the Senate. With former Rep. John Thune (R-S.D.), who lost to Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) last year, apparently deciding not to challenge Daschle, both he and Reid are expected to win reelection. Reid got a break when Rep. Jim Gibbons (R-Nev.) decided not to challenge him. As a technocrat and floor manager, Reid has not yet proved that he has the media savvy and oratorical skills so important to the leadership role. His filibuster, though, demonstrated to colleagues that he can deliver the party message effectively. It is impossible to gauge how millions of C-SPAN viewers reacted to Reid’s filibuster. But it earned grudging respect from some Senate Republicans. “TV presence is in the eye of the beholder,” said former Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.). “Sometimes, people don’t want the smooth, erudite, articulate speaker [for party leader]. They want a guy that’s just kind of comfortable in his skin, and folksy. I think Harry comes off as soothing in some respects.” Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.), who works closely with Reid on Nevada issues, said: “All along, he’s solidified his position just the last few years. If you’re a Democrat, you have to look at the job Reid’s done. He’s been an asset. He lives on the floor. He’s an expert on parliamentary procedure.” Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) is probably the only Democrat who could make a claim to moving ahead of Reid in the line to advance in leadership. But Clinton, whom Daschle named to head the Democratic Steering Committee, has showed no interest in moving up and arguably has little to gain by doing so. “There isn’t anyone easier to get along with than Harry Reid,” said Clinton.
With a little bit of luck, both of these bums will be gone next year!!
Just ask Vince Foster!
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