Reply #27: Just a different flavor of rancor than usual -

[haele]

A bit more pungent than normal, because it's Mr. Gibbs, instead of Mr. Emmanuel or Mr. Axelrod, but as long as DC politics keeps being played out as if it were points to be won on a football field, the frustration of those of us who actually want and need some sort of progress will continue to grow.
I remember the politics and politicians of the late 70's through the 80's. Progress always seemed to be one step forward, 3/4 of a step back, and people were desperate and hurting badly then, too. Government and politicians were always betraying their constituency on policy and for "negotiating purposes". If the internet were around at that time, I'd suspect we'd see much of the same passionate arguments.

Not to downplay Gibb's gaffe as just "DC business as usual" - but that's what his comment was- and honestly, I agree with with Rep. Ellison. He should resign. Gibbs is rather weak presence at best; more than a bit condescending, a bit tone deaf to his audience, seems to have poor timing, and shows an aggressive, easily triggered temper that he can't seem to keep under very good control.
He also seems to forget that he's a press secretary, and seems to still act a bit more like a campaign spokesperson; his job is no longer to "make points" against an opponent, but to sell the administration policy to a diverse audience. And I have a sneaking suspicion he forgot that part of his job description when he said what he did.

I understand what you're talking about; I enjoy debate, and I enjoy opining. And even though I'm not going to berate people as "asking for too much" or being hysterical when the debate starts turning into an argument or accusations, I'm not going to continue when there's nothing more constructive that could be said - on any side.

Peace. This will blow over, and progress will lurch on. And then a new outrage will happen, or a new political shortcoming will come to light, and we'll start this stew up all over again. Just with a slightly different flavor mix, and a few less people and puppets.
The most important politics are local anyway - that's where all these DC critters come from. The trick is to try to overcome the moneyed interests that own the current US body politic and manage to send someone that is both progressive and re-electable on their own merits. That's just as important as recognizing the flaws in our current politicians and policies.

Haele