Taking our political temperature

Posted at 1:58 PM on May 21, 2008 by Bob Collins (7 Comments)
Filed under: Politics

Normally, I don't bother too much with the writings on political blogs, but yesterday's announcement that Sen. Ted Kennedy has brain cancer, and today's analysis that he likely has less than a year to live has put some focus on conservative-leaning blogs. Why? Because nobody can get a conservative's dander up more than Ted Kennedy and the reaction to his imminent demise is one of those opportunities to take the temperature of political discourse in the country. More directly: Can we maintain our humanity while still being aggressively partisan?

Judging by the comments of Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch on NPR this morning, yes:

"All I can say is he's a great legislator, he's a great human being, a person who always has that sense of humor, and that will pull him through, between you and me. And I'll be praying for him, too."

But, generally speaking, the silence on the blogs about Kennedy is deafening. There are a few -- anti-Strib, for example -- that played it the way one would normally expect during such times -- by separating politics from the individual.

Setting aside any personal feelings and ill will towards Senator Kennedy and his past, I must say that I find this to be absolutely terrible news (and it is an incredibly frustrating malady). I would never wish this on anyone.

Powerline, perhaps the most influential conservative blog in these parts, had nothing to say on the subject. I sent an e-mail to Scott Johnson, asking if that will change anytime soon.

Apparently it will:

"I am planning on writing about Senator Kennedy's contribution to the lowering of the level of poltical discourse, but will probably wait til tomorrow morning to do so, if I don't change my mind. "

Ouch.

Update 11:31 a.m.Thurs - The article has been posted. Respectful in tone, I'd say.

For sheer bad taste, nobody beats talk show host Michael Savage, who on Tuesday acknowledged Kennedy's illness by playing music from the Dead Kennedys.

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Comments (7)

Sad and disgusting. It just goes to show how so many political diehards are more concerned about winning and being right than wanting what is best for the people of this country. At the end of the day, realizing we are all human, even our political opponents, is essential to being a statesman.

Posted by Alison | May 21, 2008 2:28 PM

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I would hardly call Micheal Savage a "conservative". Performance artist would be more like it.

Speaking of performance art --- why the link to the uber-left Media Matters?

I find it biaarre that one would reference the Micheal Savage of media crtics to critique Michaal Savage.

Posted by GregS | May 22, 2008 6:34 AM

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It's the only available online archive of the audio. But if you've got another one, send it along.

Also missed this nugget from Lake Minnetonka Liberty:

"I didn't mention anything up until now about Ted Kennedy's falling down fit that landed him in the hospital. The reason why is simple. I don't care. That's right, I don't give a damned about that privileged puke. If he lives through this term, it'll be 52 years we've had to endure that drunken hack that really hasn't done much of anything useful, and gets by riding the family coat tails. Talk about a career politician, time for you to check out, Teddy."

This is the stuff that gives blogs a bad name.

Posted by Bob Collins | May 22, 2008 7:19 AM

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Powerline, perhaps the most influential conservative blog in these parts, had nothing to say on the subject. I sent an e-mail to Scott Johnson, asking if that will change anytime soon.

Let us give credit where credit is due. Powerlineblog.com published a more than gracious tribute to Kennedy

Edward Kennedy's America

The announcement that Senator Kennedy is suffering from a malignant brain tumor superimposes somber intimations of mortality onto a frequently frivolous political scene. It puts us in mind us of what Wordsworth called the "fallings from us, vanishings" that ultimately reconcile us to our own mortality. As a young man Senator Kennedy became, as he is today, the pillar of a large extended family. Our heart goes out to him and his family as he struggles with his current illness. In today's Washington Post David Broder pays him the kind of personal tribute that he richly deserves.

They went on to criticise Kennedy for the invention of what we know now as "Rovian" tactics by attacking Judge Bork ....but none the less, they were still more than kind.

Posted by GregS | May 22, 2008 1:30 PM

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//Let us give credit where credit is due. Powerlineblog.com published a more than gracious tribute to Kennedy

Odd. I posted an update at 11:31 above that Powerline had published their article. Two hours before you're comment. And noting that it was a respectful post.

Posted by Bob Collins | May 22, 2008 3:01 PM

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Must have missed your update.

I wonder which way it works, whether the good or ill will rolls off the national psyche,

Posted by GregS | May 23, 2008 6:38 AM

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Respectful in tone, I'd say.

But hideous in style and lumbering in its attempt at profundity, I'd say.

Posted by Charlie Quimby | May 23, 2008 9:22 PM

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