It’s started again.
First there was the aftermath of Bush’s win in 2000*, when various disappointed factions were frothing about his lack of a mandate. “He can’t do that! He doesn’t have a mandate!”
And now that the Republicans have pulled out a close election to win both houses of Congress, the carping has begun again. For example, there’s today’s Sunday N.Y. Times editorial on pending judicial appointments. Bush is sternly warned to avoid putting up candidates with views that reflect the extreme bent of members of his party. Because, after all, he doesn’t have a mandate.
This is bullshit.
To review, Bush and his followers have not been overly troubled by their lack of a mandate. They have cheerfully assumed that power is theirs to wield, and they don’t particularly care about how close their wins have been.
It is stupid and self-destructive for Democrats and/or the Left to continue whining about the absence of a mandate. For one thing, it makes them look like a bunch of whining losers - not a good way to win sympathy and support from the electorate. For another, it is a continuing distraction from the task at hand - building support for candidates and positions that will win back power. You can continue to manifest disbelief and dismay that your opponents are ruthless enough to advance their goals, and marinate in your self-pity, or you can accept your losses and move on.
As for judgeships: If Bush and his people advance candidates whose extreme views threaten abortion rights, the environment or whatever - do not waste time bleating about whether they have the right to do such a nasty thing. Instead, mobilize and fight those appointments. Raise hell. Filibuster when no other course is viable. Make your objections clear and use them to highlight your own progressive positions (I realize this is a revolutionary concept for some Dems, but give it thought). The days of courtesy votes for bad appointments should be long gone.
If I hear any more whining crap about the mandate, I’m a-gonna barf. Or at least stop reading the Times.
*As for those still denying that Bush won and manifesting this delusion by actions such as going to Al Gore events and addressing him as “President Gore” - you are probably long past the point where aggressive psychiatric intervention will help. But seek commitment anyway. You’re a hindrance to rational action.
