An interesting interview in the New York Times with Congressman Cao of New Orleans. What I find really interesting is just the bold assertions the questioner takes as fact!! Cao does a good job of slamming those down. No wonder the New York Times has has such a cartoon version of us.
On why he is a Republican:
"Because of their strong pro-life stance. That alone".
On if he has been punished?
"Correct. Actually, I just had lunch with Eric Cantor down here in New Orleans, and he was very supportive of who I am and what I have to do to represent the district. He fully understands the politics of the district."
Now get this "Question"
Do you find it awkward being a Republican whose ideas on both economic and social policy diverge from those of your party?
It’s not awkward because we’re all professionals. We know that we are a diverse group.
Republicans need you precisely because they’re not a diverse group. They like having you because you’re not another pale white face.
I believe that they like me for who I am, not because they want the Republican Party to look something different than just white.
Again I have no illusion about Cao and I like him. I suspect he is more "liberal" than I am. He is basically Lindy Boggs with a (R) by his name. As I have said for that district I can very much live with a Lindy Boggs type person that is Pro-life and was concerned about communism and other tyranny. Two viewpoints that have now been downgraded in the other party. It helps that I like Lindy Boggs. The diminishing of of people like Lindy and her husband Hale real power is one reason the democrats had so many defections.
James,
ReplyDeleteThe problem in the United States is that there are only 2 major political parties.
Now, I'm not suggesting something akin to Italian politics; nor, even Belgian politics, with which I am much more familiar.
But, a true 3rd party that can balance the pure economic individualism of the GOP on the one hand with the pure social individualism of the Democrats on the other.
I think that Cao - and many, many Americans - would fit right in.
The 2-party system in America keeps real progress from happening.
I giess I have real dounts that a two party will ever emerge
ReplyDeleteFirst because I think American's political attention is so short it will be hard for it to thrive
Second, one you get get a past a couple issues it seems these parties fracture so quick