The Aftermath

Such a beautiful day out. A glorious Indian-summer afternoon bathed in golden sunshine filtered through gold and red leaves. And I'm in the Library.

I've seen on several websites and I've heard from many politicians and pundits that Bush must "reach across the aisle" to Democrats because the election was so close. Why? When he had no mandate he didn't bother, so why should he do so now? People like his jerk-ass smirking arrogant behavior. They crave it. It's like in WWE when The Rock comes out with loud music blaring and raises his eyebrow and the crowd goes ga-ga. W. is a great pro wrestling character. Kerry is more like the host of a PBS gardening show, or one of those guys in suits on "Antiques Roadshow" who talk about spoons with great authority. I'll tell you what Bush and Co are going to do with a 4,000,000 vote popular vote margin, a 55-44-1 Senate, and a 31 (perhaps 33) seat advantage in the House: Whatever The Fuck They Want. Daschle was a warning, as was McClellan last time--you fuck with Rove and you're meat. All they have to do is hiss "obstructionist" and put your picture on TV with Osama and some menacing music, and your ass is out on the street. Plus, the Republicans don't have to reach out to the Democrats, because the Dems are continually shifting right, trying to reach out themselves.

Who will be the soon-beleaguered Minority Leader? Right-of-center Harry Reid from Nevada? He's getting the early CW nod. Probably a good bet to mollify Rove, but terrible for the Democrats because he's the worst kind of meat: red-state dead meat. He does anything to piss off W. and he's gone. I'm hoping they give it to Chris Dodd because his seat is safe in Conn and he'll at least say "fuck you" to those guys. The Dems need to give themselves some loud, brash attitude, to get their best screamers and insulters face time on TV. Bill Bennett is calling for no-holds-barred Culture War; this is Falwell's eschatological wet dream time. It's unlikely W. and Co. could ram big changes through, but if they pick up Senate seats again next time, they'll be ever closer to the magic 60-seat majority, and all bets are off, baby. We'll all be praying in school.

I won't, however, be surprised if there IS some gesture made by Bush--not out of a genuine desire to "unite" anything, but based in a cynical politically motivated need to ensure Jeb an easy victory in '08. What could it be? Biden to replace Powell? A moderate Supreme Court nominee? O'Connor to replace the soon-deceased Chief Justice instead of Thomas or Scalia? McCain to replace Rummy? There are lots of rumors abounding that Bush will shake up his scandal-ridden Cabinet--why should he? We won't hear a thing about those scandals in the new House and Senate. CIA report that names names and lays blame for 9/11? We don't need that anymore. Valerie Plame investigation? Fuck it. Let it die.