Reply #7: Thanks for the link - it is fascinating

[karynnj]

Both in raising the theme that the real issue is whether you want government to do anything and in describing Reid's life. It is hard to imagine anyone succeeding with the childhood he had. It does probably explain his lack of political skills. (Though Bill Clinton had a tough - though far better - childhood and he seemed to come out with incredible political skills - likely for the same reason Reid became a fighter.

Reading of his encounter with W, where he thought of Kennebunkport, I thought of the fact that very few Senator's were born poor - though my two NJ ones were. I immediately thought of the wonderful stories in Tour of Duty of Kerry's privileged childhood and his close wonderful family. It is hard to believe that Reid made it to where he is - and that teacher, later Governor, who changed Reid's life, has to an exceptional person.

Like you, I really hated what Reid did on climate change - and I also had seen a documentary where - early on - he and Schumer - scuttled Kennedy/McCain 's immigration because they thought NOT passing it then could gain more votes - especially as the House (Republican majority) had passed a really bad bill. (As that Congress was ending, letting it fail likely did not mean killing a viable bill - as the House was horrible in the 109th Congress - and nothing good was going to become law that year.) This does make clear why Reid is well suited as whip or majority leader. (though going backwards never happens, he might be better suite as whip - as that is more inside the Senate. As Majority leader, someone with his skill at the detail stuff and more articulate, likable and persuasive might be better.)