Worst Democrat of the Day: Parker Griffith

By Michael J.W. Stickings

For publicly attacking Nancy Pelosi:

I would not vote for her [again for speaker]. Someone that divisive and that polarizing cannot bring us together.

Republicans, of course, feast on this sort of Democratic divisiveness. Why the hell can't Democrats just shut up? Why can't they do what Republicans do and keep their internal conflicts private?

Partly because Democrats are not Republicans. They value diversity over thoughtless obeisance. But partly also because "Democrats" like Rep. Griffith of Alabama, a Blue Dog, aren't really Democrats at all. They're more like quasi-Republicans, Democrats elected from largely Republican districts, "Democratic" only insofar as they're not quite as extreme as the right-wing Republican alternative.

But attacking your own leader? I suppose it troubles a "Democrat" like Griffith that an actual Democrat leads the Democratic Party in the House.

I'm all for difference, disagreement, and dissent, but at what cost? When key issues like health-care reform are at the top of the agenda, party unity is paramount. Griffith should just shut up or get the hell out. It's enough already.