Worst Democrat of the Day: Eric Massa

By Michael J.W. Stickings

That would be (now former) Rep. Eric Massa (D-NY), who has resigned, effective today.

And he's the worst for so much:

-- For (allegedly) sexually harrassing one of his aides at a party on New Year's Eve, and for frequently using "salty" (his word) and otherwise "inappropriate" (also his word) language in the workplace.

-- For initially claiming that he was resigning because he has cancer (and thereby likely lying).

-- For trying to excuse his behaviour/language on his time in the U.S. Navy, where, apparently, it's fine to be a foul-mouthed lout.

-- For blaming Democratic House leaders for his demise: Mine is now the deciding vote on the health care bill. And this administration and this House leadership have said, quote-unquote, they will stop at nothing to pass this health care bill. And now they've gotten rid of me, and it will pass. You connect the dots." When I connect the dots, what I see is that Massa is an idiot. Majority Leader Steny Hoyer has pushed back, asserting that he told Massa's staff to report the harrassment complaint a month ago. Actually, it's not clear what the House ethics committee is investigating, but it seems that Massa's inappropriate behaviour goes back many months, long before his vote on health-care reform mattered so much.

-- For viciously attacking Rahm Emanuel: "Emanuel is son of the devil's spawn. He is an individual who would sell his mother to get a vote. He would strap his children to the front end of a steam locomotive." I'm not a big Rahm fan myself, but come on. This is laughable in its excess.

-- For regurgitating Republican talking points (i.e., propaganda) on health-care reform (more shoving the bill down our throats nonsense, which we've heard from countless Republicans).

-- Looking ahead, for going on Glenn Beck's show later today to attack and blame Democrats (what else?), and no doubt also to be lauded as a true American hero of Glennbeckistan.

-- And for being, in general, a pretty reprehensible figure. I feel sorry for him with regards to his very serious health problems, but, as for his political career, good riddance.