The disassembly of Tom DeLay

[Robbien]

WASHINGTON - A new drama of survival has begun here – political, not physical; legal, not spiritual. The central character isn’t a woman in a hospital bed but a controversial Republican leader in the House of Representatives. Rep. Tom DeLay may not want to admit it to himself, but he’s fighting for his political life.

I wouldn’t have said so two weeks ago. But I’ve seen enough of these dramas unfold to know when I’m watching a new one, and now I am. You know the story line, which dates back to the Greeks: a powerful, hubristic leader is brought low by his own flaws. Think Jim Wright, Newt Gingrich, Bill Clinton.

A key but cautious leader of the Republican leadership put it to me this way in private recently: “Members want us spend our time protecting them. They don’t like having to spend their time protecting us.” Meaning: their idea of fun and productive use of time in the capital is not “DeFending DeLay.”

By melodramatically linking his own destiny with that of Terri Schiavo, DeLay didn’t help himself. He made himself look vulnerable and scared – which is all his enemies needed to convince themselves to step up their attacks. If you want to watch a passion play, fine. But don’t cast yourself in the lead.

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7336386/

[fertilizeonarbusto]

1. Two quibbles

1. Bill Clinton brought squat "upon himself." He and his wife were hounded by an inquisition from the get-go.
2. "The Texas president" is no longer popular. In fact his approval ratings are back down to pre-9/11 levels, and bound to keep dipping.

[cyclezealot]

2. It's fun to call Delay's office in DC..

I did yesterday..Sort of smug call about recent story the hypocrit pulls his dad's plug from life support about 15 years ago...
Delay's office. the staff are and has been argumentative, nasty and will hang up asap if they do not like your tone...
They did on me yesterday as they have before...I enjoy being a smart azz to those freepers...

[carolinayellowdog]

3. Howie the ho isn't just reporting the story

he is part of the story. His article is part of the very process it pretends to "describe." Implicit in the "description" of events overtaking DeLay is a prescription that it's time for the Republicans to throw him over the side.

[Robbien]

4. I also caught that

The WSJ started the parade and Howie has his float all ready out in front of the cue.