Sunday, August 21, 2005
If the MSM says so
John Hinderaker posts about the AP granting Chuck Hagel "leading Republican senator" status:
It is indeed hard to escape that conclusion because it's the correct one.
But wait! What exactly makes Chuck Hagel a "leading Republican senator"? Not seniority; he is a second-termer. Not any official responsibilities; Hagel is not a member of the Senate leadership, nor does he chair a Senate committee. Not legislative accomplishment or influence; Hagel has little noteworthy legislation to his name, and is more often an eccentric voice--e.g., in his call for reinstatement of the draft--than an influence on his fellow Senators. It is hard to escape the conclusion that for the Associated Press, any Republican who attacks the Bush administration and claims that we're losing in Iraq is automatically promoted to "leading Republican senator" status.
It is indeed hard to escape that conclusion because it's the correct one.
