The Los Angeles Times spotlights congressional Democrats who are distancing themselves from President Obama . . . now that party leaders have given them permission to do so:
Far from discouraging an independent stance, the White House political operation and the Democratic congressional leadership are tacitly putting out word that the strategy may be a useful one, according to party campaign operatives.
Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), who leads the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said in an interview: “Our candidates need to reflect the values and priorities of their districts. And that means on some issues they’ll support the Obama administration’s position, and on some issues they’ll oppose it.”
Echoing Sister Toldjah, if you need permission to express independent views, you’re not really an independent.
Still, when a California Democrat like Dennis Cardoza talks about high unemployment and home foreclosures, and declares, “the Obama administration has failed miserably in trying to solve the problem” . . . well, we ought to take a moment to say, “Amen, Congressman.”