| Lots of press out today on Dodd's pairing up with Carol Shea-Porter on a day of action to end the war in Iraq. For those interested, Matt Browner Hamlin has a write-up and video of the event at this diary. And to complete the first district firepower, former State House Minority Leader (and presumptive '06 congressional nominee, before a surprise loss to Shea-Porter) Jim Craig today endorsed Senator Dodd for President.
What I find fascinating is the contrast in Shea-Porter's and Craig's words of praise for Dodd. To me (full disclosure: I'm a Dodd supporter), it speaks to the appeal he can have to a broad spectrum .
Rep. Shea-Porter praises his courage and leadership: "I'm standing next to a senator who has known all along what the direction should be and he knows the way out. And he has the courage to talk about it," she said. "A lot of people wouldn't drive within 100 miles of an event like this."
Yet what Craig likes about him is his ability to bring people together: "I'm looking for someone who has the experience and the integrity to work and reach across the aisle because that's the key. We've got to stop this partisan stuff... he's the guy who can do that."
Going beyond Dodd for a moment, I think these quotes are illustrative of a larger political truth that often gets forgotten among our poll-tested public servants: having the courage to take a strong stand on divisive issues, when you stand up for what's right and decent, paradoxically results in bringing people together. The wide spectrum of beliefs, cultures, and ideologies that comprised Dean Nation four years ago introduced me to that truth, and since that time I'm always on the lookout for it.
Last but not least: Pindell reports that Dodd is firmly opposed to a December primary. |
