'benign and insipid'

Jacob Weisberg writes a brilliant piece in Slate. I don't know if I've ever read a better description of the problems of the so-called 'Democratic' leadership.

It would certainly appear that 2006 could shape up to be similar to 1994. An unpopular incumbent President and an renegade Congress. Only in 94, the GOP had Newt Gingrich and this time around, the Dems have the modern day equivalent of 'The Three Stooges.'

Weisberg writes:

"Individually, [the Democrats] lack substance and policy smarts (Nancy Pelosi); coherence and force (Harry Reid); and steadiness and mainstream appeal (Howard Dean). Collectively, they convey an image of liberal elitism, disarray, and crabbiness."

Weisberg on Pelosi:

"A five-minute interview is usually sufficient to exhaust her knowledge on any subject."

Weisberg on Reid:

"His own family includes so many lobbyists that after some nasty press coverage, he had to ban them from his office."

Weisberg on Dean:

"While smarter than either Pelosi or Reid, [he] clearly stands for something. Unfortunately, what he stands for in the minds of most people is incandescent rage and upscale socialism. "

The final paragraph:

"Thus far, Pelosi, Reid, and Dean have been literally unable to develop such a national message for the party's congressional candidates. Not just a good message—any message. Their "legislative manifesto," originally promised for November, has been delayed more often than a flight on Jet Blue. When it eventually arrives, expect something benign and insipid. In 1994, Gingrich had the Contract With America. In 2006, Democrats will have another glass of merlot."