Washington Gadfly
Prominent Dem Finally Explains Difference Between Democrats And Socialists
11:30 PM 02/18/2016
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“Look, traditionally I think there have been major differences between socialists and the Democratic Party.”
Like what?
“The role of government.”
Well, specifically, what does that mean?
“Well, we’re at the end here,” he instructed. “So if you want to talk to him afterwards you can do it.”
Take it outside, buddy!
This columnist was about to apologize for bizarrely thinking it is appropriate for a journalist to put a congressman on the spot at a Washington press breakfast when Levin, seated and giving no indication he needed to leave, proceeded to give more details.
“There has been a major, major difference as to role of government and the role of the private sector,” said Levin, ranking member of the House Ways and Mean Committee. “I think Liberal Democrats like myself have dedicated ourselves to trying to make the free enterprise system work to change it to make it more response to the needs [of individuals] to find a blend between individual initiative, ingenuity and the role of government to find that right balance. And socialism has traditionally had a different balance.”
But the 17 term congressman, who refreshingly calls himself a “liberal” not a “progressive,” deserves credit for being man enough (pardon the phalocentric term) to answer the question. Of course, anybody who got a C- or better in a freshman political science class should know the distinction.
And Levin, 84, came of age politically when Democrats
strenuously objected to anybody equating them with pinkos. So he happily
went where the significantly younger Schumer and Clinton would not.
Meanwhile, in a small but telling example of journalistic sloth and
tunnel vision reporters from Politico, the Washington Post and New York
Times who attended the breakfast, which was otherwise entirely devoted
to Levin declaring his opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership,
failed to report his truly newsworthy remarks.
