Much attention yesterday was focused on the Charlotte Observer calling out Patrick McHenry for his disgraceful treatment of Elizabeth Warren (diaried by yours truly). However, a potentially more important editorial may have run the day before. The Hickory Daily Record, the biggest paper in McHenry's 10th District, demanded that McHenry apologize as well.
We know that politicial battles leading up to the 2012 elections are heating up, but a congressional hearing is not the place for incivility and rudeness.
Rep. Patrick McHenry’s exchange of angry words with Elizabeth Warren at Tuesday’s House subcommittee on TARP, Financial Services and Bailouts of Public and Private Programs spawned a backlash against the congressman that has thousands of people demanding an apology.
Congressman McHenry owes Warren an apology as well as the voters of the 10th District.
This is actually more important that the Observer's editorial on two counts. First, while the Observer has more readers overall, the Daily Record is the biggest paper whose circulation area is located entirely within McHenry's district. Second, unlike the Observer, the Daily Record will never be accused of being a librul rag. Far from it--it's owned by Media General, one of the most conservative media companies in the nation (as Kossacks in Richmond and Tampa will attest).
That being said, the Daily Record's editorial board's sentiments largely echo those of the Observer. In so many words, the Daily Record says that McHenry can do his job without being a pompous jerk. It then makes a particularly gutsy suggestion, given the nature of this R+17, "God, gays and guns" district.
You do not have to look far to see that public discourse has degenerated into vitriolic he-said, she-said. This episode added more fuel to that fire.
That’s apparent in reading many of the comments on McHenry’s Facebook page.
If we are to have any chance at meaningful civil discussion in our public life about our differences, it is incumbent on our leaders – no matter what side of the hearing table or the aisle they sit – to remember we can disagree without being disagreeable.
Words like this coming from a Republican paper like the Daily Record will make it awfully difficult for McHenry to blow off claims he was out of line.