Just a few days ago, I'd never heard of Congressman Foley. Now, the Internets are buzzing over Masturgate, and new details seem to appear every time I hit refresh. Left, Right and Center, everyone is talking about the e-mails, the IMs, the cover up, and, of course, the implications for November.
Masturgate is already a complex situation, with an ever-growing cast of characters, so it'll be some time before we understand who knew what, when they knew it, and what they did - or didn't do - about it. Still, from where I stand, it looks pretty bleak for Republicans.
And, yeah, I'll admit it... it feels really good, like finding a crumpled up twenty in your pocket on laundry day. Masturgate came out of nowhere and instantly changed the face of midterm elections, and in our favor. Heck, that October Surprise we've all been dreading might not even matter in this brand new era of Masturgate.
But the gift doesn't come without strings attached. From the party leadership on down to, well, you and me, Democrats are going to have to use some skill and restraint when discussing Masturgate if we want to make the most of this unexpected opportunity.
I hate talking this way. I hate referring to a possibly criminal act against teenagers as "an opportunity" or "a gift" to be exploited for political gain. My highest priority is fixing the system to prevent this from happening again, regardless of political ideology or party loyalty or whether there's a (D) or (R) after the Representative's name.
Still, the Masturgate cover up is an example of the complete and utter lack of accountability we've had under Republican leadership. It's not exploitation to talk about this, but the line is thin, and I worry about getting too close.
I also worry about "the gay thing." You know, when people equate homosexuals with pedophiles? Yeah, that gay thing. Masturgate is about abuse of power, looking the other way instead of doing the right thing, and placing party before all. It's not about being gay. Now, I'm preaching to the choir here on Kos but I'm just saying, look out because that's what they'll throw at us. Be ready. Many prominent Republicans are fond of claiming the high moral ground, and more than a few of them fail to live up to that claim. Let's not say we're better. Let's BE better. Implying Masturgate reflects on all Republicans only buys into their us vs. them nonsense and puts them on their defensive.
"But WhyNotGuy," I hear you say, "how could anyone ever defend Masturgate?" Well, I don't know, but some are. In addition to the time-honored standards:
1. b-b-b-but Clinton
2. b-b-b-but Barney Frank
3. b-b-b-but Ted Kennedy
I'm seeing a few new ones created specifically for Masturgate. Study them carefully; you'll be seeing a lot of them over the next few weeks.
1. Democrats are using this to paint ALL Republicans
2. The age of consent in DC is 16
3. Foley's only a RINO, he even used to be a Democrat
4. The Lie-brul media released this now to affect elections
5. This "kid" played along willingly
6. Hillary Clinton has thick ankles
I've seen each and every one of these talking points and more over the last couple of days. We can't let anyone muddy the waters. We can't let anyone take our laser focus off the central issues: abuse of power and accountability. We can't take our eyes off the prize.