The brave Rep. Alan Grayson is coming under increasing attack for his fiery remarks, and most recently for a slip in which he called a female Wall Street lobbyist a "K-Street whore."
It's expected that the GOP would target Grayson, and that Blue Dogs would be jealous of his courage and popularity (and principles). But even Anthony Weiner, a progressive firebrand in his own right, has called Grayson "one fry short of a Happy Meal." (Ever hear of the 11th Commandment, there, Anthony?)
And we have a hand-wringing Daily Kos diary on the subject.
Here's the thing. Grayson is a hero. He stands up to bullies. And he's new. Cut him some freaking slack.
Grayson shows he will fight, that he has a spine, he calls it like he sees it, and won't back down. It's been so long since the Democrats have had a real scrapper on their side, they've forgotten that Americans want STRONG leadership, even if it's rough around the edges. That's why, unless the nation's sky is falling (as it was in the last election), they'll vote for a lout or a cowboy over a weak-seeming man of principle.
Grayson is a strong man of principle. We need to get his back.
Grayson has not been in office even a year. He WILL learn as he goes the kind of wording that is more and less advised, and when (the "whore" comment would have been less incendiary if the lobbyist had been male).
But let's remember: not a single Republican has apologized for much-worse remarks, for dangerous lies, and MUCH more vicious positions. Republicans have a slash-and-burn approach to politics, to the environment, to the economy, to health care, and to foreign policy. And we finally have someone willing to capture headlines calling this out. Frankly, I don't give a damn if he draws some fire and doesn't say everything perfectly.
Grayson is not a loose cannon, or just some attention whore (see? I said it), but someone who is so frustrated with Democratic timidity, weakness and willingness to compromise in the face of Republican corruption and cynicism that he's a bit hyperbolic in his outrage.
Good. People are dying horribly every day from Republican (and Blue Dog) policies. It's IS an emergency. Take a page, Democrats.
Alan, we trust you to refine your language as you go, and learn from experience. I think we're safe to have confidence that you won't make your most recent rhetorical mistake again.
But frankly, your boldness is the real goldmine. You are in the company of murderers and thieves. We're behind you. As long as Republicans are screaming and crying and teabagging and belching, we don't care if don't drink your tea with your pinky out.