The always appalling William Kristol, son of Trotskyite turned neo-con Irving Kristol, borrowed from recent history to put down America's leading opponent of masturbation and now Republican nominee for the U. S. Senate from Delaware, Christine O'Donnell. After O'Donnell compared herself to Kristol's creation and heroine, Sarah Palin, Kristol said, "I know Sarah Palin, I like and admire Sarah Palin, and with all due respect, you are no Sarah Palin." [I may have the quote slightly off, but that is the gist.] This was part of a desperate and unsuccessful effort by the GOP Establishment to avoid losing a senate seat once thought a sure pick-up.
For my younger readers, who do not recall the 1988 Presidential campaign, this was an echo of Lloyd Bentsen's deathless put down of his opponent, Dan Quayle, in their only debate. The moment is burned into my mind because I was on my way to Adelaide, Australia, to watch my son, Patrick, play in the World Junior Chess Championship [Patrick, then 20, was representing the United States.] I was changing planes in L. A. on my way from Hartford to Honolulu, and then to Sydney and Adelaide. As I was walking through the terminal, I saw the debate on a TV set and stopped to watch for a few moments. In response to Quayle's assertion that he had then as much experience as Jack Kennedy had when he ran for the presidency [Bentsen was very much older, ans was playing the experience card], Bentsen said, "Senator, I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you are no Jack Kennedy."]
Like all Dukakis supporters, I enjoyed Bentsen's putdown. But I feel I need to rise to Dan Quayle's defense at this time. Mr. Kristol, I remember Dan Quayle, even though I cannot say I like him, but Mr. Kristol, Christine O'Donnell is no Dan Quayle.
It is a measure of how low the Republicans have sunk that they their "Dan Quayle" is now Christine O'Donnell.
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