Time names Dick Durbin one of America's "10 best senators"
Saw this mentioned at Capitol Fax.
They'll get no argument from me. I think Durbin is pheonomenal.
Even though the senate is occasionally dubbed the World's Greatest Deliberative Body, actual debate on the Senate floor rarely happens: members just read prepared speeches written by aides and then return to their offices. Then there's Dick Durbin. On issues from immigration reform to judicial nominees, the Illinois Democrat frequently engages in public back and forth with his Senate colleagues in hearings and before votes—and rarely uses notes to do it. "I can't do it any other way," says Durbin of his off-the-cuff style. "That's me."
And while the debates don't often change the votes of other members, Durbin's tough questioning of his colleagues and his willingness to defend his own proposals clarify and distill complicated issues for the C-SPAN-viewing public. Occasionally, Durbin's arguments even carry the day, as when he won support on the Senate Judiciary Committee for a provision in an immigration bill that would protect church groups and others from prosecution if they aided illegal immigrants.
Who does Time consider the best and worst senators?
The Best Senators
Thad Cochran
Kent Conrad
Dick Durbin
Ted Kennedy
Jon Kyl
Carl Levin
Richard Lugar
John McCain
Olympia J. Snowe
Arlen Specter
The Worst Senators
Daniel Akaka
Wayne Allard
Jim Bunning
Conrad Burns
Mark Dayton
Allard is a moron and looks like one as well.
I also don't know that Burns and Dayton should be there.
I'd also note that every Republican on the "Best" list is considered to be a moderate.
Do you agree with their picks? Any you think should be included or excluded from either list?
posted by The Inside Dope @ 4/20/2006
20 comments
20 Comments:
Ted Kennedy is far and away the most effective U.S. Senator in modern history. Since 1962, the Bay State Senator has worked the Senate as well as Mark Spitz swam to seven gold medals in the 72 Olympics.
And, by the way, he will be on the comedy show tonight (thursday) - Jon Stewart's.ia
I just saw Senator Ted Kennedy on the Jon Stewart comedy show tonight. He was outstanding! Not only does he articulate the core Democratic party message as well as anyone, he looks great and truly punches home our message.
I would strongly consider supported Kennedy for President in 2008, in spite of his age (72).
Or at least I'd love to get him to the Quad Cities to fire up the Democrats in this difficult 17th CD challenge. Maybe we should ask Kennedy to play a leadership role? Now that's a creative idea.
Dope, get on it.
I was thinking Senator Obama should be listed on the top 10 for sure. The man is amazing and he has done so much.
Did Mike Jacobs make this list? If not, I could really see this change in the upcoming years.
That's a funny joke sympathy.
If Jacobs were on this list, I'd move to Costa Rica. Hell, I'd move to Antactica... anywhere.
If Mike Jacobs ever become a U.S. Senator, it would be a sign of the apocalypse.
You'd be shocked how many people don't know the difference between a state senator and a US senator. They think our state senator is in Washington DC!
You know, I bet you're right. Every once in a while someone does a poll and it's frightening how ignorant most people are about their representitives, especially locally and statewide. A huge number have no idea who their governor is, who their U.S. senators or representitives are... I mean... it's ridiculous.
And don't think for a second that the politicians aren't benefiting hugely from this ignorance. (Though it sometimes cuts both ways, as in local races where most people have never heard of any of the candidates and just pick based on if their name sounds caucasian or not, for instance, voting for Richard Anderson over Kwami Umhumidogerapi or whatever, even when they have no clue about either.
This is also why politicians go to great lengths to get a top spot on the ballot listings, since they know that so many people haven't a clue and might vote for the first name in the list.
Just imagine what it would be like if say, 80% of the population both voted and actually spent time investigating the backgrounds, views, personalities, and records of politicians before voting.
It would be politician's worst nightmare come true. (though I think it would benefit Dems overall in the long run as a huge majority are more in line with Dem policies than Republicans.)
Oh come on..are you kidding me? You honestly thought I was serious. I'm quite aware of
A. Jacobs not only lacks the ability to become a U.S. Senator, but also the ability to fullfill his duties as the current State Senator.
B. I know the difference between a state and U.S senator. I just wanted to get a little chuckle from someone like...the dope.
"Bluto" Blutarsky became a US Senator in Animal House... maybe history might repeat itself?
Sheesh! Ted Kennedy for Prez in '08? Gimme a break! Ted forclosed all his presidential opportunities when he drowned that girl at Chappaquidick (sp?) and his family and connections bailed him out. In fact, I think he lost a primary race to Jimmy "Malaise" Carter---- how lame is that?
As for Durbin, I understand he and Sen. Rockefeller are under investigation for leaking classified information to the press about NSA. What fun!
I thought that was OK. Or is it only ok if you're a Republican?
As far as I know, Republicans are against drowning girls who work on their campaigns. This seems to be just a Democrat thing.
I know you'll correct me if I'm wrong about this, so please tell me what Republican has drowned a campaign worker. Inquiring minds want to know!
wow.. A Chappaquiddick reference, two shots at Jimmy Carter (one blaming him for 9-11), and a jab at Lane's disease (I bet you've never known anyone with Parkinson's have you?) all in one night. The GOP should give you some sort of hollow-shell-of-a-geezer medal.
Sorry for going off topic, but must we mention Chappaquiddick every freaking time anyone says anything good about Ted Kennedy? Does that mean we can bring up Bush's rap sheet ("Youthful indescretion" DUI at 30) every time his name comes up?
I like the diversity of opinion here but is it really the best you can do - to yammer on about things that happened in 30-40 years ago?
Touche Tiz...
Sorry tiz, but a DUI isn't the same as killing a girl----unless you're a Democrat---then all is forgiven. Sheesh! How lame.
Tiz---you bet I'm gonna "jab" Evans.
Evans wasn't felled by a stroke, or a sudden heart attack. He's known for over a decade that he's had Parkinsons and has had that amount of time to decide how he would leave public life.
Lane chose the "screw the public, I'm appointing my long time crony to my position" way. I'm guessing he didn't read the fine print, and he assumed that the Politburo would appoint his "friend" with no problem.
So yeah, I realize Lane has a cult built up here, and he can do no wrong as far as they are concerned, but Lane Evans is not my messiah, and I will criticize his sleazy back-room dirty dealings, Parkinsons or not.
As far as I'm concerned, Lane Evans does not get a pass for being a crooked politician. Deal with it.
I'm glad to see this honor of Senator Durbin. Illnois is forunate to have him.
Mike Jacobs would make a fine Senator. He is the strongest new leader in the State says the Chicago Tribune. We should embrace our own not try and drag them back into the bucket of vcrabs taht your readers are mired in.
Gee. if the Trib said something that gosh darn wonderful about Jacobs, you'd think you could manage to include a link so we could verify it. Otherwise, it's just more of the same... hype without a source.
I'm grateful Dick Durbin the senior Senator from my home state of Illinois Made the List of the Best Senators, you know you should be there with him, Barack Obama Illinois' Junoir US Senator.
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