Jeff Greenfield: Once an I-Fave, Always an I-Fave
A man who has been on this program probably more than anybody else and is somehow still a respected journalist, Jeff Greenfield commented on the unfortunate fact that many politicians and public figures, regardless of their smarts, often find themselves in a pickle.
“It just seems to be a fact of life, that the intelligence and skills of a political people are not a way to measure the trouble they get into,” said Greenfield, a senior political correspondent for CBS News.
Though he was speaking about Governor David Paterson’s present litany of problems and those facing New York Congressman Charles Rangel, Greenfield believes there is no better example of the disparity between brains and bad behavior than Bill Clinton.
“There are many old, folksy saying we can’t say on the air about where the brains go when your hormones take over,” Greenfield said slyly.
To which Imus callously replied, “Like the wiener?”
Speaking of Clinton, Greenfield greatly enjoyed reading “Game Change,” and was surprised to learn that Hillary Clinton had considered running for President in 2004. He was somewhat less shocked to discover the ways in which Senator John McCain’s campaign dealt with Sarah Palin, and he suspects that topic will give her problems should she run for national office again.
Greenfield noted, “The people who really love her couldn’t care less about what any reporter says about her. But within the broader rank of Republican Conservatives, it’s going to be a tough sell.”
Invoking the words of former Vice President Dan Quayle (of all people) Greenfield said Palin likely wears attacks by the media as a “badge of honor.” Her future remains unclear, and maybe because it could be difficult to give up her current lifestyle.
“For some people, it’s pretty attractive,” said Greenfield. “You speak to the faithful. You get paid $100,000 or so for a speech. You don’t ever have to face the kind of skeptical or even cynical questioning by a press corps.”
Not like, say, Senator Jim Bunning from Kentucky, who Greenfield described as one of the more “quirky” members of Senate. For the last few days, Bunning, a Republican, has filibustered a bill in the Senate on the grounds that U.S. debt is out of control. His decision to do so rankled other members of his party, most of whom do not want to be seen as obstructionists.
“All I can tell you is that the Republicans are really relieved he’s not doing this anymore,” said Greenfield of Bunning’s decision to call it quits.
Though possibly insane, Bunning showed the kind of backbone that many Americans would like to see from President Obama, whose party, come November, might suffer from a strong anti-Washington sentiment throughout the country.
Imus, for one, likes Mitt Romney, who very well could run for President in 2012. Greenfield pointed out Romney’s failure in 2008 was largely due to his ever-shifting positions on issues like abortion and gun control.
“Well,” said Imus. “He was experimenting.”
-Julie Kanfer
Reader Comments (2)
Mr. Greenfield, Your comment about Mitt Romney amounts to nothing more than a cheap shot. 2008 is gone as is Romney's 2008 campaign. Waffling? Why pick on Romney? You have scores of opportunities with Obama. Promises everything; knows very little. Couple that with the empty satchel he carries around and we all have a disaster. Also, your take on Governor Perry and Senator Hutchison was way off. Hutchison never could tell the voters of Texas "why" she was running for governor. And I still don't know. It's the biggest gaffe since Clayton Williams told the campfire joke.
I think Mr Greenfield is one of the best Journalists in America....but I'd love to see crack Jeff Toobin upside his head.
Another CNN creation. Rember I'm not happy until 50 year old Toobin(who should know better) isn't happy