Establishmentarianism

Being an establishmentarian requires no merit. It's about proving to both hemispheres of the establishment that you are no more of an asset or liability to one hemisphere than to the other. Therein lies the essential function of David Broder.

Here's a Washington political riddle where you fill in the blanks: As Alberto Gonzales is to the Republicans, Blank Blank is to the Democrats -- a continuing embarrassment thanks to his amateurish performance.

If you answered " Harry Reid," give yourself an A. And join the long list of senators of both parties who are ready for these two springtime exhibitions of ineptitude to end.

This might be the narrative that Broder wants to advance. But even a casual inspection of the facts reveals that Harry Reid, while not perfect, is beloved by most Democrats and liberals. They love him for his mastery of Senate procedure and for using that mastery--as both the majority and (more importantly) minority leader--to  fairly ethically advance the Democratic agenda to the greatest extent possible. Alberto Gonzales, on the other hand is a liar, an imbecile, probably a criminal, and a power-sodden apparatchick.