Grover Norquist, the outspoken leader and voice of Americans for Tax Reform, can always be counted on for political grandstanding.
Norquist's main concern, of course, is taxes–against increasing or imposing them. He takes on all comers with an arrogance beyond belief.
When Republicans stray from his line, even to balance a deficit, they will feel Norquist's wrath. A no-tax pledge is another commandment to his belief.
A recent story in the New York Times demonstrated Norquist's penchant for wading inwith certaintyon other issues as well. Queried by the Times on how GOP presidential hopefulsrateon social issues, Norquist didn't hesitate to sound off. He clearly doesn't trust Sen. John McCain or Rudy Giuliani.
Norquist's ideas on governance are welcome in the White House, where he is a frequent visitor.He has the ear of Karl Rove, Bush's political eyes and ears.
In past election cycles, Norquist has been counted on to raise support and money for the GOP cause. His hatred of taxes resonates with right-wingers.
Perhaps Norquist should consider running for office himself since he is so cocksure of his policies. The truth is that a bully like Norquist wouldn't stand a chance with the mainstream electorate.
So he will remain on the sidelines, advising and threatening as required. I wish he would run for something because it would be a predictably humbling experience for a man who has no doubt about his superior standing.
John W. Mashek covered politics in Washington for four decades with U.S. News & World Report, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and the Boston Globe. His primary beats were Congress, the White House, and national politics. He covered every presidential election from 1960 to 1996. He was a panelist in three televised presidential debates in 1984, 1988, and 1992.
Reader Comments