A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.
Four months ago, Greg Gianforte, the multi-millionaire who’s acting like a candidate for the Republican nomination for Governor of Montana, delivered some less than progressive remarks on Social Security, noting that Noah was still working at age 600.
Now Democrats are out to shame Gianforte. Tomorrow, seniors and workers are conducting a protest (noon, the Chamber of Commerce Building, Helena) to kick off a petition drive demanding that Gianforte apologize for announcing he couldn’t find Social Security in the Bible (neither could I).
Do I want Gianforte to apologize for his remarks?
No.
I want Gianforte to unequivocally, loudly, and clearly, support Social Security and expanding Social Security. I don’t give two hoots in a bedpan whether he says, “I’m sorry I couldn’t find Social Security in the Bible.”
Democrats need to stop demanding apologies. It makes them look weak when those from whom they demand contrition refuse to abase themselves. Have Democrats forgotten how pathetic and hapless John Kerry’s 2004 campaign appeared when, three weeks after being Swiftboated, his campaign manager, Mary Beth Cahill, demanded that the Swiftboaters and Bush apologize — and they didn’t?
Part of this little exercise in Miss Manners politics is, of course, an attempt to build a list of supporters of Social Security who will donate to, and work for, Democratic candidates. I suspect that most who sign will already belong to the choir.