A Southern Gentleman Passes

We've lost a Democratic icon. Lloyd Bentsen, the popular Texas Senator and Vice Presidential nominee, has passed away at the age of 85. He was an accomplished leader and politician and a prominent player in the Southern Democratic party. His politics may not have been perfect, but I think they remind us that the Democratic Party is and should be a big tent party focused on working men, women and families first.

Secretary Bentsen, he served as Treasury Secretary for President Clinton, will always hold a special place in my heart for being the key figure in one of my first political memories. I was not yet 10 years old and there was a presidential election. Vice President Bush picked a running mate that most thought was a bit of a lightweight -- a lightweight who had grand visions of himself as JFK II.

This created one of the best moments in political theatre ever.

Tom Brokaw: Senator Quayle, I don't mean to beat this drum until it has no more sound in it... when you said that it was a hypothetical situation, it is, sir, after all, the reason that we're here tonight, because you are running not just for Vice President and if you cite the experience that you had in Congress, surely you must have some plan in mind about what you would do if it fell to you to become President of the United States, as it has to so many Vice Presidents just in the last 25 years or so.

Quayle: Let me try to answer the question one more time. I think this is the fourth time that I've had this question.

Brokaw: The third time.

Quayle: Three times that I've had this question - and I will try to answer it again for you, as clearly as I can, because the question you are asking is what kind of qualifications does Dan Quayle have to be president, what kind of qualifications do I have and what would I do in this kind of a situation. And what would I do in this situation? I would make sure that the people in the cabinet and the people that are advisors to the president are called in, and I would talk to them, and I will work with them... I will be prepared not only because of my service in the Congress, but because of my ability to communicate and to lead. It is not just age; it's accomplishments, it's experience. I have far more experience than many others that sought the office of vice president of this country. I have as much experience in the Congress as Jack Kennedy did when he sought the presidency. I will be prepared to deal with the people in the Bush administration, if that unfortunate event would ever occur.

Judy Woodruff: Senator Bentsen.

Bentsen: Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy, I knew Jack Kennedy, Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you are no Jack Kennedy. (Prolonged boos and applause) What has to be done in a situation like that is to call in the -

Woodruff: Please, please, once again you are only taking time away from your own candidate.

Quayle: That was really uncalled for, Senator. (Shouts and applause)

Bentsen: You are the one that was making the comparison, Senator - and I'm one who knew him well. And frankly I think you are so far apart in the objectives you choose for your country that I did not think the comparison was well-taken.

SNAP!

NOTE: This is my 100th post. What do you think thus far?