Thursday, June 21, 2007
"The game is afoot"
The President of the United States does not have to twist arms to achieve his policy goals. He has plenty of carrots, like invitations to White House gala events, which come with their own built-in stick: cross me and you won't be invited back.
Even if a Congressman is indifferent regarding such invitations, his wife is not, since there are few fringe benefits to being a politician's wife in Washington, D.C.
An invitation to a State Dinner means not only seeing your name in the "Style" section of the Washington Post but knowing all your friends saw your name too.
Back in the days when individuals could obtain White House tours, one would see women limping away from the White House because dignity demanded that they wear high heels for what amounted to a two-mile walk.
This week President Bush has held two events during which he did not mention immigration, but could silently remind attendees of the benefits of being a team player.
The White House Congressional picnic was held Tuesday. On Wednesday, the President gathered a group of conservatives at the White House to watch him veto a stem cell bill.
Invitations to the veto ceremony were sent out just 48 hours in advance. At least one Senator known to be undecided on cloture on immigration was present.
The White House showcased another carrot with its announcement that former Republican Congressman Jim Nussle would be nominated to be the new head of the Office of Management and Budget.
A stint at OMB would make Nussle, who lost a race for governor of Iowa last year, far better off than his fellow Republican Congressmen who also lost in 2006.
The Nussle nomination was a reminder to every Senator and Congressman that the White House retains the power to create a soft landing for those it deems loyal Republicans.
|posted by Jim on 5:45 PM|
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