Condi Condi

It's Message, Stupid: In an article on tort reform, Anthony Sebok noted: "Edwards never spoke with any special eloquence about what trial lawyers do - nor of the moral purpose behind helping victims of professional and corporate wrongdoing secure compensation. He therefore failed to appeal, in this way, to those voters who cited 'moral values' as their key voting concern." Compare this to Four Trials, in which Sen. Edwards portrayed his profession (now and in the past) as a form of public service, protecting average Americans. On some level, it's just that basic. The same applies to those who ridiculed Sen. Edwards as an empty suit -- as we know by now, it's all in the tailoring.

Oh Condi Condi Can’t you hear me call
I’m standin’ in the street outside your garden wall
Pocketful of money belly full of wine
Condi in my heart and romance on my mind
Listen to me Condi don’t be afraid
I come here tonight to chase your blues away
I’ll never hurt you I’ll treat you right
Oh Condaleeza won’t you come out tonight

-- Condi, Condi by Steve Earle

The nomination of Condi Rice (Dr. Rice) to replace Colin Powell as Secretary of State seems to an appropriate choice: both are black, loyal, and willing to be made nullities. On the other hand, Dr. Rice's background (Eastern European/Soviet relations) and experience both in the Reagan Administration and as National Security Advisor suggests this libels Sec. Powell, who arguably was much more qualified for the position when he was nominated. Still, she has the conservative bona fides, loyalty to the cause (Bush), and a patina of moderation going for her.

And, there's always the idea (promoted by Dan Drezner, a conservative sort that supported Kerry) that her closeness to President Bush plus her increased power as a member of the Cabinet will allow her to have some real authority now. If this is naive or if such authority will be used toward good ends remains to be seen. Anyway, Dr. Rice turned fifty on Sunday, so perhaps this is ultimately her birthday present (Laura Bush had a birthday right after the election -- these women give bad names to Scorpios). Was Steve Earle's song Condi Condi sung at the party?

Anyway, Colin Powell's bona fides have long lost their veneer in my eyes, even if he has been of somewhat more value than some might think. Many still look at his departure sadly, seeing him as a good man that was lost in the lion's den. His captivity, if that is what it was, however, was ultimately of his own making. And, I do not buy the shit about him not wanting to leave because it would ruin his reputation. This implies that Powell still has much of one any more. I'm more inclined to think he thought it was his duty, his military background and all that, or many he convinced himself (rightly, probably) things would just be even worse without him around.

Loyalty is ultimately the name of the game now, including in the CIA where Porter Goss is doing just what one thought a political hack appointee would do. Surely, many of these picks have other qualities other than loyalty, but that is a (if not the) defining quality thus far. The net result is an administration "aiming at power, and power without responsibility [is] the prerogative of the harlot through the ages."

Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin was thinking of newspapers, but the sentiment fits here nicely too.