Joseph Cao
We all know that Cao will have a very hard time, i.e., an impossible time, holding William Jefferson’s seat — Dan Rostenkowski was defeated by Republican Michael Patrick Flanagan, and he was soundly defeated by the squeaky-clean Rod Blagojevich in the next cycle — but I think Cao might be my favorite Republican after Mitch Daniels. Incidentally, both Cao and Daniels are physically quite small, which is no coincidence: smallness concentrates excellence. It’s science — trust me on this one. Cao seems like a really wonderful and impressive guy, and my sense is that the Catholics I know will love him. Henceforth, I will refer to myself as a “Caopublican.” Actually, I don’t think I will. “Reihan” still works for me.
This weekend, I gave some thought to getting tattooed. In the past, the idea gave me the heebie-jeebies, and I’m pretty sure it won’t happen. I do think, however, that a Ganesh tattoo might further the cause of intercommunal harmony.
that a Ganesh tattoo might further the cause of intercommunal harmony.
will also help with the SWPL XX’s :-)
— razib · Dec 9, 01:34 AM · #
I find it interesting that Ganesh is an Elephant. Might he be the symbol for the remade republican party?
— cw · Dec 9, 06:20 AM · #
I’m a Democrat (and Australian), but even I was impressed by Cao’s depth of insight and philosophical thought. He seems lightyears ahead of the previous incumbent, and he’ll be a fine addition to the beleaguered moderate caucus in the House. (With Gilchrist and Shays gone, he could become the most liberal Republican — it would make sense, given the district.)
It’s a damn shame David Vitter isn’t retiring — Cao seems like he’d be a far finer Senator for Louisiana. If he wants to arrange a primary challenge, he’d have to start thinking about it right about…
…now.
— Black Mage · Dec 9, 06:24 AM · #
Saw Cao on CNN this morning, and he was quoting ARISTOTLE. Gotta love it!
— Roddy Reta · Dec 9, 06:36 AM · #
Interesting that the only Republicans in congress that aren’t non-hispanic whites at the moment are Cubans and now a Vietnamese guy, all foreign-born emigres of anti-communist background.
— Danny · Dec 9, 11:53 AM · #
Ganesh FTW!
He Who Overcomes All Obstacles.
— matoko_chan · Dec 9, 01:54 PM · #
he was soundly defeated by the squeaky-clean Rod Blagojevich
Even more hilarious today than it was yesterday.
— right · Dec 9, 05:56 PM · #
Pillaiyar (as my parents would usually say) probably won’t work for the Reihan look. Do a big, coiling dragon all down your back, man. Or a feathered Tyrannosaur. Or something surprising like a dunkleosteus.
— Sanjay · Dec 9, 06:02 PM · #
I’m picturing a republican ralley in 2020. A giant veiw screen of a smiling and beneovlent Reihan Salam towers over the crowd. Then a flurry of cheerleaders cartwheel onto the stage followed by a coven of discoing elephant-headed men in gold lame…. and thus the new G (Ganesh’s) O (Own) P (party) is born.
— cw · Dec 10, 01:19 AM · #
Hmm Cao is socially liberal (barely) isn’t he?
— MNPundit · Dec 10, 09:07 PM · #
You must love Napoleon then…..or Mikey Bloomberg. Mr Cao is I’m sure a solid citizen but his election had everything to do with the $90,000 and zero to do with either Mr Cao or Republicanism.I suppose one has to look for the silver lining but it’s fairly irrelevant as is the Blago matter although we’re going to get days of bloviation about it. Blago could approve the risen Honest Abe and he wouldn’t get seated so he’s effectively reduced to a nullity. He’s either going to resign fairly smartish or be forced out and within a week he will be as memorable as the last IL governor to be hauled off to clink.
— John · Dec 10, 09:46 PM · #