Another Debate Thought

Sen. Collins continues to run on the strength of her (deceptive) moderate branding. And in yesterday's debate, she seemed to up the ante by citing "partisan rancor" as the key explanation for government's failures over the last eight years.

The implication, clearly, is that she's got what it takes to end the bickering.

This strikes me as a bizarre, tone-deaf re-election argument at a time when the nation is mired in two wars and the worst financial crisis in three generations.

But it's notable for another reason: The junior senator has no standing to make it.

First, consider: Collins has been talking about civility and comity for twelve years now. And Washington has become steadily more polarized over that period.

So clearly, her efforts thus far have been a total failure. What reason is there to think Collins will be more successful given another six years?

And second: When it comes to elevating the tone, Susan Collins has repeatedly been part of the problem.

Remember, this is a woman who took to the airwaves to allege that a former colleague had impregnated his mistress. And last year, she sponsored and circulated a hate video about her opponent.

In short, a paragon of civic virtue Susan Collins ain't.

Don't get me wrong: I understand why Collins doesn't want to talk about the issues. But she really should come up with a more plausible, compelling way to duck a discussion of them.