Would Senate Democrats dump Harry Reid if Barack Obama is elected president? That's the question from veteran Senate watcher Kirk Victor, after talking to several Democratic staffers and strategists:
Still, when a new administration takes office next year, along with a likely Democratic-controlled Congress, the Senate will be the center of action. Reid is a tenacious fighter, but different skills may be needed in his chamber, where reaching across the aisle is required to prevent a determined minority from wreaking havoc. In the House, by contrast, the rules give Pelosi the power to steamroll the minority.
"Harry Reid," a Democratic strategist said, "is a team player, services his members well, and knows the institution." But, the strategist added, a Senate leader must be "someone who inspires confidence, who can advance an agenda and a message, and who can both contribute to and execute a strategy. That is just not Harry Reid's strong suit."
Those shortcomings were evident in recent weeks. Asked by reporters on September 17 why he had said that Congress would punt the financial-markets legislation until next year, Reid replied: "Because no one knows what to do."
Reid has clear and obvious shortcomings as a leader. He is prickly, partisan, and prone to popping off at the wrong time. He has little demonstrated ability to reach across the aisle and work with Republicans to get the job done. Those flaws may not have been fatal shortcomings when his primary job was to block President Bush's agenda and not push any controversial legislation of his own. If Obama wins the presidency, however, Reid's job will be changed overnight. Instead of blocking a Republican agenda, he will be responsible for building 60 votes in favor of all of Obama's initiatives -- a much tougher task. If Reid wants to keep his job, he just might be hoping for a McCain win on November 4.
