Keller @ Large: Warren May Be Shrewdest Politician In Democratic Party
BOSTON (CBS) - There was stiff competition for the stooge of the week in politics, but with just hours left for new entries, the leader in the clubhouse is Missouri Republican Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer, who told an audience Thursday that we need to find a way to "neuter" Sen. Elizabeth Warren because she's "the Darth Vader of the financial services world."
Warren responded that she identifies more with Princess Leia from Star Wars because she is "never even remotely tempted by the Dark Side." and, she adds: "I won't be neutered [and] I won't be muzzled."
It wasn't hard for Warren to come out ahead in that exchange with someone so clueless about what appropriate political dialogue sounds like. Perhaps the congressman should realize that only Donald Trump can play Donald Trump.
And maybe he didn't understand who he was dealing with. Love her or hate her, Sen. Warren may be the shrewdest politician the Democratic party has these days.
Look at the way she has handled the unceasing clamor for her to make an endorsement in the presidential race. Had she done so early on, her opinions on the race would be a grossly devalued commodity. Had she endorsed Bernie Sanders, as some thought she would, she would now be on the outs with the likely Democratic nominee.
By avoiding endorsement and using media interest in her as she always has - to promote a very specific world view and political agenda - Warren has enhanced her clout and her image. To the point, it seems, where her most emphatic critics come at her growling and snapping, and wind up neutered themselves.