Where I Stand — Mike O’Callaghan: Name-calling for 2002

Friday, Dec. 28, 2001 | 3:20 a.m.

BEING CALLED a "rabid dog" by Republican Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania and "an obstructionist" by Vice President Dick Cheney has drawn special attention to Sen. Tom Daschle, Democratic majority leader. Those outrageous statements by Cheney and Santorum would have drawn little attention if aimed at any number of other members of Congress, but they don't fit the personality of Daschle.

The soft-spoken legislator from South Dakota has earned the reputation of being both reasonable and low-key during press interviews. Many times reporters have found it necessary to ask him to repeat an answer because he couldn't be heard. However, time and again he has demonstrated that his calm exterior isn't a sign of weakness. Daschle's knowledge and legislative ability have gained him the respect of his Democratic colleagues and the grudging respect of most Republican members of Congress.

So why has Daschle recently become the target of vicious personal attacks by Republican leaders and several conservative writers and editors? An easy answer would be because of his success in leading a very slim majority in the Senate. Being characterized as a "rabid dog" by Santorum doesn't fly, but is he "an obstructionist" as stated by Cheney? Not if the overall record of the Senate this year is used as a measure. Actually, it has been, under the circumstances, a very productive session, with major legislation landing on the president's desk for signature.

Todd S. Purdum, writing in the New York Times, told readers that Daschle "has offered virtually unstinting support to the White House in its war on terrorism abroad and at home, ignoring the objections of some liberal senators who raised questions about the administration's requests for sweeping new law enforcement tools. Only on domestic economic questions where polls suggest Democrats have an advantage has Mr. Daschle challenged the White House."

The president got some of his strongest support from Daschle's troops. He also got a few things, like the campaign finance reform, that his GOP-dominated House failed to act on but must face again in January. The Senate Democrats and Republicans couldn't agree on an economic stimulus package. The Republicans pushed for tax cuts for businesses and middle- and upper-income people while the Democrats insisted on extending unemployment insurance and provisions for health insurance for people who lost their jobs. Also, the House and Senate couldn't agree on their separate versions of a patients' bill of rights. The final budget bills were passed with broad bipartisan support.

Names like "rabid dog" sound very strong for the leader of either party. Don't get excited, this is all a matter of following the advice of GOP strategist Frank Luntz. In his most recent report, Luntz told Republicans to "start using the phrase 'Daschle Democrats' and the word 'obstructionist' in the same sentence. It's time for Republicans to personalize the individual that is standing directly in the way of economic security, energy security and even national security."

People shouldn't get upset with Cheney and Santorum, they are simply following the recommendations suggested by Luntz and other conservative spin-doctors. In the meantime, Daschle goes about his work with a smile on his face because he knows that the opposition has to have a political target during the 2002 elections. There is no doubt that the man from South Dakota has been given the honor.