This is on the internet in various places, but I'm lifting it from Washington Monthly since I'm there at the moment.
DAVID BROOKS' INNER THIGH.... The New York Times' David Brooks had a column this week lamenting the breakdown of "the dignity code" in national politics, and expressing hope that President Obama -- who "exemplifies reticence, dispassion and the other traits associated with dignity" -- may "revitalize the concept of dignity for a new generation."
He explored this thought in more detail on MSNBC yesterday, and shared an interesting anecdote with Norah O'Donnell and John Harwood.
"You know, all three of us spend a lot of time covering politicians and I don't know about you guys, but in my view, they're all emotional freaks of one sort or another. They're guaranteed to invade your personal space, touch you. I sat next to a Republican senator once at dinner and he had his hand on my inner thigh the whole time. I was like, 'Ehh, get me out of here.'"
Question (among others) - why could Mr. Brooks not reach down and firmly remove hand? If it returned, why could he not have a quiet word in the ear of the offender? If all else failed, why could he not have excused himself and left the table? As a final (or first!) resort, why could he not have said loudly, 'Get your hand off me. Sir."
P.S. - JTDthegarlic had a post about this yesterday. Maybe other people too, but a cursory look under Topics didn't reveal any. But did show this post by Steve Blevins about Brooks being cringe-making in another venue.
TIP:
Enter the amount, and click "Tip" to submit!
ConnieMack
ahnisa
Jonathan Wolfman
Joan H.
Graham Sale
ReikiStar
Salon.com
Comments
Yes, all good questions, which I hope, someone, either on cable news, print, wherever, follows up and asks him about it ... Also, mucho thanks for the link
Peace
JTD (The Garlic)