This article originally appeared online at USA Today on January 6, 2011.
Boehner’s humility sparks debate
Posted by Catalina Camia
The blogosphere today is rife with comments about Republican John Boehner’s expression of humility in his first speech as House speaker.
Some examples:
Marjorie Dannenfelser of the Susan B. Anthony List, which opposes abortion rights, saluted Boehner in a post at National Review Online. She also praised the new speaker’s penchant for tears. “It is a sign of humility and sensitivity to what is moving because it is true,” Dannenfelser wrote.
Over in Pajamas Media, blogger Richard Pollock weighed in with a post headlined: “Is John Boehner the Real Deal?” He writes that Boehner’s background — one of 12 children, worked his way through college by waiting tables, etc. — would indicate “Boehner’s humility seemed deep and heartfelt.”
Pollock notes Boehner’s humility and pledge to run an open House “should not be underestimated, although some will probably consider them to be window dressing.”
At Salon, Joan Walsh slammed Boehner for grabbing “the biggest gavel he could find before he gave a speech hailing his own humility.”
We should note that these bloggers each contrasted Boehner’s actions and words with those of Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, whose comments right before handing the speaker’s gavel to Boehner are also lighting up the blogosphere.
We leave this up to readers.
