Not so long ago, there was a whole gang of what used to be called “Kamikaze Democrats.” I know, I used to be one.
Out theory was we’d rather lose an election rather than compromise on our principles. And, of course, we lost, and lost, and lost – until the party finally got smarter.
Today, with the Tea Party, we’re seeing a whole new breed of “Kamikaze Republicans.” Take what happened in Delaware’s Republican Senate primary.
Tea Partiers nationwide are celebrating because they knocked off Congressman Mike Castle and nominated tea bagger Christine O’Donnell.
What’s the point? Yes, they may have won the Republican primary. But, as even Karl Rove admits, that means they’re sure to lose the general election.
Take it from me. I grew up in Delaware. Mike Castle fits that state like a glove. He’s part of a long line of sensible Republicans who’ve governed that state: like Russ Peterson, Pete Dupont, Bill Roth.
Christine O’Donnell is a perennial candidate, a two-time loser, a Christian crusader for abstinence-only, and a woman with a disastrous personal financial history. She is far, far too extreme for Delaware.
So, a seat Republicans were sure to win – is now a seat Republicans are sure to lose. That’s no reason to celebrate.
That’s my parting shot for today.