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Political notes from Free Press staff writers Terri Hallenbeck, Sam Hemingway and Nancy Remsen


5.23.2007

 

Sleuthing Sanders


Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt, is the subject of a lengthy interview in the latest posting of the The Sleuth, a Washington Post blog written by Mary Ann Akers that delves into the lives and chit-chat of the Washington political world.

One of the more interesting things the piece takes up is how the feisty Vermont junior Senator is adapting to the sometimes suffocating etiquette required of members of the Senate chamber after the rough-and-tumble of life in the House.

At one point, Sanders tells a story about passing a familiar Senate face in the hallway but only managing a perfunctory hello because he couldn't remember the Senator's name. Turns out, the famous face couldn't remember who Bernie was either. Later, famous face wrote Sanders a note of apology for not addressing him by name. Here's an exerpt from the interview about the episode...

Sleuth: And who was the senator?

Sanders: Can't tell you that. That's the point about the collegiality. If I embarrass this guy -- that's the whole point! I can't tell you anything!

Sleuth: In the House you would have dropped a dime on him.

Sanders: In the House I would have held four press conferences attacking him!

For a full read of the interview, including an even lengthier set of responses, click HERE.

-- Sam Hemingway

Comments:
Bernie is the best. Vermont has done well electing him. I am a huge supporter, and he is a great man.
 
I guess Bernie is bumpin' Bubba.
 
It's about time Bernie learned something about politeness. After a 30-year career of foaming at the mouth, he's learning that it's not always best to viciously attack people. Better late than never.
 
Must be Barnie Frank if Bernie "bumped" into him. He is a major embarrasement not only to Vermont but the entire U.S.
 
The scuttlebutt I heard is that Bernie had no personal friends among the 435 members of the House of Representatives. At all. Especially in the first ten years or so. Because he didn't know how to cultivate allies. If you weren't totally in agreement with Bernie's scorched-earth view, he attacked you as a sellout. (Wonder why Bernie didn't bring home any bacon?)

Looks like Bernie's mellowing a little with old age. Making friends and allies. Learning to compromise.

That's good.
 
Same ol' Bernie - just doin whats good for Bernie!
 
I put Bernie and the late Fred Tuttle in the same basket. They are/were novelties, cute little examples of Vermont's quirkiness.

Ironically, I also think Fred would have been about as effective as Bernie. It's actually a sad commentary about Vermonters' views of how important its elected officers actually are.
 
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