Hypocrisy in Washington is hardly new, and cuts across
party lines. The typical calculation is
to endorse a policy or political position when it’s deemed to aid one’s
side. Thus, the Senate Democrats love
the concept of the filibuster now that they’re in the minority. However, the then-Senate Majority leader
Harry Reid did all he could to undercut it (nuclear option) when his party was
in charge. GOP sentiments, too, reversed
when they had fifty-two votes but not the sixty to kill a filibuster.
Such hypocrisy has become even more pronounced recently.
Several weeks ago, Maryland’s U.S. attorney, Rob Rosenstein
was promoted by President Trump to become Deputy Attorney General of the United
States. His selection was widely praised
by members of both parties due to a reputation, acquired over eight years, as
an independent, straight-shooting prosecutor.
Among his strongest supporters at the time was very
liberal, newly-elected Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen. His high regard for Rosenstein lasted for a
mere few weeks more. Upon learning of
the Deputy AG’s recommendation to fire FBI Director James Comey, van Hollen was
irate, calling for the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate the
Trump Administration since he no longer had confidence in Rosenstein’s
integrity to lead such an effort.
That’s ridiculous.
Wouldn’t one think that if Van Hollen himself were a person of integrity
who previously expressed high regard for Rosenstein, that that fact would have
warranted that the new Deputy Attorney General receive the benefit of doubt? Was there any reason to doubt the sincerity
or thoughtfulness of Rosenstein’s recommendation regarding James Comey? Or had the qualities of character that had so
impressed the Senator before simply vanished now that Rosenstein was a member
of the Trump Administration who took a position that did not please Van
Hollen?
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