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Political Insider Live
With Charles Babington
Staff Writer and Chief Political Correspondent for washingtonpost.com
Friday, Nov. 30, 2001; 1 p.m. EST
The war on terrorism continues in the Middle East while civil libertarians become increasingly concerned over broad powers the federal government is using to curtail another attack on our soil.
Charles Babington, chief political
correspondent for washingtonpost.com, will be online to discuss the election outcome, President Bush's handling of the terrorist crisis and other political news from the past week.
The transcript follows.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live
Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts;
guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Charles Babington: Greetings, welcome. First, a program note. Next week's chat will start at 2 p.m. EST, not the usual 1 p.m.
Oxford, Ohio:
With Gilmore out as RNC chair (as a Democrat in a heavily Republican college, I'm trying very hard not to laugh), who might be tapped to succeed him? Is it likely to be a young gun, or a member of the old guard, like Bob Dole? And will it be another conservative, or is it possible they could put in a moderate in an attempt to soften the image of the party? washingtonpost.com:
Gilmore Resigns as GOP Chairman, By R.H. Melton (The Washington Post, Nov. 30, 2001)
Charles Babington: Gilmore's announcement came as a surprise, and I think it's too early to say who gets the job next. Former Montana Gov. Marc Racicot (pronounced "roscoe'') has been mentioned. He is a lawyer/lobbyist in DC, and President Bush and others repeatedly have urged him to run for the Senate next year against Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.). Racicot repeatedly has declined, and I don't know if he would see the GOP chairmanship as any more appealing.
As for conservative/moderate: Which camp would you put Gilmore in? I'd say he could make claims to both.
Annandale, Va.:
Did Gilmore jump before or after he got pushed by the White House? washingtonpost.com:
Complete Post Coverage of Va. Gov. James Gilmore III
Charles Babington: It seems as though he jumped before he got pushed. White House insiders told my Post colleagues that the president was willing to have Gilmore stay on as RNC chair, even after last month's disappointing results in Va. and NJ. But Gilmore was being widely criticized in other GOP circles, and maybe he figured it was time to get out before the carping got worse.
Arlington, Va:
Afternoon Chuck,
I wondered if you were surprised with the results of yesterday's Washington Post/ABC poll? I found it particularly interesting that support for the use of military tribunals actually increased with the education level of the respondent. Sounds like Leahy better ditch the brie and wine/whine and break out the beer and Doritos. washingtonpost.com:
Most Americans Back U.S. Tactics, By Richard Morin and Claudia Deane (The Washington Post, Nov. 29)
• Complete Poll Data
• Results by Demographic
Charles Babington: Americans' reactions to the idea of military tribunals, as well as to the detention of hundreds of Middle Easterners on visa matters, is fascinating -- and it may change substantially as time goes on. (You can bet that every congressional candidate in 2002 will be watching closely). Clearly, many people who generally support "civil rights' are unbothered by the idea of military tribunals in a time of war. They note that such tribunals have been used before. And certainly a case can be made that Osama bin Laden, and others like him, should not be given the pulpit of a U.S. courtroom from which to spew their hatred and incitements.
I like your beer and Doritos idea; will send it along to Leahy's staff.
Kansas City, Mo.:
Regarding Bush's proposal to use military tribunals instead of civilian courts: How come a third option, turning these matters over to an international tribunal, hasn't been discussed? I believe Bush was against international tribunals because U.S. personnel could be
subject to them, but doesn't America's use of military tribunals open the way for other countries to subject our military personnel to their military tribunals? Is Bush not concerned about this? washingtonpost.com:
Bush Firm on Military Tribunals, By Mike Allen and Susan Schmidt (The Washington Post, Nov. 30, 2001)
• Transcript: Bush's Speech on Military Tribunals (washingtonpost.com, Nov. 29, 2001)
Charles Babington: You're correct that President Bush -- and many congressional Republicans -- oppose international tribunals because they feel no foreign country (or group of countries) should be allowed to put American people or policies on trial.
As to your suggestion that U.S. military personnel might be subject to another country's tribunal: Do you mean as captives, or POWs? I'm not sure what new door this would open.
New York, N.Y.:
If Ashcroft pursues terrorists aggressively, he is criticized for violating civil liberties or racial profiling. If he were not aggressive enough he would be criticized for being too complacent. From what I've seen of him, I think he is doing the job the way he feels is right, without regard for public opinion, or political pressure. Is this a fair assessment? washingtonpost.com:
Ashcroft Undaunted as Criticism Grows, By Dan Eggen (The Washington Post, Nov. 29, 2001)
Charles Babington: Obviously I can't get into John Ashcroft's head (or anyone else's for that matter). But I agree that he comes across as a man of firm beliefs even in the face of strong criticism (remember, he didn't compromise enough to win re-election as senator from Missouri).
His biggest challenge is coping with this complaint: When you lock up hundreds of people on suspicions that they MIGHT be guilty of something, then how, as a fair and just society, do we go about determining which ones in fact are guilty and which aren't -- and then releasing the innocent. That, of course, is what trials are for.
Providence, R.I.:
Can you give us an update on the economic stimulus talks and has there been any conclusion on getting the talks going since last night? washingtonpost.com:
Leaders Wrangle Over Process for Talks, By Glenn Kessler and Juliet Eilperin (The Washington Post, Nov. 30)
Charles Babington: The best update is provided in today's paper (and website) by two of my Post colleagues. (And kudos to our hard-working washingtonpost.com producer for providing all these links today). For those of you who don't have time to click on the full article, here's how it begins:
"After a day of public finger-
pointing and private negotiations,
House and Senate leaders last
night appeared close to agreeing
on procedures that would allow
serious talks to begin on the best
way to bolster the U.S. economy.''
When you are "close to agreeing'' on "procedures' to "allow serious talks to begin''.... well, you know you've got quite a ways to go.... Kinda like spending weeks and weeks debating the shape of the table for Vietnam War peace talks.
Don't be terribly surprised if we end up with no stimulus package at all.
New York:
Charles, do you think Gilmore's resignation will have any meanigful negative impact on the success of Republican candidates in 2002?
Also, I just read your article on Toricelli. From what I have seen in the local papers around here, it looks like he has been up to something; and that at the very least he can be made to look like a scumbag in 2002 by any opponent. My question is will the Democrats put up a candidate against him in the primary and, if not, why not? Have a good one Charles! washingtonpost.com:
Toricelli on Verge of Moving Forward, By Charles Babington (washingtonpost.com, Nov. 16)
Charles Babington: 1. When it comes to congressional races, the chairmen of the RNC and DNC make only marginal differences, at best. Far more important are the issues, the nation's economic and social health, and the quality of the candidates.
2. Without question, Sen. Torricelli's opponents can raise details of the federal investigation even if the senator is not indicted. The question is, will they stick, will they persuade voters that he's no longer qualified to represent them in the Senate?
No, Democratic leaders will not look for another candidate. Unless an incumbent is mortally wounded (think Gary Condit), the party sticks with him or her.
Even with his problems, Bob Torricelli is a proven campaigner and fund-raiser, and NJ voters seem to like Democrats in the Senate. Keep in mind, Republicans are having a very hard time finding a big-name candidate to challenge Torricelli. The latest to say No are former Gov. Tom Kean and congressman Frank LoBiondo.
USA:
Charles, regarding Kansas City, Mo.'s question, I think the questioner was wondering about the possibility of turning over bin Laden or another prisoner to an international court, not suggesting that an American be turned over to them.
My reaction to that idea is that it is even worse than the idea of a civil trial. Those terrorists did everything in America and to Americans. The idea that a non-American court would have juristiction is offensive to me. Because they have waged war on our country, they do not deserve and should not be granted the freedoms and rights that others in our great country have.
Charles Babington: Thanks for writing.
Baltimore, Md.:
Do you believe, given a strong Republican challenger, that next year's gubernatorial race in Maryland might be similar to the 1994 race (i.e. very close call)? Is the climate right for such a scenerio? washingtonpost.com:
Complete Coverage of the 2002 Elections
Charles Babington: By strong GOP challenger, I assume you mean Rep. Bob Ehrlich of Baltimore County (although I don't think he has made it official yet). Ehrlich is a smart, attractive candidate in many ways, but he's pretty conservative, even by national GOP standards. And Maryland is one of the most liberal, Democratic states in the union. The very close 1994 election between Parris Glendening and Ellen Sauerbrey (who was quite conservative) was an aberration, I think. Remember, that was a huge, watershed year for Republicans nationally -- the year that Gingrich and company took over the U.S. House, and President Clinton was at a very low ebb (he would rebound quickly for 1996).
I don't see the planets aligning that way again next year for a Maryland Republican. In short, I think Ehrlich would have a tough time defeating Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, who looks like a lock for the Democratic nomination.
Alexandria, Va.:
So if Gov. Jesse Ventura doesn't run (or even if he does), who are the leading Democratic and Republican candidates for governor of Minnesota next year? Thank you. washingtonpost.com:
Voters Weary of Ventura's Brash Style, By Charles Babington (washingtonpost.com, Nov. 29, 2001)
Charles Babington: Republicans: State House Majority Leader Tim
Pawlenty and businessman Brian Sullivan.
Democrats: state Sen. Becky Lourey and Auditor
Judi Dutcher. Also, as my column noted, state Senate
Majority Leader Roger Moe (D) also is hinting at a run.
Chevy Chase, Md.:
When will you be eating at Al Gore's new low-cost family restaurant?
Charles Babington: I dunno, how are the grits and eggs?
Actually, we think this talk of Gore opening a restaurant (there was a wire report yesterday) is a joke that someone somehow took seriously. Has anyone seen this restaurant?
Alexandria, Va.:
Chuck, did you see this morning that Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) is planning to launch some sleazy ads against President Bush next month over the economy? How smart a tactic is that? Regardless of whether one supports or opposes Bush on the economy, isn't it politically dumb to attack a president during wartime -- especially when his approval rating is 80-90 percent? And is Lowey the right person to even be involved in this? She is a bit shrill, isn't she? Couldn't someone a little more polite (but no less partisan), such as House Whip Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), put a better public face on respectfully disagreeing with the loyal opposition? Thanks.
Charles Babington: I haven't seen the report on Nita Lowey, so I don't know the specifics. In general, however, Democrats believe (based on polling and other factors) that voters make a distinction between criticizing the president on military/terrorism matters vs. disagreeing with him on economic matters. And the voters appear willing to have a vigorous debate on economic issues without feeling that critics are being unpatriotic or disloyal.
Falls Church, Va.:
Do you think that Gilmore has a future in Virginia politics? Might he run for governor again in 2005? He won't have an opportunity to run for Senate until 2008 at the earliest.
Charles Babington: I guess anything is possible (and four years IS a long time). But Jim Gilmore running again for governor? I just don't see it (unless Mark Warner fully revives the car tax, so Gilmore can crusade against it again... I'm joking).
At 2008 Senate bid? Seven years is a REALLY long time....
West Hartford, Conn.:
Roll Call had an article about Republican infighting for the South Dakota House primary. Which party will come out on top in that one?
Charles Babington: Sorry, your Political Insider just isn't THAT inside.... I suppose the "party'' that will come out on top in a Republican primary is, well, the Republican Party. But I don't think that's what you meant.
Surprisingly enough, former U.S. Sen. Larry Pressler is one of the Republicans seeking the House nomination, right? I don't know who the other contenders might be.
Charles Babington: That's all for today, thanks for joining. Remember, next Friday we start at 2, not 1. See you then.
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