"The Sunday Political Brunch" -- September 7, 2014

Dr. Mark Curtis, Ed.D., is Chief Political reporter for WLNE-TV ABC6 Providence, RI and a Political Analyst for KGO Radio 810-AM San Francisco.

(Washington, DC) – I was in the “belly of the beast” this week as I visited my old stomping grounds in Washington, D.C. for a few days. There was a lot going on in the world of politics there, so let’s “brunch” on that this week:

“A Fall From Grace” – On Thursday former Governor Bob McDonnell (R-VA) was convicted on 11 counts involving corruption while in office. His wife Maureen was also convicted. McDonnell was on the short-list of possible Vice Presidential running mates for Mitt Romney in 2012, and even if he wasn’t chosen for that, he was being considered for U.S. Attorney General had Romney won. At 60, some were even touting him as a 2016 GOP Presidential candidate. Now he and his wife are looking at federal prison time. It would appear his immediate political future is toast.

“Waiting in the Wings” – I have said here for months that Hillary Clinton does not have a lock on the 2016 Democratic nomination for President in 2016. If her health or ambition falters, who would Democrats turn to? My prediction has always been Governor Martin O’Malley (D-MD). He is currently finishing his second and final term. O’Malley may wind up Hillary Clinton’s running mate. But, keep an eye on him because if she looks weak or vulnerable he could actually challenge her for the nomination. He has the same cocky anti-incumbent, anti-favorite bravado that Bill Clinton had in 1992.

“Don’t Telegraph Your Moves” – It’s the kind of stuff that makes your Press Secretary wince, and the viewing public twinge (or makes your enemy gloat). “We don’t have a strategy yet,” President Obama announced in a White House press briefing when talking about what to do with ISIS in Syria and Iraq. First of all, the drone strikes speak for themselves. You actually do have a strategy, however unfocused or limited it might be. Here are a couple of better quotes: “We have a strategy, but it would be foolhardy to make it public.” Or the simple, “We are weighing a number of options.” But as a politician (and world leader), don’t ever, ever tell the press and public you don’t have a strategy! It does not engender confidence in your leadership. No one is asking you to lie, just be “purposefully vague.” It’s national security; it matters what you say!

“Does my GPS Show Appalachian Trail?” – The saga that is Mark Sanford continues in the nation’s capital. The Republican South Carolina Congressman-turned Governor-turned sex scandalist-turned Congressman again, is back in the headlines. His ex-wife Jenny Sanford is trying to keep their 16-year old away from the Congressman and his now fiancé Maria Belen Chapur. Chapur is the Argentinean woman with whom Sanford was having an affair. He claimed he was out hiking the Appalachian Trail, when in fact he was in Argentina “hiking” with his gal pal. Jenny Sanford filed a court brief hoping to prevent her former husband from exposing the teen, “overnight to a member of the opposite sex not related to the Plaintiff or Defendant through blood or marriage who could reasonably be construed as a paramour,” according to the file in Charleston County Family Court. The Sanford’s divorced four years ago, but the fights go on. The lawyers must be getting rich!

“Crying Wolf” - It’s hard to believe Republicans would give up a safe seat as they try to strengthen their grip on Capitol Hill, but 34-year veteran Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA), is retiring from Virginia’s 10th Congressional District. While the GOP should hold the House by a wide margin, this was the last remaining Republican stronghold in the DC metro area, which has become increasingly liberal. At 75, Wolf would have been a shoo-in. Now two local politicians will fight it out for what should have been a safe GOP seat. They are State Delegate Barbara Comstock (R-VA) and County Supervisor John Foust (D-Fairfax). Nationally, it’s a U.S. House race to watch!

“It’s a Different Town” – President Obama was not in Washington, DC while I was there, and even if I did not know that from the news, the vibe of the city tells you that. I worked there for six years - and have been back many times - and you know when any President is in town or not. Security while tight is not as strict; and the press corps that remains behind is not as wound up. It’s weird, but I bet others who work there will tell you the same thing. It’s something I always noticed when I lived there, but I’ve never quite been able to explain it. Whoever sits in the Oval Office casts a long shadow. And when he’s missing, you know it. Weird!

“Like Father; Like Son… I Mean Daughter” – I was in the nation’s capital this week to help my daughter Alexandra move into her apartment. She will be working as a Congressional Fellow in a program known as Running Start - www.RunningStartOnline.org - which helps women running for public office (photo above). Twenty-two years ago I went on a similar adventure as a Congressional Fellow with the American Political Science Association. Working in the halls of Congress was one of the greatest experiences of my life, as I know it will be in hers. Congrats on your journey Allie!

What are your thoughts on the state of politics as we head toward Election Day? Just click the comment button at www.MarkCurtisMedia.com.

© 2014, Mark Curtis Media, LLC.

Photo Courtesy: Alexandra Curtis