Where’s the Beef?

Some, alas not all, of you will remember the famous Wendy’s ad in the 1980’s, where America’s grandmother (Clara Peller) was seen mocking the diminutive stature of the average fast food burger. If you don’t remember, weren’t alive, or just want to laugh again, here it is..click here

The ad ended up in the political arena when in the democratic primaries Walter Mondale asked Gary Hart about his policies by saying “Where’s the Beef?” In retrospect, it may have been the highlight of Mr. Mondale’s campaign.

Fast forward to present day phantasmagoria, and we have arrived at our own “Where’s the Beef ” moment. 

I feel like I have to qualify every post these days with the statement that I am not a Donald Trump supporter. I think he diminishes the Office of the President in myriad ways. But that does not make him a crook, and there is absolutely no Beef in this entire impeachment charade. Otherwise rational, smart, thoughtful people detest President Trump to the point where they are completely blinded by the hope that he can be made to disappear via an impeachment process.

News that isn’t news is conveyed daily. Take, for instance, this Business Insider article about salt and pepper shakers! Yes, you read that right, and now you can read the article! This is a perfect example of how all perspective has been thrown overboard. Yes, he has a ridiculous ego. Yes, he can be offensive. Yes, he does things that embarrass you and me. But no, that does not make him guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors!   To date, there is not an iota of evidence that he has done one thing while in office that is actually impeachable! 

I spoke with a well respected constitutional lawyer who has little time for President Trunp’s antics. His take is that even if it were established that there was a quid pro quo regarding the release of aid to Ukraine, it is far from clear that the decision in and of itself rises to the level of impeachment. And let’s be honest, the democrats have not even come close to making their case.

The bigger question is if, in the absence of any beef, this grandstanding by Mr. Schiff, and now Mrs. Pelosi, will end up disadvantaging the democrats? There is a very good possibility their behavior is markedly improving the President’s reelection chances. We are really witnessing real time parallel universes, not only on Capital Hill, but across the country. Lines have been drawn in the sand, and unlike Mr. Obama’s fictional line in Syria, these lines are real. Once again, the 20% in our middle (the independents and actually undecided) will dramatically impact the 2020 election. The outcome will boil down to how things go in states like Ohio, Wisconsin, Colorado, Florida, and Pennsylvania.  

The democrats continue to drift to the left, although the recent entry of Mr. Bloomberg may make things interesting. History tells us he doesn’t have a prayer, and that is before taking into consideration his crime of being an old white rich guy. 

The next few weeks will no doubt be interesting, but let’s not forget the real malfeasance here is that the business of governing has been sidelined. Meaningful legislation such as the United States-Canada-Mexico Trade Agreement sits languishing in the corner because the democrats are too busy trying to crucify the President instead of focusing on bills that will help their constituents. It is unpardonable, inexcusable behavior.

Time will tell, folks, time will tell.

More to follow-