Barbara Boxer was once one of the most liberal members of the U.S. Senate and a favorite of progressives, much more so than another Democratic senator from California, the more down-to-earth, centrist Diane Feinstein. I liked
Boxer’s advice is therefore worth noting for those most eager to see Mr. Feinstein, who is battling a chronic illness, joining the senator’s immediate retirement.
“I think the extreme left of our party, who are agitating for this, should smell the roses,” Boxer said.
Like telling the truth.
She believes there’s no guarantee Republicans will find another Democrat to replace the 89-year-old Feinstein on the Senate Judiciary Committee. In fact, boxers are convinced they are not.
“They’re already showing their hands,” she said, refusing to recruit a temporary replacement while Feinstein was recovering from shingles and its serious side effects. “I think that speaks volumes to their lack of humanity.”
Without a Democratic tie vote on the committee, Republicans could freeze judicial candidates for the remainder of Biden’s presidency, which is probably exactly what Feinstein’s critics want to avoid.
Boxer will therefore stay on until Feinstein’s scheduled retirement date in January 2025, keeping her ready for a critical vote when Democrats, who control the Senate by a narrow 51-49 margin, need her. suggested that it is best to
Not ideal. But nothing about Feinstein’s situation.
In November 1992, Boxer and Feinstein made history by simultaneously winning two seats in the US Senate in California. They were called “Thelma and Louise” after the cinematic outlaws they road trip to. It was certainly somewhat sexist, but it also reflected the mildly offensive nature of women running side by side.
Boxer, who spoke via Zoom from his home outside Palm Springs this week, produced several memorabilia for the campaign, including a cartoon of the two happily zipping down the freeway in the movie’s version of an open-top convertible. .
Feinstein “grabbed my hand and wouldn’t let go. I wouldn’t have won without her,” said Boxer, who ran a strong campaign in the 1990 gubernatorial race after nearly a decade as mayor of San Francisco. He spoke about his first Senate campaign with an informal vice president. “She was very popular, and I was like, ‘Who’s Barbara?'”
she laughed.
Feinstein and Boxer made history when they were elected to the United States Senate in November 1992.
(Paul Sakuma/affiliated news agency)
Boxer resigned from the Senate in January 2017 at the age of 76, in opposition to seeking a fourth term. She recalled Mr. Feinstein being somewhat annoyed. You are on top of your game. ”
Two summers ago, Boxer subtly suggested to Feinstein that it might be time for him to leave the Senate. There were again numerous reports of Feinstein’s declining physical and mental abilities.
“You are the only one who can decide this,” Boxer said in an interview at the time, as if speaking to a former colleague. “But from my perspective, I want you to know that I’ve had a very productive few years doing good in the Senate. So put that into the equation.”
Boxer said he changed his mind about Feinstein’s resignation after Senate Republicans blocked him from recognizing someone to replace her on the Judiciary Committee. “They forced her back,” Boxer said, even though she “claims they love and respect the California Democrats.”
If Republicans were incapacitated, Mr. Boxer suggested that Mr. Feinstein, always obsessed with order, would have led the fight to restore them without losing his seat on the committee. “I know that,” she said.
of recent columns, The Washington Post’s veteran congressional correspondent Paul Kane described the “public disapproval” Mr Feinstein faced over the acclaim over several male senators who were disabled while clinging to their seats in the Senate. Contrasted with ‘shame’.
Boxers served with some of them. But unlike those who think there is a double standard in how Feinstein is treated, the boxer doesn’t believe there is sexism at work. “I think it’s due to two factors,” she said, noting that her judiciary committee had a tight balance of power and Mr. Feinstein’s “republican colleagues didn’t help her.” .
And there are others, Boxer said. With the proliferation of social media and technology, virtually every citizen has a camera and tape recorder in their pocket. Feinstein’s vulnerabilities and failures are fragmented and disseminated widely, often in ways older lawmakers were previously spared.
But perhaps the biggest difference is the changing political climate, Boxer suggested. In the short years since she left her Senate, the political climate has become tougher, hostile and personally brutal. “It’s hard,” she said of Feinstein’s unfortunate circumstances. “It’s tough.”
The two are not particularly close, but have kept in touch since Boxer left Washington, occasionally speaking and exchanging e-mail updates.
“This is politics,” Boxer continued, “without a doubt. No one cares more about it.” never did.
“But kindness…” And her voice fell for a moment. “Kind. A Republican might have saved her from making her so furious.”
Instead, we are witnessing the sad final chapter of Feinstein’s illustrious career.
