By Yael T. Abouhalkah, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist
Never underestimate the inability of the Democratic Party's leaders to, well, lead.
The top example of 2009 so far: U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, who also happens to be the Senate Majority Leader.
Reid's big failing was his blustery denunciation of Roland Burris, the former Illinois attorney general appointed by embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich to succeed President-elect Barack Obama.
Reid's "this shall not stand" attitude about Burris was inexcusable.
He failed to take into account the racial aspect of the situation; Burris would be the only black U.S. Senator.
Reid also failed to realize just how imperial he looked in saying the Senate's arcane and -- it eventually turned out -- flimsy rules determined who would sit in the Senate.
As of Tuesday, it appeared Burris would be sworn in this week as the new Senator from Illinois. As he should be.
While Blagojevich's legal problems damage his credibility, he is still the legally elected governor of Illinois, with the power to appoint a replacement Senator.
Reid should have realized that from the start. The fact that he didn't -- and his subsequent immature actions -- indicate the Democrats could be in for some rough times ahead under Reid's leadership.
Delicious
Digg
Rod Blagojevich wins?
Hello... he's got one foot in the front door of State Prison. ANd that is winning.... how?
McCaskill looks like a loser, too.
She signed the 12/30/08 letter that said: “Under these circumstances, anyone appointed by Gov. Blagojevich cannot be an effective representative of the people of Illinois and, as we have said, will not be seated by the Democratic Caucus.” For her not to be raising Cain about this 180 (or apologizing for it) makes her look just as stupid as Harry Reid.