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Jewish World Review Jan. 17, 2003 / 14 Shevat, 5763

Robert L. Haught

Robert L. Haught
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Coming to terms in Congress


http://www.NewsAndOpinion.com | WASHINGTON A new Congress is in session, and to have a better understanding of the lawmakers and their work it helps to be familiar with some of the definitions in use around the capital.

Over the course of history the names of several public officials have found their way into the vocabulary of politics and government, often with an unfavorable association. "Hooverize" originally described the humanitarianism of President Herbert Hoover, but during the Depression it became a synonym for pauperize. "McCarthyism" is still applied to investigative behavior of the type displayed by the late Sen. Joseph McCarthy. Partisan design of a legislative district, known as a "gerrymander," was derived in part from the name of a Massachusetts governor named Elbridge Gerry.

Here is a list of words and phrases that might be found in a glossary for the 108th Congress:

Fristration -- A feeling experienced by the new Senate majority leader when reporters prod him about having a lot to learn and being too close to the president.

Doleful -- The expression on the face of the new senator from North Carolina, a former Cabinet member, upon seeing her tiny new temporary office.

Hastertion -- The process of exerting the power of the House speaker's office.

McCainical -- Exhibiting skills in the action of forces on bodies, such as the Washington press corps, in the manner of a senator from Arizona named John.

Pelositation -- An opportunity extended by the new House minority leader to contribute to Democratic campaigns, interpreted by lobbyists as an offer they cannot refuse.

Kerrying -- Seeking favor from big donors who might be willing to give money to a Massachusetts millionaire who wants to go to the White House.

Daschleate -- A trait, common to the Senate minority leader, of being indecisive, even on important matters such as running for president.

Burtonitis -- A chronic condition affecting a certain Republican House committee chairman with an addiction for making headlines.

Liebermanese -- A language used by a presidential candidate to convey the impression that he never abandoned positions on certain issues as a matter of expediency while running for vice president.

Bushed -- Worn out by the current occupant of the Oval Office. Clintonic -- A self- prescribed remedy for what ails the Democratic Party, from the junior senator from New York.

The makeup of the new Congress gives rise to a number of well-worn phrases that have taken on new meanings:

DeLaying Tactics -- Strategies employed by the new House majority leader to accomplish his goals.

Boxer Shorts -- Brief statements made on the floor of the Senate by a California member named Barbara.

Graham Crackers -- A slang expression for certain Georgia residents who are loyal supporters of a veteran senator from Florida (Bob) and a freshman senator from South Carolina (Lindsey).

Starke Terror -- Emotion experienced by a certain California representative's press secretary every time the congressman opens his mouth.

Byrd Droppings -- Bits of historical Senate trivia frequently dispensed by the senior senator from West Virginia.

Memorize these terms. You will be tested.

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JWR contributor Robert L. Haught is a columnist for The Oklohoman. Comment by clicking here.

Up

01/13/03: 'Open' society? Well, not always
12/27/02: Would you look at 'Fristy' go!
12/20/02: Some gifts to please political pals
12/13/02: It's Snow time at White House
11/15/02: Who's Congress' lamest duck?
10/18/02: Bush can blame woes on bad 'chi'
09/27/02: Enemy list too good to be true
07/19/02: Party animals are inviting targets
07/12/02: Beat the Bush
06/21/02: Dubya and Dick; Elvis and Ozzie!?
04/30/02: Donkeys and elephants: Is it really art or is it politics?
02/22/02: Warm-up time for political spoof
01/29/02: Tax dollars working wonders
01/09/02: While Congress is away, look at the laws it has made
12/28/01: 2001: A year of achievements, but some are disputable
12/21/01: Gifts for many public officials came a bit early this year
11/29/01: Animal rights group would like to tan Osama's hide
11/20/01: Are Americans too spaced out?
10/12/01: There's something fishy going on in the U.S. Congress
10/05/01: Lincoln had some memorable things to say about war
09/21/01: Washington's guidelines on how to tickle a terrorist
08/31/01: Two Garys, going the same road
08/24/01: Dog days are laughing matter, stories set tails wagging

© 2002, Robert L. Haught