It appears that Woody Allen was wrong when he famously said that “eighty percent of success is showing up.” Jesse Jackson Jr. proved yesterday that success can be just not showing up. While Republicans are grappling this morning with the rather pathetic image of Todd Akin in Missouri, Democrats have Jesse Jackson Jr. in Illinois. At least Republicans can point out that their leadership opposed Akin and he was defeated. Jackson won reelection despite his disappearance for months from office and failure to actually campaign. He won despite rising allegations of corruption and his long-term residency in the Mayo Clinic for whatever are believed to be psychiatric problems. He won despite not explaining any of this to this constituents. Like Akin, the thought of withdrawing for the benefit of his constituents never appeared to a serious consideration. Yet, the people of the Illinois 2nd congressional district reelected him to Congress by a 63 percent vote.
After disappearing from June to November from the public eye with both reporters and constituents speculating for weeks on where he was like some bizarre game of “Where’s Waldo?” He first went to Arizona and then ended up at Mayo diagnosed with bipolar depression and gastrointestinal issues.
I am sympathetic with Jackson seeking mental health treatment and, if a member can recover from such an illness, I would commend constituents in supporting him. Jackson however simply disappeared and refused to answer the most basic questions about his whereabouts or condition. This occurred at a time when he was under serious ethical investigation for his alleged role in offering cash to then-Gov. (now convicted) Rod Blagojevich in exchange for a Senate seat.
Then there is the criminal investigation in October that Jackson has committed an array of financial improprieties, including possible misuse of funds monitored by Congress to decorate his Washington D.C. Home. Of course, Jackson was not challenged on his explanation of these ethical and criminal allegations because he offered no explanation during his campaign. Indeed, he had no campaign. Unlike the GOP leadership and Mitt Romney with regard to Akin, there was no move by President Obama or Democratic leaders to push Jackson out of the race. No one wanted to face his powerful father, Jesse Jackson, Sr.
While refusing to respond to questions during the campaign, Jackson did respond to his reelection and assured constituents that “Everyday, I think about your needs and concerns. Once the Doctors approve my return to work, I will continue to be the progressive fighter you have known for years.” Well, not recently.
Source: NBC
His honest constituents would admit the very obvious reason why they voted for him, and I don’t believe for a minute, that they are any more informed about anything than people who blindly vote for Joe Blow because Joe’s a Republican.
Go ahead. Say it. I’m still right.
http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/11/07/how_ridiculous_gerrymanders_saved_the_house_republican_majority.html
Dredd, apparently 63 percent of the electorate in the Illinois 2nd congressional district agree with you.
Juris 1, November 7, 2012 at 11:40 am
John, from the post:
“Of course, Jackson was not challenged on his explanation of these ethical and criminal allegations because he offered no explanation…”
That in and of itself is all you need to know. Not to mention that he was “missing” for five months. Think about that, a U.S. Congressman… missing? He was hired to represent his constituents, which he is clearly not doing.
Would your employer keep you on the job (and pay you) if you just decided to not show up for a few months? I think not.
===============================================
There are a lot of House members whom I would advocate paying not to show up.
John, from the post:
“Of course, Jackson was not challenged on his explanation of these ethical and criminal allegations because he offered no explanation…”
That in and of itself is all you need to know. Not to mention that he was “missing” for five months. Think about that, a U.S. Congressman… missing? He was hired to represent his constituents, which he is clearly not doing.
Would your employer keep you on the job (and pay you) if you just decided to not show up for a few months? I think not.
Without knowing whats up, it’s hard to comment….
If Jackson is truly ill, his consituents should consider that. If he is guilty of illegal acts, that will catch up with him, no matter what is health situation is. Mental Health issues should be treated no differently than physical health issues.
I’ve been told that his supposed mental illnesses, and that “bipolar” psychobabble will no doubt be used as justification for a presidential pardon. Didn’t Michelle attend school with Santita and remain friends all these many years?
Juris,
Some belong to the protected class.
You should have seen the face Obama gave Joe Biden when Joe got overexcited in the victory parade on stage. Some get walking papers and some do not.
Pappas count. Take Dubja Bush’s for an example. Can fix dumb son a job as President. Outstanding!
Jesse Jackson Jrs constituants aren’t getting the representation they deserve. Gabrille Giffords probably have gotten reelected if she ran because of the sympathy
And I was embarrassed to live in the state where Aiken was running. Thank you Missouri voters for responding. Shame on the Democratic leadership in not calling for Jackson’s resignation.
“Dredd
1, November 7, 2012 at 8:41 am
I was amazed at how many unopposed (no opposing candidate) Republicans were on the Texas ballot. Talk about just showing up …”
Well, playing at a poker table where the deck is stacked is just throwing your money away.
SwM, says “gerrymandaring”. True, but I am reminded of what the professor (?) said: Cooruption can eaasier occur on the local plan.
I have complete empathy for people w/ mental illness. It controlled the life of an aunt I loved dearly. However, my professional skepticism mitigates my empathy in this case. I think the next question is will Jackson, Jr. be reelection from Federal prison in 2014? “Chicago..Chicago, that toddlin’ town.”
It is the difference between a legitimate illness and a legitimate rape. Ask Jane Doe of Roe v. Wade. This blog has missed the real story behind the legitimate rape story and I was not about to wash it up on shore and help out Todd. Carl Rowan revealed the story many years ago. One of the plaintiffs in Roe et al v. Wade was the fictitious Jane Doe. Jane lied about her pregnancy and said that she was raped when in fact she was legitimately porked. Here Jesse is ill and this blog wants to out him for being a drunk or something. Those who can Preach. Those who cant Preach teach. Those who cant teach, teach teachers. Well, teach us what is wrong with Jesse or go the next step and teach teachers instead of students.
Dredd, It is called gerrymandering.
My prediction that Obama would win by 3% (popular vote), dems would gain one or more seats in the Senate, and dems would take back the House, was 2/3rd correct.
I still don’t understand the House result, usually the rising tide floats all boats.
I was amazed at how many unopposed (no opposing candidate) Republicans were on the Texas ballot. Talk about just showing up …
Bi-polar disorder can be treated.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolar-disorder/DS00356
They did it because an absent, mentally troubled JJ jr. was still better than the alternative.
Like any addict, until the GOP admits they have a problem they are never going to get on the road to recovery.
I wish the best for Mr. Jackson’s recovery, he is getting the care he needs. Mr. Akin on the other hand refuses care.
I’d give him a break on this…..