One belief that usually unites governors of both parties is that they are doing the substantive, grown-up work that those in Congress are seemingly incapable of handling.
Yet when it comes to striking Syria militarily, leading governors appear fine with leaving it to the opinion of Congress.
The usually cocksure New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said earlier this the policy making on the matter should be left to federal representatives.
Two Democratic governors in the 2016 mix also took similar passes on the matter Wednesday.
Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley portrayed himself as just another citizen listening to the debate.
“I think all of us need a clear understanding of what it is exactly this mission would hope to accomplish – and why should we believe that the sort of strike being advocated would accomplish it,” O’Malley said. “That’s what I’m, along with other Americans, hoping to better understand in the course of this congressional debate.”
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo also delivered an answer focused on the process, rather than the policy, emphasizing the “truly serious, phenomenally serious topic” at hand.
“I want to see the federal government work,” Cuomo said. “I want to see Washington function, which means I don’t want to see the gridlock we’ve been seeing, I don’t want to see the hyperpartisanship we’ve been seeing.”
Earlier this week, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker made a futile attempt at linking the crisis overseas to state job growth.
A political consultant once told me: “If you ever want to scare the shit out of a first-time federal candidate for office, ask them about foreign policy. Nobody knows anything.”
This probably applies to governors as well, though Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal must be given a sliver of credit for at least engaging the debate with substance, if not a full on position.
Follow Dave’s blog at TheRun2016.com
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