OPINION:
Rep. Barney Frank is the quintessential puff politician. Inflated by exaggerated self-regard, the Massachusetts Democrat was kept aloft by an unquestioning and liberal mainstream media riding shotgun for him, protecting him from outrageous statements about political opponents and from a dalliance with a male friend running an escort service from the congressman’s apartment.
Mr. Frank is the major-domo of ultra-liberal Democrats in the House. As he rose through the ranks to a position of influence, he attracted junior House Democrats, who were mesmerized by his supposedly outsized wit and intelligence, both overrated by a fawning media. Even his shared culpability for the subprime mortgage debacle has been obscured by those charged with reporting the truth.
Since Mr. Frank will not seek another term, he may be missed by a small coterie of ultraleftists, but the absence of his intemperate tongue and manner will enhance political debate in the nation’s capital.
PAUL BLOUSTEIN
Cincinnati
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