Cross-posted at the Next Hurrah
I knew of the many great things John Dingell has done when I voted against him. Medicare, the Clean Air Act, Food Stamps, Endangered Species. He is, as the inheritor of his father's seat and as the steward of this great legislation, the literal embodiment of the second generation of the New Deal.
But in 2000, when I voted against Dingell in a contested primary, I was effectively a single-issue voter. The media companies--all media companies--were too big. And Dingell was (and is) heavily funded by the Baby Bells. It wasn't so much that I was opposed to Dingell--far from it. But given two good choices, I opted to get some of the money out of media.
Of course, my candidate lost. Not only did Dingell have the experience and resources to win the priamry, but he was a man who never lost the Reagan Democrats. In particular, his A+ rating from the NRA helped him gain the support of a number of Republicans who otherwise wouldn't have much say in who represented them. Party loyalty and tradition and a culture about which I know little beat my single issue vote.
And so I have been unbelievably blessed as I got more active in Democratic politics, because I have had the opportunity to work closely with a legend, with a man who has demonstrated how legislation can and should serve the more vulnerable members of society. He has demonstrated how legislation can affect our lives in really tangible ways.
And Dingell, to his and his wife Debbie's credit, embraced our group of over-cocky Deaniacs. They actively welcomed our group of upstarts and made sure we could positively contribute to the party.
It has been a learning experience, for me. I got swallowed up into one center of old-school Democratic politics, with Dingell and the UAW and a fair bit of smoke-filled rooms. I had to learn that any attempt to renew the party must start from a profound respect for the past, for the tradition that makes the Democratic party great. I had to learn a fair amount of humility (I'm sure I'm still working on that one). And I learned, I hope, how to work with people who differed vastly from the Latte Liberals I saw around me in Ann Arbor.
I hope DHinMI will post later on Dingell's legacy. In the meantime, here's a great tribute from NPR. But know that, in addition to all the great legislation Dingell has championed, he has been a real leader in an ever renewing party.
Last year, on election day, Congressman Dingell and I were waiting in line for food together. We were enthusiastic--giddy, really. It looked likely that we'd win the state house seats we had targeted heavily. So we were feeling pretty good about ourselves when we had the sushi conversation. Dingell looked amazed as volunteers brought in three huge plates of donated sushi (which was only the second batch of three!). He said, "you know, in Wayne County, we do things a little bit differently than you do it here in Washtenaw. We don't do sushi in Wayne County."
He paused for a bit and then looked at me.
"But whatever you're doing, keep it up. It suits you."
After which we both put together a plate of sushi and went back to work.
Today marks 50 years of service John Dingell has given the United States in Congress. In discussions, I have speculated he will stay in Congress until he has the opportunity to regain the majority and undo the violence Bush has done to much of Dingell's signature legislation, particularly Medicare and Clean Air. And maybe, finally, after more than 50 years, to pass a bill guaranteeing healthcare to all Americans. Noting this milestone makes me all the more determined to work to make sure Dingell has that opportunity to reclaim his legacy.