Is Harry Reid Quietly Praying for a McCain Victory?

Still, when a new administration takes office next year, along with a likely Democratic-controlled Congress, the Senate will be the center of action. Reid is a tenacious fighter, but different skills may be needed in his chamber, where reaching across the aisle is required to prevent a determined minority from wreaking havoc. In the House, by contrast, the rules give Pelosi the power to steamroll the minority. “Harry Reid,” a Democratic strategist said, “is a team player, services his members well, and knows the institution.” But, the strategist added, a Senate leader must be “someone who inspires confidence, who can advance an agenda and a message, and who can both contribute to and execute a strategy. That is just not Harry Reid’s strong suit.” Those shortcomings were evident in recent weeks. Asked by reporters on September 17 why he had said that Congress would punt the financial-markets legislation until next year, Reid replied: “Because no one knows what to do.”