At times, life after politics can sure include plenty of … politics. I have only myself to blame. Public speaking, books and media appearances guarantee that politically involved folks will continue to volunteer their opinions — whether invited or not. Yet, I find many of the opinion givers are confused about politics, politicians and especially policy. Three years ago, these fascinating (if frustrating) conversations led me to publish a column that attempted to assist the politically overwhelmed as to their appropriate party identification. The piece was a hit, not least because it got a whole bunch of people to come up with their own political identity quiz, a fun pastime for political junkies in an election year. (I included this column in a humor chapter of my most recent book, Turning Point.)
Alas, 2016 brings more angst to the politically involved than we have seen for quite some time. Some Republicans continue to fret over Donald Trump’s sometimes coarse, always unorthodox methods. It’s the “Art of the deal” brought to big-time politics. But many of the reviews are less than glowing — just too far out of the box for traditional GOP consumption. In fact, a number of high-profile GOPers remain unimpressed with “The Donald.” More than a few may end up voting Libertarian in November.
On the other side of the aisle, another Clinton with a seemingly endless set of real life scandals (but far less charm) has emerged. She maintains a narrow lead in most polls, despite the fact that more than half the voters believe she is a compulsive liar — seemingly unable to recognize truth from fiction — whether pertaining to matters of State or her own health.
The result (to date) has been a highly polarized campaign remarkably free of substantial debate but heavy on personal attacks. Accordingly, polls show a high degree of dissatisfaction with
both major party candidates.
These cross-currents can mean only one thing: It is time for an updated quiz on behalf of the politically challenged — circa 2016. And so the following is presented for your political edification — and amusement. Hope you enjoy.
I ended my 2013 column with the following observations:
For those who chose the left column more than half the time, you may safely identify as a Democrat. Those of you who leaned right more times than not will most likely feel at home with the GOP.
For the few of you who ended up exactly half and half, you are that rare breed known as the true moderate. Without doubt, the pollsters will flock to your door every election cycle; you are the holy grail of “swing voters” ripe for participation in an endless stream of cable television focus groups.
But buyer beware: “they” say the only things found in the middle of the road are straight white lines and dead animals. In today’s hyper-partisan Washington, you might add a smattering of dead politicians of a certain moderate bent.
Seems some things don’t change much.
Gov. Robert Ehrlich is a Washington Examiner columnist, partner at King & Spalding and author of three books, including the recently released “Turning Point.” He was governor of Maryland from 2003-07.
