The first time I entered a ballot booth was in 1988 at Community Park Elementary School in Princeton, New Jersey. I proudly cast a vote for Mike Dukakis and Lloyd Bentsen. The second time I entered a voting booth as in West Los Angeles in 1990 when I cast a gubernatorial vote for Diane Feinstein. She lost that election to Pete Wilson whose anti-Latino policies promptly destroyed the Republican Party brand in California, perhaps in perpetuity.
By the time Feinstein became a U.S. Senator in 1992, I was living in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I was happy she won, but over the years I had plenty of opportunity to be less than satisfied with her voting record. But, that’s okay. She wasn’t my kind of Democrat but she was steady and took her responsibilities seriously. She died today as “the longest-tenured female senator in American history.” Overall, I think she should be fondly remembered.
Yes, I believe she should have retired once her cognitive abilities went into decline, but that’s water under the bridge now. It’s just too bad that her last years didn’t exactly add to her impressive legacy.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom will name an interim replacement, which he has promised will be a black woman. I’ve heard the name Oprah Winfrey bandied about, and I think she’d be a good choice. She isn’t a politician, but she’d have to pledge not to seek the seat permanently in any case, as it is currently being sought by Democrats Adam Schiff, Barbara Lee and Katie Porter. Winfrey has everything else you’d want. She’s a tremendous business success who is hardworking, telegenic and quick on her feet. She has legions of fans from every political persuasion and a familiarity with many of the important issues facing the country.
But it doesn’t matter particularly who Newson appoints as it’s just a temporary position.
