Cartoon 879: Close Up

Why have we watched the rich and privileged flock to political office, especially at the Congressional level? Congress is now full of political neophytes that have their calling card being personal wealth.

Traditionally politics was a tedious affair. The only notoriety was authoring a major piece of legislation or during a re-election campaign. That changed. Today’s Congressional legislators are media stars. They appear on talk shows, can be known broadly and pontificate. Fox News is the “reality tv” platform.

To garner appeal they must stand out. That means being a contrarian or ideology demigod. The best success is probably Ted Cruz. He went from a nationally unknown freshman Senator from Texas to a household name. Other neophytes are trying to follow his lead. They want the fame and adoration [add impertinence].