Weiner #2

This warrants a separate post entry, because this is about Antony Weiner's qualifications for mayor, apart from any sexting scandal.

Listening to Chris Hayes on MSNBC tonight, I learned that, contrary to popular image, Anthony Weiner was not a good congressman.   He didn't pass any significant legislation, he was not a behind the scenes worker or a coalition builder.

Quite the opposite.   Chris cited one major piece of legislation that two of his fellow legislators from New York had worked on for months.  He was not involved in the work.   But once it reached the House floor, Weiner rushed to the microphone and made a big dramatic play for press coverage, trying to associate himself with credit for the bill.

Chris, along with two other liberal commentators, have very negative views of Weiner as an objectionable, narcissistic opportunist -- a performer who craves media attention, who puts on a great show but does not do the work required of a public office holder.   We should not be fooled by all his progressive rhetoric.   That may be what he believes and wants to make happen -- but he has no record of accomplishment.

Mind you, we're not talking about one of the deplorable Republican congressmen with terrible policy positions;   Weiner's stated positions and voting record are among the more progressive in Congress.   And still some of his sharpest critics are themselves progressives. 

They all agreed:   He would make a terrible mayor.   They ridiculed all the hype from his supporters about how he should be forgiven for this scandal because he is so wonderful and has so much to offer as mayor.   In fact, they said, there is absolutely nothing to back up this claim.  He has no record of accomplishment or of hard work.   Only of stubborn persistence in getting himself noticed -- and apparently a convincing charm that hooks the people around him.

Add this to his behavior concerning the sexting scandal x2.   Even his confession x2 and his talk of rehab seem more of a display of "see how open and contrite I'm being."  And then he keeps going on tv and keeping it all going.

My shrink thinking can't help coming into play here.  I deplore the idea of diagnosing someone in absentia.   But the behavior I have described above is consistent with narcissistic character disorder.  In fact, if I were being less careful I would say it is virtually diagnostic.

Ralph