Re “How Could James Have Gone Over to the Dark Side?”
I understand why conservative blogger Jon Fleischman, in a nearby essay, is sorely vexed at Kevin James for bristlingly backing Eric Garcetti, the slightly less appalling, the slightly more independent liberal in the May 21 mayoralty election.
He is wrong, however.
Non-winners in elections – especially young, promising, ambitious ones – have a wrenching decision to make.
Only death is final.
Defeat merely signals a detour, not The End.
Grown men with otherwise unfettered vision routinely overlook this new, if unpalatable, option.
If wise, you will choose the pragmatic pathway.
Forty-nine years old, idea-rich, enviably articulate, handsome and now with a higher profile than he ever has held, Mr. James talked to the newspaper about his conundrum, a few days ago.
“There are a couple different decisions to make,” he said, “whether I endorse anyone. And if I do, who I endorse.
“I am not sure which decision will be harder.
“Here is why I think folks deserve a decision before the election.”
Apart from other considerations, Mr. James revealed why he had to make a call for Wendy (Vote for Me Because I Am a Girl) Greuel or Mr. Garcetti.
“I am not one to stand on the sidelines,” he said. “I am not inclined to just tell people how I am going to vote. I can always do that.
“If I do make an endorsement, I will provide reasoning.”
Mr. James kept his pledge.
No matter how many conservatively odious marquee backers Mr. Garcetti brings, Mr. James found him more “independent” than sycophantic Ms. Greuel. Mr. Garcetti has pushed back against labor unions – maybe not as hard as Benny Franklin or Tommy Jefferson, but more convincingly than Ms. (How Much Money Do You Have, and I’ll Do What You Want) Greuel.
In a truncated summary, Mr. James desires a political future in City Hall. With Mr. Garcetti, he can negotiate. With Ms. (That’s a Pretty Wallet You Have) Greuel, he would need four fulltime bodyguards – to track her two shifting eyes and her two money-magnet paws.
