The Janis Joplin effect

[rodeodance]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21296495/

The Janis Joplin effect
Why do politicians find their backbones after they leave office?

Image: Janis Joplin

By Chuck Todd
Political Director
NBC News
Updated: 7:52 p.m. CT Oct 14, 2007


Chuck Todd
Political Director

For boomers, one of the more recognizable song lines comes courtesy of the late, great Janis Joplin, "Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose." It's a line I keep hearing in my head when I think about Al Gore and the Nobel Prize.

In fact, what is it about ex-politicians that have them finding their backbone after they leave office?

The latest example of an "recovering" politician finding their voice is Al Gore, who can add the phrase "Nobel prize winner" to his resume, perhaps even one day seeing that Nobel phrase replace "losing presidential candidate" in the first graph of his obit.

[Hepburn]

1. I still have my original Pearl album...

...that I bought when it came out.

[BridgeTheGap]

2. Gore didn't lose - He (& we) was robbed!

Won the popular vote and would have won the electoral vote if there had been a properly conducted recount.

[midlife_mo_Jo]

3. Some reasons

"In fact, what is it about ex-politicians that have them finding their backbone after they leave office?"

Maybe it's because they aren't answerable to an electorate. They don't have to convince members of the house and/or senate of their positions. The power of persuasion when giving a talk at a university, writing a book, or making a movie is not the same as when trying to persuade and negotiate with real-life people who hold opposing views and have a different agenda in the house or senate.

Also, when they leave office, they can devote their time to the issues of their choosing, instead of spreading their political capital all over the place, oftentimes on issues they don't even care that deeply about. They don't have to tow the party line, so they can ignore some issues to concentrate on the things that interest them most.

[midlife_mo_Jo]

8. To add to my message above

I don't think it's a matter of backbone. I think it's more a matter of the way things work in Washington.

[rodeodance]

4. I am no great fan of Todd but he does have a point (he brings up others in the story)

[Gman]

5. nevermind

[Lerkfish]

6. there appears to be a need to puncture optimism about Gore's nobel prize.

I question why there is a need.
care to explain?

[Doctor_J]

7. Or maybe the Kris Kristofferson Effect

:shrug:

[Bennyboy]

9. Dennis Kucinich still has HIS!

As Nancy Pelosi was saying yeasterday, "I respect the President" Dennis Kucinich was saying Bush and co should learn their miranda rights because they are going to need them.

You want backbone? Dennis Kucinich is the guy.