Bayh, Bennett: Sainted moderates reap lobbying bucks

[Geee]

Washington Examiner:



In the past year, former Democratic Sen. Evan Bayh has been held up by the media of a great example of practical-minded centrism.-AP File
In the minds of most political journalists, it seems there is no greater virtue than "moderation" or pragmatism. In the past year, the media's two great exemplars of practical-minded centrism have been Democrat Sen. Evan Bayh and Republican Bob Bennett, who both left the Senate last month, to much adulation and lamentation -- and promptly became lobbyists.
Perhaps it's time to reconsider the media's beatification of "moderates," and realize that those who walk down the middle of the road, instead of being daring trailblazers, are often following the easiest path to riches.

Bennett, from conservative Utah, was that much-adored creature: the Republican who criticizes his own party for being too conservative. In May 2010, Bennett lost his seat when he came in third place in his party's nominating caucus, thus losing his spot on the primary ballot.

This was one of the biggest Tea Party wins of last cycle, and it provided the media a great opportunity to crow about GOP extremism, painting Bennett as a model of reasonableness.

The Washington Post's liberal blogger Ezra Klein wrote "He's a legislator: He's willing to work with the other side to get things done. And he's paying for it now."