Common Ground….Cal Thomas and Bob Beckel


This week the Democratic voters went to the polls to select their candidate for Governor and United State Senate in the general election. Because this article is written and submitted the Sunday before August 8th there is no way to be current with Tuesdays results.

But, by today we know who will challenge Governor Jodi Rell and Alan Schlesinger for State and National Office.

Two weekends ago I was in Fairfax, Virginia to celebrate my brothers 50th birthday. My older brother by two years in case anyone is wondering. Attending the party was his (my brother) good friends Cal Thomas and Bob Beckel, the odd couple of American politics.

Both Bob and Cal write for numerous newspapers nationwide, including their feature column in the USA Today called “Common Ground”. Both of these talented political figures also appear regularly on Fox News and CNN.

Bob Beckel was the Campaign Manager for Walter Mondale when he ran against Ronald Reagan. He also served in the Carter administration as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State.

Now, along with many humorous stories from both, I had the chance to discuss politics in America and more locally Connecticut politics.

Let me share some of that discussion with you.

On the subject of Rob Simmons I asked Bob did he know of the race for the 2nd District. Quickly he responded “Yep” stating that the 2nd district is the top targeted race in the national campaign. So if we thought that Simmons race was just going to be as normal…be sure it is going to be a rough ride.

I asked both about the U.S. Senate race and more important the Primary between Lamont and Leiberman. Cal stated that he assumed Republicans will be pleased if Lamont wins since it opens it up for a Republican winning this time around. Bob was more concerned with what a Leiberman loss would mean to the under ticket. Dividing the Democratic slate, he said, could lead to many Democrats splitting their votes, aiding in a many Republican victories. I hope his opinion comes true!

Both Cal and Bob were aware of the make up of party affiliations in Connecticut with Democrats out numbering Republicans, and unaffiliated out numbering both. Interesting enough was that both felt to win in Connecticut campaigns must focus on the their party base and not the unaffiliated. But because the Democratic base is splintered this time, the Republican candidates could win even though their base is smaller. It just has to be united.

One thing that struck me was how both felt that the Connecticut race for Senate will be the top campaign watched by the national media.

Cal Thomas and I discussed more local offices such as Town Councils and School Board. He even asked me straight out if our schools run out of supplies early in the year. Items like paper and pencils (talk about all politics being local). I responded yes, that it is a problem in Enfield. He acknowledged the tightness of education money is the result of contracts that limit the freedom of School Boards to care for the kid’s real needs.

But, getting off the political theme with these two men, what really impressed me was the friendship these two political opponents have. There was a true comfort zone as we all enjoyed a social event. The stories of life were at times hilarious and the opportunities that both have had were fascinating.

It was refreshing to see how people can keep politics in their place. It was great to see how two individuals who work hard for their ideology could sit and enjoy the company of people opposed to their opinion. The one thing that bonds Cal and Bob is their mutual faith in Jesus Christ....that's where my brother comes in, serving as friend and spiritual mentor to these men.

I saw the true nature of friendship that supersedes politics. Simply, they both enjoy people and leave politics at the door.

Great lessons for all of us to learn.

One last story from Bob Beckel: Bob was contacted by Larry King to guest host his show. Bob knowing that Larry only gives up the show when the guest are not top tier, ask who was scheduled for the show. “The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders” Larry responded. Great, Bob said, I will be happy to host. When Bob got to the studio it turned out to be the original Dallas Cheerleaders…going back to the 1960’s....not was he expected, kind of like politics.

Greg Stokes