Senator Reid's weak attempt to clarify

Apparently, Senator Reid has "clarified" his remarks on partial birth abortion and Justice Alito. His spokesman wrote to an Internet blogger, "Senator Reid opposes abortion except in the cases of rape, incest, and when the life of a mother is at risk. Consistent with this position, Senator Reid supported the Partial Birth Abortion Ban and supports the Supreme Court’s decision yesterday. However, Senator Reid continues to disagree with Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito on many issues and that is why he opposed their confirmation."

Funny, but why would Senator Reid choose to express his disatisfaction with Justice Alito on the day when the Justice is ruling in favor of a bill that Senator Reid vocally supported? It seems that Senator Reid is trying to have it both ways. Additionally, one would think that Senator Reid would be touting this decision on his website but he has chosen not to. Instead, he appears to be trying to distancing himself from the decision by speaking out against gun control, thereby angering liberal supportives but picking a fight with Republicans on Iraq, thereby placating liberal supporters.

If he did not have this non-aggression pact with Senator Ensign, Reid might be vulnerable the next time he is up for re-election. Republicans can and should run a tough challenger. If Ensign proves unwilling to do much for the challenger perhaps he can enjoy a non-leadership position in the Senate.

The issue demonstrates that Senator Reid is not exactly a principled politician. I do not care if he favored or was against this decision, I just believe he should be intellectually honest and consistent on a matter he claimed to care about.