It was only yesterday that we delivered an update on the race we like to call the McDermott Hunger Games. But, given recent events, we could not pass up the opportunity to highlight how the candidates vying to replace Congressman Jim McDermott — in all likelihood, a lifetime seat for whichever ultra-liberal wins– squirmed and fidgeted when asked a simple question about… conservatism.
On Wednesday evening, the candidates debated in Seattle at the University of Washington. The last question asked was, “What would you say is the most conservative position you hold?”
After smiles and chuckles, here’s how the candidates responded:
1. State Senator Pramila Jayapal:
“That is going to stump me. Honestly, I am a bold progressive that has been advocating for working families, for women, for people of color for 25 years. I’m going to fight to make sure we’re not just talking about conservatives or progressives but about how we represent working people in this country.”
Translation: She couldn’t give an answer because she has no idea that the “working people” she wants to represent can actually be quite conservative, particularly on fiscal issues like raising taxes.
2. King County Council member Joe McDermott:
“Maybe the most conservative thing I’m willing to do is to talk to conservatives, to reach across the aisle … and where you can, find common ground.”
Translation: He is willing to take the risk to actually admit that he will talk to conservatives… and somehow he thinks that’s a the most conservative thing about himself. Side note: We don’t think McDermott realizes he is essentially saying that working with people of a different opinion is a conservative attribute.
3. State Representative Brady Walkinshaw:
“Maybe the most conservative thing I did was grow up in a place that was deeply, deeply conservative. That shaped me a great deal.”
Translation: His ties to conservatism begin and end with where he grew up (Lynden, WA). We’re not sure what “shape” he was before growing up in such a conservative place.
And there you have it; the most conservative “positions” about the candidates of the McDermott Hunger Games aren’t really “positions” at all. It’s just all-liberal-all-the-time in the 7th Congressional District.
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