Former Gov. Ted Strickland from the moment the November ballots were counted has tried to torpedo his successor, Gov. John Kasich.
The Columbus Dispatch is unhappy with former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. Very unhappy. And we can’t imagine that the residents of the Buckeye State are thrilled with him, either.
There is a long tradition in American politics in which an outgoing elected official says his goodbyes and then clears the stage for his successor. Even after bitterly fought campaigns, losing officeholders who take the high road during and after the transition are respected for their graciousness and dignity.
Newly-elected Ohio Governor John Kasich wonders if former Governor Ted Strickland is tetched in the head
At the very least, this conveys respect for the office, and equally important, it shows respect for the will of the voters who decided that someone new should take the helm…
Sadly, former Gov. Ted Strickland has not taken that high road, instead choosing almost from the moment the November ballots were counted to try to torpedo his successor, Gov. John Kasich.
Of course, this is his prerogative. He is an Ohioan fully entitled to participate in politics and express his views. But most politicians do not choose to end their careers and cap their legacies by engaging in sour-grapes sniping and public efforts to undermine the successor whose administration is barely under way.
Let’s see now. Gerald Ford left the stage gracefully. Jimmy Carter is still spouting off. Ronald Reagan left the stage gracefully and so did George H. W. Bush. Bill Clinton is still screaming, “Hey, look at me!” George W. Bush retired gracefully. And let us put ourselves out on the line here and predict that Barack Obama is never, ever going to leave the spotlight.
So based on this quick review, it’s clear that the Columbus Dispatch and IHTM have misunderstood that long-standing American tradition. We now realize that outgoing Republican officials retire gracefully, but Democrats never stop annoying their constituents.
