"a creepy little scene"

By Diogenes ( articles ) | Feb 16, 2005

When Democrats democratize with Democrats.

"We shouldn't ... have a special-interest group define our stand on choice," said former Rep. Tim Roemer, a Democrat from Indiana, referring to abortion-rights groups such as NARAL Pro-Choice America.

The hissing began at the rear of the room full of Democratic activists and spread throughout the hall. Last week, having failed to gain much support, Roemer dropped out of the race for party chairman.

It was a creepy little scene in a contest marred by behind-the-scenes ugliness, and illustrative of the challenge facing the victor in that race, incoming Democratic chairman Howard Dean.

"Creepy" is the right word to convey the effect of hissing -- all the more so because of the dark thoughts to which it gives expression. It's not as if Roemer attempted a flippancy or a tasteless joke for which the hissing was a kind of retaliation. Clearly Roemer's initiative provoked not fear of argument but hatred of it.