Griscom: Taking a beating at recess

Let's pause for a moment and listen to the long exhaling of air from the lungs of many members of Congress.

Their "in-district work sessions" are almost complete, and once more they are able to escape to the quiet confines of Washington.

For years lawmakers of all political stripes have longed to stay connected to the "real people," those outside the torture chamber of lobbyists and other unsavory characters who frequent the committee rooms, offices and hallways of Congress. But after the past 30 days, there is a mad rush to slide back into the partisan cocoon of the nation's capital.

What did America's 535 elected members of Congress (perhaps) learn during the month of August?

* Not everything can be pushed through under the guise of repairing the economy.

* Town hall sessions are better conducted in person than from a telephone booth.

* Not all Democrats are ready to line up in lockstep; Republicans learned this lesson.

* Democratic activists are similar to Republican activists: If you do not agree with us, we will vote you out of office. Think majority.

* Details do make a difference when it comes to affecting the lives of millions.

* There is an urgent need for health care reform but the devil is in the details. And there are a lot of devils.

One of the better moves in the closing days of the work session period was having President Obama removed from defending a process that came from one house of Congress. Putting the president out front to explain the details of a bill that he has not embraced was curious at best. He probably has spent the most time answering questions about provisions of a health care reform bill that emerged from the House of Representatives and has been pronounced dead without arrival.

If part of the plan by Team Obama is to insert the president into the health care discussion post-August (certainly it is), make that your fall objective. The discussion cries out for clear principles and leadership; that is what a president does.

What should at least be considered among the next steps?

* Build on the fact that a majority of Republicans and Democrats in Congress have stated during the August recess their interest in health care reform.

* Find the common ground, and build an approach that goes farther; don't bargain away your leverage.

* Create leverage since none existed with a one-house approach.

* Decide if the Senate really is where the work will be done. If so, focus on that body.

* Forget the legislative trickery to accomplish your goal. The average person does not understand reconciliation. Remember two words: nuclear option.

* Take charge; legislators always want to perfect someone else's work, and it is easier to criticize if you are not ultimately responsible.

The town halls served a purpose.

People vented, and on more than health care. Team Obama learned that converting election support into legislative action is not as simple as sending out text messages, and not every issue resonates with a core constituency.

To be answered is whether the cacophony of voices helped shape the discussion or whether the partisans were more emboldened to continue the stare down.

To reach Tom Griscom, call 423-757-6472 or e-mail tgriscom@timesfreepress.com.