Reply #18: I agree that Russert is an asshole, always was always will be IMHO The [View All]

[John Q. Citizen]

one thing I'd like to point out though is this comment by Jeralyn.

"As a foreign observer, this is one of the most idiotic aspects of American politics: members of the same party try to destroy each other. In Europe, this is unheard of. At least publicly. When you speak in public, you support your fellow party members."

Under a parliamentary system, political parties are much more disciplined, and parties exercise far more control over their members. People actually get tossed out of the party for comments and votes that undermine the party.

For instance, Hillary's comments about Kerry's joke would have probably gotten her thrown out of the party if we had a similar system here as they use in many European countries. So Jeralynn is correct, except she's comparing apples to oranges.

Here, nobody ever gets kicked out of a party ever for anything. Parties are unable to exercise much if any control over their members.

It's just the way it is. If you don't like it, don't blame Hillary, Obama, or Edwards, blame the system they all operate under. They all do it. They all complain when someone else is doing it to them.