Octogenarian Orrin Hatch may be out of his mind

A problem with Democrats involves their desire to take the higher ground when confronted by Republicans.

Hardball remains a GOP style while Democrats attempts at moral superiority may result in heavenly rewards, their behaviors on terra firma resonates weakness.

Which brings this discussion full circle to Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), an octogenarian who last week joined President Donald Trump in misplacing his mind.

Reports identified Trump as “unglued” before his announcement to increase tariffs for imports of steel and aluminum, a decision that cultivated predictions of trade wars.

Hatch, considered levelheaded by government peers, lost his mind during comments about the Affordable Care Act.

Hatch discussed benefits connected to the Republican-sponsored tax overhaul then addressed health care. Hatch suggested ACA supporters lack common sense that trends toward idiocy.

“We also finally did away with the individual mandate tax that was established under that wonderful bill called ‘Obamacare,’ Hatch said.

“Now, if you didn’t catch on, I was being very sarcastic. That was the stupidest, dumbass bill that I’ve ever seen. Now, some of you may have loved it. If you do, you are one of the stupidest, dumbass people I’ve ever met.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) sounded almost apologetic about Hatch’s remarks.

“He’s usually a very polite man,” Schumer said on CNN after viewing a portion of Hatch’s speech during a meeting of the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank.

“I guess he sort of lost it on that little clip you showed. But, he’s just frustrated because the American people are against what has been drummed into the head of Republicans. Repeal it, repeal it, repeal it,” Schumer remarked.

Schumer’s compassion may serve as a political gambit to allow Hatch his own political drowning although Republicans reacted differently when Democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton dissed Trump followers during a September 2016 fundraiser in New York.

“You know, to just be grossly generalistic, you could put half of Trump’s supporters into what I call the basket of deplorables. Right?” Clinton said.

“The racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamaphobic — you name it. And unfortunately there are people like that. And he has lifted them up.”

The alleged “basket of deplorables” delivered outcry for Clinton’s putdown. Hatch covered his backdrop with a milquetoast mea culpa.

Hatch released this statement.

“Yesterday, I made a poorly worded joke about Obamacare supporters — a joke that was not reflective of my actual feelings towards my friends on the other side,” Hatch explained.

“While I occasionally slip up, I believe that my legislative record reflects my commitment to bipartisanship and civility much more than my flippant, off-the-cuff comment.”

Republicans, especially during Obama’s two terms, were notorious for delivering deliberate insults then almost simultaneously offering retractions and apologies.

No doubt. Hatch’s compatriots enjoyed a good laugh before he came back espousing his history as a good natured man known for levity although this time he may have misspoke.

Deplorably weak Democrats should stand and deliver a real fight for Deferred Action for Childhood Adults (DACA), immigration reform, healthcare, increased minimum wage, urban deterioration, changing gun laws, etc. etc. etc.

Take it from a man who has tired of joining the chorus of “We Shall Overcome (someday) and “A Change Is Gonna Come”. It’s now or never.

Sen. Orinn Hatch is a jackass who escapes today based on the fact that a Trentonian editor would not allow an appropriate rhyme for the Utah Republican to plant a smooch on my black .....

If Hatch wants to get down and dirty, let’s do this.