With the legislative session safely in the rearview mirror, it seems an appropriate moment to reflect on the political gamesmanship, particularly the ‘rope-a-dope’ tactics of Republican leadership.
‘Rope-a-dope’ is a boxing tactic that took root in our language. It was originally associated with Muhammad Ali, who used it to defeat George Foreman (yes, the guy now associated with electric grills and a host of children all named George) in an epic championship fight in 1974. The idea is to go into a defensive shell, letting the larger opponent hit you in a way that the fighter bounces off the ropes, diffusing the power of the punches. Eventually, the opponent gets tired and starts making mistakes. Then you pounce.
It’s unclear whether House Minority Leader Lawrence Cafero and Senate Minority Leader John McKinney are students of boxing, but by standing back and letting the Democrats handle the budget without a Republican response, they effectively ‘rope-a-doped’ the majority.
The Republicans recognizing that any serious budget would have meant suggesting serious program cuts. There was no point. The Democrats would have feasted on such an idea to paint the Republicans as uncaring and irresponsible stewards of the public trust. Instead, the Republicans said ‘no thanks’ and let the Democrats prove they are irresponsible stewards of the public trust by enacting a budget full of exactly the kind of gimmicks that Candidate Malloy decried. Score one for the Republicans.
The Republicans also ‘rope-a-doped’ the Democrats into mismanaging the session so badly that when the last day came, Democratic bills died because there wasn’t enough time to take a vote. The result was some laughable finger-pointing, with Democrats suggesting vastly outnumbered Republicans had somehow killed worthy legislation. Republicans counterpunched with the argument that they don’t have the power to do anything. Score another point for the GOP. Maybe.
Scoring points is nice but it’s not the goal; winning elections is. The strategy has exposed the Democrats. But does it translate into anything tangible?
In the first electoral test after the session, Republican Sam Belsito of Tolland won a special election to replace Democrat Bryan Hurlburt in the 53rd House District. One seat isn’t going to change, not even threaten, the balance of power. But it does hint that the Republicans are right when they say the electorate is restless and unhappy about the direction of the state.
Ali was able to make ‘rope-a-dope’ work because he retained the speed and power to go on the attack after the opponent had tired. Like Ali reaching the 12th of 15 rounds, the Republicans’ set-up is complete. The opening exists. The question is whether Connecticut Republicans have that punching ability. To use another phrase from the last century, it’s time for Republicans to answer the 1984 campaign question: ‘Where’s the beef?’
For all their Ali-like dancing, Cafero and McKinney have so far demonstrated nothing that resembles a program; no vision of how to lead the state; no hint of where they want to go. Times may be unsettled but a strategy based on ‘we’re not them’ seems more than a bit thin.
Tom Foley’s none-too-elegant campaign came close to winning in 2010. He was able to make some distinctions between himself and Malloy. His push for an ethics bill flatlined this session. And he’s ready to run again.
If any one of these leading Republicans can articulate a vision and a strategy for moving this state off its sad trajectory, now is the moment to come off the ropes swinging.
