California senator Dianne Feinstein’s death last week was great fodder for the media machine, but highly inconvenient for the Democrats, and more particularly, California governor Gavin Newsome. 

Although I understand that as a politician she was at one time considered a trailblazing pioneer. Fittingly, upon her death, accolades poured in from both sides of the political spectrum. Taking into account the accolades are coming from a politicians mouth, one must take their sentiments with a grain of salt. Nearly all remarked about what a nice lady she was.

I personally lost all respect for her for the way she ambushed Supreme Court Justice Brett Cavanaugh at the last second during his Court confirmation hearing. What she said and the way she did it was tantamount to everything wrong with American politics. I have a few other items I could mention, but I won’t, as her death is not a time to tarnish her, and may she rest in peace. 

But her death is inconvenient for a lot of people for a lot of reasons. How, might you ask? Well, let me tell ya.

For starters, at the time I’m writing this piece our esteemed political royal class is arguing about the budget and whether their bickering is going to lead to a government shut down. Feinstein’s death, and the subsequent vacancy she leaves, will surely be a distraction to the budget meat grinder as they all argue about who gets to spend our tax money. 

As it was, the Democrats had a slim lead in the Senate, 51 Democrats to 49 Republicans and their subgroup, the Rino’s. Her death reduces the difference to just one vote, which is called razor thin. I’m not sure I buy into that logic, as Democrats, unlike Republicans, always vote in one large block. It’s rare that a Democrat politician strays from the flock, without permission, fearing the wrath of Nancy Pelosi in the House and Chuck Schumer in the Senate. But razor-thin is the term used by virtually everyone in the media – they must like the way it sounds.

So, now all eyes are looking west to Governor Newsome as he has the task of naming a replacement to fill Feinstein’s seat for the next year until an election is held. This means Newsome will have to take time out of not running for president in case Biden does, to meet with top Democrat honcho’s to decide who they want to send. Surely you don’t think that selection is going to be Newsome’s alone. 

Newsome somewhat locked himself in before Feinstein’s death when he shot off his mouth and committed to appointing a Black woman if Feinstein were to pass or step down due to declining health. Seems to me his duty to the citizens of California was to commit to hiring the best candidate as possible, regardless of race or gender, but what do I know, I’m from Chebanse. 

There are three people that had previously tossed their hat in the ring for the seat, Representatives Adam Schiff, Katie Porter, and Barbara Lee. However, Schiff and Porter find themselves gender and/or pigment-challenged per Newsome’s selection criteria, leaving only Lee in the category of Black and woman. 

I have no idea if Newsome was trying to forewarn Schiff and Porter to back away from wanting appointed to the seat, but I doubt he gets Schiff to back off unless he were to do something to shut him up, like giving him San Diego. With Newsome campaigning for not running for president if Joe does, can he afford an enemy like Schiff and every Black voter in California? Ms. Lee is already calling foul. Newsome is probably going to want to drag his feet to placate the three California representatives, which would be diametrically opposed to what Chuck Schumer will want. 

Ironically, if/when Newsome makes the appointment, he will have had the distinction of appointing both of California’s senators. When Kamala Harris giggled her way into the vice presidency, she vacated her senate seat where she had the distinction of being the most liberal Senator. In her place, Newsome elevated the California Secretary of State, Alex Padilla. 

You would probably have to be from Illinois to value the title used for this commentary, but I found it amusing. I know, I’m easily amused. If interested, look up former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich when it was his turn to replace Obama. 

It’s poetic justice when politicians put each other in a pickle or have to eat their words.