Like it or not, Mark Sanford has always sung from a different sheet of music. During both of his terms as governor of South Carolina, he always appeared to operate in a vacuum. He had an unusual sense of rhythm that never seemed in line up with the political orchestra around him. Everything about Sanford, during both of his terms as governor, ran counter to the protocol that his constituents and political piers expected. He'd even arrive late to his own inaugural ball, dressed in a boring suit, while everyone else was dressed to the teeth.
Today in a news conference, Sanford made it clear that he is running for South Carolina’s First Congressional District, and while many people think he nuts, others believe that he's meant for the job. One thing is for sure, Sanford doesn't really care what anyone thinks, he just wants to run.
Sanford has always had this way about himself, that seems to thumb his nose at his critics. "I don't care what those people think", could have been his personal mantra. When fancy business executives would anxiously arrange face time with Sanford, he would frequently not even invite them into his office, but instead meet them in the hallway, while on his way to another meeting.
Out of all the politicians who position themselves as some sort of change agent, who promise to go to Washington and shake things up, few actually do. Trey Gowdy, campaigned with a slogan that rang through the media for weeks: "I may not be able to totally change Washington by myself, but Washington will never change me"; and who can even remember Jim DeMint's early campaign slogan "Bring Freedom Home"?
All of these political super heroes packed their bags, moved to Washington and quickly blended into the leather and wooden finish, just like so many people did before them. They each met the harsh impact of the powerful and supremely stubborn senior class. It was as if, when the youngsters hit the ground running, the big boys simply said, "get away from me kid, you bother me."
What's needed in Washington, in order to break this stalemate situation that the country finds itself in, is an equally stubborn, son-of-a-bitch, who when punched in the mouth will stand-up and say with a stiff grin, "hit me again!" A current day Dirty Harry, wearing a boring tie and a lapel pin. But a face that reads, "I don't give a damn what you think!" Now granted, Sanford can't have another "F-it" moment, and hop a plane to Argentina, but the likelihood of that happening is probably nil, especially since he brought a part of Argentina back with him.
The other notable characteristic of Sanford is his ability to tell the truth, which has always been a rarity in politics. When Sanford does something dumb, and mind you he will, he will swiftly come out with the truth, quickly and firmly, boom, done! Mark Sanford's stubbornly consistent character may be exactly what Washington needs, at a time when everyone else is so afraid of being embarrassed. At this point in Mark Sanford's life, he has little to lose, a beautiful lady on his arm, money in his pocket, and seemingly no fear AT ALL.
