Not even a week ago, New York Democrat Eric Massa was a nobody (well, he kinda still is as far as we’re concerned).  But oh what a week can do in the world of politics.  On a talk radio show this past weekend, Massa went on a rampant tirade against some powerful figures in his own party.  He called Rahm Emanuel literally “son of devil’s spawn”.  What.  The.  F*ck?  He also trashed the speaker of the house (Nancy Pelosi) and several high ranking members of the Senate, among others.  All Democrats.  Hear that?  That’s the sound of the conservative cavalry trotting in to defend Massa’s honor.  Glenn Beck (two “n”s) promised to devote the entire hour of his show today to Massa, including having him on.  Rush Limbaugh has promised to make a “national story” of Eric Massa’s plight.  And one can bet the followers of Beck and/or Limbaugh will thrive in this story, passing it on in those awful chain e-mails to the people who really don’t even give a sh*t anyways.

But not all conservatives are ready to endorse Massa.  Michelle Malkin (no relation to the Russian Pitts Penguin) made it clear she wasn’t hopping on the Massa bandwagon, writing, “He’s been a progressive zealot and political opportunist his entire career… He’s claimed conspiracy before, is intimately bonded with the nutroots and climbed the political ladder with backing from the odious, anti-war-hoaxer-embracing Gen. Wesley Clark. What Massa dismissively calls his ‘salty old sailor’ talk should raise bright-red flags about possible long-standing predatory behavior.”  Harsh words for Massa, especially from a Fox news contributor and notorious uber-right blogger like Malkin.  Other Republicans and conservatives are boarding that train with her.  So what’s the problem?  What is there to be scared of?  Here’s a reformed, ex-Democrat who’s laying it all on the line against his former party, it’s fodder for the Right, isn’t it?

Eric Massa’s OTHER big story is that he reportedly harassed, physically and verbally, a member of his staff in a drunken incident at a wedding reception.  Massa retiring from politics at the end of his current term.  He cites health problems, but cynicism would point towards the ongoing allegations against him.  He’s only been in congress for little more than a year, none of his bills have gotten anywhere, this story is about all he’s known for.  My guess?  He’s building up controversy and wildly accusing higher ups to ensure he makes good money once he’s out of politics: as a memoir/book writer.  I could be wrong, we’ll see.

-D