The reaction on Twitter and social media ranged from surprised to stunned: But he’s going to be confirmed anyway! Doesn’t she realize conservatives back home will be mad? The seeming inability of many in the media to consider that, for her, there might be something more important than an immediate political pay-off was a telling sign of the cynicism that permeates much of the coverage of Washington. Bad and cowardly behavior gets written off as “par for the course.” Politicians are expected to do what is necessary weeks before an election to save themselves.

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But there is another way to look at one’s job as senator. “To be connected to America’s causes — liberty, equal justice, respect for the dignity of all people — brings happiness more sublime than life’s fleeting pleasures,” the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) wrote in a farewell letter read after his death. “Our identities and sense of worth are not circumscribed but enlarged by serving good causes bigger than ourselves.”

For some in public office, the reward and the thrill is not getting to keep a cushy job that comes with staff, sycophants and travel. It is rather the thrill of leaving one’s mark, of being a mention in history for having done something brave and good and right.

Sorry, but you don’t go down in the history books because of clever tweets when you’ve simply voted down the line on every measure — good, bad or indifferent — the base wants. No one will be remembered (except in a campaign ad) for making the politically expedient vote to confirm Kavanaugh. Some of them may think they are doing the right thing, although the “tell” was their willingness to plunge ahead without ever hearing from Christine Blasey Ford. But when you follow the herd, you don’t get to leave your own distinct hoof print.

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I’ve often wondered why senators “who know better” (e.g., know the tax plan would blow up the debt or know the repeal of Affordable Care Act with no viable replacement would hurt people) vote the way they do. Some really cannot imagine life outside the Senate. Others can’t bear the criticism from their own side’s pundits and media outlets. Some are beholden to special interests that got them elected. The Congress, I hate to break it to you, is not a place for independent, courageous people. That’s why McCain got the moniker of “maverick” — because so many others travel with the herd.