Kudos and criticism for best, worst of Politics '04

We can't say goodbye to Politics 2004 without noting a few of the best and worst occurrences of the big political year.

Best political comeback: Many Utah politicos wrote off Rep. Greg Curtis's bid for House Speaker after his unfortunate participation in "guzzle gate." His public apology and determined demeanor kept him popular with legislative colleagues.

Best campaign commercial: Utilizing the proper blend of taste and compassion, Jim Matheson highlighted his efforts to stop nuclear weapons testing with an emotional endorsement of a Utah woman struggling with terminal cancer. The only competition in this category from other candidates was bland cookie-cutter commercials lacking humor or creativity.

Worst media hype: Sure Howard Dean was emotional and obnoxious (but so am I) in his concession speech after the Iowa caucuses. But the devastating impact of the "famous scream" was the product of media personalities with an agenda.

Best modern Greek tragedy: We all learned in school the elements of a classic tragedy include the downfall of a powerful person through a combination of personal hubris (arrogance), fate, and the will of the gods. The Nancy Workman debacle satisfied all the requirements; only missing were the togas.

Worst reason for a Constitutional amendment: For 200 years, no one cared that millions of foreign-born Americans were prohibited from serving in the highest office in the land. Now because former body builder/actor Arnold Schwarzenegger (who disparages his political opponents as "girlie men") cannot be president, the Constitution is supposedly "flawed and unfair."

Best reason for a Constitutional amendment: As predicted, the presidential election was determined by narrow categories of voters in a handful of states. The abolition of the Electoral College guarantees the vote of every American will count, notwithstanding residency in a red or blue state.

Best unsuccessful statesman/stateswoman: Marty Stephens fulfilled his promise to legislative colleagues that he would not manipulate the Office of Speaker to advance his gubernatorial ambitions (it cost him convention success). Senators Karen Hale and Tom Hatch, as lieutenant governor candidates, impressed friends and foes with their grasp of the issues.