Hey, Meghan: What Cheney Thinks Is More Important

After Meghan McCain took exception to the idea that her stance on gay marriage is “meaningless” compared to Dick Cheney’s, Washington Monthly blogger Steve Benen outlines in no uncertain terms why—and it’s not “that I only respect old white guys, I don’t respect young women, and I’m somehow hostile to minorities.”  It’s because Cheney has the stature to impress his views on the Republican establishment.

“This isn’t about gender or age, and I certainly didn’t say Meghan McCain shouldn’t speak out,” Benen writes. “I happen to think she’s given her party some very sound advice, which Republicans would be wise to consider. The point, though, is that Meghan McCain, regardless of the merit of her ideas, isn't in a position to change GOP leaders’ minds on contentious social issues. Dick Cheney's arguments, whether I like them or not, have more meaning by virtue of his role in national office.” (More Meghan McCain stories.)