The graduate

Part 3

Talking Politics by Michael Crowley

But even years of working in the House couldn't prepare McGovern for a day like the one he's enduring on the last Wednesday of September. It has been one of McGovern's most pressure-filled days on the job, and one that nicely illustrates his versatility.

The focal point is a morning hearing of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on a gigantic highway funding bill in which hundreds of millions of dollars to Massachusetts and the Big Dig are at stake. Because McGovern is Massachusetts's sole member on the committee, the pressure to deliver has been intense.

As if things weren't tense enough already, the hearing is repeatedly disrupted by the jarring buzzers that announce votes on the House floor. All morning, Democrats have been sabotaging House business, using meaningless procedural votes to force a debate on campaign finance reform (a tactic devised by a small band of House rebels that includes McGovern). By lunch, McGovern and his committee colleagues have scrambled to the floor perhaps a half-dozen times.

By 1:45 in the afternoon, McGovern's schedule is a train wreck, and back at office an aide is placating a group of American Civil Liberties Union representatives who have crowded into the tiny foyer to wait for their scheduled appointment with the congressman.

"He's running all over today," explains the aide apologetically. "Literally running."

McGovern finally does show up, looking a little dazed. Moments later, the ACLU officials are in his office, scolding him for supporting a Constitutional ban on flag-burning. Nevertheless, they conclude by saying McGovern is among their favorite legislators.

"We know this is not your typical office," says the leader of the delegation. "You actually stand on principle."

By 2 p.m., having already grappled with the parochial concerns of highway funding and the high ideals of campaign finance reform and the US Constitution, McGovern meets with officials from a small college in his district; now he is discussing early childhood development and . . . dental hygiene: "The amount of tooth decay is incredible!" he says.

That night, McGovern attends a reception at Cuba's "interests section" -- no diplomatic relations means no embassy -- where he has many friends because of his vocal opposition to the US embargo. ("Hope you don't mind having a CIA file on you," he half-jokes on the way inside.)

Moakley, who shares McGovern's views on Cuba, is there as well. And even as minty rum mojitos are being distributed to dozens of activists and diplomats from Washington's Cuban community, Moakley feeds him fatherly tips.

"Did you do a lot of press stuff on that highway bill?" he asks. "That's a big deal." Moments before the two are summoned for a private audience with Cuba's top diplomat, the teacher wants to be sure the student isn't forgetting what really counts.

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Michael Crowley can be reached at mcrowley[a]phx.com.