Politicians and pundits often compare Capitol Hill to high school. Both places are cliquey. Both are gossipy. Both have résumé-polishing egotists, humorless grinds, appalling bullies, and slackers. And, of course, there’s nothing like the occasional sex scandal to get everyone excited.
In high school, finding a best friend was crucial. This was the person who would still like you even if you puked in the middle of Spanish class or kicked the soccer ball into the wrong goal during gym.
The same thing is true in politics. A surprising number of politicians buddy up when they get to Washington. The latest couple in American politics are House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va. There were rumors of conflict between the two top Republicans last summer, but now that they rule Congress, they’re practically inseparable: Cantor is wingman at Boehner’s press conferences and sidekick in his photo ops.
Click here to read a slide-show essay on political buddies.
