Practicing Politics at a High Level

Over a lifetime in politics, I’ve met a lot of interesting, impressive politicians.

But those I truly admired were men and women who were adept at the arts both of politics and legislating – a rarer combination of talents than you’d hope for in our representative democracy. They’re a reminder these days of what consummate skill looks like.

For instance, Wilbur Mills, a Democrat from Arkansas who chaired the House Ways and Means Committee, was a master of legislative detail. When he brought changes to the tax law to the floor, members of the House of both parties would simply ask him...