In the same week of June, two prominent Democrats showed their arrogance and elitism by insisting on formal terms of address. The office manager for ultra-liberal congressman Jim McDermott of Seattle exploded with 14 angry e-mails when a correspondent dared to address her as “Liz” rather than “Elizabeth.” Meanwhile, Senator Barbara Boxer badgered a general at a committee hearing and then reacted indignantly when he addressed her as “ma’am.” –

You know, do me a favor, could you call me ‘senator’ instead of ‘ma’am’. It’s just a thing—I worked so hard to get that title, so I’d appreciate it.”

Democrats have presented themselves for decades as the party of the people, the party with the common touch and a feeling for ordinary folks. But increasingly, they are the party of Washington insiders, puffed up with their own importance.