“Receive every man with good cheer.” From Judaism’s Ethics of the Fathers

The Judeo-Christian tradition teaches us to be of good cheer. But Barney Frank seems to have raised the sour puss to an art form.  It struck me today while watching his interview with Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday, alongside Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN) and economist Mark Zandi of Moody’s.

In the normal course of an interview, you’d expect people to flash a pleasant look at least twice: when they’re introduced and when their host bids them goodbye.  Have a look at the tape I’ve edited, and notice how Corker does just that.  Zandi is more neutral, but he is a practitioner of the Dismal Science, after all.  Then there’s Barney, who manages to maintain a funereal mien throughout. Between the beginning and end of the clip, I’ve also included a couple moments in between, during which Frank remains similarly stone-faced.  Trust me, I haven’t edited out any bit where Barney breaks into a laugh and a song.

At the very end, you’ll see a signature Barney move: he begins to tear off his mic before the segment is quite done.  Message: I’m an important man with people to see and places to go.

Yes, these are tough times.  But see above re: tribulations.  And granted, in the great scheme of things, Barney Frank’s demeanor is not of particular importance.  And I suppose there are Republican pols who could be found who are not exactly a bundle of laughs, either.  But when it comes to non-stop grouchiness, I don’t think any pol holds a candle to Barney.

Which makes me wonder: why?  He’s a beloved figure in his Massachusetts district: congressman for as long as he’d like to be with a good shot of becoming senator.  He’s in the majority, has a simpatico president. Serves as the chairman of a committee made particularly powerful by the financial crisis.  What makes Barney such a sour puss?