Is Santa a Democrat or Republican?

Chris Cillizza and Phillip Bump of the Washington Post asked various political consultants to consult on the politics of Christmas – specifically, whether Santa would vote Democrat or Republican. And no surprise, most consultants claimed Santa for their own party.

Republicans pointed out that Santa is a straight, white, older male running a rural, non-unionized, faith-based small business, which he built himself – and that he even resorted to immortality to escape the death tax. So he’s obviously a Republican. Plus, he’s the spitting image of President Rutherford B. Hayes.

However, Democrats quickly point out that rather than cater to the wealthiest 1 percent, Santa rewards people who work hard and play by the rules, so definitely Democrat.

Although one Democratic operative said no way – that Santa is out of shape, obsessed with red, and requires his employees to work day and night – so definitely Republican.

And one Republican operative also rejected Santa, arguing that since he works only one day a year, not only is he a Democrat, but very likely a federal employee.

And then there was Democratic Rep. Steve Israel of New York who says using reindeer to power a sleigh would qualify Santa as a pro-environmental Democrat, but at the same time, forcing coal on small children would make him a Republican. At which point, Congressman Israel went off to light his menorah.

Anyway, they had some compelling arguments. I wouldn’t be surprised if right after Christmas you see a certain Jolly Old Elf skulking around New Hampshire.