Lightly; Political hash

Politics is like hash in a restaurant. In order to appreciate the flavor of the product, it is better not to know what went into it. As election day draws nearer, political statements get so unbelievable one is inclined to attribute tham all to Democrats. But to be fair, we must admit that Republicans also enjoy the full, rich flavor of political hash. The difference is that Republicans put a poached egg on it.

Who was it that said there is ''no more important consideration than the development of a better working relationship with the Soviet Union?'' Well, as you may have guessed, it is the same person who asked the Chinese to stand with the United States against the ''expansionism and hegemony of the Soviet Union.'' That was President Reagan trying to make hash taste like egg foo yung.

Opponents believe that one of President Reagan's greatest political achievements is being able to make convincing statements having no meaning whatsoever. This is all the more remarkable, since, as far as we know, he never played in a Gilbert and Sullivan production.

Politically, President Reagan is one of a kind.

Many say this is something to be grateful for. Especially those living in Europe.

But although he may come in for some criticism, President Reagan remains in a political world of his own. He retains his composure and does not muss his hair. Not even in his physical-fitness ads. Instead of rough-and-tumble campaigning on the hot back streets of America, he makes his speeches in China. In China the ingredients of hash may be even more obscure than on Main Street, USA.

He also makes speeches in Ireland, in order to reach the voters of Massachusetts. And he made a great speech on the cliffs of Normandy, celebrating the anniversary of D-Day, with the American flag in the background. Meanwhile Democratic candidates were sweating in New Jersey, trying to get a factory worker to shake hands when they were rushing by, fearful of being mugged.

Just when Reagan is making his political hash digestible, along comes the Republican National Committee sending out a brochure offering American Eagle plates for $50. The plates, it turns out, were made in Portugal.

But that's OK. Republicans will want to carry Rhode Island along with Massachusetts.