Sunday, February 10, 2008
Making a silk purse out of a sow's ear
This is what most politicians do when they come up short of what they really want. Both the Republicans and Democrats are doing it this week, as detailed in the NY Times today. The Democrats are trying to put a nice shine on Harry Reid's failed effort to add real economic stimulus to the recently passed bill.
The Republicans, on the other hand, are wondering how useful Our Dear Embattled Leader will be if he steps out on the campaign trail. Unlike Bill Clinton, who was saddled with a very public blowjob, ODEL's burden of negativity is quite small, in Republican eyes. The real problem is how the non Kool-Aid drinking majority of the country views His Not-So-Excellency.
But what seemed to be a futile, even gratuitous, display of partisan aggression that Republican leaders derided as a waste of time, Mr. Reid’s allies say was a masterful effort.So we have one more example of Republicans voting against the public good. The Republicans have been voting against the public good since Ronald Reagan and for some reason the public seems to like it. All I can say is, Harry I hope you are right.
Senate Republican leaders who initially opposed any changes to House plan in the end became advocates for expanding it to include Social Security recipients and veterans.
Mr. Reid came within one vote of winning passage of the larger package at a time when the worsening economy would have made it hard for Mr. Bush to argue.
And even falling short, supporters say, he advanced Democratic priorities and lifted the party’s chances of widening its control of the Senate to a filibuster-proof 60 seats in the November elections.
The Republicans, on the other hand, are wondering how useful Our Dear Embattled Leader will be if he steps out on the campaign trail. Unlike Bill Clinton, who was saddled with a very public blowjob, ODEL's burden of negativity is quite small, in Republican eyes. The real problem is how the non Kool-Aid drinking majority of the country views His Not-So-Excellency.
But prominent Republicans, including lawmakers and party strategists, said Mr. Bush’s involvement posed risks as well as rewards. Even as he tries to bring skeptical conservatives in line behind Mr. McCain, these Republicans said, the president could alienate the independents who are the strongest source of the senator’s support.If God really intends to bless America, he will let President 30% turn off the other 70% and leave the Republicans chewing on a dried out old pig's ear.
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