Posted on 11/10/2004 1:23:22 AM PST by Liz
ALBANY Gov. Pataki's top political adviser has trashed President Bush, attacked the "Christian right," and said Bush's re-election means Pataki can't become president in 2008.
The shocking comments by Arthur Finkelstein appeared in the Israeli daily newspaper Maariv, which also quoted the nationally known GOP consultant as saying that in the presidential election, "the Republican Party became the Christian right, the most radical in modern history ever."
Finkelstein, the one-time political guru to former U.S. Sen. Alfonse D'Amato, is also described by Maariv writer Boaz Gaon as "hating" Bush.
In the story, which ran last Friday, Finkelstein accused Bush of trying to "dictate to America how to live and what to believe in."
Finkelstein, who has helped run several Israeli elections, is also described as claiming Bush is more interested in banning abortion than he is in winning the war in Iraq.
And Finkelstein, who told a Boston newspaper several years ago that he is homosexual, described Bush's campaign strategy as being more interested in banning gay marriages than in improving the American economy.
Finkelstein, who is credited with orchestrating Pataki's stunning upset victory over then-Gov. Mario Cuomo in 1994, told the newspaper Bush's victory is bad news for Pataki, a social liberal who supports abortion and gay rights, because it means the "Christian right" is in charge of the GOP.
"Bush's victory not only establishes the power of the American Christian right in this candidacy, but in fact established its power to elect the next Republican president."
Finkelstein did not return calls seeking comment, and Pataki's camp did not return calls.
A prominent Republican familiar with the interview called Finkelstein's comments "a big embarrassment for Pataki.
"Arthur isn't comfortable being a Republican anymore when he's so unhappy with our success and that's why he's so flamboyantly bashing the president."
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
I'm a huge fan of Charles Dickens. Never heard of the rock group but apparently they are fans of Dickens, as well.
Pataki will never be a part of the Bush administration and will be retired from public office permanently in a couple of years.
Outside of New York. His best bet would be to run for Governor next time.
I'm sure the Bush people like being bashed by a Pataki aide too.
Go now, Artie, and don't let the door hit your behind as you leave......unless, of course you enjoy that kind of thing (snicker).
this is "marginalization" of the type practiced by marxist dictatorships the world over. and they fall like bowling pins when confronted by the truth.
New York ping.
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