Paterson will be an unlikely governor

Politico ^ | March 12, 2008 | Ben Smith

[george76]

David Paterson was never supposed to be governor of New York.

The relief and trepidation in New York share a common source: ...at a time when the state is wrestling with a difficult, multibillion-dollar budget, there are drawbacks to having a new governor who describes his own worst failing as a difficulty in saying “no.”

“When I feel I have erred, it’s in that direction — of trying too hard to keep people together and to keep everybody happy, which is not always what should be your first mission in government.”

Paterson has had an ambivalent relationship with his disability. He often jokes about it and has said he’s uncomfortable with the perception that he’s seeking pity.

“Every single white political consultant that I ever worked with likes to promote my disabilities,” he once told The New York Times, “and I suspect it’s to mitigate race — to give me, in their eyes, an honorary white status.”

[george76]

[Brilliant]

I would say he’s likely.

[goldstategop]

David Patterson is a likeable and hard-working guy and he'll be a role model for a lot of blind and disabled people around the country. He has to learn to say "no" as Governor. He never asked for the job and now people will see whether he can fill Spitzer's shoes.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[Abathar]

Welcome to the world of picking a politically correct running mate to shore up a certain voter block.

Take heed Mr. McCain, this example will be fresh in the minds of voters come November, especially at your age and health.

[george76]

drawbacks to having a new governor who describes his own worst failing as a difficulty in saying “no.”

[goldstategop]

True. But he's not arrogant and full of himself like Spitzer was. Spitzer made a lot of political enemies on both sides of the political divide. Patterson is cut out from different cloth. I don't see him as the kind of guy who consorts with high priced hookers.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[kidd]

“Every single white political consultant that I ever worked with likes to promote my disabilities,” he once told The New York Times, “and I suspect it’s to mitigate race — to give me, in their eyes, an honorary white status.”

Oh please. A black governor is not a big deal. But a blind one? That is a very big deal.

We have a blind vice president at work who is so incredibly intelligent and likable that it only seems natural that he is a vice president. He earned his position.

Paterson's statement makes me believe that democrats put him in charge because of his disabilities, not his abilities.

[george76]

Was this the ny politican who wanted to pass a law requiring the police to only shoot criminals ( in a gun battle ) only in their arms or legs ?

[goldstategop]

With Patterson, the nation will get a glimpse of what an Obama Presidency could be like.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[goldstategop]

Yes. A pretty stupid measure that he had to withdraw. I don't know what he learned from the experience. Patterson is a liberal after all. He can't be worse than Spitzer.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[metmom]

One would hope not but reality has a bad habit of being full of surprises.

[BullDog108]

Paterson will be an unlikely governor

Jeeeeez, talk about the blind leading the blind...

[goldstategop]

We can all wish him the best of luck and hope that what happened to his predecessor will make him both a wiser and a more restrained man. Holding high office can bring out the best as well the worst in people. And we hope Patterson brings out the best in himself and in the people of New York.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[dangus]

>> With Patterson, the nation will get a glimpse of what an Obama Presidency could be like. <<

Obama is blind? Or is Patterson a closet Muzzie?

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

NY needs to have a special gubernatorial election. Whoever is next in line behind Paterson should act as interim Governor. This guy Paterson is way in over his head, and yes, some of it has to do with the fact he's visually-impaired. But he's clearly out of his league here, trying to be Governor of the most-powerful state in the country.

Typical liberals like Spitzer, promoting people based upon their disabilities or race instead of their qualifications.

[StormEye]

In my opinion, the state of New York deserves all of the damage the Spitzer/Patterson wrecking has inflicted upon them. The DemonRATS in New York put them in power, now they can live with results of their decision.

Now Spitzer has been forced out and replaced by a blind black man. I wonder if he'll sign anything put in front of him? I feel for the decent citizens of this once great state who are forced endure this DemonRAT tyranny and ineptitude. Leave if you can.

[metmom]

We would if we could.

[kidd]

With Patterson, the nation will get a glimpse of what an Obama Presidency could be like.

Is Patterson an inexperienced bumbling uber-liberal with ties to a mobster who, outside of positions of leadership, is otherwise likable?