DNC's Palmieri: Bush Shot Wad on Midterm Election

NewsMax.Com ^ | 11/7/02 | Carl Limbacher

[FreedomWarrior]

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2002 10:55 a.m. EST

DNC's Palmieri: Bush Shot Wad on Midterm Election

President Bush may have won big with yesterday's Senate sweep, but now he's shot his wad of political capital, contends Democratic Party spokeswoman Jennifer Palmieri; currency that she said might have been better spent developing support for legislation he'll need to win reelection.

"He had a lot of political capital to spend," Palmieri told WABC Radio's Batchelor and Alexander Show as the returns came in late Tuesday. "He chose to spend on these midterm elections."

But the top aide to DNC chief Terry McAuliffe warned, "I don't know if that's such a great investment, frankly. It might have been better if he chose to spend it developing an economic plan or, you know, working with the Congress on a prescription drug benefit or something."

Palmieri said that while the Bush bounce was "able to bring these [Senate] guys over the edge.... Now I think the question is, to what end?"

The McAuliffe deputy predicted that Bush would "wake up tomorrow morning and say, 'Well, now what?'

"In some ways it's the worst thing," she added. "Be careful what you wish for."

Asked how she felt about the Democrats' election night debacle, Palmieri joked half-heartedly, "It feels a little bit better than in '94. It doesn't feel as good as '98. And it feels a lot better than 2000."

[justshutupandtakeit]

Nice to see such brainiacs as this leading the RATS.

[dfwgator]

That is about the most stupid thing I have ever heard. I hope Bush recovers so he can shot his wad again in two years!

He's always got Bob Dole if he ever needs any Viagara.

[RightField]

he's (Bush) shot his wad

No, Ms. Palmieri. Bush isn't the type to shoot his wad. That sort of metaphor applies to Clinton and his smarmy followers.

Bush plays hardball, though.

[mywholebodyisaweapon]

Absolutely perfect analogy.

Please accept my compliments.

[RooRoobird14]

Interesting how the spokeswoman for the Party of The Rapist is talking about our President "shooting his wad."

Jennifer is obviously having post-traumatic flashbacks from her visits to Bubba in the Oval Office.

The petty, nasty true character of DNC droids is really bubbling to the top right now, isn't it? What a bunch of LOSERS.

[johnb838]

He certainly raked in all the chips, didn't he?

I think he is the Master Poker Player in Chief. He has been incredible so far. Now I'm wondering what he has up his sleeve with regard to the UN and the resolution against Saddam. I've been thinking it looks bad, real bad that we're going along with the corrupt security council that wants to let SH spin and play and do his thing indefinitely.

But I really trust this guy. Every time that I've doubted him he's turned out to have a winning strategy. Can't wait to see what's next.

[Mamzelle]

Since when is "political capital" a zero-sum transaction? Bush has more in his "bank" today than he did last month. What a stupid remark.

Perhaps the DNC ought to remember that Bill Clinton wouldn't spend any of HIS time and charisma in 94--he was just too disorganized and selfish. And he ended up with less when he lost both houses to the GOP, then.

[johnb838]

Nope, he's going to keep on doing basically what he's been doing... being patient, disciplined, gracious. He will get the tools he needs to prosecute the war. Then he will get on with Iraq. Then he will be re-elected in a landslide in 2004.

Things look really good for the pubs if they don't try to go to fast. I know that's going to piss off all the libertarians, but too bad. He knows what he's doing. And the country will continue to move to the right.

[paul51]

I'm getting so much enjoyment out of this election it's not even fair. Listening to these dems pee and moan is priceless. Now we have the losers critiquing Bush's strategy that they lost to. To good for words. The picture is perfect

[j.havenfarm]

The metaphor of "shooting the wad" is so vulgar, its unfortunate to see it gain such wide currency, like "it sucks."

[HamiltonJay]

We had the Senate in 2000, and Lott gave away the store! (sharing control)... Lott has hurt the republican party repetatively. I am amazed he is still in control.

Republicans shoot themselves in the feet far more often than when they are beaten by the opposition. I am tired of watching them steal defeat from the jaws of victory. Lott better not screw this up again... I am still amazed he is the leader in the senate, he must have compromising photos of other people or something.

[RightWhale]

Imagine taking advice from the loser. Er, loosers. Er, series loosers.

[ThinkDifferent]

And, it is apparent that they don't understand the difference between investing your capital versus spending your capital.

Not surprising considering they believe tax cuts are "spending" and federal pork-barrel projects are "investments".

[KansasGirl]

That's because he's SELFLESS and acts for the good of the party rather than personal gain.

I'd change one word here.

That's because he's SELFLESS and acts for the good of the COUNTRY rather than personal gain.

[colorado tanker]

Palmieri must think he's Obi Wan Kenobi. Sorry, pal, the Force is not with you.

[Slyfox]

Sorta feels like this:

[ffrancone]

This guy misses it completely. What is so impressive about this election is that Bush risked his political capital. He could have lost. But when you risk and win, you get back multiples of what you risk.

Bush came out of this election with a mandate to govern and the tools to do it. He spent three cups of political capital. He got back a great big bucket full.

[wasp69]

You know, listening to the demos whine and blame everyone and everything around them reminds me of the scene in "The Untouchables" where Capone, after being found guilty of tax evasion, was being dragged away yelling "You're nothing but mouth and a badge". Did anyone else see this blustering and spin from the dims this way? Or is it just me?

[agrace]

Excellent point. :)

[Right Wing Professor]

"He had a lot of political capital to spend," Palmieri told WABC Radio's Batchelor and Alexander Show as the returns came in late Tuesday. "He chose to spend on these midterm elections."

See, her problem is, like most Dems she doesn't understand capitalism. Nobody but an idiot or a person in desperate straits spends his capital. Bush invested his political capital in the last two weeks, and it looks like his long term return on investment is going to be excellent.