Comments on: Gov. Eliot Spitzer, steamroller

Gov. Eliot Spitzer, steamroller

cerebus19 — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:03:48 -0800

"I am a fucking steamroller and I'll roll over you or anybody else."

By: i_am_a_Jedi

i_am_a_Jedi — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:14:31 -0800

Worst of the web?

By: facetious

facetious — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:14:43 -0800

I love, love, love this comment. Good for Spitzer.

By: pruner

pruner — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:15:29 -0800

wow... I'm surprised Reuters printed the quote. I would've expected "expletive deleted".

By: flapjax at midnite

flapjax at midnite — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:18:31 -0800

Hey, what a coincidence: 70's sensitive-folkie icon James Taylor was a steamroller, too. But, he was, you know, steamrollin' for love...

By: brain cloud

brain cloud — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:19:21 -0800

Spitzer is such a badass. I love him.

By: bhouston

bhouston — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:19:47 -0800

Sounds like someone in a defensive line in a football game taunting the player opposing him. I also imagine the person saying that line to be about 300 lb. Spitzer is a character, but he does seem to get the job done.

By: ikkyu2

ikkyu2 — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:20:17 -0800

I'm the Juggernaut, bitch!

By: SeizeTheDay

SeizeTheDay — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:21:39 -0800

He was voted in with 70% of the vote? Good for him; he got more votes than Chavez. Let him enjoy it.

By: R. Mutt

R. Mutt — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:22:35 -0800

Good. F*ck Republican Assemblyman James Tedisco.

By: aladfar

aladfar — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:25:38 -0800

Good for him? Didn't we get all wound up when Cheney made a similar comment?

By: b1tr0t

b1tr0t — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:27:48 -0800

Sure, but Spitzer is a Democrat. That prevents him from being evil.

By: brain cloud

brain cloud — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:27:52 -0800

Good for him? Didn't we get all wound up when Cheney made a similar comment? Right -- but that was Cheney. Cheney is a force of evil who must be stopped. Spitzer is like the Albus Dumbledore of governors.

By: eyeballkid

eyeballkid — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:27:53 -0800

"I am a fucking steamroller and I'll roll over you or anybody else," the Democratic governor told Republican Assemblyman James Tedisco in a private conversation last week, the New York Post reported on Wednesday. The key words being "Republican Assemblyman," "private conversation," and "New York Post." The impetus for writing that article is pretty obvious. Not that it matters. Spitzer is one bad mother fucker.

By: R. Mutt

R. Mutt — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:28:52 -0800

*of course one means this f*cking metaphorically.

By: eyeballkid

eyeballkid — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:31:25 -0800

Good for him? Didn't we get all wound up when Cheney made a similar comment? Yes, it's nitpicking, but Cheney's "Go fuck yourself," occured on the floor of the US Senate.

By: R. Mutt

R. Mutt — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:31:43 -0800

I wait for the day when Spitzer runs for President.

By: dazed_one

dazed_one — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:35:18 -0800

I've heard his wallet says 'Bad Motherfucker' on it.

By: pruner

pruner — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:37:21 -0800

I've heard his wallet says 'Bad Motherfucker' on it. I met Quentin Tarantino at a NYC pizza place a few years ago, and I wasn't sure it was him (he was wearing a hat covering his eyes and whatnot) until he whipped out that wallet to pay.

By: Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese

Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:38:27 -0800

Spitzer sounds like an asshole.

By: Arthur "Two Sheds" Jackson

Arthur "Two Sheds" Jackson — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:38:36 -0800

Be that as it may, that quote is disturbingly Mayor Quimbyesque.

By: publius

publius — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:39:22 -0800

Perhaps poor judgment in saying it, but it is true. He's been a steamroller since his youth. Don't get in his way. He's an F*ng boy scout too, so all you dirty pols get to watch his steamrolling squash your graft.

By: stbalbach

stbalbach — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:42:17 -0800

in a private conversation James Tedisco gambled and lost on that one.

By: Saucy Intruder

Saucy Intruder — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:43:49 -0800

He's governor and he swears. *swoon*

By: mr_crash_davis

mr_crash_davis — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:47:21 -0800

You are not my governor, you are a snort.

By: isopraxis

isopraxis — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:47:44 -0800

I'm still waiting on the ol political 'wreckin ball'. Like some completely anarchistic libertarian from vermont who's been congratulated for growing salvia and who's children are so bright, they can be seen from space. I'm looking for someone who Vonnegut would vote for. I'm looking for someone Huxley would trip with, someone who would publicly expose George W for the complete fuck he is and have GW thank him for such apt words after the whole thing was done. (and then throw it away like used kleenex) I think I'm looking for the nonchristian American Jesus of the apocaplypse. Someone who would stab Dick on the Senate floor and bow to a standing ovation from all the senators upon taking leave, quoting Julius Caesar. . . 'Et Tu Brutae'. Tall order I know. For now, God bless the steamroller.

By: amberglow

amberglow — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:48:19 -0800

Spitzer didn't tell anyone to fuck himself--he told someone he was a fucking steamroller--there's a gigantic difference. He rocks! By this spring he will have done far more than Pataki did ever.

By: smackfu

smackfu — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:51:13 -0800

Didn't we get all wound up when Cheney made a similar comment? Wait, you think maybe the response to the Cheney comment was based more on Cheney saying it than the actual "fuck"? No fucking way.

By: flapjax at midnite

flapjax at midnite — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 21:02:39 -0800

Didn't we get all wound up when Cheney made a similar comment? Regarding the difference between "Go fuck yourself" (directed at someone else, and on the Senate floor, no less) and "I'm a fucking steamroller" (describing oneself, and in an obviously humorous way), I'd agree with amberglow: there's a BIG difference.

By: fenriq

fenriq — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 21:04:22 -0800

I can't wait for the musical. Will this line be sung falsetto or tenor?

By: Divine_Wino

Divine_Wino — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 21:08:34 -0800

I like this Spitzer kid, He's got moxie.

By: Talanvor

Talanvor — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 21:20:22 -0800

Yeah, so the right wing should have no problem with what Spitzer said. Since I imagine that it made him feel better, right?

By: amberglow

amberglow — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 21:23:03 -0800

Spitzer doesn't care what the rightwing or their willing media stooges say--he's not a DC Dem.

By: casarkos

casarkos — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 21:30:10 -0800

Tedisco told reporters in the state capital of Albany that "we had a bit of steamy conversation" but he would not reveal details. "He's a guy who likes to play it tough sometimes, and I don't mind that," Tedisco said. "And I've heard the F-word before."

Ahem. Is he trying to put a...different spin on it? I kid, I kid, Spitzer rocks.

By: Kattullus

Kattullus — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 21:31:57 -0800

I think this is at least the third time I post this in a comment to Metafilter, but this is one of my favorite moments in political tv history. The Pierre Trudeau Fuddle Duddle Incident. Pierre Trudeau was The Man! Come to think of it, they're a little bit similar looking.

By: mediareport

mediareport — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 21:38:33 -0800

More politicians saying "fuck," please.

By: Blazecock Pileon

Blazecock Pileon — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 21:38:42 -0800

Good for Spitzer, and good on NY state voters for demonstrating intelligence and courage in voting for him.

By: edgeways

edgeways — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 21:41:36 -0800

Yeah I gotta go with the emphases on the private conversation aspect of this quote. I'm not a New Yorker and tend to not identify with a party, though more D than R. but seriously Tedisco comes off as whiny if he ran to the press with this. There is a difference between taking a dump in privet then having some say you took a dump, and taking a dump in public for everyone to see.

By: fenriq

fenriq — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 21:43:49 -0800

Also, the name Spitzer is cool because it reminds me of Mark Spitz, the Olympic swimming star. And spitting. Our Governator just rehashes pathetic movie lines.

By: maryh

maryh — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 21:43:50 -0800

The Dems could use some piss and vinegar. After the last 7 years, they've earned a right to it.

By: retronic

retronic — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 21:49:15 -0800

The Dems could use some piss and vinegar. After the last 7 years, they've earned a right to it. Amen to that, maryh!

By: ibmcginty

ibmcginty — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 21:51:01 -0800

It doesn't bother me that a governor would say 'fuck' in a private conversation. I know some people who have said 'fuck.' However, not all occasions are appropriate for dropping the f-bomb. The floor of the Senate, for instance, is not a place to tell people to fuck off. Spitzer's statement is true, is it not? He did lots of stuff as AG, did he ever have to back down?

By: spock

spock — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 21:51:58 -0800

I look forward to more posts about quotes by U.S. state governors. Perhaps then we could move on to quotes from U.S. state lieutenant governors.

By: pruner

pruner — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 21:55:31 -0800

a great thing about Spitzer is that you could actually see him saying the same thing to a Democrat (think Alan Hevesi).

By: evilelvis

evilelvis — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 22:00:06 -0800

I have no idea who this asshole is but hell yeah, finally some politician speaking his mind...so fuck yeah!

By: pruner

pruner — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 22:17:22 -0800

Also, the name Spitzer is cool because it reminds me of Mark Spitz, the Olympic swimming star. And spitting. The name Elliot reminds me of Elliot Ness, the G-Man who busted Al Capone. And ET.

By: 2sheets

2sheets — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 22:25:23 -0800

It would have even been better if he had punched some republican piece of shit in the throat, but this is a start.

By: delmoi

delmoi — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 22:28:37 -0800

I didn't have a problem with Cheney telling someone to go fuck themselves, I thought it was funny and showed how Crass and touchy the guy is. But Spitzer calling himself the fucking steamroller? That's just hilarious. It's just some trash talking, and it's impossible to know if he was joking or what the context was. I don't have a problem with people using dirty language in the Senate if they want to, they've done plenty to "defile" the chamber in there over the last six years.

By: amberglow

amberglow — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 22:45:35 -0800

It would have even been better if he had punched some republican piece of shit in the throat, but this is a start. That will be Bruno, if the State Senate does no-business-as-usual.

By: Malor

Malor — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 23:14:44 -0800

Spitzer did a great deal of good as the Attorney General of New York. He took on numerous tough cases that nobody else would touch, including complex financial frauds, and nailed those bastards to the wall. More steamrolling, please. There's a lot of flattening to be done.

By: rob511

rob511 — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 23:42:27 -0800

This is one children's book I doubt will pass the Texas Review Board.

By: pax digita

pax digita — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 00:11:48 -0800

This is less than charming behavior, whether it's Dick Cheney or someone whose politics are otherwise slightly more palatable to denizens of the blue. Steamrollering may be called for at times, but I'm sad to see this kind of talk applauded, private conversation or not.

By: goetter

goetter — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 00:47:59 -0800

I can't wait for the musical. Will this line be sung falsetto or tenor? Both.

By: jtron

jtron — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 00:55:12 -0800

Yes, how dare we approve of the way the Governor of New York speaks in private?

By: TedW

TedW — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 03:14:48 -0800

I'm surprised Reuters printed the quote. I would've expected "expletive deleted". Reuters is a European news agency and is therefore not required to sanitize their stories to a first-grade level before sending them out. You are not my governor, you are a snort. I see someone else has toddlers around.

By: fourcheesemac

fourcheesemac — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 05:18:34 -0800

He is a fucking steamroller. Just ask Merrill Lynch, SONY, or any other corporation he has taken on and beaten. And Cheney told a colleague to "go fuck himself" on the floor of the US Senate. That's a big difference. Bitch all you want, Republicans. The tables have fucking turned and how does your own medicine taste? (It also helps to know that Tedisco's NY GOP is so terminally corrupt and incompetent that it needs to be talked to like this. And then steamrolled. Go, Eliot, go. )

By: psmealey

psmealey — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 05:29:49 -0800

I would have said that Spitzer is a motherfucking steamroller, but what he said is still technically correct.

By: Brandon Blatcher

Brandon Blatcher — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 06:06:23 -0800

Bitch all you want, Republicans. The tables have fucking turned and how does your own medicine taste? The cycle continues, as no one learns from the past.

By: pardonyou?

pardonyou? — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 06:32:33 -0800

The "steamroller" comment doesn't strike me as that big a deal -- politicians will be politicians, and he's trying to mark his territory just like any big cat. Everyone whips out their dick to see whose is biggest. On the other hand, this: "I've done more in three weeks than any governor has done in the history of the state" suggests a level of hubris and idiocy that is extreme even for a politician. In the words of Mario Cuomo (a truly great governor and statesman, in the best sense of the word -- one that Spitzer will never achieve): "Most of those things take longer. At that rate we should be in heaven in four weeks, but he (Spitzer) might not get in for lack of modesty"

By: fourcheesemac

fourcheesemac — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 06:38:18 -0800

The cycle continues, as no one learns from the past. Au contraire, Brandon Blatcher. What we on the left have "learned from the past" is that if you don't stand up and fight, hard, against corruption, slander, lies, distortion, and all the rest of the evil perpetrated by the right in this country, you will be "steamrolled," swiftboated, and told to go fuck yourself while they steal elections, buy influence, bug our phones, and lock up Americans without due process. "Turn the other cheek" doesn't work. Ask any Christian, since they seem to have given up on that one a while ago. It's a war. Get used to it.

By: Civil_Disobedient

Civil_Disobedient — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 07:08:58 -0800

The cycle continues, as no one learns from the past. Must be new to critical thought.

By: wfc123

wfc123 — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 07:22:39 -0800

Good for him? Didn't we get all wound up when Cheney made a similar comment? posted by aladfar at 11:25 PM EST on February 3 [+] [!] Sure, but Spitzer is a Democrat. That prevents him from being evil. Uh, what giant corp. is Spitzer a front for again..? It must have slipped my mind....

By: AsYouKnow Bob

AsYouKnow Bob — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 08:12:11 -0800

One might need to be a New Yorker to fully appreciate this story. Part of the subtext is that the Governor is a frighteningly bright and talented human being; and the Minority Leader is frighteningly stupid even by the standards of a state legislature (which is saying a mouthful). It's a satisfying as seeing the class genius publicly humiliate the school's dumbest jock. For once.

By: eunoia

eunoia — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 08:41:52 -0800

> Spitzer sounds like an asshole. I agree with this comment. He also sounds insufferably egomaniacal. Hubris is awesome!!

By: breezeway

breezeway — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 09:01:55 -0800

In a few years, Spitzer will be the TR we need to end the current Gilded Age, and "fucking steamroller" will be his "big stick."

By: edverb

edverb — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 09:21:04 -0800

Inside Eliot's Army: (H)e received a warning from a Merrill lawyer: "Be careful, we have powerful friends." [...] Spitzer's reply: "You think you can intimidate me? Screw you. Choose your weapon."

By: Anything

Anything — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 10:22:59 -0800

"This is less than charming behavior, whether it's Dick Cheney or someone whose politics are otherwise slightly more palatable to denizens of the blue. Steamrollering may be called for at times, but I'm sad to see this kind of talk applauded, private conversation or not." Some assholes take no other kind of talk seriously at all. If this guy knows how to put on his own asshole hat and cross them, hooray! I hope he also knows how to take it off, though.

By: champthom

champthom — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 10:42:02 -0800

Wow. As a New Yorker, I didn't realize how awesome Spitzer is. He's now okay in my book.

By: 2sheets

2sheets — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 11:21:35 -0800

"This is less than charming behavior" This isn't a tea party. I don't want to see charm in politics, I want to see results, I want to see blood. Protect the innocent, punish the guilty and quit trying to be nice about it.

By: nj_subgenius

nj_subgenius — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 11:30:57 -0800

Spitzer saw immense opportunity in the mutual fund scandals, Merrill Lynch's role in dot-com thievery, and the paralyzed, feckless SEC under Harvey Pitt vs. W. And he ran with it. Back then he was a steamroller. But what's this? Spitzer teams up whore-of-Babylon consultancy McKinsey to foretell of New York losing its prime spot in investment banking due to government regulation, specifically part 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002...the first really meaningful legislation to protect investors from fraud by requiring proof of internal financial controls. He wants now to roll it back. Eliot Spitzer will 'reform' what suits him personally, and ultimately kneels at the altar of money, as so many politicians feel they must.

By: b1tr0t

b1tr0t — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 11:54:23 -0800

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002...the first really meaningful legislation to protect investors from fraud by requiring proof of internal financial controls. He wants now to roll it back. Just because it is the first, doesn't mean it is any good.

By: nj_subgenius

nj_subgenius — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 12:15:03 -0800

Just because it is the first, doesn't mean it is any good. A lame riposte that doesn't change the fact that Spitzer is a politician first, which was my point. As for the legislation...well, you're entitled to your opinion if you can actually articulate one.

By: snofoam

snofoam — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 12:38:35 -0800

I can be critical of the democrats, or leftists in general, and have no problem calling a spade a spade, but as has been said upthread this is NOT the same as the Cheney thing in any way besides the fact that the same word happened to be used: Regarding the difference between "Go fuck yourself" (directed at someone else, and on the Senate floor, no less) and "I'm a fucking steamroller" (describing oneself, and in an obviously humorous way), I'd agree with amberglow: there's a BIG difference. And if you can't handle Spitzer and want to make a big deal about this because you don't have something real to call him out on, then go fuck yourself.

By: flaterik

flaterik — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 12:44:17 -0800

nj, have you ever had to deal with internal SOX compliance rules? They're braindead. Perhaps he's being realistic in this case. I'm quite cynical about politicians' motives, but at this point I'm even more cynical about the efficacy of SOX regulations.

By: delmoi

delmoi — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 13:29:49 -0800

Sarbanes and Oxley may have had their hearts in the right place, but SOX is a monstrosity for implementors. It makes life difficult for companies doing the right thing, but probably doesn't do much to stop bad corps. On the other hand it's created whole new industries which do nothing but help companies get SOX compliance. It's just like gun laws, politicians feel good about themselves if they pass laws "against" some evil without thinking about how their laws actually effect the world. What's needed isn't SOX, but the real possibility of corporate crooks going to jail for their shenanigans. The Enron trials did a hell of a lot more to stop corporate malfeasance then SOX, I would imagine.

By: Land Stander

Land Stander — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 14:04:35 -0800

And if you can't handle Spitzer and want to make a big deal about this because you don't have something real to call him out on, then go fuck yourself. Well at least a certain part of the "big deal" seems to be coming from the people cheering for it. Which, in all seriousness, is perfectly fine. Though, I have to say it kind of strikes me as a bit "schoolyard fight"-ish.

By: amberglow

amberglow — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 14:10:58 -0800

also, there's a jobs component--NY is losing financial firms to London and the sector is a large employer and large revenue generator for the state, and one of the governor's responsibilities is to keep and grow jobs here in-state. New York leaders warn of Wall Street decline--... Taking pre-emptive steps to address concerns about regulation and litigation might halt the country's loss of market share and add $15 billion to $30 billion in revenue in 2011 alone, the study says. It would also allow for the creation of 30,000 to 60,000 jobs in the securities sector.... In 2005, American investment banking and sales and trading revenue totaled $109 billion ... The pace of job creation in London far outstripped that of New York City, the report says. From 2002 to 2005, London's financial services work force grew 4.3 percent to 318,000, while New York City's shrank 0.7 percent, or 2,000, to 328,400 jobs. ...

By: nj_subgenius

nj_subgenius — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 14:50:57 -0800

flaterik, yes I have, and I hated the process of putting over six hundred 404 controls in place - particularly the ignorant bitching I got from IT people. But it was worth it. Many so-called experts misunderstand two key concepts in implementing internal controls - risk and materiality. SOX has for many companies served as a permanent employment program for internal auditors (much like the overhyed y2k craze), and that's unfortunate, because they don't interepret the law well, and their guidance from external auditors has been overly extreme.

By: nj_subgenius

nj_subgenius — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 14:56:47 -0800

And 404's efficacy has yet to be really tested...but if nothing else, it gives a crooked public company more to hang itself with, and is a very good attempt at short-circuiting the calumny among corporations their once-complaisant external auditors, and boards of directors who once could plead ignorance. Unfortunately consultants like McKinsey can do whatever the fuck they want.

By: nj_subgenius

nj_subgenius — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 14:58:22 -0800

...but this was about Spitzer, get back on topic.

By: b1tr0t

b1tr0t — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 15:38:14 -0800

Maybe you can find a good pile of links about Sarbanes Oxley and then FPP it so we can argue there?

By: nj_subgenius

nj_subgenius — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 16:28:01 -0800

b1tr0t, that's not good form is it? Rhetorical question :-P But I'm sure your family is proud of you.

By: flaterik

flaterik — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 17:36:39 -0800

I guess I'm just ignorantly bitching about useless red tape.

By: any major dude

any major dude — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 18:43:27 -0800

Didn't we get all wound up when Cheney made a similar comment? Actually what I got wound up about was the fact that Leahy didn't wind up and coldcock that criminal scumbag when he said it. Oh what a tideturner that would have been huh?

By: lodurr

lodurr — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 06:50:46 -0800

Thing is, attorneys talk like that all the time when engaged in that kind of negotiation. It comes with the territory. Then they go have lunch and ask how the corned beef is today. And seriously, do you really want an AG who's going to roll over when some high-rent shyster from Merrill-Lynch says "we have powerful friends"? Do you really think that would be a good way to win respect against that kind of tactic? That said, Eliot's got a squeaky-clean rep right now with the NY public. This could do some damage. But he's got years to rebuild to a more accurate image, and even with the tough talk his career demonstrates a lot more willingness to negotiate (i.e., get shit done) than George Pataki ever showed. It remains to be seen whether he'll be a good governor. But he's definitely an improvement.

By: lodurr

lodurr — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 06:56:49 -0800

For me, the key difference from the Cheney episode is that Cheney lost his cool. He wasn't negotiating, he was just in a social situation. It was contrary to the norms of the social environment, and he knew it, and Leahy knew it. That's why, according to all the detailed accounts I've ever heard, Leahy had to clench his jaw to keep from bursting out laughing. He knew Cheney had just knocked a shot right into his own goal. Different games. My guess is that Spitzer will be able to figure out the norms required for the NY Gov's office. He seems to be playing it reasonably well so far. There are some really prickly personalities to deal with, not least being Shelly Silver -- Joe Bruno (the Republican Senate leader) had his own issues, but historically he's shown more willingness to negotiate. I think Spitzer will look to reward that; right now, strangely enough, he's going to have an easier time dealing with the opposition than he will with his own party, and that's mostly because of Silver's Assembly machine.

By: nj_subgenius

nj_subgenius — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 11:43:21 -0800

Hm lodurr, thanks

By: lodurr

lodurr — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 06:03:12 -0800

Recent events lead me to believe I might have spoken too soon. Viz the recent pissing match between Spitzer and the Assembly (i.e., with Silver, who owns the Assembly). Not an auspicious start. Hopefully he can adjust his tactics. But Silver is signalling that he's completely uninterested in doing the budget on time or in honoring any of Spitzer's budgetary requests. He wants to show the Governor who's boss. Spitzer so far seems intent on playing the "glorious reformer" card, and I'm just not sure New Yorkers care enough to make that a viable platform from which to joust at the owner of the Assembly.