Political Quotes

“The Senator understands President Bush was elected promising he was going to change the tone in Washington--more civil and more bipartisan. I actually thought he got off to a good start. He invited Democratic Congressmen and Senators to the White House. They had a good time. They watched movies, he gave them all nicknames, and it looked as if it was going to be a great change in atmosphere. In the last week or two, things have not improved. They have gone the other way: The decision in the House of Representatives by the Republican leadership on the tax cut vote they would not even allow amendments from Democrats or Republicans on the floor. They allowed one substitute vote. Their hearings in the Ways and Means Committee did not allow any bipartisan exchange. Frankly, I do not think that is in keeping with the President's promise of more bipartisanship. It is going to occur over here. There will be a real debate on taxes in the Senate. Senator Grassley, as chairman of the Finance Committee, is going to provide an opportunity for amendments and discussion in his committee. We will have a chance to offer amendments on the floor, and a 50-50 Senate finally will debate this bill. The last week has not been promising. The decision of the President to go to the home State of the minority leader, Tom Daschle, was an interesting choice. I do not think it was the best political decision for a President preaching bipartisanship, but it was his decision.…”