Paul Begala actually said...

"If our Republican friends are so deeply and principally opposed to federal spending after running up $5 trillion in debt, let them opt out."

"The president wants to move forward. He seems to have less of a retribution streak in him than almost any politician I've come across. I think it's good for the country."

"I think Mark also has the right take, which is, as a senator, respected senator, former Democratic majority leader, he gets a lot of benefit of doubt, I think, from his colleagues."

"The notion that they need to pay retention bonuses, as the man said in Jessica Yellin's piece, is preposterous."