Locomotive Mule

So here it is, from The Tony Snow Show (12/15/06):

Q How optimistic are you the two parties will be able to get along?

MR. SNOW: That’s a good question. I think it’s important to give everybody the benefit of the doubt on this one, because there are a number of issues where – go back to the first term, what did you have? You had bipartisan cooperation on No Child Left Behind, you had bipartisan cooperation on a number of initiatives, and both parties have talked about the importance of energy innovation and independence. You’ve had both parties talking about fiscal responsibility and discipline.

And I think now Democrats also have an opportunity to step up in developing ways of supporting efforts to create an Iraq that can defend, sustain, and govern itself. So there are a number of opportunities. Also, you’ve heard a number of Democrats say, this is a testing time for us; this is our chance to show that we can come through, that we can produce.

So all of that provides an opportunity for the two parties to work together, and we’ll see what happens. I am not predicting that every moment is going to be rosy; I suspect we’ll have some moments of partisan dispute. But on the other hand, it could be a very fruitful and productive two years, and we hope it will be.

The Republican’s framing of the Iraq Debacle™ for the next two years. This is the approach they’re going to use to bully/cudgle and bludgeon the Democrats into doin’ it their way.

You’ve had both parties talking about fiscal responsibility and discipline.

Translation: “We’re not taking the fall for this alone - we’re going down over the dead bodies of Democrats.”

And I think now Democrats also have an opportunity to step up in developing ways of supporting efforts to create an Iraq that can defend, sustain, and govern itself.
Translation: And rest assured if they don’t step up and fix this fucking mess then we’re gonna make damnned sure that the whole world knows exactly whose fault it is.

I am not predicting that every moment is going to be rosy; I suspect we’ll have some moments of partisan dispute.
Translation: “If that stupid wimp Reid or that bitch Peolsi give us any trouble, we’ll nail their skinny asses to the wall!”

But on the other hand, it could be a very fruitful and productive two years, and we hope it will be.
Translation: “You’ve been warned you uppity wine drinkin’ commies - don’t fuck with us. We own you and the stupid asses you rode in on”