Reply #23: This is reminiscent of Emanuel's statement to liberals and progressives:

[xocet]

"The friction was laid bare in August when Mr. Emanuel showed up at a weekly strategy session featuring liberal groups and White House aides. Some attendees said they were planning to air ads attacking conservative Democrats who were balking at Mr. Obama’s health-care overhaul.

“F—ing retarded,” Mr. Emanuel scolded the group, according to several participants. He warned them not to alienate lawmakers whose votes would be needed on health care and other top legislative items."

(http://fdlaction.firedoglake.com/2010/01/26/rahm-emanue... )