Paul Begala apologizes (mea culpa) for mocking Democratic Activists

[AX10]

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2006/05/19/begala_apologizes.html


"Begala Apologizes

Writing for the Huffington Post, Democratic strategist Paul Begala apologized for his recent comment insulting Democratic party organizers.

Said Begala: "I was being arrogant and flippant when I said they're just picking their noses. Mea culpa. You live by the smart-ass quip, you die by the smart-ass quip."

[babylonsister]

1. The e-mails he received must have overwhelmed him. Good! nt

[BlooInBloo]

2. And he continues the article by trying to be helpful and constructive....

... Good 'nuff for me - issue closed.

[mhatrw]

6. Not exactly.

Whose fault is it that the Dems don't have a coherent and well-broadcast message?

I don't think it's the fault of the 8 million spent on the 50 state grassroots organizing campaign.

More of the fault lies with Dem-bashing Dems, I'd venture.

[BlooInBloo]

7. I didn't say I *agreed* with him....

... But imo he's trying to be helpful - that doesn't mean he might not be *wrong*...

IMO, it's perfectly possible to be constructive/helpful, and be mistaken at the same time.

[newyawker99]

12. Hi mhatrw!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[mhatrw]

13. Hi, newyawker99!

You guys rock! Thanks for all the nice welcomes.

[madfloridian]

3. I fear he implies some things he shouldn't about the DNC and money.

He only apologizes to the grassroots, and then makes some assertions he shouldn't make without doing his own checking.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/5/19/85623/6162

[JHB]

4. Almost good enough, Paul...

Now instead of going on air and "having no idea" what Howard Dean is doing with 45million dollars, why don't you ask him?

[madfloridian]

5. Or do a search on it...open secrets or fec. Latest reports May 17 06

You are right. I just was there, and the top 50 expenditures are listed right away, with abc order for the others.

[otohara]

8. He Got A Book Plug In

at the end, which was the main point of writing the mea, shmia

[Spazito]

10. That's my take too, ever the salesman, finishing with his key

agenda which was to plug his book.

Given his background, this comment is incredibly hypocritical, imo:

"So, where's the money gone? I have no idea. I do know that the Washington Post reports that salaries and consultants (Gasp! The dreaded C-Word) have gone through the roof at the DNC. Consultants' costs alone have increased from $1.7 million to $2.8 million. Could it be that the netroots' hero is actually bloating the DNC's Beltway bureaucracy?"

Pot meet kettle! I wonder if he would be open to publicizing any consultant fees he has received? I highly doubt it.

[sendero]

9. "smart-ass quips"...

... generally reflect the true feelings of the quipper. saying something unpleasant with humor might keep you from getting a punch in the nose, but it won't keep us from understanding what kind of Democrat you are.

The obsolete kind, the kind who is largely responsible for the abject lack of power we wield.

We could use a million less Begalas in our party. Him and his type aren't helping, they are just collecting cash for useless advice.

[Justice Is Comin]

11. Biden, Begala, Brazile, Schrum

:puke: