You have to wonder what local Dems think of this - especially those who took part in another "No Party Party" fund-raiser for Republican City-Parish President Joey Durel in December. Along with local Republicans, attorney Glenn Armentor and a handful of other Dems hosted the party - and took a lot of heat for it - because they believe Durel has the community's best interests at heart, regardless of party affiliation. And while it's pretty undeniable Durel has a "Lafayette first" bipartisan attitude when it comes to local politics, his quote in Wednesday's Town Talk (a story that also ran in today's Daily Advertiser) left many readers wondering if he also has a "country first" (think McCain-Palin slogan) mindset.
All of us - Republicans, Dems, indies - are holding on to every thread of hope that the incoming president can help turn the nation's economy around. Take U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany, for example. "I think it's important to recognize that this is a historic event," Boustany told the newspaper in that same story. "The country is excited about the inauguration, and I think it's a good thing. We need to do everything we can to fight the cynicism about politics." Durel, in contrast, had this to say about our new president. "I hope he is successful in some things and messes up in others."
And that's how the story ends.
Seriously?
In a phone interview with the INDsider this morning, Durel insists he actually ended the quote by saying, "I hope he fails miserably on others," but that the reporter cut it short. He explains that he hopes Obama fails on issues like eliminating the secret vote for unionization and raising taxes on the rich.
Durel says he hasn't received any phone calls or flak from the comment. "I was disappointed to see the way she [ended it], but I didn't think it was that big a deal," he says. "It doesn't sound very intelligent maybe."
On that final quote, I can definitely agree. So what do you think?