Some Democrats privately complain that Mr. Emanuel’s “crisis” statement handed Republicans a cudgel for battering their motives. He voices no regrets, saying it is plain that national crises create opportunities for action that do not normally exist.
“It’s not a political tactic,” Mr. Emanuel said. “It’s an observation of human nature and history.” He likened the health care and energy investments that Mr. Obama seeks to the creation of the transcontinental railroad during the Civil War and the G.I. Bill during World War II.
In a jab at former President George W. Bush, he added: “It’s not like we are using this crisis to invade Iraq. You can ask the right-wing blogs about that.”…
“I still believe people know this is very fragile,” he said. “They believe this is a moment for big things, because we have big problems.”
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