Lee Miringoff Quotations

She remains a controversial figure when she moves out from the Democratic primary sweepstakes.

Right now, Eliot Spitzer wishes Election Day was tomorrow, or today.

I would suspect we're going to hear about accomplishments but also hear about things that are more for Des Moines (Iowa) and Nashua (N.H.). The larger audience will be the one he's thinking about in the future.

Keep in mind, this is going to be a race that is not going to get a lot of attention with rank-and-file Democrats. You are talking about who can raise the money to generate attention for themselves.

Spitzer's thinking Democratic primary. On the Pataki side, this has to do with his legacy and looking perhaps to take the best from New York and move on.

I think Hillary probably has been counting on a gang of them coming after her. And, of course, she probably has been counting on the gang all being (men).

It could turn into a Democratic year in New York, which might then have an impact on down-ballot races for Congress.

The polls are tapping into name recognition, and that can be a big factor later on if the dynamic doesn't change.

The question is often asked when people drop out, what does their endorsement mean? And the answer is, if they had a huge following they wouldn't be dropping out. For rank-and-file voters, it probably means less than if some convention votes come with it.

Upstate feels it's been left out of the economic recovery, and that's going to lead to more grumbling.

Both could make a good case that this is a good fit for them.

Bloomberg is really pitching a shutout now. Even the debates really did not upend the mayor's apple cart.

Bloomberg is really pitching a shutout now, ... Even the debates really did not upend the mayor's apple cart.

There's not a lot of political capital to spend on moving the Legislature the way he wants if they don't want to go.

There's no doubt that Republican efforts to soften up Hillary Clinton in 2006 for 2008 haven't gone well. Anti-Clinton sentiment isn't raising the money that some had hoped for.

Public political opinion is very complex. Some people have long-held, unwavering outlooks; other times the 24/7 news cycle creates immediate reactions. Emotion is clearly a part of this, particularly among strong partisans, though other dimensions like personal values and knowledge come into play.

This is an opportunity for both of them to get back in the swing of things. The problem for both of them is the other one.

It's a lot to do in a short time when you're largely unknown and look like you're somewhat of a reluctant candidate because you certainly weren't in this at the opening bell. The to-do list is very long.

It looks like whether you treat them together or separately, it would certainly be an uphill fight for either of them, and clearly part of that has to do with a continuing reluctance on the part of a large number of American voters to think in terms of a woman in the White House.

The numbers suggest that a case could be made for Mr. Gore in 2008 ... though it's a little unclear what he may have in mind. Clearly, he is someone to be watched, especially as an alternative to Hillary Clinton.

The best thing each of them have going for them is their opponent. The negatives are high enough to keep things locked in place.

In this strike, the city was divided along racial lines in a way that it has not been in a long time.

Clearly, there are other candidates who are going to breathe a sigh of relief that the millions of dollars and the name recognition he would have brought to the race will not be there.

Clinton beat a Bush, then was replaced by a Bush who may be replaced by a Clinton. The whole thing has gotten very complicated.

If he wants to stay in and he wants to have a candidacy and he wants to look like a fighter, then he plays the outsider strategy, which is what he's doing.

Her comments about Bush being one of the worst presidents in history aren't accidental. She was trying to spike up some of the core Democratic support.

The initial criticism was that this is politics, not business, but he's someone who has learned over time to merge his business background with his politics.

The goals are not incompatible. But first things first. New York is a very blue state and for a primary and general election, putting yourself at that level does nothing to lower his chances by any means ... that becomes part of his contrast with the Democratic and Republican challengers. It widens the stature gap.