Hastert doubtful on privatization plan

Dennis Hastert is a real power player in the current GOP. And he just went on the record about privatization (from the WaPo story above):

"Politically, we probably need to get something done by next spring, a year from now," he said. "You can't carry it right up to an election. That's just political dynamite."

So, he's given up on this year and acknowledges that pushing for privatization during the 2006 election cycle would be suicide. Doesn't that mean it's pretty much DOA?

Josh Marshall reminded me that Bill Frist was quickly slapped into line by the White House after saying something similar. But Hastert hasn't backed off-- he's just 'clarified' his position by reminding everyone what a great idea he thinks it is.

Now I'd better not hear any more Dems toying with the idea of compromising...

UPDATE: Courtesy of TPM. Hastert isn't backing off on the record. Instead, his spokesman is backing off for him:

"Today, Hastert's spokesman Ron Bonjean tells Roll Call they took the Speaker's words out of context: "The Speaker wants to get Social Security done by the end of this year. It’s not like he’s doubtful we can get it done this year.”

The ol' out-of-context routine. Works every time, as long as you're a brainwashed rightie. Pitiful. It's just the sort of argument that keeps the mainstream journalists' hands tied. He said/she said: According to person A, the lines were taken out of context. It might be true to say "no they weren't," but apparently it wouldn't be fair and balanced.