Meaning: The quote you've provided is from journalist Peter Brimelow and touches on the political stance of former U.S. President George W. Bush and Howard Dean, who was a prominent figure in the Democratic Party during the early 2000s. In this quote, Brimelow expresses his opinion on Bush's position on affirmative action and government spending, implying that he believes Bush has compromised or given in on these issues. However, he also suggests that apart from these specific concerns, he views Bush as acceptable, drawing a parallel between Bush and Howard Dean, a well-known Democratic politician at the time.

When analyzing the quote, it's important to consider the context in which it was made. The mention of affirmative action and government spending indicates that the quote likely dates back to the early 2000s when these topics were particularly salient in American politics. Affirmative action, a policy aimed at promoting opportunities for groups that have been historically marginalized, was a contentious issue during this period. Government spending, especially in relation to social programs and the economy, was also a key point of debate during the Bush administration.

Brimelow's statement suggests a somewhat nuanced view of President Bush. While he criticizes Bush for his stance on affirmative action and government spending, he also seems to imply that he finds the president generally acceptable, albeit on par with a figure from the opposing party. This indicates a level of ambivalence or perhaps even a sense of equanimity in Brimelow's assessment of the two politicians.

It's worth noting that the comparison drawn between Bush and Dean is intriguing. Howard Dean, a former governor of Vermont, gained national prominence during his 2004 presidential campaign, particularly for his anti-war stance and opposition to the Iraq War. By likening Bush to Dean, Brimelow may be suggesting that, in his view, their overall political positions were not drastically different, despite their party affiliations. This comparison underscores the idea that, at least to Brimelow, the differences between the two politicians were not as pronounced as one might expect.

It's also important to consider the source of the quote. Peter Brimelow is known for his conservative viewpoints, and his commentary often reflects a right-leaning perspective. This context adds another layer of understanding to the quote, as it suggests that Brimelow's assessment of Bush and Dean is likely influenced by his own political inclinations.

In conclusion, Peter Brimelow's quote provides insight into the political climate of the early 2000s, particularly regarding affirmative action, government spending, and the perceived similarities between George W. Bush and Howard Dean. The quote captures a specific moment in political discourse and reflects the complexities of evaluating political figures within a partisan landscape.