Meaning: The quote you provided is attributed to Richard Allen, a public servant who served in various roles in the United States government, including as National Security Adviser to President Ronald Reagan. The quote reflects Allen's perspective on the approach taken by different administrations in reaching out to members of the opposing party when forming their teams.

During the Reagan and Bush Administrations, Allen suggests that there was a concerted effort to reach out to Republicans when assembling their teams, with only one exception. This implies that the leadership of these administrations prioritized inclusivity and sought to incorporate individuals from the Republican Party into key roles within the government. By doing so, they may have aimed to foster a sense of bipartisanship and ensure that diverse perspectives were represented in the decision-making process.

In contrast, Allen contends that the Clinton administration, led by President Bill Clinton, failed to effectively reach out to Republicans when forming its team. This perceived lack of outreach and inclusivity, according to Allen, resulted in the administration paying a political price. The implication is that by not including members of the opposing party in key positions, the Clinton administration may have missed out on the opportunity to build broader support and consensus for its policies and initiatives.

It's important to note that this quote reflects a specific viewpoint and should be considered within the context of the political dynamics and events of the time. The dynamics of reaching across party lines and the impact of partisan considerations on government appointments are complex and multifaceted. The quote offers insight into the perceived strategies and consequences of different administrations' approaches to building their teams, as seen through the lens of Richard Allen's experience and perspective.

In the broader context of American politics, the concept of reaching across party lines to form inclusive teams and foster bipartisanship has been a longstanding topic of discussion and debate. The effectiveness of such efforts, the motivations behind them, and the potential consequences of failing to engage in bipartisan outreach are subjects of ongoing analysis and scrutiny.

In summary, the quote attributed to Richard Allen highlights the perceived differences in approach between the Reagan and Bush Administrations, which reportedly made efforts to reach out to Republicans when forming their teams, and the Clinton administration, which is suggested to have failed to do so, with perceived political consequences. This perspective provides insight into the complexities of partisan dynamics and inclusivity in government appointments, offering a viewpoint that contributes to the ongoing dialogue about bipartisanship and political decision-making.