Meaning: The quote by Bruce Babbitt, a politician and former Governor of Arizona, reflects on the implications of a particular case and its impact on the functioning of the government. Babbitt's statement alludes to a specific law or legal case that had substantial repercussions, leading to a consensus among politicians from both sides of the political spectrum that the government could not effectively operate under such circumstances. The quote implies that the case prompted a reevaluation of the existing legislative framework, ultimately resulting in the repeal of the law in question.

Bruce Babbitt's political career is marked by his tenure as the Secretary of the Interior under President Bill Clinton, as well as his role as a prominent figure in the Democratic Party. His experience and insights into the workings of government and the legislative process provide valuable context for understanding the significance of the quote.

The phrase "we can't run a government by this kind of process" suggests a recognition of the dysfunction or inefficiency caused by the specific legal process or law that was in place. Babbitt's assertion that "everybody on both sides of the aisle in Congress" reached this conclusion indicates a rare consensus among politicians who are typically divided along party lines. This consensus underscores the gravity of the situation and the imperative for change.

The subsequent action of repealing the law is portrayed as a positive outcome, indicating that the recognition of the flawed process led to corrective measures being taken. This highlights the responsiveness of the government to acknowledge and rectify deficiencies in its functioning, ultimately serving the interests of the public and the effective governance of the country.

The quote also hints at the broader implications of the case, suggesting that it served as a catalyst for a larger conversation about the proper functioning of government and the necessity of a more effective and equitable legislative process. By referencing "other ones," Babbitt implies that this particular case was not an isolated incident and that similar issues may have arisen in the past, reinforcing the urgency of addressing systemic flaws in the legislative and legal framework.

In a larger context, the quote speaks to the dynamics of governance, the impact of legal decisions on the functioning of the government, and the role of bipartisan consensus in addressing systemic challenges. It underscores the significance of recognizing and rectifying deficiencies in the legislative process to ensure the smooth operation of the government and the realization of its objectives.

Overall, Bruce Babbitt's quote encapsulates the idea that the government cannot effectively function under a flawed legislative process, and the willingness of politicians from both parties to acknowledge and address such deficiencies is crucial for the effective functioning of democracy. The repeal of the law in question is portrayed as a positive outcome, signaling a commitment to improving the legislative framework and upholding the principles of good governance.