Zero-Sum PR Or The “Look Fellas, We Tried” Strategy

The Post reports (in an “EXCLUSIVE”!) that Governor Pataki wants to put the kibosh on the MTA’s $50 million goodwill bribe:

Gov. Pataki is demanding the MTA put the brakes on its half-fare-for-the-holiday plan, saying the agency’s surplus would be better spent on security and building a new rail link to lower Manhattan, The Post has learned.

“Encouraging the use of mass transit and attracting more visitors to the city during the holiday season is always a good idea,” Pataki told The Post in a statement.

“However, the surplus should be prioritized to ensure the safety, reliability and future financial stability of our transportation infrastructure.”

Doesn’t this Good Cop/Bad Cop act work well for both sides? The MTA gets to say, “Look, Fellas — we tried!” while Pataki comes off as the sensible one. I like it!