Poor congressional democrats. Get their asses handed to them at every curve and still believe they’re a force to be reckoned with.

My prediction for next year: Nothing will change. Just more of the same.

Bush Says Congress Wasting Time, Money

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Bush, successful in forcing the Democratic Congress to bend to his will, complained Thursday that lawmakers had wasted time and taxpayers’ money. His aggressive stand set a confrontational tone for Bush’s final year in the White House.

Bush used a year-end news conference to scold lawmakers for stuffing 9,800 special-interest projects into a $550 billion spending measure. He directed his budget director to explore how to erase what Bush considers wasteful spending.

What began as a troubling year for Bush, facing a new, energetic Democratic Congress, ended in triumph for the president as frustrated Democrats nursed their losses. Democrats failed in their No. 1 objective to stop the war in Iraq and bowed to Bush and his veto threats on tax policies, energy legislation, children’s health insurance and general spending.

After months of bitter fights, Bush said the year was ending on a high note. “It’s an antagonistic world from some people’s point of view,” the president said. “I try to make it less that way and to focus on high priorities.” (emphasis mine)

As much as he already gets his way, I wouldn’t be surprised if Bush’s budget director guts the recent spending bill. Honestly, I just don’t give a damn any more.