How embarrassing for Mr. Boehner.
So now we're hearing an array of Democratic pols urge the speaker to rejoin the negotiating process with President Obama. That may be the only path left for the House leader, although it appears that Boehner is a de facto leader of few--far too few to sustain his speakership as leadership. The same path for Obama, however, besides a display of mere showmanship, would be ill advised.
The Republican Party is teetering, and it is quite possibly terminal. A responsible, good-faith opposition party would have grievously pondered the election's results and then positively rushed its House members to the floor to pass the Senate tax bill, which awaits only House action. Such an act would have signaled a refreshing Republican willingness to once again play adult roles in the nation's governance. Yet that, the party did not do. Instead it pouted and threatened and has regressed even farther.
In short the Republican Party has slapped a DNR label on its anti-intellectually corrupt and soullessly ailing ass. President Obama would be wise to honor that label. He should no longer dignify the GOP by permitting it further chances at respectability. They'll only turn on him anyway. It's going to be a long two years, and Obama should spend that time profitably by pulling the GOP's plug. Then, in its memory, perhaps a genuine, earnest and newborn conservative party can gather some wits, duly ensoul, and arise.
Amen! Well stated!
Posted by: Suzanne Holland | December 20, 2012 at 08:34 PM
Not claiming any particular prescience here but I think it cannot be clearer that there is no deal that Boeher could possibly get by his caucus that the president could sign. The negotiations that upset so many were just a sham. I will make a further prediction, the Hastert rule be damned, Nancy Pelosi now has a real chance to bring a clean bill authorizing the extension of the middle class tax cuts. Ain't schisms wonderful!
Posted by: Peter G | December 20, 2012 at 08:52 PM
After watching much of "Morning Joe" today, the GOP is obviously at the point of civil war.
Does Obama have the guts to push them into one?
Posted by: Robert Lipscomb | December 21, 2012 at 08:33 AM
Peter, she tually get enough signatures now to bring th Senate bill to the floor. I have a hunch there are a lot of Republicans in the House who are embarassed by what happened yesterday.
PM, you might even enjoy Rubin's column this morning and, even more miraculous, agree with some of it. And the comments are precious. Other than one person who is clinging to the belief that Obama created the fiscal cliff, the turning on the TP is wonderful to see.
Posted by: japa21 | December 21, 2012 at 08:34 AM
While it might be possible for Boehner to cobble together enough "moderate" Republican votes and solid Democratic support to pass the Senate version of the bill, it would probably mean the end of his Speakership to do so. But it's also pretty clear the Cantor would not be able to get anything done in the House either. So it's starting to look like an unmendable rent in the GOP fabric. The question is, does Boenher have enough integrity to pass the Senate version with Democratic support and then fall on his sword for the greater good of the country, or is he just a spineless political hack trying desperately to keep his job?
Posted by: shsavage | December 21, 2012 at 09:43 AM
I'll go with hack.
Posted by: Peter G | December 21, 2012 at 11:38 AM