The crux of the argument is that the poutragers went on an on about how Obama's attempts at compromise only emboldened the Republicans to repeat hostage-taking opportunities. We saw endless predictions about how his approach looks weak and will therefore encourage more of the same.
It turns out that the poutragers were (gasp!) wrong.
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) urged rank-and-file Republicans in a Wednesday memo to avoid brinksmanship in battles over Washington spending.
The message from the majority leader is an effort to prevent the kinds of fights over government spending that could lead to government shutdowns this fall if Congress cannot agree on legislation to fund the government.
It suggests Republican leaders worry they could take a political hit if there is a government shutdown from voters already irritated over the contentious summer talks on raising the debt ceiling.
Do I think Republicans have learned their lesson for good? No. But this demonstrates that the House leadership recognizes who has been winning this battle for public opinion and they're going to back off during this election cycle.
I'd call that a "shoot and score" for the Democrats.
Cantor is drawing up the articles of surrender. The Tea Party way of running government is a colossal failure and Boehner crushed his dreams of becoming Speaker with those two debt ceiling votes.
ReplyDeleteHe'll throw every last tea partier overboard to hold on to his seat and if that means cutting deals with The President then so be it.