A failure for the ages (Boehner)

[ProSense]

A failure for the ages

By Steve Benen

I find it relatively easy to feel sorry for House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio). He's weak and inept, but most of the ridiculous things that happen among House Republicans aren't by Boehner's design. The Speaker didn't want the 2011 debt-ceiling crisis; he didn't to hold several dozen votes to repeal the Affordable Care Act; and he didn't want the government shutdown he forced last night. They're all the result of a radicalized caucus he doesn't control, want, or influence.

But Jonathan Cohn makes the case that what Boehner needs isn't pity; it's blame.

He's in a difficult position, for sure, but it's partly one of his own making. Sometimes leadership means telling followers what they can and can't do. In this case, that should have meant telling Tea Party Republicans they can't get rid of Obamacare, because it became law, was upheld by the Supreme Court, and validated by a presidential election. Boehner tried to say something along those lines after the election, but conservatives howled and -- as usual -- he backed down, promising the right they'd get their chance. Now they expect it to happen.

It won't. And at some point Boehner needs to say so. It will mean taking political risks, but that's what leaders do.

As he's proven, leading isn't Boehner's principle goal. The Speaker wants to hang on to his power, his nice office, and his lovely gavel, and if that means going out of his way to placate extremists so they don't get mad at him, so be it.

That might be pathetic, but it's also the foundation of his job security.

Indeed, in the larger context, it seems the political mainstream is still coming to terms with a dynamic for which there is no modern precedent: a Speaker of the House with no power, no backbone, no accomplishments, and no prospects for success. Boehner isn't just failing in basic tasks, he's failing as Speaker at a historic level.

- more -

http://maddowblog.msnbc.com/_news/2013/10/01/20772599-a-failure-for-the-ages

John Boehner: Worst. Speaker. Ever.

Mr. Tears is a clown.



Ouch: ‘House of Turds’: New York Daily News Cover Skewers Boehner
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023758169

Poll Indicates GOP Has Been Deeply Damaged By Shutdown Fight
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023758198

[DetlefK]

1. "Worst speaker ever." Isn't that a quote by Nancy Pelosi?

[ProSense]

3. His ineptitude is

epic



http://www.democraticunderground.com/1017133525

[global1]

2. If Anybody Should Understand The American People More About Their Need For Jobs - It's Congress.....

look how hard they fight for getting their job in the first place and look what they'll do to keep their jobs.

It's most unfortunate that they don't empathize with the Ameircan People and do the job that they were elected for - because in doing that job - they will do more for themselves keeping their own job - than all these political maneuverings that they've been doing.

A sad commentary!!!!!!

[Laelth]

4. k&r for the truth. n/t

-Laelth

[Hutzpa]

5. This dude has no control over his own

party, your typical puppet on strings.

Damn shame.

[ProSense]

6. None. n/t

[AAO]

7. The tears of a clown, when evrybody's around...