When the GOP loses David Brooks

[babylonsister]

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2008_09/014951.php

WHEN THE GOP LOSES DAVID BROOKS.... Yesterday, in the aftermath of the fiasco on the House floor, my friend Kevin Drum explained, "The Republican Party is now officially hostage to a band of primitive conservative ideologues whose knowledge of economics was already outdated when Christians were being fed to lions. They are simply beyond belief."

It appears that the New York Times' David Brooks, in a pleasant surprise, has come to largely the same conclusion, specifically about the House GOP caucus.

It has been interesting to watch them on their single-minded mission to destroy the Republican Party. Not long ago, they led an anti-immigration crusade that drove away Hispanic support. Then, too, they listened to the loudest and angriest voices in their party, oblivious to the complicated anxieties that lurk in most American minds.

Now they have once again confused talk radio with reality. If this economy slides, they will go down in history as the Smoot-Hawleys of the 21st century. With this vote, they've taken responsibility for this economy, and they will be held accountable. The short-term blows will fall on John McCain, the long-term stress on the existence of the G.O.P. as we know it.

I've spoken with several House Republicans over the past few days and most admirably believe in free-market principles. What's sad is that they still think it's 1984. They still think the biggest threat comes from socialism and Walter Mondale liberalism. They seem not to have noticed how global capital flows have transformed our political economy.

It's nice of Brooks to notice. Better late than never.

On a related note, Brad DeLong added yesterday, "This Republican Party needs to be burned, razed to the ground, and the furrows sown with salt..."

Given recent events, it's hardly an unreasonable prescription.

Steve Benen~

[TwilightGardener]

1. Limbaugh and Hannity will be the death of them. Idiot sheep.

[JaneQPublic]

2. First Andrew Sullivan, and now Brooks

Makes ya wonder if the GOP will go the way of the Whig Party.

[Supersedeas]

3. the wind will shift tomorrow and Brooks will be kissing Eric Cantor's ass

[demokatgurrl]

4. He'll move back though

he is repuke through and through, and as easy to buy as a streetwalker.

[jacksonian]

5. Gingrich on the Libertarian ticket in 2012

was mentioned in the comments. Interesting.

You know, once there was a Whig Party...