Posted on 07/29/2011 6:44:37 AM PDT by RummyChick
House Speaker John Boehner has a new excuse for the dissent within the ranks of the House Republican Caucus he is supposed to lead.
The caucus, Boehner says, has been infiltrated by a cabal that hopes to take the US economy hostage in order to force political concessions from President Obama and Congressional Democrats.
Appearing Wednesday on conservative talk radio host Laura Ingraham’s,, Boehner acknowledged what every serious economic analyst has already said: that a failure to raise the debt ceiling before the August 2 deadline would be devastating to an already struggling US economy.
So “why,” Ingraham asked, were House Republicans resisting the deal that President Obama has offered—a deal that is ridiculously deferent to Republican demands for cuts to needed domestic programs and for tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy.
“Well,” Boehner said of the most belligerent members of his caucus, “first they want more. And my goodness, I want more too. And secondly, a lot of them believe that if we get passed August the second and we have enough chaos, we could force the Senate and the White House to accept a balanced budget amendment.”
Let’s be clear about what Boehner is saying: he has members of his caucus—perhaps sufficient in number to block resolution of the debt ceiling fight—who would be willing to force the United States to default on its debts. Why? Because they want to create so much economic chaos that the president and Congressional Democrats will sign on for a bad policy that could not otherwise advance.
That’s blackmail. But Boehner’s not concerned about the fact that his lawless colleagues would threaten the good faith and credit of the United States—not to mention the economic stability of their homeland—in order to score political points.
The Speaker’s only concern is that a wrong move might make it harder for him to maneuver politically.
“I don’t think that that strategy works,” Boehner explained to the radio host. “Because I think the closer we get to August the second, frankly, the less leverage we have vis à vis our colleagues in the Senate and the White House.”
That is sort of reassuring.
Boehner is not a responsible player. But at least he is enough of a hack to fear that his colleagues who have lost touch with economic reality might—if allowed to have their way—create chaos not just for the economy but force a crisis that Ingraham suggested could “be disastrous for the Republican Party.” John Nichols
“How many DEMOCRATS voted NO???????”
Right on!
What % of republicans were for the bill compared to the % of democrats that were for it?
Force political concessions from Obama&Co. would be a wise move just to let them know they don’t the country.
Last I heard, John Boehner is a HOUSE REPUBLICAN. What the hell is he supposed to do about REID’S senate???
You appear to have fallen for the democrats’ meme of it’s the Republicans who are to blame for the current debt crisis and ‘risk of default’. When in actuality it is wholly the democrats’ doing which have gotten us here and are keeping us here. They put us in debt and won’t let us get out.
Blame the abusers, not their detractors. I’m limiting my criticism to those who created and perpetuate this crisis -the democrats! Since taking Congress in December 2006 they’ve ruined the economy. They own it -and the blame.
Who’s the Tin Man? McCain?
Such as she sees the Boehner plan as capitulation. Such as she sees the country heading for bankruptcy when there are trillions in responsible cuts that could be made. Such as she is against raising the debt ceiling...and no responsible leader would ask for more when there IS NO MORE!
Hell, she’s been on this like white on rice. Pay attention your own self and stop making crap up out of whole cloth.
“So what has Sarah done to get that through Reid’s senate?”
Sarah currently is a civilian, with the influence of a private citizen, just like you. What have YOU done to get it through Reid’s senate other than whine on a a political thread?
LOL. Thanks! That's the point, here!
This kind of "make republicans shoot each other" article that RummyChick posted belongs on DU, not FR.
As I see you've devolved to dry heaves at 0-2 for content, I guess you're done now?
But you need to take a closer look at what your leadership has been doing behind closed doors in conjunction with the other party for the past 80 years. There is a reason we've been on a steady march towards socialism and increasing spending irresponsibility all during that time.
All I'm asking for is a choice that isn't less of the same, which is what Boehner's bill represents.
I refute bullsht like this article aimed at strengthening the leftist position.
Seems this was one was the only way for The Dems, to get the OBAMACARE out of the spotlight and off the table for a good while. Now I know there will be no repeal of OBAMACARE.
Yoy! Do you understand how convoluted this circular thinking is? First of all, Boehner shouldn’t even be giving the REID senate a second bill, eespecially one that is an opening to ADD crap that THE DEMS IN THE HOUSE WILL VOTE FOR. The first bill the House passed was not voted on in the senate. SEND THEM A MESSAGE. Vote on the CCB. The HOUSE DID its job. Period.
Boehner needs to step aside so a conservative can take charge and get this mess fixed. We need someone with balls standing up to the national socialists, not his candy ass.
Oh. Both of my senators voted for CCB. Both of yours voted against it.
So get that beautiful hellhole of yours out there in order before you bitch about us.
the DC beltway with its multitude of private clubs and multitude of DC insider exclusive parties has lost touch with reality.
Beltway disease is a real thing.
this author and Boehner have it.
The Senate did vote on CCB you fool. Boehner took it up there as soon as it passed the house. It failed 51-46.
That was a week ago. Miss much?
|
sarcasm off.
My leadership is the freshmen who voted No on Boehner’s plan. Whomever wants the Fed to shut down until FY surplusses are created is who I support. Failing that I’ll support a new bill which creates the surpluses.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
