I remember the discussion about this at the time. There were people who saw it as Boehner calling Obama's bluff. Seems like that is exactly what happened and Obama folded and covered up his humiliation by lying. Seemed like he'd gotten away with it until now.
Calling Obama’s bluff meant agreeing to tax increases, something Boehner and Cantor said they would not agree to. The MSM is using this as a wedge issue to undercut the GOP House leadership and hurt them with the Tea Party. This could affect turnout in November and divide Reps.