In the midst of an uncommonly busy news day that included the Pope speaking at the United Nations and President Obama welcoming Chinese President Xi to the White House, GOP House Speaker John Boehner chose to announce that he is resigning as Speaker and leaving Congress effective October 31, 2015 (Halloween?).
Boehner held a press conference to address his reasons for this surprise resignation, but avoided saying outright why the decision came so suddenly. He alluded to the truth when he mentioned that he didn’t want to put Congress through some unspecified turmoil. What he was covertly referencing was the opposition to his leadership by his GOP peers and the prospect of a motion to vacate the post, in effect a vote of no confidence that could have led to a new Speaker’s election. Rather than face that humiliation, Boehner chose to bug out.
That wimpiness is emblematic of Boehner’s legacy as Speaker. Ever since his ascendancy to the post he has wobbled in fear of the Tea Party caucus that demanded a radical and uncompromising agenda. Boehner has presided over an embarrassing reign of failure and capitulation. The tiny Tea Party cell of extremists in the House has utterly dominated him and reduced him to a dysfunctional figurehead who cannot complete even the simplest tasks of governing. He even set failure as a standard when he said that Congress “should not be judged on how many new laws we create. We ought to be judged on how many laws we repeal.” [Note: Number of laws Congress repealed while Boehner was Speaker: Zero] As a result, Boehner’s tenure is notable for being the most ineffectual Congress in history. It has managed to produce fewer bills, and work fewer days, than any Congress in modern times.
While achieving that dubious honor, they also held more than fifty votes attempting (unsuccessfully) to repeal or otherwise cripple the Affordable Care Act (aka ObamaCare); filed a futile lawsuit against Obama over immigration; orchestrated a costly and unnecessary shutdown of the government; and formed the Special Committee on Politicizing Benghazi. All the while missing real opportunities by declining to hold votes for bills that would have passed merely because they didn’t have a majority of Republicans. What Boehner seemed to fail to grasp is that he was the Speaker of the whole House, not just the Republican caucus – and certainly not the Tea Party.
His departure will create a vacuum at the top that will not be filled without a bloody battle for control. Boehner’s chief lieutenant, and staunch ally, Kevin McCarthy, will not be welcomed by the GOP’s Wingnut Caucus. There will almost certainly be one or more conservatives entering the contest to be his successor. Maybe even Louie Gohmert (if we’re lucky) who got three whole votes when he ran against Boehner earlier this year (despite having endorsements from Sean Hannity and Sarah Palin). Consequently, Boehner’s alleged hopes of preventing the House from undergoing turmoil is going to have the opposite effect. It is just Boehner who will avoid the turmoil.
It is clear that Boehner’s rush to the exits is due to more than just a desire to spend more time with his family. You don’t ditch a job that puts you second in line for the presidency of the United States without serious concerns. Especially during an election year that is so consequential to his party. However, this opening may present an opportunity for Boehner’s last Republican primary opponent in his Ohio district to run again for the seat. J.D. Winteregg may not have had a realistic chance of unseating Boehner back then, but he did have one of the best campaign videos ever.
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Some side effects include hearing impairment (as in what the country really wants, not just Republicans). And a la Stephen Sondheim, “Throw the lonely dog a Boehner, it’s still a Boehner. . . .”
Although we are happy that the Bonehead is finally out of there (though shuddering at the idea of who might replace him), perhaps it would have been more appropriate if he stuck around until April 1st. Because that is when all fools should leave…
If you’re worried about that, maybe you can blame your democratic party and president for pissing the electorate off so much they were dealt multiple election losses (2010 & 2014) and giving the house to the GOP. His resignation is a victory for anyone opposed to establishment run politics.
No, not the “Democratic Party” and the President pissing the electorate off. There were 2 million more votes cast by democrats in the last election . I was done by Rethuglican governors and the gerrymandering of districts. That is is why the GOP won. I know facts those pesky things you lik to ignore.
Pesky facts huh – if it’s what you say – how did the democratic party take congress from the republican party in 2006 and then big time in 2008. How did that happen exactly? maybe it’s not as clear cut as you think – keep working on the excuses – Blind follower. Your theory is easily destroyed with actual election results that just don’t support your theory. Good try though.
You were running your mouth about 2010 & 2014. I answer your question. As for 2006 & 2008 look at the Rethuglican turnout if you want to talk about the electorate being pissed off.
I see you just ignore the contradictory data that does not support your theory – being wrong can be hard – it’s ok. I’m used to the liberals here having a hard time being wrong.
Louie Gohmert and Ted Cruz will be buying up all the Viagra within a 100 mile radius.