Greg Sargent, Washington Post
The House Speaker, in a private meeting with House conservatives this morning, made a big show of talking tough on immigration reform, claiming he has "no intention" of allowing a House vote on anything that doesn't have the support of a majority of Republicans:
Sweden Refutes ObamaCare Doomsaying
On June - 16 - 2013 ADD COMMENTS
Robert Frank, New York Times
Last month, for the 37th time, the House of Representatives voted to repeal Obamacare, with many Republicans saying that its call for greater government involvement in the health care system spells doom. Yet most other industrial countries have health care systems with far more government involvement than we are ever likely to see under Obamacare. What does their experience tell us about Republican fears?
Last month, for the 37th time, the House of Representatives voted to repeal Obamacare, with many Republicans saying that its call for greater government involvement in the health care system spells doom. Yet most other industrial countries have health care systems with far more government involvement than we are ever likely to see under Obamacare. What does their experience tell us about Republican fears?
Immigration Bill Gains Momentum
On June - 10 - 2013 ADD COMMENTS
Jonathan Chait, New York Magazine
There was a moment last week when the prospects for immigration reform looked, if not grave, then at least extremely dicey. Marco Rubio said he wouldn't vote for his own bill. Raul Labrador, one of four Republicans negotiating a bipartisan plan in the House, ominously withdrew from the negotiations and even more ominously declared, "What may be the story at the end of this session is that Obamacare killed immigration reform."But the events since then have suggested just the opposite. Republicans aren't looking for a way to quietly fold their tent. In fact, the...
There was a moment last week when the prospects for immigration reform looked, if not grave, then at least extremely dicey. Marco Rubio said he wouldn't vote for his own bill. Raul Labrador, one of four Republicans negotiating a bipartisan plan in the House, ominously withdrew from the negotiations and even more ominously declared, "What may be the story at the end of this session is that Obamacare killed immigration reform."But the events since then have suggested just the opposite. Republicans aren't looking for a way to quietly fold their tent. In fact, the...
Sunday Show’s Perennial Senate Guests And The No-Shows
On June - 9 - 2013 ADD COMMENTS
Senators often make the rounds of the Sunday news shows, and Republicans are the most frequent guests.
Why Republicans Can Get Away With Ignoring Their Problems
On June - 8 - 2013 ADD COMMENTS
The GOP can enjoy another strong midterm election in 2014 without doing much more to attract young or minority voters.
Conservatism Is the GOP’s Problem
On June - 7 - 2013 ADD COMMENTS
Josh Barro, Business Insider
What if the problem with your political party is that the policies it advocates are bad?You can't fix that problem by "rebranding" the same platform or finding younger, less-white candidates to promote it. You definitely can't fix it by leaning into your failed policies and becoming more extreme.The solution is to change your ideology. And that's exactly what Republicans need to do.
What if the problem with your political party is that the policies it advocates are bad?You can't fix that problem by "rebranding" the same platform or finding younger, less-white candidates to promote it. You definitely can't fix it by leaning into your failed policies and becoming more extreme.The solution is to change your ideology. And that's exactly what Republicans need to do.
Obamacare Is Killing The GOP
On June - 7 - 2013 ADD COMMENTS
It's not an exaggeration to say Republicans have bet their future on the disaster they expect from Obamacare.
What Is the President Fighting For?
On June - 5 - 2013 ADD COMMENTS
E.J. Dionne, Washington Post
WASHINGTON -- What is President Obama fighting for? What is the point of his second term? His ability to answer these questions in a compelling way will have more to do with his success or failure than all the Republican congressional investigations combined.Up to now, support for the president has held up in the face of the GOP offensive thanks to an improving economy and because many voters -- especially Obama's partisans -- see the Republicans hyping problems into scandals to distract attention from their own divisions and their shortage of solutions.The real danger for Obama is that...
WASHINGTON -- What is President Obama fighting for? What is the point of his second term? His ability to answer these questions in a compelling way will have more to do with his success or failure than all the Republican congressional investigations combined.Up to now, support for the president has held up in the face of the GOP offensive thanks to an improving economy and because many voters -- especially Obama's partisans -- see the Republicans hyping problems into scandals to distract attention from their own divisions and their shortage of solutions.The real danger for Obama is that...
Republicans Party Like It’s 1999
On June - 5 - 2013 ADD COMMENTS
Dana Milbank, Washington Post
It's beginning to feel like the late '90s all over again.Then, congressional Republicans howled themselves hoarse about Clinton administration scandals. But the indicators kept pointing to a booming economy, and support for President Bill Clinton climbed steeply through 1998 as House Republicans marched toward impeaching him.
It's beginning to feel like the late '90s all over again.Then, congressional Republicans howled themselves hoarse about Clinton administration scandals. But the indicators kept pointing to a booming economy, and support for President Bill Clinton climbed steeply through 1998 as House Republicans marched toward impeaching him.
Why Chris Christie May Be a Genius
On June - 4 - 2013 ADD COMMENTS
Sean Trende, RealClearPolitics
Senate Republicans are supposedly fuming, and the base can’t be far behind.But allow me to make, if only for the sake of argument, the opposing case: That Chris Christie might just be a political genius, playing the hand he’s been dealt about as well as he can. I don’t discount this line of reasoning. In fact, I think there’s a decent chance that it might be corr
Senate Republicans are supposedly fuming, and the base can’t be far behind.But allow me to make, if only for the sake of argument, the opposing case: That Chris Christie might just be a political genius, playing the hand he’s been dealt about as well as he can. I don’t discount this line of reasoning. In fact, I think there’s a decent chance that it might be corr
Importance of the Limited Government Brand
On May - 31 - 2013 ADD COMMENTS
Ben Domenech, Transom
Conor Friedersdorf responds to my points regarding the importance of limited government as the core to conservative reform. “But George W. Bush, the last Republican to win the presidency since 1988, and the last one to be reelected since 1984, was not a limited-government type on spending, civil liberties, or foreign policy. Nor were the winning Congresses of those years limited-government Congresses. They backed away from limited government under pressure, and won for a long time doing it. Where, then, does Domenech get the idea that the key to electoral success for Republicans is...
Conor Friedersdorf responds to my points regarding the importance of limited government as the core to conservative reform. “But George W. Bush, the last Republican to win the presidency since 1988, and the last one to be reelected since 1984, was not a limited-government type on spending, civil liberties, or foreign policy. Nor were the winning Congresses of those years limited-government Congresses. They backed away from limited government under pressure, and won for a long time doing it. Where, then, does Domenech get the idea that the key to electoral success for Republicans is...
Why GOP Attacks on Obama Aren’t Working
On May - 24 - 2013 ADD COMMENTS
Charlie Cook, National Jrnl
Henny Youngman, the late borscht belt comedian, told hundreds of politically incorrect jokes. One of them was his response when asked, "How's your wife?" "Compared to what?" he'd say.Many women find the joke tasteless, but it can be a useful framework for thinking about national politics. Americans may not be ecstatic about President Obama and his policies, but compared with the Republicans, they think Obama doesn't look so bad. This might partly explain why, even with all of the controversies engulfing the Obama administration these days,...
Henny Youngman, the late borscht belt comedian, told hundreds of politically incorrect jokes. One of them was his response when asked, "How's your wife?" "Compared to what?" he'd say.Many women find the joke tasteless, but it can be a useful framework for thinking about national politics. Americans may not be ecstatic about President Obama and his policies, but compared with the Republicans, they think Obama doesn't look so bad. This might partly explain why, even with all of the controversies engulfing the Obama administration these days,...
Obama’s “Idiot” Defense
On May - 22 - 2013 ADD COMMENTS
Jonah Goldberg, National Review
Although there's still a great deal to be learned about the scandals and controversies swirling around the White House like so many ominous dorsal fins in the surf, the nature of President Obama's bind is becoming clear. The best defenses of his administration require undermining the rationale for his presidency."We're portrayed by Republicans as either being lying or idiots. It's actually closer to us being idiots." So far, this is the administration's best defense.It was offered to CBS News' Sharyl Attkisson by an anonymous aide involved in...
Although there's still a great deal to be learned about the scandals and controversies swirling around the White House like so many ominous dorsal fins in the surf, the nature of President Obama's bind is becoming clear. The best defenses of his administration require undermining the rationale for his presidency."We're portrayed by Republicans as either being lying or idiots. It's actually closer to us being idiots." So far, this is the administration's best defense.It was offered to CBS News' Sharyl Attkisson by an anonymous aide involved in...
Republicans Obsessed With Exploiting Scandals
On May - 20 - 2013 ADD COMMENTS
Paul Brandus, The Week
We just had a week that showed, once again, why the American people are right to hold their elected leaders in contempt, and why trust in government is so low. It really does seem like our lawmakers spend all their time trying to put the political screws to the other party "” while the people's business goes undone.Let's take the ongoing Benghazi saga. The White House, trying for a change to get in front of the controversy, released more than 100 pages of emails sent in the frantic aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2012, terror attack. They showed that Republicans,...
We just had a week that showed, once again, why the American people are right to hold their elected leaders in contempt, and why trust in government is so low. It really does seem like our lawmakers spend all their time trying to put the political screws to the other party "” while the people's business goes undone.Let's take the ongoing Benghazi saga. The White House, trying for a change to get in front of the controversy, released more than 100 pages of emails sent in the frantic aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2012, terror attack. They showed that Republicans,...
ObamaCare 37, Republicans 0
On May - 17 - 2013 ADD COMMENTS
Michelle Cottle, The Daily Beast
Republicans want the American people to know that Thursday’s House vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act was most definitely not an act of empty political theater.
Republicans want the American people to know that Thursday’s House vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act was most definitely not an act of empty political theater.
Republicans’ Desperate Measures
On May - 17 - 2013 ADD COMMENTS
Robert Shrum, The Daily Beast
I've written that in the end, congressional Republicans won't agree to move forward on the budget, tax reform, immigration, job creation, or any other issues that matter to mainstream America before the presidential elections. But the fall of 2016 is a long time away, and they have to do something in the meantime. Now we know what it is.
I've written that in the end, congressional Republicans won't agree to move forward on the budget, tax reform, immigration, job creation, or any other issues that matter to mainstream America before the presidential elections. But the fall of 2016 is a long time away, and they have to do something in the meantime. Now we know what it is.
GOP Looks To Extend Controversies Into 2014
On May - 15 - 2013 ADD COMMENTS
Congressional Republicans have been trying for months to lacerate the Obama administration with the controversy surrounding last September's Benghazi consulate attacks, but their efforts have mostly been met with shrugs by the public at large and a look of annoyance by the president.
Will Republicans Overplay the Obama Scandals?
On May - 14 - 2013 ADD COMMENTS
Peter Weber, The Week
ObamaCare Train Wreck
On May - 10 - 2013 ADD COMMENTS
Rep. Mike Pompeo, USA Today
When the Affordable Care Act was passed, opponents (mostly Republicans) warned that it would be a disaster. Few of us on Capitol Hill could have anticipated that we would later be joined by a raft of former Democratic proponents so eager to distance themselves from ObamaCare that they're using even harsher terms. Let's call these politicians the Train Wreck Club.
When the Affordable Care Act was passed, opponents (mostly Republicans) warned that it would be a disaster. Few of us on Capitol Hill could have anticipated that we would later be joined by a raft of former Democratic proponents so eager to distance themselves from ObamaCare that they're using even harsher terms. Let's call these politicians the Train Wreck Club.
Marco Rubio: "We are dealing with an administration that, quite frankly, has shown a reluctance to enforce the immigration law."
On May - 7 - 2013 ADD COMMENTS
The Truth-o-Meter says: Half-True | Marco Rubio says Obama shows ‘reluctance’ to enforce immigration law
Republican Sen. Marco Rubio is taking a precarious lead on immigration reform within his party, where the vocal conservative wing is wary of any hint of amnesty for people living in the U.S. illegally. Rubio is framing his case, in part, by reminding Republicans that they don’t want President Barack Obama leading the way on this issue. "We are dealing with 11 million people, but we are also dealing with the future of immigration in this country, and we are dealing with an administration that, quite frankly, has shown a reluctance to enforce the immigration law," Rubio ...
>> MoreGOP Makes Bogus Push
On May - 6 - 2013 ADD COMMENTS
This week, House Republicans are rolling out a plan they hope will boost the party's appeal among working families, by giving private sector workers the option of converting overtime pay to paid time off. Pushing the bill, which is expected to get a vote this week, is House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, who made it a key item in his big February speech pitching the GOP to working families. The speech was meant to kick off the GOP's new, softer agenda, but if the party is looking for fresh ideas after their defeat in the 2012 election, this isn't one.
Republicans’ Class Warfare Opportunity
On April - 29 - 2013 ADD COMMENTS
Joel Kotkin, New Geography
As a Truman-style Democrat left politically homeless, I am often asked about the future of the Republican Party. Some Republicans want to push racial buttons on issues like immigration, or try to stop their political slide on gay marriage, which will steepen as younger people replace older people in the voting booth. Others think pure market-oriented principles will, somehow, win the day. Ron Paul did best among younger Republican voters in the primaries.Yes, ideas do matter, but a simple defense of free markets is not likely to have broad-enough appeal. What Republicans need is a...
As a Truman-style Democrat left politically homeless, I am often asked about the future of the Republican Party. Some Republicans want to push racial buttons on issues like immigration, or try to stop their political slide on gay marriage, which will steepen as younger people replace older people in the voting booth. Others think pure market-oriented principles will, somehow, win the day. Ron Paul did best among younger Republican voters in the primaries.Yes, ideas do matter, but a simple defense of free markets is not likely to have broad-enough appeal. What Republicans need is a...
The Economic Whodunit
On April - 28 - 2013 ADD COMMENTS
E.J. Dionne, Washington Post
WASHINGTON -- The policy mystery of our time is why politicians in the United States and across much of the democratic world are so obsessed with deficits when their primary mission ought to be bringing down high and debilitating rates of unemployment.And since last week saw a cross-party celebration of the opening of George W. Bush's presidential library, I'd add a second mystery: Why is it that conservative Republicans who freely cut taxes while backing two wars in the Bush years started preaching fire on deficits only after a Democrat entered the White House?Here is a clue that...
WASHINGTON -- The policy mystery of our time is why politicians in the United States and across much of the democratic world are so obsessed with deficits when their primary mission ought to be bringing down high and debilitating rates of unemployment.And since last week saw a cross-party celebration of the opening of George W. Bush's presidential library, I'd add a second mystery: Why is it that conservative Republicans who freely cut taxes while backing two wars in the Bush years started preaching fire on deficits only after a Democrat entered the White House?Here is a clue that...
