The Incredible Shrinking Boehner . . . is that a great title or what?

[mistertrickster]

http://www.slate.com/id/2273344/


Source: SLATE.com

frame game
Electile Dysfunction
The GOP's incredible shrinking Boehner.
By William Saletan
Posted Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2010, at 8:02 AM ET

Sixteen years ago, in the wake of the election-night landslide that brought him to power, Newt Gingrich asserted a mandate for his Contract with America and a new leadership role for himself. "The Republican Whip in a minority role is a middle linebacker," he said of his previous job. "The Speaker of the House is a head coach."

Last night, in the wake of another landslide, incoming Speaker John Boehner sent a very different message: "While our new majority will serve as your voice in the people's House, we must remember it's the president who sets the agenda for our government."

The president? You've just been handed 60 House seats by voters disgusted with the president, and you're deferring to him?

This is the difference between Gingrich and Boehner. Gingrich set the agenda. He put forward a platform, treated the election as a referendum on it, and tried to implement it. He governed. He played quarterback, or at least head coach.

For this, Gingrich paid a steep price. Against his offense, President Clinton played middle linebacker. In 1995 and 1996, Clinton ran against Gingrich's agenda and beat it.

(more at link)

[notesdev]

1. It's very funny

and I would keep it private. This gleeful use of sexually crudity in the political sphere is one of the factors that drove voters away from the party.

[mistertrickster]

2. I wonder how the T-baggers like it? Their mighty Speaker caves before he's even installed. nt

[MilesColtrane]

3. How about, "Boehner: The Great Blumpkin"?

If you don't know what a "blumpkin" is, don't look it up.

Trust me.

[arbusto_baboso]

4. I think of him more as a Hot Carl on the face of America.

[MilesColtrane]

6. A Dirty Sanchez on the body politic?

The Cleveland Steamer of government?

[arbusto_baboso]

7. I bow to your superior innuendo-making capabilities!

:applause:

[Erose999]

5. I think "Orange Glo" is a good title for him. Or maybe "the drunken cheeto".