It’ll be interesting to see how Boehner reigns in his new Tea Party compatriots. They’re going to have an agenda that doesn’t exactly line up with the traditional Republican agenda. During the Bush years it was easy for the Repubs to vote straight down party lines. The Tea Party has thrown a little wrench into those gears. Does Boehner have the leadership skills to keep his party’s various interests in line?
Also now that he and his party has some power, they have to walk the fine line between appearing obstructionist and appearing like he’s caving in to Obama’s agenda. Do they work with the Dems to solve these very real problems? Or do they shut down government? Either way could bite them in the ass with voters. Boehner has his work cut out for him.
To me the story here is more about how the Republicans (and their Tea Party subset) are going to govern rather than any massive swing in the political landscape. It is easy to be an opposition party — much more difficult having to actually govern.
And now… Boehner jokes!
When the House of Representatives has a Boehner, every night is erection night.
