The 2005-6 “we’ll privatize your Social Security” version of the Republican Party was considerably less radical that the one we’re dealing with now, but they were radical enough. I watched how the 2006 midterms developed very closely, and it was clear that the GOP was going to get slaughtered if they didn’t pivot and allow some daylight between themselves and the inept post-Katrina Bush administration. They never made the slightest move to save themselves and they went down to the slaughter. I figured that they’d surely moderate their ways for 2008. But they didn’t change a thing. After losing two straight elections in spectacular fashion, I kind of half-expected them do some soul-searching, but they went Full Metal Teabagger instead. So, I’ve pretty much given up on the idea that the Republicans are capable of dialing back the crazy when it suits them politically. The debt ceiling fiasco is further proof that they can’t. And, so, I understand fully why the whole progressive world seems firmly convinced that there will be no compromise on the SuperCommittee. They could be right. I wouldn’t want to bet against them. But, it could be structured in a way that the Dems care less about the triggers than the Republicans. Sen. Portman could be the key player if there is going to actually be a bill with shared sacrifice that can win a majority in both Houses. The world is basically going off-kilter because of persistent debt, slow growth, and paralyzed leadership caused by congressional Republicans in Washington. They’re taking a lot of blame for what’s happening in the stock market. They’re getting hammered for the credit rating downgrade.
Never underestimate the GOP’s ability to screw things up, but they might just do the right thing just this once. Maybe.
And Portman created this mess. He knows that. Here’s to hoping that he’ll be ready to do some atonement.
