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Special Report
Replacing Speaker Boehner
Here’s how and why it has to be done.
John Boehner is a good man in a hard place. He has served in public office as a lifelong conservative, not a RINO. His position on the Obama tax increases has been better than almost any other Republican who has been speaking out lately, given the Obama/Democrat election victories — close loopholes and deductions for $800 billion in new revenue over a decade, but no increases in rates.
But face it. Boehner is no match for Obama on the national stage. He cannot press the economic arguments articulately. He does not have a compelling personality. Obama is running circles around Boehner with outrageous falsehoods, and Boehner cannot raise a peep to challenge him. Boehner has managed to allow Obama to turn the Bush middle class tax cuts, passed by a Republican majority Congress over 10 years ago, into the Obama middle class tax cuts, supposedly opposed by the House majority Republicans.
Reagan-era Democrat Speaker Tip O’Neill used to say Reagan’s budgets were dead on arrival. He used to counter Reagan proposals by saying they just could not get through the House. After the Reagan landslide reelection of 1984, O’Neill responded that the people had elected a Democrat House majority too, and they had as much right to pursue their policies in the House as Reagan had to pursue his policies as President. And O’Neill had a personality that was easily dismissive of questioners.
But from Boehner, nothing like any of that.
Of course, Boehner has a special problem that would be faced by any other Republican Speaker — a national news media that voluntarily behaves in serving the ruling Democrat regime like the old Soviet media was forced to under compulsion. The New York Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, ABC, CBS, NBC, these are shamefully dishonest institutions. They are not remotely practicing journalism. They are political activists posing as journalists.
And this is no longer a contention over which reasonable people can differ.
This so rightly called “lamestream” media fawningly covers all the dishonest, Calculated Deception that Obama proclaims over and over. But it will not cover what Boehner has to say in response.
Still Newt Gingrich had a way of dominating the narrative, and getting his message through. Though even conservatives have failed to notice that while Clinton may have used the presidential bully pulpit to win the PR war over the government shutdowns of the 1990s, it was Gingrich who won the substance. Federal discretionary spending actually declined in nominal dollar terms for a year, which never happens in Washington, and total federal spending declined by one seventh as a percentage of GDP by 2000, a dramatic slash in Big Government on top of the Reagan cut (total federal spending under Reagan dropped by one tenth as a percentage of GDP despite the defense buildup that won the Cold War without firing a shot). Gingrich also got the Democrat President to go along with the biggest capital gains tax cut in American history, almost a 30% rate cut, which led to the biggest run of federal surpluses in history. Gingrich’s House majority was also re-elected for a dozen years, which had not happened since Babe Ruth was playing baseball.
But the biggest reason Boehner must go as Speaker is found in the Constitution. As Jeff Lord reminded us a month ago, the Speaker of the House does not have to be an elected member of the House. Anyone can serve as Speaker!!!
Think about the possibilities and the opportunities that creates. Republicans can pick the most articulate, knowledgeable, lucid leader possible to fire volleys back at Obama and the Democrats.
That is what is needed now most of all. An articulate Republican who can take on Obama and his dishonest, false narratives. About the rich, the budget, spending, taxes and debt. About energy and the environment. About the Obama record, and the longest trail of broken promises in world history.
Steve Forbes could be named Speaker of the House. Or Larry Kudlow. Or Steve Moore. Or Paul Gigot. Or Grover Norquist. Or Rush Limbaugh. Or Sean Hannity. Or Mark Levin. Someone who can talk, explain, tutor, and at last who knows what he is talking about. How about R. Emmett Tyrrell? Hell, they could even bring Gingrich back.
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy are perfectly capable of managing the day to day affairs of the House and getting legislation through. What the Republicans need as Speaker of the House is something they don’t have now — someone who can speak.
But how is it even possible for this to happen? Hasn’t Boehner already been re-elected as Speaker?
Shortly after the election, the newly elected House Republican Conference met and chose Boehner to serve as Speaker again. But that is not legally official until the new House votes on it sometime after the new House convenes on January 3.
About the Author
Peter Ferrara is Director of Entitlement and Budget Policy at the Heartland Institute, General Counsel of the American Civil Rights Union, Senior Fellow at the National Center for Policy Analysis, and Senior Policy Advisor on Entitlements and Budget Policy at the National Tax Limitation Foundation. He served in the White House Office of Policy Development under President Reagan, and as Associate Deputy Attorney General of the United States under President George H.W. Bush.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (133) | Leave a comment
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Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 12.12.12 @ 6:28AM
You're right about the Senate. McConnell sounds like he's in pain when he expresses an opinion. The Senate needs a new leader on the Republican side.
As far as Boehner he needs to hire a coach. His friends need to sit him down and send him to a debating coach. It's not a put down. Everyone needs coaches. Romney's debating skills went up several notches after he hired a coach. It works.
Boehner's communication skills make him appear weak but perhaps he can be salvaged.
Maybe that would benefit McConnell also.
Jack in Wi| 12.12.12 @ 8:12AM
Fire Boehner and Cantor. The leaders of the opposition are supposed to oppose. The House holds the pure strings. Pass the Bush tax cuts and go home. Let the sequestration go ahead. It is the best we can do at the present time. Cut all funds for Afganistan, except to bring the troops home, and foreign aid. The whole country would be behind the House.
Frank Drackman| 12.12.12 @ 9:45AM
OK Jack, I typed this like 57 times yesterday before I realized our Internet connection was down...
Jack, lets take a Hypothetical situation, i.e., you were Heterosexual.
Thats right, Straight as Wilt the Stilt in his Fornicatin' Prime, and you could pick any/or all of the following Chicks to Intercourse with.
A: Natalie Portman(OK, I know you don't watch TV, but I know you've seen "PM)
B: Scarlett Johansen
C: Michelle Trachtenburg
D:Sara Michelle Geller
E: Rosie O'Donnell
You're gonna pick Rosie??HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Cause otherwhise your a Homo, or you'll catch Zionism...
Frank "A,B,C,D" Drackman
KennesawJack| 12.12.12 @ 10:41AM
Frank, you forgot F: Sandra Bullock and G: Katherine Zeta-Jones (by osmosis?).
Kennesaw "A, B, C, D, F, G" Jack
Pecos Pete| 12.12.12 @ 11:24AM
Watch out KJ, Tim gets all wee-weed up when we play with Frank.
Pesco "not Frank" Pete
KennesawJack| 12.12.12 @ 11:32AM
Speaking of which. Has anyone seen or heard from Timmy this morning? I get a little worried when he goes dark, thinking he may have had a 2 AM visit from Barack's Boyz.
TLP| 12.12.12 @ 1:56PM
I don't care who you guys play with.
It's when you Fall In Love with them, that I get worried.
Frank Drackman| 12.12.12 @ 11:37AM
Kay-jay's a MOT!?!?!?!?
Oh, by Osmosis, as in,
"Frank aquired the ability to speak Ebonics in an Intergrated(95% Black)Pubic School by Osmosis"
Frank "Osmosin' like a Mo-Fo"Drackman
KennesawJack| 12.12.12 @ 11:42AM
Exactly.
TLP| 12.12.12 @ 1:57PM
Really?
Occam's Tool| 12.12.12 @ 11:53AM
Yes, Dr.D, but Jack is a cheek spreader from the wayback, and probably cannot comprende your Englais....
Jack in Wi| 12.12.12 @ 4:10PM
All I wrote is cut all foreign aid to everyone. It all goes to criminals and kleptocrats. I also suggested that Cantor be fired along with with Boehner. That got the Zionist goon squad in Haifa up in arms. We Americans are never to hold anyone of their tribe accountable for their actions. We are also supposed to carry their welfare queen on the backs of the american taxpers in perpitutity. You will also see how they can't honestly discuss the issues but talk a lot of pornographic nonsense, mostly homosexual. Well they ought to know about homosexuality. They write about it enough.
capatolistmom| 12.12.12 @ 2:39PM
Jack I don't always agree with you but you are right on. Boehner, Cantor and McConnell need to go and go NOW!! There are plenty of people in the house and the senate that are more articulate, more persuasive, and more strategic!!! The ol guard needs to go if we are to have any hope!!
woodsman1st| 12.14.12 @ 10:55AM
You hit the nail right on the head!
The "old guard needs to go"!
Until that happens obama and Dirty Harry Reid will continue to run roughshod all over the House and their plans to destroy America as we know it I(or almost, as we remember it) will continue unopposed. Boehner, in spite of the authors faith in him) just does not have the cajones to stand up to Obama. Boehner acts as thought he is afraid of Obama, never, not ever, looking obama square in the eye when in his prescence. Then after a dismal meeting with obama where obama bullies Boehner into total submission, Boehner returns to the House and like Chamberlain loudly proclaims "peace in our time"; when in fact Boehner did nothing, accomplished nothing, and totally caved in to the stronger willed, and devious, Obama.
If America is to be saved with any appearence of the America I grew up in and love, Boehner must be replaced with a person that can speak and has the courage to look obama in the eye and tell him NO!
Rhoetus| 12.12.12 @ 9:34PM
No one admires a man who is a crybaby.
benny havens| 12.12.12 @ 6:45AM
Mark Levin and Rand Paul get my vote.
Silver Bullet| 12.12.12 @ 8:37AM
Mark Levin!! Yes!!
Terrible Ted| 12.13.12 @ 12:13AM
Allen West!
Silver Bullet| 12.12.12 @ 8:38AM
Mark Levin!! Yes!!
capatolistmom| 12.12.12 @ 2:42PM
Brilliant - couldn't have picked two better choices. Can you see Obama negotiating with Mark Levin - Obama would need coaches on each side just to translate - Levin is so over Obamas head!Can't you just see Levin telling Obama to shut up!! Get the real facts and come back to the table when you understand the concepts of Liberty and Freedom!!
darcy| 12.12.12 @ 3:36PM
We need a tiger to confront Obama and someone who will tell the Marxist media they're full of bull crap, exposing them for the liars they are.
Mark Levin is that man.
No not A. West: he voted with the leadership 70% of the time; his campaign rhetoric did not match his votes.
No not Gingrich: we need someone who is not politically motivated; and G is also at heart a transnationalist -- do your research.
Now start writing and calling 16 House conservatives and tell them its dump Boehner or face a third party challenge in 2016, because our time has run out and conservatives at long last understand that we're being played for our votes and dismissed and marginalized at policy-making time. And even if a third party yields a democrat victory, an establishment Republican victor would deliver the same smelly progressive agenda but conservatives would NOT be permitted to dissent in the least.
In other words, it makes no difference at this point if an R or a D wins the WH, the country is going down the toilet, but only slightly slower with what passes for the opposition party, the unprincipled Republican establishment traitors to our Founding.
darcy| 12.12.12 @ 3:52PM
". . . [T]he unprincipled Republican establishment traitors to our Founding" . . . and happier to make nice with the media and their Democrat "friends" than to fight for our country.
And Mr. Ferrara, you're much too generous in your assessment of Boehner. You must know full well that in the debt-limit negotiations 18 months ago, he NEUTERED conservatives, and quite decisively so. I still have the article from the National Journal written by Major Garrett in my files that lays it all out, the arm-twisting and all.
Not to mention Boehner's removing -- just last week -- conservatives Huelskamp, Amash, and Schweikert from their respective committee assignments -- pay back for being more loyal to their actual CONSTITUENTS than to the "leadership."
Boehner is an utter DISGRACE. And I include Cantor and McCarthy as well, self-seekers to the core with not an ounce of respect for limited government in their whole bodies. Not the slightest bit of passion for reining in statism, but only out to amass for themselves the perks of their office.
Do know that life-long conservative Republicans HAVE HAD IT.
darcy| 12.12.12 @ 5:01PM
Andrew McCarthy for speaker. Now here is a man completely unafraid to stand his ground.
irish19| 12.12.12 @ 5:10PM
If we're going outside the House, Thomas Sowell.
darcy| 12.12.12 @ 6:47PM
Excellent nominee!
woodsman1st| 12.14.12 @ 11:04AM
Darcy; great comment! Especially the part about Boehners political sneak attack upon the Representatives who are more loyal to their CONSTITUEENTS than to the leadership. They were voted in for the exact reason that Boehner dismissed them. The Good Old Boys greatly fear these new Tea Party members Representatives and with good reason; they were sent to DC to represent our voices, which they are trying to do; something totally foriegn to the Good Old Boys!
Rhoetus| 12.12.12 @ 9:35PM
Neal Boortz would be an excellent choice too. ;-)
Joellen| 12.12.12 @ 6:52AM
Allen West, put this good man to good use.
NedB| 12.12.12 @ 9:41AM
Allen West as speaker, then stand back as liberal heads detonate. ;)
GobBluthe| 12.12.12 @ 9:43AM
What a loser.
benny havens| 12.12.12 @ 4:08PM
A loser due to redistricting.
Appleby| 12.12.12 @ 6:53AM
Rand Paul would be my choice.
GobBluthe| 12.12.12 @ 11:13AM
He'll be ripped apart by his 1964 Civil Rights Comments
KennesawJack| 12.12.12 @ 3:10PM
I believe that was Ron. We're talking about Rand, here.
GobBluthe| 12.12.12 @ 6:45PM
No it's Rand.
KennesawJack| 12.12.12 @ 10:40PM
Wasn't Rand about 12 years old in 1964 or are you saying he made the remarks "regarding" the 1964 Civil Rights Act? Your statement sounds like he made remarks in 1964.
Sean| 12.12.12 @ 7:09AM
Get rid of this bum. He is not a conservative. No conservative with the power of the purse would allow us to continue with trillion dollar deficits. No conservative would remove fiscal conservatives from their committees.
Von Mises Jr| 12.12.12 @ 7:20AM
Mr. Ferarra assumes that the Liberal GOP Establishment wants to fight Obama and stand for conservative principles.
I recall a bus load of conservatives that protested in McConnell's DC Office while he was on the Floor of the Senate preparing to vote for re-instating earmarks. He backed down only as AFP and conservatives swarmed his Staff letting him know that no more donations would be coming from the largest conservative activist group in the nation representing patriots in some 35 States.
Boehner did not dream up and proceed with purging the TEA Party conservatives from Committees on his own. Cantor and McCarthy are not without blood on their hands. Sticking a new face on a broken system (even if it is one without marbles in his mouth) does not change the direction of the Party.
I have met Allan West and think he is a great man and patriot, but seriously, what is the probability that the Statist GOP will pick him when they gerrymandered him out of Congress for being a conservative spokesman.
Our solution needs to be taking a hatchet to the liberal GOP Establishment, not a scalpel. By definition, you cannot have Leadership that has no followers.
KennesawJack| 12.12.12 @ 8:43AM
Von, your last sentence says it all. I have this faint hope that someone in the Republican House caucus will quietly arrive in January, present the establishment Republicans with a fait accompli, and Boehnor will find himself out of the Speakership. It is a very, very faint hope but, if it doesn't happen, it may be time to seriously consider forming a third party, something I have alway resisted but, it is obvious, the establishment doesn't care to confront the Socialists in the Democrat Party. As for Speaker, Newt. He would be a lightening rod for the press and they cannot ignore him. He would be villified, pilloried, castigated, etc., etc. etc. and he would not be reticent to give as good as he gets. Let the ONE try Gingrich on for size and watch what happens. All of the above, by the way, is called "wishful thinking".
Russel| 12.12.12 @ 9:08AM
I was attempting to put into words , when KJ posted the above . Newt also came to mind . " The foodstamp president " stuck like epoxy . He would be great and would do it for free . Ah bummer , yes , prob wishful thinking .
Von Mises Jr| 12.12.12 @ 10:35AM
I like the way Jack and Russel think.
Newt and Rush get under the liberals skin more than anyone. Newt smacked down the moderator in the debate that got him kudos, and Rush has the MSM in a frenzy over his metaphors. MSNBC had a cow over "Santa Claus" before the show was even over.
Socialist invented Political correctness to shut people up, and to take issues off the table for their cowardly base. Rush always said being a liberal was the easiest, most cowardly choice. You stand for nothing except what is deemed "popular" and "acceptable" thought.
I have been around these jackals way too long (get me out of here). I love to piss them off. It is easy and you can do it in so few words, if those words are on the PC "off-limits" list.
First they try their programmed response their parrot masters have taught them. Then they yell "shut up," and finally call you names. It doesn't bother me and gives me a laugh watching how much it aggravates them.
Give a liberal an aneurysm for Christmas. It is fun, easy and cost only a moment of your time.
TLP| 12.12.12 @ 2:19PM
There actually is a way to Walk, and Chew Gum at the same time, on this one.
Give Hamas' Deliverer what he wants on the Taxes on the Rich, but only with the following Condition.
He wants another $250 Billion Stimulus.
No way, and remind everyone what he did with the last Shovel Ready Infrastructure Jobs Stimulus.
Then get out there and tell the American People that you're doing this to prevent the Decimation of our National Defense, and Medicare. And say it every time you open your mouth, to exhale.
The Rich aren't Stupid. They will find their way around all this, and the Inevitable Economic Downturn will be laid at the feet of the Political Party with the Jackass as it's Symbol, and it's Leader, and his Second in Command.
This is the only way out of all this.
Trust Me.
Have I ever steered you wrong?
TLP| 12.12.12 @ 2:20PM
I await your thoughts on this, Jr.
Von Mises Jr| 12.12.12 @ 2:42PM
I wouldn't give him any concessions. The only reason we are playing this charade is that Obama wants the Republican's fingerprints on this.
He has no intention of averting the fiscal cliff. When we go over and the Bush rates sun set, any new rate cuts for middle class earners will be spun as the Obama Tax Cuts for the Middle Class.
We can't prevent the nation from being scammed other than simply telling them what is about to happen. You can go back a few months and I had a bullet page predicting exactly where we will be in January. The War Game was clear as a bell.
But the liberals cannot really fix the problem with a phony fiscal cliff deal. It is not the Republicans that bring the crisis, but the markets. So when Obama takes FULL OWNERSHIP, and the market $H!TS the bed, Republicans will not be tied to the sinking ship.
Then the Republicans can talk about Obama NOT solving the spending, deficit and debt crisis.
TLP| 12.12.12 @ 3:07PM
That's not gonna happen.
If we do Nothing?
They will hang this around OUR NECKS. The Media will KILL US on this.
Your way is Unsustanable.
I am convinced that My Way is the only way.
We're gonna take an Economic Hit no matter what. The Fiscal Cliff is gonna happen, no matter what.
My way insures that the Blame falls on him.
Think about it.
TLP| 12.12.12 @ 3:08PM
My way removes our Fingerprints.
Joellen| 12.12.12 @ 5:17PM
Lets have the "GODFATHER" slap Boehner across the face and yell at him "You can act like a man"! That should do it, Boehner then directs all republicans to vote present (ala Obama) and walk away - and then we let the chips fall rightly in place.
CJW| 12.12.12 @ 7:59PM
Joellen
Good early entry. Brando's words: "You can act like a man, instead of a Hollywood finocchio"
PaleRider2| 12.13.12 @ 11:25AM
Only one problem with that, Joellen ...
'Men' don't SLAP other men. They may grab them by the neck, they may push them around, they may even punch them...but no man slaps another man, a most 'unmanly' thing to do.
Slapping is for women, see.
I thought that particular scene was absurd, obviously, in an otherwise great movie.
Now having said that, Joellen, I get your drift.
Job| 12.12.12 @ 4:44PM
just do like the one and vote present
Russel| 12.12.12 @ 9:03AM
Sadly , I have to agree Von . The author has given us a perfect plan , so what we need to do is locate and use that hatchet ?. I suggest the Tea Party , if they havn't been so emasculated , they're nothing more than eunuch's dressed as court jesters ( hm , isn't , that's what we currently have ' in charge ' ? ) . According to Hannity guests of late , they are feeling that way and don't like it one bit . Frankly , they're pissed . And they haven't been Washingtonized , yet . So maybe that's our only way out . Damn this is frustrating .
Pecos Pete| 12.12.12 @ 7:21AM
Hot damn! The Republicans could force the election of Nancy Pelosi as Speaker. Wouldn't that be fun?
mcr| 12.12.12 @ 7:27AM
I suggest Allan West, Sarah Palin or Trey Gowdy.
Simon Templar| 12.12.12 @ 11:41AM
Allen West would be perfect as Boner and his idiots forced him out and threatened him as well.
darcy| 12.12.12 @ 3:54PM
Trey Gowdy, YES.
Not the other two. Very bad idea.
Martin kzovich| 12.12.12 @ 7:58AM
I agree that Boehner must be replaced but so does the rest of the Establishment leadership. At the very least we should not dirty our hands with any of Obama's proposals--that means voting present as a political stand --and making clear we will not be held hostage--its all on Obama . Then we must be ready to challenge Obama's power grabs actively--not sit by and whine. Leaders need to go above the media and to the people and educate them in very simple language because they are stupid.
Kwan| 12.12.12 @ 8:23AM
Good ideas Mr. Ferrara. But the old ways die slow and hard. Boehner has his little fiefdom of power and supporters in the House and it is not likely that he will just step aside. What is called for in this critical time period as the Forces of Darkness coalesce in DC in an effort to topple the nation and replace it with a Communist People's Republic, are genuine counter-revolutionary politicians more concerned about saving the nation than their own careers and power. In other words kamikaze pilots with a John Rambo attitude willing to confront and obstruct every one of Obama's attempts to subvert the nation.
Kwan| 12.12.12 @ 8:23AM
Good ideas Mr. Ferrara. But the old ways die slow and hard. Boehner has his little fiefdom of power and supporters in the House and it is not likely that he will just step aside. What is called for in this critical time period as the Forces of Darkness coalesce in DC in an effort to topple the nation and replace it with a Communist People's Republic, are genuine counter-revolutionary politicians more concerned about saving the nation than their own careers and power. In other words kamikaze pilots with a John Rambo attitude willing to confront and obstruct every one of Obama's attempts to subvert the nation.
TLP| 12.12.12 @ 3:09PM
A double post, Mr. Kwan?
I'm stunned.
Jim T| 12.12.12 @ 8:42AM
in addition to the Constitution being silent on whether a Speaker must be a member of the House, the House Rules are silent. http://clerk.house.gov/legislative/house-rules.pdf
R Martin| 12.12.12 @ 8:52AM
Mr. Ferrara highlights an axiom of human nature: one skilled person can make a huge difference wherever he participates. I remember watching Navy football when Roger Staubach was quarterback. Even to an untrained eye, he was far and away the best player on the field, and he led the Academy to a national championship game against Texas in the Cotton Bowl. Navy has not been back at that level since. Think of any schoolyard basketball game in which you’ve played and how one skilled player always determined who won.
That’s the Republican problem. There’s no Staubach, no Reagan, not even a Gingrich (in office). Such a person is certainly out there, but those in power are not in any way forming a search party.
Hardcard| 12.12.12 @ 8:58AM
Let's let the mean stream media decide who should be the speaker of the house. Maybe they can choose one of their own for the job, and it would cut down all the mean spirited bickering. How does speaker, al sharpton, butch madow, chrissy mathews, andy cooper, pauly kruegmen, georgie clooney, the possibilities are endless. Now we can all get along.
Sjccoach| 12.12.12 @ 9:03AM
Mr. Ferrara your CINO premise is wrong. John Boehner is a RINO. The man keeps going along with the Democrats and gives them what they want. The House Speaker does not need to be replaced. The Republican Party needs to go the way of the Whigs. Until that happens nothing will change.
Anthony| 12.12.12 @ 9:10AM
The real problem is the fact that Boehner's and his boys real agenda is first and foremost to "have good careers in Washington".
Since the needs of the country come second to their careers, of course Boehner and his ilk will not act like leaders and take on Obozo and the leftist MSM. That would require professional pols like Boehner to sacrifice their "careers" for the good of the country.
They want the trappings of power, the perks, and the Washington associations, without any of the heavy lifting.
This is why Term Limits is a must. At least with term limits there's more a chance of electing people who will do the bidding of the people and not their personal political agendas.
Granted, it takes guts to take on Obozo and the MSM, but that's what leaders are supposed to do. If your career is first and foremost, then by defination, you're not qualified to be a leader.
And that is why America is in the situation we are in today!!
Bob K| 12.12.12 @ 9:25AM
Bad opening sentence Mr. Ferrara! You need a better lead in if you are serious about dumping Boehner. Here is a more "catchy" one.
"John Boehner is a soft man in a hard place."
fmm| 12.12.12 @ 9:50AM
Exactly. It is not helpful to give false cudos to someone you are about to bash for poor performance. The unvarnished truth is always better.
Tom of the Missouri| 12.12.12 @ 6:18PM
The unvarnished truth is not always better. When you are attempting to ease someone out of office, it is much easier to remove them if they are allowed to save face when leaving their leadership position and will thus be less likely to not dig in their heels and attempt to destroy his mutinous former alies. We should demand he go and then allow him to save face and retain his house seat. I am sure this is all that Mr. Farrar had in mind with his faint praise. We all know his record as the tongue tied and cowering speaker.
McClain | 12.12.12 @ 9:40AM
If the Republican establishment was around in 1776, would they not ostracize the revolutionaries despite mouthing rhetorical agreement with republican ideas and goals? Absolutely.
Establishment Republicans would be less concerned about pursing independence from Britain and instead would be focused on compromising with the Tories to remain in the minority as the Loyal Opposition.
I'm afraid the idea and ideals of the American experiment has run its course.
Freedom is slavery.
Knowledge is ignorance.
Long live the King.
Rhoetus| 12.12.12 @ 9:40PM
The Democrats have a plan to burn down the country immediately, the Republicans want to phase it in during the next 4 years (Bush41).
GobBluthe| 12.12.12 @ 9:43AM
So what would another more conservative speaker be able to do?
KennesawJack| 12.12.12 @ 9:45AM
Depending on who or she is, the MSM would not be able to ignore coverage. And the best part, Obamarx would have to deal with someone with principles. What a concept.
GobBluthe| 12.12.12 @ 9:47AM
and how would this magical speaker win over Obama.
Conservatives are like blacks. Waiting for a white knight to rescue them
KennesawJack| 12.12.12 @ 10:25AM
This new Speaker would win simply because Obamarx is a one-trick idealogue Pony and could only stammer his way through a debate handled even-handedly by the press. Oh, and by the way. This wouldn't be a "magical" Speaker. Obamarx is the "Magic Negro" (at least according to Al Sharpton) so Conservatives couldn't lay claim to the title. Beside, nothing magical about Conservatism. Only illusion around D. C. these days is the notion of a Marxist Utopia actually being a real thing. P. S., I thought the blacks had their "Black Knight", the One, the New Messiah, OBAMARX to rescue them.
GobBluthe| 12.12.12 @ 11:15AM
""This new Speaker would win simply because Obamarx is a one-trick idealogue Pony""
Already youve lost by underestimating your opponent. Youve missed the fact the media will support Obama 110%. Your conservative white knight will fail just like Boehner
KennesawJack| 12.12.12 @ 11:29AM
You left off the rest of the sentence "and could only stammer his way through a debate handled even-handedly by the press." I don't underestimate Obamarx's intent at all. I correctly measure his ability to engage in unscripted debate on a high intellectual level. It is non-existent.
Frank Drackman| 12.12.12 @ 9:52AM
I had such high hopes for Boehner,
He smokes, drinks, and you know he's (Redacted) with more than a few(Redacted).
And he's from Indiana, so he knows Whats-What, Nome Sane? You can't tell me he doesn't let an "N-Word" slip every once in a while, and maybe gives the smelly Pakistani intern a little extra elbow to the ribs during pick up games in the House Gym...(Oh, how I'd love to get in a game with EICOTUS(Evolver in Chief of the US), I may not be able to dribble off my chin, but I can set a Pick like a Mo-Fo...)
I think it was the crying that got me, I mean sure, I get a little teary eyed with something really sad, you know, like when Krissy Taylor died(7-2-95,AKA "the Day Frank started jerkin off to dead chicks") but NOT IN PUBIC.
I mean Public,
Real Men Don't Cry, except maybe when hot supermodels die prematurely.
Frank
Albert Constantine Jr.| 12.12.12 @ 10:46AM
Correct me if I'm wrong, Doctor, but if I recall correctly, emotional displays (such as public tears) by men become more common as they age and their testosterone levels decrease. In addition, other less manly behaviors are likely to follow, such as an unwillingness to stand up to adversaries.
Perhaps a more effective approach would be hormone replacement therapy for the current Speaker. If anabolic steroids can help Mark McGwire break Roger Maris' home run record, I could stand to see Mr. Boehner's well-tanned forehead expand if it meant he would start acting like someone worthy of being two heartbeats away from the Presidency.
KennesawJack| 12.12.12 @ 11:04AM
Sorry, Al. I'm a lot older than Boehnor and, not that I'm braggin' or anything like that, but ain't a damn thing wrong with my testosterone level (hell, I can't even spell Viaaaaggggrrraa) and I only cry when I see Charlize Theron gettin' banged in a movie and it ain't me doin' it. Boehnor is just a wuss, end of story. Was, is and always will be.
Albert Constantine Jr.| 12.12.12 @ 11:18AM
No disrespect intended. As someone who crossed the half century mark previously, I should have been more specific in my post, and been clear that not all men are so afflicted as they age, but Speaker Boehner's behavior suggests that he is definitely experiencing reduced testosterone (which is generally how a Wuss is defined).
KennesawJack| 12.12.12 @ 11:49AM
No disrepect taken. I just didn't want you younger guys to approach your 60's and 70's thinking all was lost. (In fact, if your wife starts braggin' about it to her friends, you start to get the strangest phone calls). Boehnor just a wuss, irrespective of how the word's defined.
GobBluthe| 12.12.12 @ 9:52AM
Why shouldnt the GOP agree to higher taxes on those making over 250k? That income group hasnt voted GOP in decades. Romney won those earning 50-250k. It is insane for the GOP to go to the mat for 2% of the population that isnt even their constituents.
Frank Drackman| 12.12.12 @ 10:12AM
Why shouldn't the GOP agree that you have to be Bu-fooed 24-7/365 until there's a White Man in the White House,( which might not happen until the next appearance of Haley''s Comet)
even if you vote GOP, you're only 1 vote, even in 2000 you didn't matter.
OK, its just a hypothetical, but its the same ball park...
And the last DemoKKKrat I voted for was JFK(in Utero, I kicked my moms hand away from voting for that homo Nixon)
Personally I'd like to see you slackers (who can't make $250K in todays economy? its not really that much)pay the old Clinton rates...
Frank
GobBluthe| 12.12.12 @ 10:39AM
Id like to see all people who earn any income pay some income taxes.
Frank Drackman| 12.12.12 @ 11:40AM
and I'd like for all A-rabs to go back to Arab-ia and kill themselves, whats your point?
GobBluthe| 12.12.12 @ 12:20PM
Mine is realistic, yours isn't.
Frank Drackman| 12.12.12 @ 12:24PM
Thats what your wife said.
Actually she said she'd rather get a Pap Schmeer than get within an area code of your "Cock"
I think she called it a "Prick" but it was sort of unclear when she was talking about you, and when she was talking about your organ..
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
so you expect someone who makes, ummm like yourself, a piddly 50K to pay Income Tax???
Who's the un-realistic one, Needle Dick?
Frank
Citizen Jerry| 12.12.12 @ 10:47AM
I'm still waiting for someone to posit a viable plan to make these political toadies posing as journalists PAY DEARLY for selling out this once-great nation.
7-08| 12.12.12 @ 10:56AM
Chamberlain was no doubt a "good man."
Frank Drackman| 12.12.12 @ 12:06PM
and a shitty free throw shooter.
TeaPartyNow| 12.12.12 @ 10:59AM
The guy who said "Throw them all out" was really on to something. Hey Peter, it's Libertyinfinite.
These guys hate her, so she changed her name here. But it's still me. I fallow you on forbes.
We are not Caligula, we must chop off each head, one by one. We must replace everyone.
& then impose very short term limits. D.C. is filled with people who have been there for many decades. One of Thomas Jeffersons' main objections of our constitution, was that it had no term limits.
Both the right & the American People are spineless though. I expect no opposition of a formidable nature against utopian tyranny in America. Thanks for asking though, it's better than most peoples whining.
Martin kzovich| 12.12.12 @ 11:00AM
If one needs a good reason to replace our leadership just look at that "peaceful" protest by our union brown shir5s in Michigan. That should be enough of an example of where we are now.
Simon Templar| 12.12.12 @ 11:30AM
Uh, yeah! Duh!
The sad and very depressing thing is it apparently took this long for 'Conservatives' to figure this out. Let us honestly ask ourselves, if we can, do you think it would have taken that long if it were the socialist democrats in the same situation with that level of incompetence and lack of leadership in their camp?
Get rid of this idiot and do it now. Waiting till after this fiscal cliff fiasco is "resolved" is another example of stupidity. If this McCarthy was himself a real man and the real thing he get off his ass and lead the charge with the other newly large segment of 2010 conservative elected representatives.
Simon Templar| 12.12.12 @ 11:30AM
See, this is a career, a job, and their sole income apparently, and like most 'go along, get along' and 'protect that paycheck' bastards, they will do what everyone does...kiss his ass, hide in their offices, and keep their ears to the ground waiting for someone else to do the heavy lifting. Too harsh?
Reality, face it. Plenty of precedent and past history to back it up! Take a look, open your eyes.
What honestly would put actual fire in these people to get them moving into an activist state of animation rather than this dim witted, dull, impotent, deadness? The fraud could literally burn the American flag on the white house and shoot the hammer and sickle up the pole and these idiots and Boner would sit there wondering what to do and whining about how they lost an election, how they can do nothing, and blaming it on the TEA party folks. Yeah, that is how I really feel.
Simon Templar| 12.12.12 @ 11:30AM
hat honestly would put actual fire in these people to get them moving into an activist state of animation rather than this dim witted, dull, impotent, deadness? The fraud could literally burn the American flag on the white house and shoot the hammer and sickle up the pole and these idiots and Boner would sit there wondering what to do and whining about how they lost an election, how they can do nothing, and blaming it on the TEA party folks. Yeah, that is how I really feel.
I am really sick of all this....shit it really is getting to the point that I could vote for a Ron Paul, as nuts is he is on some issues ...at least it would be a change and reflect some possibility of political animation and movement.
I am really sick of all this....shit it really is getting to the point that I could vote for a Ron Paul, as nuts is he is on some issues ...at least it would be a change and reflect some possibility of political animation and movement.
Simon Templar| 12.12.12 @ 11:31AM
What instead of 'hat.'
Simon Templar| 12.12.12 @ 11:36AM
Sorry about the repeats. It should be repeated until it gets through their thick skulls.
It is time for conservatives to rise up and take over....no screwing around or backtracking because this is the proverbial 'it.'
RCV| 12.12.12 @ 11:44AM
Mr. Ferrara and most of TAS's readers are blind to reality. They are busy arguing how and why Boehner and the GOP establishment leaders should be replaced. But the fact is, those guys are consolidating their power, not losing it. West was effectively redistricted so he'd lose; Boehner has removed tea party reps from committee chairmanships, and the rest of the troops have gotten the message. There will be no replacement of Boehner, Cantor or McConnell. On the contrary, the tea party reps will fall into line or be shut out and they know it.
Occam's Tool| 12.12.12 @ 11:51AM
And that is why the GOP may end up in a few years as dead as the Whigs, RCV. We are possibly heading towards a true Conservative Party to oppose the Democrats, who no longer have true moderates.
KennesawJack| 12.12.12 @ 11:52AM
On the face of it, RCV, you appear to be correct but the ability of the Tea Party to stay the course and, in fact, grow is underestimated by you and most everyone else. Boehnor will go. Maybe not this Congress, but after the Tea Party increases the Conservative majority in the House in 2014, he is toast. Very well burned toast.
RCV| 12.12.12 @ 1:54PM
The tea party lost seats this past election. I think it has little future within the GOP. Occam is right.
KennesawJack| 12.12.12 @ 3:14PM
That was a hiccup caused by a) our nominee and b) redistricting our conservatives out of their seats. 2014 will be a major realignment because by then the econonomy, or what's left of it, will have the country on its knees.
Teflon93 | 12.12.12 @ 3:55PM
The RINOs lost even more seats. Do they have little future?
RCV| 12.12.12 @ 4:51PM
They're running the party.
RichTex| 12.12.12 @ 11:44AM
A non-member Speaker? Sounds like a good idea for the times. Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Mark Levine, any one of these would be OK with me. I just want to watch Chris Matthews’ head explode when it happens.
KennesawJack| 12.12.12 @ 11:53AM
Welcome back. Where you been?
KennesawJack| 12.12.12 @ 11:54AM
Above in response to Occam.
Who Knows?| 12.12.12 @ 12:21PM
Commenting on American Spectator is political masturbating.
Frank Drackman| 12.12.12 @ 12:28PM
so you're masturbating?
You know I've jerked off everyday without fail, since May 15, 1972?
You do? What a Homo.
You know who doesn't masturbate? My Wife, I know, I've searched all her stuff, nothing but gear for her stupid horseback riding..
frank
Who Knows?| 12.12.12 @ 12:34PM
Confession of one's sins is the first act toward salvation.
Welcome aboard.
florin| 12.12.12 @ 2:30PM
You are one sick dude...do it in private unless you need people to see what you're doing...if you are married, your poor wife must be looking for a way out..pathetic!
J.C.Eaton| 12.12.12 @ 12:35PM
It seems that since the first term of the always decent, mostly gelded George W. Bush, strength of communication has been a very, very weak suit. For all the savaging by media and opponent, Bush did a few very good things:he was right on Right to Life, many of his appointments were solid[not the biggest ones, e.g. Powell] but, in point of fact he did have some crow-worthy accomplishments. But NEVER would the lad get the good word out. Perception is everything[although to be regretted, it's the case]. What is the percetion of Bush's good works? What is the perception of the Republican message? That it's lame b as in b, s as in s and very thin gruel to boot.A warrior comes to fight... in the strictly politiical sense, Bush and Boehner don't come to fight. People want Achilles; they want Patton, or someone like them. Boehner is a corporal, and not a very clever or articulate one at that. Ferrara has a thoughtful and interesting idea. Where can Conservatives take it? BTW, no need to worry about Occam, the lad's indomitable.
Albert Constantine Jr.| 12.12.12 @ 1:25PM
"Boehner is a corporal..."
With all due respect to the non-commissioned officers of the world, being a corporal can be a springboard to executive positions, for better and for much worse (e.g. both Napoleon and Hitler were corporals).
Perhaps if you substituted Specialist 4 as a non-leadership rank...
florin| 12.12.12 @ 2:29PM
Dec. 12: please don't even consider bringing gingrich back...he is so self serving and desirous of adulation that he would cave just to be patted on the head by Obama. and the Dems. could excoriate him over his multiple affairs and adulteries...sure, Clinton did it but Clinton has the charm and charisma that gingrich does not have. About Boehner...it's sad that so many prefer surface to substance, but charisma does count, and Boehner does not have that. Nor does he have the quality of a convincing speaker - he and Geithner were interviewed by Chris Wallace. Both Geithner and Boehner had the same talking points. Wallace asked Boehner what specifics he had to offer and Boehner reached over and touched Wallace's are while declaring he was not to worry, that the specifics are there...Eric Kantor is much better at presenting specifics and going at liberals in a strong and aggressive way, with facts not platitudes.
Teflon93 | 12.12.12 @ 3:52PM
Boehner's neither a good man nor in a hard place.
He is the Speaker of the House. Tip O'Neill did quite a bit to derail Reagan's agenda while controlling only the House for the first 3/4 of Reagan's term. Why can we not expect Tammy Faye Boehner to do the same?
He is weak. He must go.
davelnaf| 12.12.12 @ 4:25PM
For a lot of people—far too many—Obama’s emphatic and often bombastic speaking style is impressive. It doesn’t matter to them if his off teleprompter moments show him to be a cheap homeboy. Granted, part of his armor is his preferred skin color, but he has said enough things in public that would have sent any other politician to the political dustbin. By contrast Republicans are afraid that the MSM will, without even a blink of hypocrisy, criticize them for speaking emphatically. They probably would, but speaking cogently and with emphasis will win converts from their real constituents.
Boehner does need to leave. He not only doesn’t speak with much conviction but his pauses between sentences are rather off-putting. It’s the Bush problem all over again.
The dems have turned ruthless under their punk leader and they will have to be dealt with in kind and that starts with having articulate people as spokespersons.
atilla| 12.12.12 @ 4:46PM
LET'S CALL ON RUSH LIMBAUGH OR MARK LEVIN TO BE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE.
Mike in N.C.| 12.12.12 @ 6:12PM
By all means, please double down on an extremist for Speaker of the House. Pleaaaase !!!!!!
Tom of the Missouri| 12.12.12 @ 6:31PM
Mr. Ferrara,
Thank you for being a lone voice recommending something that might actually stop the Obama onslaught. I vote for Ted Cruz. I think his cred as a principled conservative and skills as a debater are superb. For cred he was a Tea Party and Mark Levin favorite from long ago. For skills he is a former Texas Solicitor General who has a number of conservative victories to his credit in winning arguments personally for Texas before the SCOTUS. He is thus legally and oratorically brilliant, young and last but not least "Hispanic". He gets it and is skilled at getting it against tall odds like for example his recent Senate election victory while being opposed by the Texas Republican establishment. This is a guy that is energized by long odds and wins. As a actual brilliant lawyer, he would rhetorically destroy Obama at every opportunity vs the cowering by John Boehner.
Thom| 12.12.12 @ 6:37PM
Leaderless movements die .... Both the Republican and Conservative movements have been leaderless since 1988 at the elective office level. Gingrich was the defacto leader of the movement as Speaker of the House at his zenith in the 90s.
For all his warts, Gingrich understands the nature of the beast regarding leadership's function. We have too many pragmatic MBAs in the Republican leadership "team". Few leaders and even fewer principled thinkers.
What the King wants to do is further repeal the 13th amendment in effect for a tiny minority of the citizens. It should be framed that way. The upper 3% pay the majority of the cost of government at the state and Federal level. The cost of government is based upon what the upper 3% can afford rather that what the other 97% can bear. This is slavery or involuntary servitude in practice thanks to the 16th amendment. A government that can single out a minority of citizens for special punishment like this can target anyone for any reason if it has the support of a simple majority. That's called MOB rule. MOB rule always ends badly.
Thom| 12.12.12 @ 6:37PM
Does anyone on the Republican "management" team understand what is at stake here if you cave for pragmatic reasons? You cannot compromise with the devil and continue to have the support of those that sent you to represent their interest. There is no middle ground on this issue. A dysfunctional and ignorance electorate voted to keep the House in Republican hands and an unaccountable King in the presidency while the nation is spending over a trillion more a year than when Bush was at the throttle. We are borrowing 46 cents out of every dollar to support this extra spending and keep the welfare/government class fat, dumb and happy. The King wants to tax more to spend even more .... That's insanity.
If accountability is not restored to our elective Federal government the day will come in a few short years where there is a reckoning and it will become personal for those that think they can simply live off the fruits of other people's labor at no cost to themselves. That day is coming if the Republican Party doesn't find a "speaker" for its position.
lady patriot| 12.12.12 @ 7:26PM
From Mr. Ferrara's mouth to God's ear -- we so desperately need to replace Boehner. I believe Allen West would be a good candidate also. We want someone who can talk? He'd be a good one IMHO.
Rhoetus| 12.12.12 @ 9:44PM
Rules for Conservatives @
http://www.saveamericanow.us.com
Toinfinityandbeyond| 12.12.12 @ 10:46PM
Get rid of Bo(eh)ner!
Get rid of Mitch the B!t(h.
Get rid of Lying Ryan.
Get rid of Mitt-ard Romney.
Oh! wait! He is already gone. :)
Get rid of Christie.
Get rid of DeMint.
Oh! wait! He is already gone for more money. :)
Get rid of FAUX.
Get rid of BRAINFART.
Get rid of Tea Beggers.
Get rid of GOP.
Done!
davidfarrar | 12.12.12 @ 11:30PM
I nominate Alan Keyes.
ex animo
davidfarrar
topcat52| 12.12.12 @ 11:37PM
Why not get around the race card - Thomas Sowell. Better still, the race card and the sex card - Condi Rice. But please - Sean Hannity is an idiot.
CT| 12.13.12 @ 12:52AM
Brilliant!
I canceled my subscription to NR when they started going Rove. Now my new main magazine is the Spectator.
Maggie H| 12.13.12 @ 2:31AM
This column expresses my sentiments exactly. Many of us have wondered over the years why the Republican leaders are so silent or incapable of making argument and presenting a forceful and reasoned case. Boehner needs to go. Mitchell does not remind me of an undertaker as Ferrara says. Rather I have often thought he was a stiff that some Kentucky funeral home lost.
Bob From District 9| 12.13.12 @ 6:54PM
" Many of us have wondered over the years why the Republican leaders are so silent or incapable of making argument and presenting a forceful and reasoned case. "
Republicans cannot present a forceful and reasoned case because lies are hard to sell with an active media.
Flagged| 12.13.12 @ 3:57PM
Please do this Repubs!
Plenty to chose from that are articulate and can lead the narrative. That can get in front of the media.
Personally, I like Newt, Mark Levin, Thomas Sowell, Allen West-needs to be in Washington, Paul Pyan-that would just make Obama mad!, rand Paul....
We definitely need change in leadership!!
DAM| 12.13.12 @ 5:32PM
Boehner needs to go, if for no other reason than his "secret meetings" with Obama regarding the so-called cliff. They seem too much like bathhouse meetings on the north side of Chicago; and both parties seem to be enjoying them.
Bob From District 9| 12.13.12 @ 6:53PM
I was wondering how long it would take for the right to turn on Boehner. Just like Gringrich, his extremism has cost republicans numbers in the house.
Peter Ferrara us just another example of a right winger taking personal profit from the republican believers all the while contributing nothing but cheerleading.
"Federal discretionary spending actually declined in nominal dollar terms for a year, which never happens in Washington, and total federal spending declined by one seventh as a percentage of GDP by 2000, a dramatic slash in Big Government on top of the Reagan cut (total federal spending under Reagan dropped by one tenth as a percentage of GDP despite the defense buildup that won the Cold War without firing a shot). "
Reagan first ran spending up over 22% of GDP, then reduced it below 22% for two years he was in office. Clinton reduced federal spending from the over 22% he inherited to under 19%.
Reagan multiplied the national debt, and combined with Bush I they quadrupled it. Clinton was the only president in the last 30 years to have a balanced budget. No wonder you hate him so much, Clinton achieved the Republican Holy Grail while not one Republican in the last 30 years has come close.
Reagan was less responsible for the fall of the Soviet Union than LBJ was. His defense spending and tax cuts multiplied the national debt during his term. Not even LBJ with a major war could do that.
sly311| 12.14.12 @ 11:50AM
Bravo Mr. Ferrara, bravo!
sashamanda| 12.14.12 @ 11:45PM
Is there any indication that the GOP wants a Speaker of substance? No one has done more to rein in government than Gingrich. And no one has been more vilified by party elites.