The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : Compromise?

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At this stage of the game, it appears that we more or less know what the agreement deal to raise the debt ceiling will be: it's going to be the Boehner plan, or possibly something occupying the very small space between the Boehner and Reid plans. In other words, a significant amount of discretionary spending cuts, some small trimming of mandatory spending, no entitlement reform, and no tax hikes.

Whether this result represents a victory for Republicans and conservatives, I think, rests on whether real reforms of entitlements were ever within reach. It is possible that they were not, in which case decreasing discretionary spending and saving hundreds of billions in interest payments could be counted as a negotiating victory, given that Democrats control two-thirds of the government. Of course it represents a compromise, and isn't anywhere near Republicans' initial terms. That's how bargaining works. The conservatives outraged at merely the prospect of the Boehner deal should realize, even if they're right to be outraged, that the compromise would have been much further to the left if the Tea Party-influenced members of Congress hadn't made such huge opening demands.

But what if something like the Coburn-Lieberman Medicare reform was attainable? That alone, without any accompanying discretionary spending cuts or spending caps, would have done far more to address the looming debt problem than the Boehner plan. Theoretically, it's a plan that could attract bipartisan support and that Obama would sign, although it's just as likely that fiscal-denialist Democrats would have blocked anything that could be construed as a cut.

Enacting Medicare reform or even merely trimming Medicare and Social Security spending would not only have addressed the real driver of the debt, it also would have prevented the Democrats from using the Paul Ryan plan as a weapon against the Republicans in the 2012 elections. With the Boehner plan instead, that issue will be resurrected again during the election year, as a fresh reminder to voters that all Republicans voted to restructure Medicare.

View all comments (36) | Leave a comment

Ryan| 7.27.11 @ 1:02PM

Many of us need to realize that, unless we can capture the Senate with more real conservatives, there is only so much that the House can do.

Sean| 7.27.11 @ 1:07PM

The House can reject spending. It doesn't have to go along with the President or Senate on anything. Conservatives win if the hold strong and refuse to increase the debt ceiling. That forces cuts in spending.

Controse| 7.28.11 @ 10:20AM

You see it is so, so easy. If the Democrats do not want to join along to help craft a plan to cut spending rationally in a way that is the least shocking to the body politic the House Republicans will just have to deny them the ability to spend any more money. As Sean says, do nothing. That forces spending cuts. For goodness sakes House freshmen do not for get the revolutionary nature of last fall's election. Your voters have your back. Don't pass anything that is not Cut, Cap and Balance.

simon templar| 7.27.11 @ 1:17PM

Your analysis leaves out one reality. Yes, this would be a victory for the GOP-Liberal Establishment of good old boy Washington. The conservatives and Tea party candidates will lose and be painted as extremist which was the purpose of the Boehner-Reid dog and pony show from the start.

simon templar| 7.27.11 @ 1:19PM

Reid and Bohner with the help of the media will full force attack on conservatives and the Tea Party. It is starting right this moment that I am writing this. Turn on the TV.

simon templar| 7.27.11 @ 1:26PM

"It is a massive movement away from governing." "It's irresponsible." "Their obsessed with no taxes." "They are trying to destroy your rights." - Our media sycophants and 5th column of socialism have spoken. Here it comes. The propaganada machine is at full speed. All comrade citizens report to your local ministries of disinformation! All hail the State.

USSAlabama| 7.27.11 @ 1:29PM

"... call Congress and tell them that you believe and want cut, cap and balance. The Boehner Plan and the likes of it is a suicide pact for the country. It is capitulation and just because something is better than what President Obama wanted, doesn't mean it is still the right thing to do."........................................................... Mark Levin

And I agree!
Why enter a 'suicide pact' with the WH?

Mark Levin: "Now we know what Obama’s up to, but at a minimum, shouldn’t we put a bill on his desk … and make it clear to the American people that if we go to hell, it’s thanks to Obama, that we’ve done everything we can with one-party control in the House and 47 members of the Senate, we’ve done everything we can as conservatives to try and prevent this? … We should not sign a suicide pact. We should not agree to destroy this country and our children’s future.”

Patriot| 7.27.11 @ 3:24PM

Key phrase "...make it clear to the American people..."

Polls show they are 'getting' something, not sure if it is "it".

Boehner should LET them raise taxes on only billionaires, since those billionaires profess desire to pay higher taxes and make that concession a part of CCB.

LiveFreeOrDie| 7.27.11 @ 2:10PM

More rearranging of the deck chairs on the titanic. Solves nothing.

JP| 7.27.11 @ 2:29PM

Joseph,
I think it should be evident that the President intended all along to make the debt ceiling issue a re-election gimmick. He tried to roll Boehner and the House GOP, tag the economic problems on them, and force a tax hike to boot. The kind of long term entitlement and tax reforms this nation needs will only come about after one party or another establishes a governing majority. The Dems had such a majority from 2009-2010, but blew it.

Patrick| 7.27.11 @ 3:56PM

JP,
The Dems didnt 'blow it' they deliberately wanted a Govt takeover of healthcare to send us towards socialized medicine. It's up to us to repeal that.

Michael L. Hauschild| 7.27.11 @ 2:47PM

These fools are capitulating themselves into a frenzy for nothing. Anything they come up with will be killed in the Senate and/or vetoed by Obama. The plan here is for Obama to “save the nation” from the Republicans and the evil Tea Party by invoking the 14th Amendment.
Boehner is so stupid that he is expending all his arrows shooting at a shadow.

Patriot| 7.27.11 @ 3:27PM

At least if he vetoes the entire Republican Party is not a partner in the WH suicide pact.

Let him veto. Boehner should put a bill on the desk and let him do it.

JP| 7.27.11 @ 3:42PM

The President cannot invoke the 14th Amendment. He already tested that trial balloon and it exploded within 24 hours. Not even Harry Reid supports such a theft of Congressional perogatives. Not only would the President set himself up for impeachment. But he would rattle the world's markets to boot. Talk about a poison pill.

Conservative View| 7.27.11 @ 3:02PM

All is not as glum as it might seem at first glance. Take a look at the recent poll numbers. The disaproval rate for the President is shooting up at rocket speed while the approval rateing is continuing a slow drift downwards. This can mean but one thing, that the independent voters are turning away from the President in droves, for that is the only group that can account for the rapid rise in disaproval. According to the Rasmussen poll I just looked at, the Presidents numbers stand at -17. He can't get re-elected with numbers like that.

Reid came right out and said I am not an American. He said that Tea Party members are not Americans at all. Well, phoooy to you too Harry Reid. Your last name would have to be Potter rather than Reid to hold onto the Senate after 2012. All these un American voters have had it with Congress in general, and liberals in particular.

So do not slide into gloom and doom, not yet. The President is all but a dead issue now, and old Harry there isn't doing much better. America will not self destruct between now and 2012. We are still a strong people able to overcome most anything, and trust me, we can over come, and out vote Obama and Reid.

Oldefarte| 7.27.11 @ 3:10PM

No Boehner is not stupid, but rather the idiots who elected these Democrat-socialists in the first place. Boehner/Republicans are fighting with one hand tied behind their backs, due to the AH's who let these domestic terrorists lead them over the cliff on 11/4/08. It would be extremely interesting if nay of these so-called patriot-fighters here blogging 24-7 would HONESTLY declare WHO they voted for in 2008 [I've only voted ONCE for a Democrat in 45 years so my conscience is clear]. Next up.......

Al Adab| 7.27.11 @ 3:15PM

This is what passes for courage?

JWJ| 7.27.11 @ 3:33PM

"In other words, a significant amount of discretionary spending cuts, some small trimming of mandatory spending,"

Can you name the govt programs that will ACTUALLY receive less money from one year to the next? Cause that is a CUT.

If all the programs receive more money from one year to the next, then there is NO CUTS.

Michael L. Hauschild| 7.27.11 @ 3:44PM

For the record the only democrat I have ever voted for was Ben Nelson D (Neb) and that was way before even Hagel. I voted for him because of his outstanding pro-gun stance. I voted for Bush one, not Perot. I vote the Palin ticket in 2008. So if anyone wants someone to blame for all the weasels (R) that have turned away from their responsibilities and let the Nation down, it is me. Unlike some I have seen the error of my ways, and unlike some I have broad shoulders and can carry the blame. My country, right or wrong, yes: Republican party, right or wrong, no way.
We are at the crossroads, the prospect of outing Obama from office has never been better and it will only improve. Our decision this time is do we place back in office a McCain, a Dole, or some equally despicable RINO? If we are to save what is left and start the painful recovery we cannot have leaders of proven ignorance, stupidity, and egocentric incumbency. This failure to recognize the futility of “same leaders promising different results” is ideological. Those in charge are incapable; those that support them are intransigent. This will be difficult for some to accept but the current electorate is involved and vigilant; what passed as “business as usual” is now impending disaster and the blame, once simply written off as partisanship is so encompassing that the R’s and D’s have become interchangeable.
The Tea PARTY freshmen are the only representatives seemingly cognizant of the 14th Amendment scenario. They know that Boehner is simply flapping in the wind, jousting at windmills. All they are doing is playing him to show how far to the left he will go till they jerk the rug out from under him.

Margie| 7.27.11 @ 4:31PM

What a hypocrite you are, Michael. And you have the nerve to insult and demean me and others for voting 'R'.?

I'm sick of your "unlike others" self righteous pap.

Get a life and grow up.
"Sir".

Lars| 7.27.11 @ 4:38PM

Zzzzzzzzzzz !

Margie| 7.27.11 @ 5:09PM

Clint?Tim*~
Your ....! is showing.
Coward.

Lars | 7.27.11 @ 7:19PM

Your ass is showing, madame.

Here in Norway,we call it plumber's crack,with a smelt ass.

Wayne | 7.27.11 @ 3:53PM

The GOP is foolish by bringing up Medicare and Social Security. The did not come into existence with the arrival of Obama. The added 1 trillion in the yearly deficits needed to be cut first. Then the unneeded big government departments like the Dept of Education. Then government employee benefits and politican benefits need to be greatly reduced and federal employee pay needs to be reduced. Once that happens then they can talk about SSN and Medicare. FIRST dump OBAMACARE.

simon templar| 7.27.11 @ 4:14PM

Not only did they bring up medicare and make it the focus to their detriment, they conveniently NEVER pointed out to the public that Obama already cut the program by 5oo billion in the Obamacare bill with the intention of collasping the program. Absolute idiots. This should have been FRONT and CENTER and the GOP should have presented themselves as true reformers that had a plan to save it and give seniors other choices as well. This would have been an opportunity to gain greater senior supprt and show the public exactly how insane this Obamacare is.

Wayne | 7.27.11 @ 6:34PM

The GOP has let Obama dictate the discussion. They let him off the hook about the tax increases coming from ObamaCare, the free healthcare it provides to illegal aliens, and instead played into Obama's narrative about pushing Grandma off the cliff.

No we have Mc Cain lecturing the Tea Party people for being "new" to Washington. This should make it clear to all of us that the GOP establishment wants the Tea Party votes, but wants them to shut up like good little hobbits and go back to the Shire while the MEN run the show. It is all about the power, and the GOP elite lust for the power Obama has grabbed.

Patrick| 7.27.11 @ 3:55PM

The first step on the road to entitlement reform is the repeal of Obamacare. ANY discussion of 'entitlement reform' that does not include repeal of obamacare is a sop to the left, and no conservative or Republican should play ANY part in it. Obamacare must be repealed and defunded and its $1 trillion in tax hikes done away with.

simon templar| 7.27.11 @ 4:20PM

What is being overlooked here is the will of the people. Every frickin poll says that the vast majority of Americans want this crazy spending stopped and now. Repubs have this backing and still can not grow a spine. I do not want to hear this crap about reelecting this Potass if the Repubs do not cave. Marshall this public opinion, you idiot RINO's and make your stance clear and in contrast with this presidential jerks manipulation.

Wayne | 7.27.11 @ 6:37PM

My understanding is that the NEW Boehner plan really has only 22 Billion in actual cuts and may have the side effect of hurting Ryan's 2012 Budget.

Mike 3/505| 7.27.11 @ 4:31PM

There comes a time when compromise is not the answer...sometimes, ya just gotta man up. From what I have seen, the only time the left gets really strident, is when theynare afraid. They only become afraid, when conservatives stick to their guns.

Oldefarte| 7.27.11 @ 5:10PM

Okay, TEA PARTIERS, where your G...D rage now: "....In a letter to committee members Tuesday, Clinton criticized the legislation’s “onerous restrictions,” which she said would cripple U.S. assistance to Egypt, Lebanon, Yemen, and Pakistan. The bill would block aid unless the secretary of state could certify that no members of terrorist organizations, or their sympathizers, were serving in their administration...."

Wayne | 7.27.11 @ 6:37PM

So what compromise do you suggest?

Glein| 7.27.11 @ 10:52PM

I can't be more specific than this. Boehner and the establishment Republicans "RINOS" have just put a nail in the coffin of the Republican party. They have also insured the re-election of Obama! No, not conservatives and not the Tea Party. Rinos and all those who support them. If they stood truly for conservative values this idiocy would not be happening. Reid and Obama would be on the defensive. We don't have a two party system we gave a ruling class system of weak, spinless miscreants like Boehner, Reid, McCain, Obama who see us all as servile peasants feeding their government monster. Share the pain? Will Obama share the pain by giving all his residuals to the poor? Give me a break. It is time for a third party!

simon templar| 7.28.11 @ 12:42AM

Glein, in a real sense we already have a third party...The Tea Party...this "third party" needs to keep moving forward and take over the GOP and remove the obstructionist and sell outs, set a new course, and bring all conservative voters into the GOP...conservative independents, dems, and repubs.

axbucxdu| 7.27.11 @ 11:31PM

Alright, if the House doesn't do a thing then bambi is forced to prioritize the USG's spending. At least this forces spending to align with revenue. Now bask in the fact that both he and the dingy dunce can't borrow. This also has the salutory effect of denutting the monkey at the Fed. Sure, he can print fresh reserves, but it's not going to be effective. There's no place for those reserves to flow, the valve is shut, without those new bonds.

It gets better. With reduced volume in new Treasuries, the vampire squid and the smartest guys in the room have their pockets pinched, courtesy of US, the f*k*g fed up taxpayer. No wonder that snivelling c*nt Jamie Dimon was whining to Bernanke about not raising the debt limit. The lack of govt borrowing would cut directly into a large part of their crooked business. Tough shit there, Jamie.

But it gets better still. What's old Blankfein going to do? Without that fix from Sammy Swindle, he can no longer do the Lord's work. Poor thing.

simon templar| 7.28.11 @ 1:07AM

Now, we have Ted Baxter O'Reilly putting the Tea Party and conservatives in the same crazy, extreme grouping as MoveOn.org and the far left socialist. O'Reilly..Fu&*^&^ You! For those here that have attacked the Tea Party: you owe the Tea Party your miserable little lives. If were not for them, we would already be in default and you would be eating government cheese for every meal. The Tea party is not extreme. It represents a huge segment of this society and the desires of the MAINSTREAM! It is the mainstream of America and growing every day. I caution you not to forget this.