Is there a way forward for American conservatism? Is there even such a thing anymore as a coherent entity called conservatism in America? The answer to both questions is yes, and the point of departure is to shape the energies of our surging populism with a robust practice of self-government. Those who have read Tim Alberta's brilliant profile of John Boehner in Politico, however, could easily conclude that the answer on both counts is no.
The piece recounts with the hilarity of hindsight the mounting challenges former speaker Boehner faced from the Republican Study Committee, the House Freedom Caucus, and a host of inside-the-Beltway groups such as Heritage Action and Freedom Works. The perception by Representative Jim Jordan (R., Ohio), Senator Ted Cruz (R., Texas), and their acolytes of Boehner as unwilling to contest President Obama for every inch of ground exasperated him as speaker. The result was a weak and divided GOP unable to contest a unified Obama-Pelosi-Reid front. “It's hard to negotiate when you're standing there naked,” Boehner told Alberta. Frustrated and facing rising challenges on his right flank, Boehner finally retired.
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