http://www.cnsnews.com/commentary/jen-kuznicki/boehner-s-ineptitude-has-created-leadership-vacuum-gopBoehner’s Ineptitude Has Created a Leadership Vacuum in GOP
December 13, 2013 - 11:03 AM
By Jen Kuznicki
John Boehner is the visible leader of the Republican Party. As Speaker of the House, the only Republican-led institution in Washington DC right now, it is his duty to press a Republican agenda.
His office should be, at all times, rallying the base of the party in order to create a groundswell of support for future electoral gains. Instead, he is personally, actively working to diminish, purge, and destroy those who do not fall in lock-step behind him.
Because of his growing and now public defiance of those wishing to adhere to the Constitution and the basic conservative principles that the Republican Party platform espouses, he has created a leadership vacuum that is being filled by Senate Conservatives.
While categorizing several conservative groups and think-tanks as misleading and interested only in profiteering from opposing viewpoints, Boehner has misjudged the purpose and focus of conservative groups who in general, are amenable to Republican ideals, and in doing so, truly damaged the effectiveness of a unified party.
Last year, after the election was over, Boehner said that he basically had no interest in fighting with President Obama on a host of issues, noting that, "The American people have spoken." It was then that many conservatives began to have serious issues with a Speaker of the opposing party, unwilling to oppose. But this latest very public chastisement and outright mocking is a bit over the top, and one wonders if it is partnered with the focus on 2016. With the rise of the loud and brash New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie as the darling of the beltway establishment, perhaps Boehner is trying out a Christie-like YouTube sensation, attacking conservatives instead of teachers or boardwalk passersby.
The foolishness of attacking the conservative grassroots of the party is plain to see. Unfortunately for Boehner and those opposed to the grassroots of their own party, they are, through public admonishment, causing a strengthening rebellion that will topple them, if the rebels remain focused on taking control of the party.
The various Tea-Party-like groups that Boehner attacked will become more effective and get more followers because the momentum is on the side of those who are truly concerned about the future of the country. Those following Boehner are going to see lackluster support from the grassroots.
In the end, Boehner's rant against conservative groups will weaken support for the Republican Party.
Conservative Democrats, Independents and Conservative Republicans comprised the coalition that Reagan was able to inspire and mobilize with a campaign based upon core principles and bold conservative positions, and won the hearts and minds of the nation in two landslides. They now are coalescing around conservative principles and values and are creating a strong resurgence to fight for and maintain the freedoms that make America unique. These real people mean business, and the business is saving the nation from ruin. Those deemed unwilling to fight that fight will not be fought for, even if the stakes are two years of dictatorial control.
The Tea Party and all of its allies are not going away - they are getting stronger, and more effective.
Bold leadership displayed by the likes of Ted Cruz and other Senate Conservatives are winning the trust of the average, patriotic American, and Boehner has just made sure that the people he openly mocks receive the adrenaline that only enthusiastic support can give.
In short, if Boehner's goal was to diminish the Tea Party, he has erred catastrophically.
