Republicans in Disarray

The lead article in today’s New York Times, “House Leaders Facing Turmoil in G.O.P. Ranks,” describes an error in the Republican leadership so fundamental that it makes you wonder: the ability to count votes.

The Republicans brought two measures to the floor this week that were defeated after a mini-revolt in their own ranks. The legislative items, to demand a repayment of debt from the United Nations, and to temporarily extend the Patriot Act, were defeated after a significant number of Republicans voted against them.

After two years of nearly unanimous votes against President Obama, these new developments do not portend well for the Republican Party. For one thing, they show the difference between governing (a lot harder) and campaigning / hurling negative comments from the sidelines. Moreover, the Republicans brought the problems on themselves because after years of complaining about a lack of input and the ability to propose amendments, they tried the same thing themselves. However, procedurally, in order to do so, they needed to obtain a two-thirds vote for passage and were unable to muster this.

The events in Congress this week showed sloppy leadership by new speaker John Boehner and his sidekick, Eric Cantor. One hopes they will be able to get their act together in a more professional manner for the sake of the country.