On Boehner's Diabolic Diatribe Against Cruz

When speaking before an audience in Stanford University,  ex Speaker of the House John Boehner excoriated Republican Presidential hopeful Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) by calling him an SOB and comparing him with the Prince of Darkness.  While at the same time, Boehner admitted that he was a texting and golfing buddy of GOP Presidential front-runner Donald Trump.

Delving deeper into this devilish diatribe, it is easy to understand Boehner's bad-mouthng comes as no surprise.

Boehner was a quintessential Cocktail Party Republican.  Boehner first joined the House in 1991 so he had an establishment bent,, albeit not to personally include earmarks. By the time Boehner ascended into leadership roles for House Republicans, the party's power waned so it was important to go along to get along. This modus operendi was complicated by the advent of the Tea Party, which wanted to have constitutional rule of law, smaller government and fighting for your principles.

In September 2013, Senator Ted Cruz gave a 21 hour filibuster to fight for Obamacare changes in the Continuing Resolution.  Boehner bristled at the resulting government shutdown but spun it to point out that the Obama Administration would not compromise.



The reality is that Cruz exposed the game.  Boehner wanted to usher in a Continuing Resolution which might have some limitations to Obamacare, but when it would be excised in Conference Committee before going to President Obama, Boehner could confidentially vote against the CR and claim that he fought for conservative principles. In essence, Boehner was willing to feign fighting without giving a flying flip about winning but then embrace compromise as a part of politics.

The other admission that the former Speaker made was that Boehner was a texting and golf buddy of the Donald. Washington Post Congressional reporter Paul Kane assessed that Boehner was ousted as Speaker by House Conservatives who: "a country club Republican who loved to play 18 holes of golf and drink merlot afterward while cutting deals." So someone who loved to cut deals amongst the establishment in the Cocktail Party would naturally recoil against a confrontational style of upstarts like Cruz who are principled and willing to fight.

Although Trump's over the top rhetoric during the campaign contrasts with Boehner's generally easy-going style, both relish in deal making, especially with the establishment. While in Congress, Boehner chaffed at inserting earmarks.  It will be curious if that resolution holds when former Members are allowed to lobby their former fellow lawmakers. Of course, Boehner may enjoy hitting the links at Doral Park. Maybe Boehner can improve his orange complexion along with Trump.