Democratic Rep. Parker Griffith of Alabama handed Republicans an early Christmas present this week, announcing on Tuesday he was switching parties and joining the GOP. And while President Obama’s holiday wish list is still a state secret, hidden somewhere deep in the Oval Office, Mr. Parker’s decision moves the Congress one step closer to granting the White House what might seem like a far fetched political gift for 2010: John Boehner as Speaker of the House.

That outcome could represent more than a piece of political coal for the president. Here’s why. Mr. Obama’s approval ratings have sunk during the past 12 months, plunging below 50% in a number of national polls. Many factors account for this decline, but three deserve close scrutiny. And electing a Republican majority in the House (which would elevate current GOP leader Boehner to Speaker) might actually help Mr. Obama’s sinking political fate. Here’s why.