I’m glad for the long-suffering John Boehner. I respect those who stood with him and their attempt to do the right thing as they saw it. I hope the deal—for as long as it lasts—turns out to benefit the country and advance conservative principles. I will curb my annoyance at those who triumphantly want to claim it represents “a fundamental change in governance.” I hope the deal proves to be a step in the right direction.
But as the vote wound down on the House floor, I received an email from a friend and political comrade-in-arms that captured my sentiments almost exactly:
This whole experience—especially the default to defense cuts—is a further reminder that we’ll never get anywhere without a Republican leader who can make the case for real entitlement reform (Obamacare repeal, Medicare reform).
I’d add: A Republican leader who can make the broader case for limited government and national strength. The deal of August 1, 2011, brings home even more starkly the fundamental importance of November 6, 2012.
