Boehner: Conservative Republicans Who Opposed Plan B Are ‘Drowning’ The Country

[DonViejo]

By Igor Volsky on Dec 21, 2012 at 10:29 am

Less than 12-hours after Congress failed to pass the so-called Plan B, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) insisted that he has not abandoned negotiations with President Obama to avert the so-called fiscal cliff and called on Congress and the President to continue working towards a deal

During a press conference alongside House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA), Boehner sought to shore up confidence in his speakership and his conference, although he admitted that he could not convince conservative members to increase taxes on the richest Americans for the good of the country.

Boehner’s so-called ‘Plan B’ extended the Bush tax cuts for Americans making up to $1 million and was even supported by anti-tax zealot Grover Norquist. Republican leadership sought to entice conservative members by offering a companion bill of spending cuts to food stamps, Wheels on Meals, and Medicaid. That measure passed, but the modest tax hike didn’t.

“There was a perception created that that vote last night was going to increase taxes,” Boehner explained. “That impression was out there. There were a number of our members who just didn’t want to be perceived as raising taxes.” He went on to compare the intransigent members to lifeguards who refuse to save drowning swimmers:

-snip-

http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2012/12/21/1370961/boehner-conservative-republicans-who-opposed-plan-b-are-drowning-the-country/

[rbixby]

1. Couldn't have happened to a more deserving guy or party NT

[bamacrat]

2. This gives Boehner an opportunity...

With his Speakership in question he now has an opportunity to really work with the President. He has the pulpit, he controls the R message out of the House. He has the power to turn the pukes around for 2014. Most of the R's lack the insight or intelligence to see this opportunity. If they compromise and agree on a real bipartisan bill that helps the country they can begin to separate themselves from the fanatic fringe right. Doing this will bring many moderates back...... but he could (and most likely will) play to their crazy base block everything and permanently damage this country and their party.

My hopes are that we can help the country while simultaneously cripple the pukes... but I think my original what ifs were more likely.

[Cali_Democrat]

3. Who the hell was he negotiating for? What the fuck!

The Senate and the White House said they would veto his plan b and he can't even get his own party to support his proposal.

Boner has essentially wasted everyone's time for 6 weeks since the election.

What an asshole.

[xxxsdesdexxx]

4. I'm about work now so I didn't see this.

Did Boehner really compare the intransigent members to lifeguards who refuse to save drowning swimmers? If so, hahaha.