Wingnut Apoplexy [View All]

[babylonsister]

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2009_01/016381.php

WINGNUT APOPLEXY.... There's plenty of grumbling among progressives about some of Barack Obama's early decisions. The Democratic base is far from pleased about the president-elect's support for tax cuts, his Rick Warren invitation, his tacit forgiveness of Joe Lieberman, and even some cabinet nominees.

But if you think the left is unhappy, consider what the Republican base is thinking right now.

Congressional Republicans may have forged a fragile peace with President-elect Obama as he pushes his stimulus plan. But they face an insurgency on their right flank.

"You can sense a lot of frustration -- from listening to Rush Limbaugh to reading at RedState -- with Republican members of Congress being ready to fall all over themselves to help him," says Erick Erickson, editor of the conservative blog RedState.

Hmm. Congressional Republicans have publicly supported Neo-Hooverite economic policies; they've launched baseless character attacks against Eric Holder; and they've demanded more "middle class" tax cuts that don't benefit the middle class. They've also spent most of the post-election period talking about the Fairness Doctrine, Marc Rich, Elian Gonzales, and the need for a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.

And yet, the wingnuts are furious. Odd.

Apparently, the base won't be truly pleased unless congressional Republicans, in the face of a drastic economic crisis, opposes any government effort to stimulate the economy at all. Michelle Malkin has begun calling a rescue package the "Generational Theft Act of 2009." Don Surber believes Obama's plan, tax cuts and all, is "evil."

Oh my.

—Steve Benen