maxomai | On the Resignation of John Boehner

So, this is how the Republican base greets the disintegration of the Republican party: with thunderous applause.

My brother asked me what I think this meant for the Republican Party, in the short and long term.

In the short term, the Tea Party are going to get what they want. They'll elect a leader who will pledge to shut down the government over Planned Parenthood, and who will make do on that promise. They'll keep the government shut down in the House until the Democrats cave, and throw the economy into recession. Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders will have a gold mine that they can tap to unending popular support.

In the long term, this is bad news for the GOP. Barry Goldwater's prediction has come true: the Preachers, who view compromise and deal-making as heresy, have taken over the Party, which is great for the Tea Party and Theocratic base but will drive away the rest of the GOP support. Anyone who doesn't subscribe to their views is going to support Clinton out of fear, if not out of spite. I'm already seeing this happen, somewhat disbelieving.