Gregg's Jilting of Obama Epitomizes the GOP's Collapse

Judd Gregg's withdrawal isn't simply a testament to his own political cowardice. It also testified to the moral and intellectual collapse of the GOP. Gregg was denounced from within his own ranks for being a Judas ready to sell out his own convictions for commerce.

For President Obama this should serve as the final wake-up call about the illusory nature of his repeated calls for bipartisanship. Obama talked in his inaugural speech about meeting foreign powers with an unclenched fist. He didn't think that he was talking about the GOP as well, but it's slapped away his attempt at a handshake. The blunt fact is that he should never have tried to appoint Gregg in the first place. The notion that he can wave a magic wand and elicit cooperation from the GOP has been dispelled by events. In fact, the Gregg fiasco is going to further stiffen GOP opposition to Obama.

There might be cooperation in Congress from Republicans, but it's becoming increasingly clear that it can only occur after the 2010 election, when the GOP could face a rout. It's obvious that the past two elections have not yet dinned into the GOP's ears the fact that the electorate had repudiated its blinkered approach to taxes and spending and social issues. Perhaps it will take another landslide defeat for the GOP to recognize that simply opposing Obama without offering even a faintly plausible alternative is a recipe for electoral disaster. For now, it's going to wallow in the warm bath of its ideological purity.

Comments

[JeanPaulSatire]

Gregg himself solicited the nomination to head Commerce. He did it in no small part because Commerce controls the Census, and Rethuglicans have used Census data (even in off years) to re-draw congressional districts to their partisan advantage.

Gregg wanted to be in a position to continue that practice practice for his party -- or at least be in a position to attempt to block any perceived Democratic attempts. Once President Obama indicated that he was going to have a very close eye on the process and Gregg would not be likely to get away with any shenanigans, Gregg's purpose for going to Commerce was effectively thwarted. Besides, Gregg is far more comfortable opposing things than he is championing anything. He's as cold and dour as they come.

[provgrays]

The GOP is arrogant, delusional and in love with great wealth, no matter who must be robbed to attain it. The Midterms beckon and the Democrats will benefit with a veto proof majority in the House or Senate.

They are already political fossils.

[darthmaul]

"Old Republicans never die, they just fade away......­" Most of the conservative Republican Senators and congressmen too, are the modern day equivalent of dinosaurs. Their preaching to a shrinking demographic and their star is fading fast. President Obama can be the civil leader that takes the high road and preaches a bipartisan approach. Meanwhile Rahm "The Enforcer" Emanuel can work with the democratic leadership to push through needed legislation over the objections of wailing republicans. The current republican party as we know it, is doomed.

[LREKing]

Regardless of how good a SoC he would have been, in the end he turned out to be just another Republican who put his self-interest above the interest of the country.

[livinCalDemtbubble]

Obama is appearing strongest when he advocates for change, transparency, the needs of the working class, the middle class, and those who are weakest in society. He appears weakest when he plays footsies with the venal and powerful, aka Republicans. I hope his learning curve on this is really quick. Republicans are really good at putting their own selfish interests front and center, Obama needs to learn they are not going to change, they are not about change, and they are his adversary. Appointing Gregg was silly, a waste of time, and a real insult to Hispanic Americans after Richardson lost the post.

[Vermonters]

Just a thought - is it possible that the real reason Judd Gregg requested the nomination specifically was to be able to commit dirty tricks with the Census, I mean, after all, there's more than one way to skin a cat - i.e. bolster Republican votes that way? While the Republicans murmured their discontent re: Gregg's departure from the Senate, it seems to me it has been far less audible than discovering that Obama removed control of the Census from Gregg's hands. It may be that by keeping Franken from his Senate seat ias long as possible the repubs miscalculated big time, as far as the vote on the Stimulus - with some of their own ranks (unexpectedly, at the time of Gregg's request to be part of the Administration) crossing the aisle. I could be wrong, and I admit I have not gone back to check chronology - I think there is more to this story than meets the eye. It may be farfetched but the GOP needs to take some action that will pay off in the long term.

[Querent]

No! You suspect the motives of a Republican? OK, so you have been paying attention.

[Theresa Pickel]

I heard that he solicited that position himself with three different people in the administration. There is something else going on here and it does NOT favor the American people

[Roses]

I think it is more likely that he felt a great deal of pressure from his colleagues in the Republican caucus.
I don't feel that Mr. Gregg is underhanded, just that he admired President Obama and didn't figure on the pressure from the powerful Republicans.

[JimR]

Bipartisanship takes time to build. If you wanted to take up running, you don't go out once, come home exhausted and sore, and say "Oh well, that didn't work." It's a process.

The stimulus bill is really a bad thing to judge his bipartisan efforts on, because there are legitimate differences of opinion on what should be done to attempt to stimulate the economy.

[sawbuck]

obama was not elected to be a uniter, or bi-partisan. he was elected to clean up bush's mess. his best strategy would be to pursue success, not playing nice with republicans. i'm disappointed in him, conyers and his endless subpoenas, reid and pelosi and their endless b.s., leahy and his 'commissions', etc. this is why republicans eventually kick the dems a$$. they're tougher, more ruthless and take no prisoners. welcome to 'change'..­....

[HTooley]

Bipartisanship requires two parties. What the GOP has become is a mantra. How can you have bipartisanship with a mantra?

[apoyo]

Bipartisanship may one day be attained but not with these particular people presently in congress.

The people who elected them have a decision to make. Do they return them to their elected positions next time around or do they vote for someone moderate or progressive. It's in their hands. All President Obama can do is go to the people and advise them of how he prefers to govern, with all hands on deck.

Hopefully, they will decide that it's past time to throw these obstructionists overboard. They care not for the country and they care not for the people. Their only care is for the lobbyists and bankers who line their pockets. Their elected position is nothing but an expensive meal ticket for them. And when they leave office they take their tax payer pensions with them along with tax payer health care coverage.

[TXfemmom]

Gregg never intended to take that position and this bipartisan crap should end. Gregg intended to get in, learn what he could, and then do just this. He is without honor.

[billyams]

Obama supporters should remember whenever he makes a decision -- There is always a Plan B.

No good leader goes into any battle without a backup plan.

[Roses]

Oh come on....enou­gh with the war allusions. This is not a battlefield we are talking about. And this is not a team sport.

[tigerakabj]

Good article, but I have to comment that way in January 2008, after Iowa caucuses, Obama said that "Washington was going to fight with everything its got to keep things as they are." Obama knew full well that they were going to reject his extended hand of bipartisanship, just like he knew and prepared for their on-slaught of slime and negativity during the campaign.

This whole "bipartisanship" thing is just a giant light, showing the American people who wants to work for them and who doesn't.

If you saw the campaign, you would know that Obama studies his opponents, history, and plans around a long-term marathon instead of a short-term windsprint (day-to-day news cycle victory).

[KrystynM]

I have been saying this for days...tha­nk you.

[MSB]

Even though I am furious and impatient, I'm thinking that you are correct. I have always said that Obama is a really smart man, and as such, he must have seen all of this coming. I do think that the administration is light years smarter than GOP leadership which is forced to cater to an ever-shrinking and increasingly radical minority.

I just hope Obama can heal the country in enough time not to get wrongly saddled with blame for much of this fiasco. I think that is exactly how crass and worthless the GOP is currently. They would rather see Obama get blamed for a destroyed country, than get any credit in helping a Democratic president heal a sick one. The American voter tends to have a short memory, and unfortunately is often quite under/ill informed.

[HTooley]

I like both of these posts. What the President has done is to frame the Republicans as the 'do nothing' party. What they need to keep in mind is that time flies during 'good' years, and drags on during 'bad' years If they are framed as obstructionists, prolonging the misery, not offering any ideas but No No No, then you can well imagine where they will be soon. They will "Whig" out.

The 'war' that is being waged here will consist of many battles. These guys are going to need a new strategy because tactically, this hand has been played out.

Beware of the bully pulpit. It is now being wielded by a man with the ability to use it with a high degree of precision. Words can be powerful things. Sentences even more so. A few paragraphs can be cut into stone. I wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of their power. I imagine that more than a few of our representatives will get to find that out first hand, and soon.

[Roses]

Thank you. Good comment.

[Ppossom]

If President Obama wants to govern via bi-partisan cooperation, he will first have to build a Republican Party. Limbaugh's talk radio audience is not even a good foundation for a political party.

[johnie2xs]

I hope you're right and Obama allows this to be the last time he will accept being spit upon. I have given up trying to divine Obama's moves. I cannot compete with his mental acumen, nor do I have the politically chess-like abilities, he has. That having been said, if it were me, I'd abandon any attempts for bipartisanship, for the immediate future. But that's me. I've come to trust Obama's decisions, so I'm believing he's got some good moves planned.

[taddles]

The best thing that could happen to the Republican party is total collapse and dissolution.

[berkawoo]

I hope for a GOP collapse. It would be fitting considering the "W"reckage that W.Bush/Che­ney have wrought upon this country. With the likes of Limbaugh and the Fox News thugs Hannity O'Rielly and Beck influencing the ideology of the Republican Party it does not look good for Obama. These thugs and their minions have nothing but an enraged desire to destroy Obama, much the same way Gingrich and his thugs pursued the destruction of the Clintons starting in 1992. The scorched earth policy of 17 years ago from the GOP will once again return in an Obama administration. The GOP Neocons only care about their power and wealth more than what is best for the overall health of this country. It's never been country first for them. They take pride in their heartlessness and justify it by claiming to be "good christians"

[LREKing]

Will we know it when we see it?