So toward that end, here are the Top 10 lies of the October Struggle:
1. We just dodged a nearly fatal economic bullet.
Please. The talk of default and unpaid bills was a complete load of hooey, a scare tactic part of a larger scheme-- the left’s narrative that any interruption in government largesse is to be viewed with the urgency of an approaching asteroid.
2. The American public was heavily against the conservative wing of the GOP.
Okay, I believe the polls that showed general disdain for even a 17 percent government slowdown. But this does not mean equal numbers of disapproval for what conservatism instructs in this ongoing scuffle. Majorities still doubt Obamacare’s attributes. They know we are spending far too much. They oppose these constant upward prods to the debt limit.
3. This chapter has been ruinous for GOP chances for the Senate in 2014.
That election is still more than a year away. If Obamacare itself is not in tatters by then, its reputation will be. The incumbents and challengers who were on the right side of this issue and the debt debacle will be rewarded.
4. This chapter has been ruinous for the Republican presidential field in 2016.
Only for those who fail to deliver what an energized conservative base wants. Clones of McCain and Romney can save their time and money. GOP primary voters will be looking for a candidate that truly inspires. Throw in a possible battle against Hillary Clinton, and the search will be on for vigor and clarity.
5. This was horrible for the grassroots.
Call them Tea Partiers, grassroots activists, liberty-lovers, whatever you please. But the wishful-thinking narrative of the dominant media culture-- that this deal will quiet the loudest voices against Obamacare and spiraling debt-- will be disproven quickly. One of the great attributes of true conservative warriors is that they are not hounded into submission by adversity, they are prompted to regroup- and reload.
6. Ted Cruz is damaged goods.
You’ll hear this from more squishy Republicans than Democrats. The Dems are split-- some fear him, some just chuckle derisively. But find me a Republican speaking ill of Ted Cruz and I’ll find you someone personally threatened by his ascent.
7. The defund effort was a waste of time.
Cruz, Lee and others who drove the defund train have been asked incessantly-- do you regret that strategy? Didn’t it hurt you and the party?
8. America was inflamed about the government slowdown.
Shutting a few government doors did not win majority support on Main Street. But that is a far cry from the shrieks of distaste heard daily in the mainstream media. No family was safe from TV cameras if any reporter sniffed a moment of uncertainty that the cell phone bill would be paid. And when real stories arose of important services denied to righteously aggrieved citizens, there was no balancing story to offer the view that this short shared sacrifice was for a larger goal that would accrue to the good of all.
9. It is too late for primary challenges to some of the offenders who enabled this useless deal.Deadlines are deadlines, and they are approaching fast in many states. But do not underestimate the enthusiasm and money that will be shown a worthy candidate stepping in to take out an obstructionist RINO, even on short notice.
10. Next year’s budget and debt ceiling battles are just going to end the same way.
Not necessarily. We may or may not have another government shutdown. But the ranks of courageous Republicans will have been swelled by shows of support in word and in contributory deed.
That election is still more than a year away. If Obamacare itself is not in tatters by then, its reputation will be. The incumbents and challengers who were on the right side of this issue and the debt debacle will be rewarded.
4. This chapter has been ruinous for the Republican presidential field in 2016.
Only for those who fail to deliver what an energized conservative base wants. Clones of McCain and Romney can save their time and money. GOP primary voters will be looking for a candidate that truly inspires. Throw in a possible battle against Hillary Clinton, and the search will be on for vigor and clarity.
5. This was horrible for the grassroots.
Call them Tea Partiers, grassroots activists, liberty-lovers, whatever you please. But the wishful-thinking narrative of the dominant media culture-- that this deal will quiet the loudest voices against Obamacare and spiraling debt-- will be disproven quickly. One of the great attributes of true conservative warriors is that they are not hounded into submission by adversity, they are prompted to regroup- and reload.
6. Ted Cruz is damaged goods.
You’ll hear this from more squishy Republicans than Democrats. The Dems are split-- some fear him, some just chuckle derisively. But find me a Republican speaking ill of Ted Cruz and I’ll find you someone personally threatened by his ascent.
7. The defund effort was a waste of time.
Cruz, Lee and others who drove the defund train have been asked incessantly-- do you regret that strategy? Didn’t it hurt you and the party?
8. America was inflamed about the government slowdown.
Shutting a few government doors did not win majority support on Main Street. But that is a far cry from the shrieks of distaste heard daily in the mainstream media. No family was safe from TV cameras if any reporter sniffed a moment of uncertainty that the cell phone bill would be paid. And when real stories arose of important services denied to righteously aggrieved citizens, there was no balancing story to offer the view that this short shared sacrifice was for a larger goal that would accrue to the good of all.
9. It is too late for primary challenges to some of the offenders who enabled this useless deal.Deadlines are deadlines, and they are approaching fast in many states. But do not underestimate the enthusiasm and money that will be shown a worthy candidate stepping in to take out an obstructionist RINO, even on short notice.
10. Next year’s budget and debt ceiling battles are just going to end the same way.
Not necessarily. We may or may not have another government shutdown. But the ranks of courageous Republicans will have been swelled by shows of support in word and in contributory deed.
