Extreme Makeover: GOP Edition

Fearful of being outflanked by far-right extremists, the GOP is pushing for moderation in its ranks.

By Achy Obejas

About 200. That’s how many public laws the 112th Congress passed, a record of sorts. Consider that Harry Truman’s “do-nothing” Congress managed to squeak through 906 laws, and the magnitude of the 112th’s resistance and rigidity becomes appallingly apparent. [RETURN TO ARTICLE]

  • Reader Comments

    Nonsense.  The GOP is certainly not pushing for “moderation within its ranks.  The GOP is pushing for the appearance of moderation within its ranks, motivated by nothing more than a profoundly cynical willingness to deceive voters as to its real agenda in order to secure votes and thus win back power.

    Posted by markpkessinger on Jan 30, 2013 at 10:13 PM

    All politics depend on “a profoundly cynical willingness to deceive voters.”  The whole concept of “spin” means just that.  Exciting charismatic spokespeople who can deconstruct political speech in ways that reach beyond the “usual suspect” progressives.  Intellectualized liberalism has about reached its limits, and if ways aren’t found to speak in ways that those who don’t want to hear are unable to ignore.  Most of the most oft quoted spokespeople like Chris Hedges and Bill McKibbon are good examples.  They are out there preaching to we the various choirs and someone who is more middle American accessible communication style needs to emerge and grab center stage.  If that can’t be done, the downslide can only quicken.

    Posted by Contrarian on Jan 31, 2013 at 2:43 PM