Can't Cheer and Cry at the Same Time

The GOP Can't Have it Both Ways on Sequestration

Doesn't this kind of talk contradict the story line that the sequester was all President Obama's idea (and therefore his fault?)

“We asked him to commit to us that when the cuts actually came on March 1, that he would stand firm and not give in, and he’s holding to that,” said Representative Steve Scalise, Republican of Louisiana and chairman of the conservative Republican Study Committee. “I think Friday will be an important day that shows we’re finally willing to stand and fight for conservative principles and force Washington to start living within its means. And that will be a big victory.”

Representative Mick Mulvaney, a South Carolina Republican who was elected on the 2010 Tea Party wave and has had his differences with the speaker, was similarly complimentary toward Mr. Boehner. “He’s doing exactly what he said he was going to do, and I think it’s working to our favor and to his,” Mr. Mulvaney said. “I get the feeling that our party is probably more unified right now than it has been at any time in the last several months.” …

If so many Republicans will go on record expressing approval of the sequester going into effect - even as the president emphatically urges negotiations to avert it - won't the party have to take responsibility for the sequester's effects? If popular, the GOP will get credit. But if not ...

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David Frum

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