You have to love the Republicans. They have just won a landslide victory for no other reason than they are not the Democrats. In that case, I suppose it would be more accurate to say the Democrats suffered a crushing defeat, a rejection of their policies that have given us an anemic economy and a pathetic world standing. Clearly, the voters want a change in direction. Therefore, before the new Republican majority takes office in a month, let's pass a budget that will last through September. What? Are you nuts? No, you are spineless Republicans.
Why would the Republicans allow the lame duck Democrat Senate to be involved in a long term budget? It is not going to reflect Republican spending priorities. It isn't going to defund Obamacare. It will be a status quo ante budget that will take the power of the purse out of the incoming majority's hand until October. Why? First, fear of a shutdown. Yes, the Republicans are so terrified of a shutdown that they will do just about anything to avoid it, even if that makes the election meaningless. Obama knows this. He will veto the government into a shutdown and then blame Republican intransigence. That's what I would do! Duh! If the Republicans can't answer that, then the election is meaningless. Second, the Republicans want to spend the money. What is the point of taking over a multi-trillion dollar government and then reducing the amount of spending? Sure, that's what the voters want but they don't know how much fun it is to spend it and have people come on bended knee to beg for grants and tax exemptions.
It is funny that many Republicans have criticized Obama for taking military action off the table when negotiating with Iran, declaring that such can only embolden Iran and weaken our position. Are they oblivious to the parallels with government shutdown and impeachment? Never take it off the table unless you get something in return.
