Rob, as I see it, it was the rise of the Tea Party which is going to doom the GOP in it's present form. That and Mitch McConnel'ls (aka Old Snapping Turtle aka OST) decision in 2008 to oppose Obama in everything. The establishment GOP's cynical decision to co-opt the Tea Party was an opportunistic one. That and the decision to gerrymander the districts into "safe" GOP strongholds. What they didn't take into account was that the only way for an "establishment" type to win was to move even further to the "right" than his TP opponent. The only place it hasn't happened IRC is in California. Because there's a non partisan commission that makes the changes, not a partisan assembly. So in effect, only the "true believers" matter and doesn't matter if what they believe in is dead wrong.
Which may explain in part McConnell's intransigence. If he wants to get re-elected, he has to show that he is willing to oppose and obstruct Obama on everything. If Obama says the world is round, he'll say he lies and takes the opposite view. Note that on the ACA, the GOP hasn't propose a plan to replace it that is just as or more effective. What they really propose is the healthcare situation antebellum.
The funny thing about the TP types I encountered is that when I ask what the solutions are there, they shut up screw their faces up, scowl and repeat their complaints. Fine thing to bring down the system. What do you propose to replace it that is better?
__________________
Into terror!, Into valour!
Charge ahead! No! Never turn
Yes, it's into the fire we fly
And the devil will burn!
- Scarlett Pimpernell
Which may explain in part McConnell's intransigence. If he wants to get re-elected, he has to show that he is willing to oppose and obstruct Obama on everything. If Obama says the world is round, he'll say he lies and takes the opposite view. Note that on the ACA, the GOP hasn't propose a plan to replace it that is just as or more effective. What they really propose is the healthcare situation antebellum.
The funny thing about the TP types I encountered is that when I ask what the solutions are there, they shut up screw their faces up, scowl and repeat their complaints. Fine thing to bring down the system. What do you propose to replace it that is better?
__________________
Into terror!, Into valour!
Charge ahead! No! Never turn
Yes, it's into the fire we fly
And the devil will burn!
- Scarlett Pimpernell