Quote Originally Posted by 101A
"Moderate" Republicans in the House cannot get anything passed because of a small fraction of "Radical" or "Tea Party" or "Crazy" members of their own caucus.

I understand that math.

What I don't understand is why, with 435 members, including 201 Democrats, how any small fraction can keep the body as a whole from doing anything.

If Moderate Republicans (ostensibly Boehner is included in this) bring up a "reasonable" - meaning agreeable to all but the fringe - shouldn't their be 218 bi-partisan members who would vote for that (or even a strong majority)? Or, will only moderate Republicans vote for such a bill? Will Dems NOT vote for any bill brought by Boehner?

, couldn't the 201 Dems bring a bill that is palatable to them, and find 17 Republicans who could go along with it?

If this is truly potential economic, global Armageddon facing us in a few hours, why aren't cooler heads prevailing. Where is the leadership to slide something through. No super-majority is needed in the house, and the Senate isn't a problem. This doesn't make sense, frankly. The threshold isn't that high.

I can't help but think we are being worked - both sides are playing to their bases - hyperbole, name calling, outrage....for what? Distract us from the failed roll-out of the ACA?

The politicians in Washington are many things, but I don't believe them to be stupid. Things happen for a reason. If we go over this cliff (if it is a cliff), it will not be by accident.
Self made drama, brought to you by the so-called Hastert rule. That rule is that if you don't have the GOP votes to pass something, it never even comes to the floor.