The Götterdämmerung Caucus
The Freedom Caucus wants to guarantee its ability to use the threat of triggering a “recession comparable to or worse than 2008 financial crisis” over raising the debt ceiling to secure “significant structural entitlement reforms” (read: cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid).
The Freedom Caucus wants the next Speaker to commit to passing “all 12 appropriations bills” (no omnibus) to maximize extremists’ ability to extract maximum concessions in extended fights over each one. And to commit to shutting down the government “unless President Obama (and Senate Democrats) agree to defund Obamacare, Planned Parenthood and a host of other priorities.” Or else they’ll hold their breath until our faces turn blue.
No wonder Rep. Kevin McCarthy dropped out of the Speaker race and Rep. Paul Ryan is trying avoid having the job thrust upon him.
More: Hullabaloo