......this would be his opportunity. The trillion dollar bailout, and the fact that it may slow but not solve our economic crisis, has the potential to radically re-align the political landscape. With Republicans revolting against their leadership and a president at 19% approval ratings, we could be about to see many conservatives willing to join an old-fashioned pitchfork and torches mob against the GOP powers that be in Washington. The combination of a total abject failure AND an abandonment of conservative principles are too much for them to take.
And now it seems that the Democrats are wising up and forcing McCain and the GOP leadership to sign on to any bailout bill (the Anonymous Liberal is one of the best bloggers out there, by the way). If they are successful in tying this trillion dollar yoke around McCain's neck, the opening would be perfect for an old-school Republican revolt against their leaders who have lost their way.
As a democrat I truly mourn the lack of an attractive paleo-conservative leader. It would have the potential to cause a deep split in the Republican Party. But maybe its not too late for one to emerge.....(the intra-party conflict after an Obama win will be beautiful to behold).
Regardless, if the Democrats play their hands right they can only come out big winners in this debacle. Make McCain sign onto the bailout, and he instantly loses all of the conservative enthusiasm that had been riled up by Palin. If McCain won't sign on, let the bill die and let the conservatives be blamed for the economic catastrophe that will hit the country. The underlying principle remains: a bailout this big HAS to be a bipartisan bill. One party cannot bear the brunt of a decision this huge, and the Democrats should stick to that demand. They have every advantage in this negotation.
It really is McCain's choice. Watching him deal with this is going to be fascinating. Country first, or party first?
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