Most astute political observers see the effort to defund ObamaCare as, at best, a quixotic pursuit. So why are so many grassroots conservatives convinced it’ll work?
That’s the question I seek to answer in my latest column for The Guardian, where I lay out the 7 “unreasons” why some conservatives believe this to be a possible and prudent strategy.
Here’s just one of the reasons (number 3 on the list of 7):
3. They don’t respect their opponents. It’s a good idea to have a good, healthy respect for the other guy. After all, they are pros, too. They get paid to win, too. But consider this from National Review reporter Robert Costa, who is known for his excellent sourcing within the GOP:
There is a widespread, Cruz-inspired consensus among many conservatives that O will cave, if only pushed by grassroots
— Robert Costa (@robertcostaNRO) September 19, 2013
But grassroots conservatives seem to lack the ability to put themselves in the other guys’ shoes. Grassroots conservatives should ask themselves this question: if you were Obama, would you allow Republicans to bully you into defunding the only landmark legislation you’ll probably ever pass? If you wouldn’t cave, why do you assume he will?