Thoughts on Boehner

Dr. Potomac has had only very limited exposure to now-Majority Leader John Boehner but he thinks that exposure is instructive nonetheless. A number of years ago, Dr. Potomac attended a political fundraising event where Boehner was present. There he was slouched in a comfortable chair, cigarette in one hand and a darkish whiskey in the other regailing what Dr. Potomac assumes was a lobbyist with what he further assumes was a joke Boehner wouldn't want attributed to him in print. Boehner was all deep-set eyes, darkly tanned skin and cynicism. This is the man to whom the House Republicans have entrusted their future. Because cynical men have their place when narrow majorities are at stake, Dr. Potomac withholds judgment as to whether Boehner as leader is a good or bad idea.

Oh, and one other thing. A close professional associate of Dr. Potomac who is frequently called on for advice relating to personnel has a rather iron-clad rule: never hire a Boehner staffer. Something to ponder, isn't it?