@chaski Said
Newt started with a very specific memo... the memo essentially changed the tactics (and dialogue) of the Republican part from
Democrats are good but misguided American politicians to
Democrats are evil socialists trying to destroy our democracy.
Yes Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan... but don't forget John Boehner. Boehner is the one that publicly stated that the Republican party's single most important goal and purpose is to go against anything that Obama wanted to do. Boehner, on numerous occasions, publicly stated that he (and the Republicans) would not compromise with Obama on anything. The strategy was all or nothing. The result being the most unproductive congress in U.S. history.
Of course the funny thing is that conservatives and Republicans have forgotten all that and like to pretend like it is the Democrats that refuse to negotiate and compromise.
The article seems to imply Boehner’s hands were tied by the Tea Party as opposed to blaming him. But either way, yes, much of the blame is on opposition to Obama.
The Democrats receive some blame too
It’s like the Israeli - Muslim conflict that has been going on for millennia. Action on one side triggers action on the other side, which triggers action on the other side, which triggers action on the other side.....
Who/what started it, as well as reconciliation efforts, have long been relegated in the constant back and forth.