The Real Battle in the GOP

E.J. Dionne has an insightful piece in the Washington Post today reframing the battle within the Republican Party.  Rather than describe the struggle as the tea party against the establishment, he points out that there are two establishments.  When you look at where the money comes from to fund the tea party, it is difficult to portray them as a grassroots insurgency.  Moreover, since the so-called “establishment” wing of the GOP has pretty much adopted the policy preferences of the tea party, as well as their loathing for negotiation with Democrats, it shows what the fight is really about.  Power.

So, is this really the grass roots speaking to Washington? Or is it more accurately seen as a cadre of conservative groups, largely working out of Washington, rising up with a ton of cash to persuade voters to listen to them?

I would say the latter.

 

 

Tags: E.J. Dionne, Republicans, Washington Post

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