Debt Limit: Obama Presses, But Boehner Stands Firm

Behold the power of the Tea Party:

The influx of freshman Republican lawmakers, propelled into office by Tea Party support last fall, has hardened the party’s stance on limiting government spending and on rejecting any legislation that hints of raising revenues.

Cantor referred repeatedly to the GOP’s “Pledge to America,’’ unveiled weeks before the elections in November and filled with key goals of Tea Party groups.

“Our members did not come here to raise taxes,’’ Cantor said. “Sprinkled throughout is our pledge not to raise taxes on the American people.’’

Some Republicans said the president’s suggestion that Tea Party politics are dividing the Republican caucus and hindering its ability to compromise are off base.

“I have a core belief that I’ve maintained that raising taxes doesn’t solve the problem,’’ said Representative Frank Guinta, a New Hampshire Republican who was elected with support from Tea Party activists. Guinta suggested that the talk of a divided GOP is a tactic of Obama’s.

But Brandon of FreedomWorks agreed with the president that Boehner has a difficult task in corralling his caucus.

“Boehner’s problem is Obama’s problem. Both of these guys are struggling with credibility when it comes to debt issues,’’ he said. “Every single debt vote has been a fait accompli. Because of the Tea Party, for the first time it isn’t. I think that’s a healthy thing.’’

A healthy thing indeed.

Don't let the GOP cave in to Obama and his loyal allies in the media. Call your Congressperson today.

Hat tip: The Other McCain