Why do Cruz and Heritage Action do what they do? By Jennifer Rubin

[DonViejo]

Why do Cruz and Heritage Action do what they do?

By Jennifer Rubin, Published: September 25 at 8:45 am

There are two views as to why characters like Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) and groups like Heritage Action insist the party follow them out on a right limb time and time again.

One is that this is a cynical system of people fattening their coffers and seeking air time. That’s how the instant Cruz took to the Senate floor on Tuesday the avalanche of fundraising letters from FreedomWorks and other right-wing groups revved up. It’s a well-oiled machine fueled by resentment and constant disappointment.

There is another explanation, however, that assumes these people are all earnest, all selfless and just terribly out to lunch. But they are smart! They went to the top Ivies! Well, it’s easy for smart people to become convinced of political “truths” that are pure fantasy. It has to do with numbers.

A smart Senate Republican went through a compelling set of numbers yesterday that neatly encapsulated the dilemma facing Republicans and their base.

In 2012, for example, about 125 million people voted for president. Except in extraordinary circumstances, winners generally get a majority of the popular vote. That’s roughly 62 million people you need to win the White House...

full article
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2013/09/25/why-do-cruz-and-heritage-action-do-what-they-do/

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

1. Funny, first time I've read something written by this lady and didn't have to wipe her mouth foam

off my monitor.

[sharp_stick]

2. You know the GOP as a party

is getting nervous about the wingnut base. When a wingnut like Jennifer Rubin starts giving them shit.

For years they've cajoled and pulled along the teabagger libertarians and the fundies telling them about how important they are to the GOP conservative cause.

Teabagger libertarians and fundies went along because really what else were they going to do. Nobody else even gave them the time of day.

Now the fundies and teabagger libertarians figured out that they can dump the GOP old folks during primaries and that has the party shitting their pants because the gravy train is going off the tracks.

Even with the outrageous gerrymandering I'm starting to get at least a little bit hopeful about Congress in 2014 if they keep it up.