If you’ve been following the debt ceiling crisis, watched the President’s speech and the response to it by House Speaker John Boehner, you’re observing what is known in political circles as kabuki , a form of Japanese theater using dance-drama, and known for its highly stylized theatrics and elaborate make-up worn by its performers.
And here’s your kabuki theater review, from Politico’s Playbook:
A top Dem’s view of last night: “Speaker Boehner had a tough day yesterday. The right of his caucus bailed on his plan instantly and then CNN reported that S&P thinks his plan would lead to a downgrade, while Reid’s wouldn’t. So the right thinks it doesn’t go far enough, and those looking for a solution that protects our credit rating have no reason to support. And his speech was an amazing tactical blunder. Who gives a speech designed to impress his caucus to the entire country? His base may think compromise is a dirty word, but they are the only ones. It ended up being the perfect contrast for the president. Boehner essentially validated everything the President said. It is very unclear whether he can cobble together the votes to pass it. Even if he can, the senate won’t pass it, so the choice is his — reasonable compromise or default. Hopefully he chooses helping the country over appealing to the far right of his caucus.”