Boehner's Shortcomings, Not the GOP Dysfunction, Were His Downfall

From Paul Mirengoff at The Powerline Blog:

But the MSM’s spin on Boehner ignores the possibility that his problems as Speaker may have been due in significant part to him not being very good at the job.

Boehner wanted to present himself as the adult in the room — a narrative the MSM was happy to echo because it portrays as children hardcore conservatives who are up for a fight. His condescending attitude was bound to alienate many new arrivals.

Boehner’s attitude would probably have been fine back in the day, when new members were expected to be seen but not heard. However, in the second decade of the 21st century, it was misguided and inappropriate.

Boehner seemed unable to recognize that the impatience and disillusionment of his adversaries in the caucus were less the product of immaturity than the understandable outgrowth of President Obama’s unprecedented usurpation of power.

Unfortunately, Boehner ran the House as if it were the 1950's. He's refused to adjust to the new reality of the 24 hour cable news cycle, the virulently partisan media, and a President who sees himself as a Dictator. You add in all the crying with the lack of any legislative victories. I'm amazed he has lasted this long.