General Discussion

who revered Ronald Reagan, and cheered on contract-signing candidates in principle, were not ready, when they learned that free markets would leave them with sole responsibility for their own fate, to give up their Social Security and Medicare, their public schools, and their government-backed air, water, and earth protections. As important, Bill Clinton's legendary ability to 'triangulate' -- taking on as his own some of the goals they proposed while drawing the line against such extreme measures as a balanced budget amendment -- took the steam out of the House GOP's sails. To be repeatedly outwitted by Clinton, a president the radical right had spent much effort and untold treasure trying to undermine, made the sting of defeat all the more sharp."

From Nancy MacLean's "Democracy in Chains"

It's called politics, dealing with the situation you're in when Republicans control Congress, not a purist fantasy.