Brave Mitch McConnell

The Daily Caller takes on Mitch McConnell's astoundingly bad idea:

 Brave Mitch McConnell, he bravely ran away-- If at first you don't succeed, give up! Associated Press: "With compromise talks at a vituperative standstill, Senate Republicans unexpectedly offered Tuesday to hand President Barack Obama new powers to avert a first-ever government default threatened for Aug. 2. Under a proposal outlined by Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Obama could request — and likely secure — increases of up to $2.5 trillion in the government's borrowing authority in three separate installments over the next year, as long as he simultaneously proposed spending cuts of greater size. The debt limit increases would take effect unless blocked by Congress under special rules that would require speedy action — and even then Obama could exercise his authority to veto such legislation. Significantly, the president's spending cuts would be debated under normal procedures, with no guarantee they ever come to a final vote." TheDC's Amanda Carey has the latest: "Debt limit negotiations took a surprising turn Tuesday, when Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell offered a backup plan that essentially gives President Barack Obama the authority to unilaterally raise the debt limit. The move prompted a swift and furious backlash from conservative groups, politicians and commentators... For his part, McConnell defended his unusual move by saying that he has essentially become convinced that an acceptable deal on spending cuts and revenue raises cannot be reached, and that Republicans and Democrats have come to an impasse... But on Capitol Hill, McConnell's plan sent shockwaves through conservative offices. One senior GOP staffer told The Daily Caller in an email, 'I really could not have imagined a plan this bad.'" Hey, if a guy won't negotiate with you and does nothing but lie and threaten and obfuscate, your only option is to give him MORE power. Otherwise, you'll be blamed for everything by the people who will always blame you for everything anyway. 

Erick Erickson at Red State was even less charitable:

"Mitch McConnell Just Proposed the 'Pontius Pilate Pass the Buck Act of 2011.'"

Well put.

Mitch just guaranteed a challenge to his leadership position in the Senate, because what he just showed was anything but leadership.