That’s the problem with subjecting every single policy idea to this political test: If the opposition party doesn’t want to cut a deal, there won’t be a deal. And if all coverage of policy is colored by that core political decision, then there’ll never be real pressure on them to make a deal, either.
But there’s an alternative world on offer, one where the coverage of new policy ideas leaves their political future alone and focuses, at least at the outset, on whether they’re good ideas. If they’re bad ideas, then the conversation should end there. If they are good ideas, and people know that, then perhaps the knowledge will move a few Republican senators, or even — unlikely as it is — the public, and a policy that began with no evident path to passage will find a way forward.

With the GOP Conference split into factions, key fiscal deadlines looming, and no obvious long-term remedies for the deep divisions, the question is this: How long will leadership continue down the path it is on, trying time and again to walk the fine line between satisfying the political right and coming up with legislation that can pass Congress?

The answer is probably the foreseeable future, because the alternatives look even worse for Boehner. Sure, he could bow to conservative demands. But that could mean a government shutdown with his stamp of approval, and potentially big-time political damage done to a GOP trying to mend itself after a disappointing election.