Someone gives this guy a Prozac prescription and send him off to the seashore for 3 months. What is this damaged, terrorized individual doing in a high-ranking government position while in this condition?
Think Progress has more, including the video:
Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) broke down on the House floor today, sobbing uncontrollably as he urged his colleagues to vote in favor of the $100 billion Iraq war spending bill.
"Members on both sides of the aisle feel differently about our mission in Iraq and our chances of success there," Boehner said, pausing to compose himself. As he continued, Boehner began to weep openly, crying out: "After 3,000 of our fellow citizens died at the hands of these terrorists, when are we going to stand up and take them on? When are we going to defeat them?" Watch it:
[clicking on the link and image above takes you to the thinkprogress.com website, where the video is hosted - Lee]
This wasn't the first time Rep. Boehner blubbered in front of Congress.
In mid-February Boehner wept as he spoke about the need for a "solemn debate." He then went to the House floor and proclaimed that escalation opponents were taking the "bait" of al Qaeda and using Iraq to "divide us here at home."
The Politico's John Bresnahan writes: "While the issue was serious and somber, this is getting to be something of a habit for the Ohio Republican. One of his GOP colleagues noted that Boehner cries more often later in the day."
I sympathize, and I don't question his sincerity -- that's the problem in my view -- this guys is genuinely, seriously impaired. Having an emotional breakdown like this in public only emboldens the enemy. Get him some help. He has no business leading the country in this condition.
Comments (3)
I agree that this looks like some kind of substance abuse problem. And I do not take any joy in saying that at all, but this sort of breakdown is a symptom of a serious issue and I hope he takes a hard look at himself and if he needs help, gets it.
1. Posted by Paul Hamilton | May 25, 2007 11:22 AM
Posted on May 25, 2007 11:22
Can I ask a question? What was John Boehner afraid of?
Was he afraid that George Bush would leave US Forces in Iraq until the money literally ran out in an elaborate game of chicken? Where US Forces would stop getting paid, refueled and rearmed. Where they would be left with nothing in Iraq and have to find their own way home? Did he think that would happen in his mind? Maybe he did.
2. Posted by Oak Leaf | May 25, 2007 1:51 PM
Posted on May 25, 2007 13:51
Whatever his thought process was or wasn't -- he's a victim of terror. Get him some help.
3. Posted by Lee Ward | May 26, 2007 11:17 AM
Posted on May 26, 2007 11:17