John Boehner and the Fiscal Cliff

As we have discussed in class, being the Speaker of the House can be a bit like "herding cats", and for John Boehner this has proven to be especially true. Boehner is dealing with an exceptionally fractured Republican majority in the House of Representatives, and his ability to persuade (or herd) the members of his party on important policy decisions is the best insight we can get into his leadership style and legislative acumen. 

Below is a link to a Frontline documentary titled Cliffhanger. You will use this documentary, as well as the provided readings, to write a 2-3 page analysis of John Boehner's speakership. Use the following questions as a guide while you read the documents and watch the Frontline documentary .

• Which previous Speaker, or Speakers, does Boehner most resemble?
• How does Boehner use the legislative powers of the Speaker of the House?
• What is Boehner’s relationship with the President?
• What is Boehner's relationship with his party?
• Is Boehner a powerful Speaker or an ineffective Speaker?
• What makes for a powerful Speaker? 
• Is it the man? 
• The powers of the position? 
• The political climate at the time?

PBS Frontline: Cliffhanger