I’m going to indulge in some schadenfreude here. For 30 years we’ve gotten accustomed to seeing columns in the media declaring “Democrats in Disarray,” sometimes with merit, other times with none. It does my heart good to see an article in the New York Times with this headline: “G.O.P. Begins Soul-Searching After Tax Vote” and the even more revealing URL link: “big-battles-ahead-divided-gop-begins-soul-searching.”

Republicans have seen the foundations of their political strategy called into question, stirring a newly urgent debate about how to reshape and redefine their party.

At issue immediately is whether that can be achieved through a shift in tactics and tone, or will instead require a deeper rethinking of the party’s longtime positions on bedrock issues like guns and immigration.

[snip]

The coming legislative battles are certain to expose even more division in the party. And with establishment Republicans and Tea Party activists at times speaking as if they are from different parties altogether, concern is spreading throughout the ranks that things could get worse before they get better.

Aww. That’s a cryin’ shame, that is.

Hee!