Q: As conservative House members plan another coup, how likely is it that John Boehner remains the Republican leader in 2017?
DEMOCRATS (78 VOTES)
Very likely: 24%
Somewhat likely: 50%
Not at all likely: 26%
Very likely
“At this point, he seems to gain strength from the fight.”
“It will get ugly, but there’s no real alternative. The question is when Boehner has had enough and quits.”
“Unless Mike Huckabee or Ted Cruz is elected president, Boehner is not likely to be ousted. They have less clout now than they’ve had in six years.”
Somewhat likely
“He can win again, but does he want to?”
“If he deals with the big issues with Democrats, only Nancy Pelosi can save him.”
“The real issue is why [he would] want the worst job in D.C.”
Not at all likely
“There are no adults in the House. Someone or some group of members have got to restore order.”
“This was always going to be his last term.”
“If they lose the presidency, they will be in take-no-prisoners mode. If they win the presidency, they will be in take-no-prisoners mode.”
“He’s run his course.”
Q: As conservative House members plan another coup, how likely is it that John Boehner remains the Republican leader in 2017?
REPUBLICANS (83 VOTES)
Very likely: 37%
Somewhat likely: 25%
Not at all likely: 38%
Very likely
“So far, these ill-advised moves don’t even constitute a coup, just incoherent grumblings.”
“These ouster efforts always look better in theory than they end up in practice.”
“Most House Republicans ... understand that John Boehner is a courageous leader who deserves better than what he is receiving from a loud minority.”
“A rebellion with wiffle bats and plastic forks.”
Somewhat likely
“He will never lose an election, but he might get tired of the job.”
“Boehner is in some trouble, but he’ll survive.”
“Trumpism, even if temporary, suggests somewhat fewer mainstream conservatives will be winning primaries next year. What a thankless job for Boehner.”
“Tough question. He’s a survivor.”
“At some point, wouldn’t he rather golf and have fun than deal with petulant ideologues?”
“He keeps the job if wants to, but I think he would retire rather than sit behind President Hillary Clinton (or President Trump, for that matter).”
“And if it happens, Republicans will sorely regret it. [Rep. Kevin] McCarthy is not ready for the top slot, and so-called real conservatives will lead the party back into the minority in record time.”
Not at all likely
“Whether he is toppled or leaves on his own, it is unlikely he serves another term as speaker.”
“Time for him to hit the golf course. Conservatives want blood, and this time, they will not rest until change occurs.”
“He’s done because he wants to be done, not [because] of a coup attempt.”
“Sad irony is they won’t get what they want by pushing Boehner out. Look over to the Senate to see where your real issues are. Time would be better spent making a stronger Senate.”
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