Inaugural Politics and Republican "Disarray"

Robert Costa, 27, is Washington Editor of National Review, which bills itself as “America’s most widely read magazine” for “Republican/conservative news.” He shares a look at how conservatives are gearing up for inauguration and President Obama’s second term.

“The real story of 2013 is the disarray in the Republican Party.

Reagan said it was a time for choosing in the 1960s. You’re going to hear that thought a lot in 2013.  For Republicans, it’s a time to ask: ‘Who are we? What’s our message? What matters?’

Covering Capitol Hill after the election, it was really startling to me see how much dissent is brewing in the House Republican Caucus towards the leadership. I’ve spent a lot of time hanging out outside these closed-door caucus meetings. What you hear from members coming out of there, usually ‘on background,’ is that Speaker Boehner is able to hold power, but always looking over his shoulder and wondering whether Republicans are going to back a deal with the President, or any kind of legislation.

The tension within the Republican caucus – not animus, not personal – but political tension is very real, and it’s the thread that runs through many discussions among Republicans.

On immigration, both parties want to get something done. 

It may not be a big package, but piecemeal legislation on immigration that deals with highly educated immigrants getting PhDs. For both the White House and Congress, that could be an opening for the parties to work together.

[On Monday] I’m in one of the first rows — congressional reporters are allotted fantastic seats for the inauguration… I’m looking forward to hearing the President speak. It’s important for the country to see that every four years, the transition of power is peaceful.”

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To top off this election season, Tumblr has dispatched journalist Ari Melber to file a series of interviews, pictures, and stories from people celebrating the 57th Presidential Inauguration. Check back here for more live Tumblr inaugural coverage.