Grover Ain't Over

A lot of people are saying that, given the "fiscal cliff" that's coming, and the need for more tax revenue, and the resounding victory President Obama received in the elections last month, Republicans are quietly, and, sometimes, not so quietly, backing away from Grover Norquist and his crusade against higher taxation.

Right.  If Grover Norquist is through, why are people in Washington still talking about him? Why did David Gregory feature him on "Meet the Press" yesterday?  Why did Jim Cramer feel a need to lash out at Norquist for his tactics over the "fiscal cliff" issue on that same program?  Why are talks to avoid draconian tax increases and spending cuts at a standstill? Because Norquist is still calling the shots for the Grand Old Patricians.

Republicans who have suggested that they're backing away from Norquist are likely doing it for show.  The Republicans remain, by and large, committed to refusing to raise taxes on the wealthy and relying on an increased middle-class tax base to add revenue.  The only way they'll ever back away from Norquist is if he admits to being pro-choice.