Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life

At the end of a year of political chaos and Congressional dysfunction, something remarkable happened. Washington did its job. 2015 brought the tearful resignation of a House Speaker, a bombastic GOP frontrunner and a socialist challenger to the Clinton coronation. But another surprise was that Republican and Democratic leaders negotiated and passed—and that President Obama signed—major budget and tax legislation. There was no shutdown, less drama and more dialogue, less brinksmanship and more leadership.

A year out from the presidential election, something is disappearing and something is missing in the campaign. Among Republicans, the summer of Trump has become the fall of the outsiders with Donald Trump and Dr. Ben Carson leading the way. Senator Ted Cruz who attacks the Senate and Senator Marco Rubio who won’t show up in the Senate are positioning themselves as outsiders and a new generation if the frontrunners falter. Trump has doubled down on blaming immigrants and “stupid politicians” and “low energy” leaders for what he calls Crippled America. Dr. Carson offers not energy, but biography and now blames reporters for trying to undermine his appeal with questions about his youth, West Point and pyramids.