I'm on a boat off the coast of Alaska, so I can't watch videos, or even load animated gifs, but from the dribs and drabs I've gathered across the 'net, the Speaker of the House just walked onto a podium on national television, singing "My, oh my, what a wonderful day", and announced that he was resigning, shortly before breaking down into tearful blubbering about the pope's visit. Is that what happened?
Did we just witness the most high-profile and public mental breakdown since, um, ever?
This guy was third in line to the presidency. I know we've joked a lot about his suitability, but, uh... Did he really go totally nuts?
Most of the articles I've seen have been discussing the political issues, and looking at his resignation through strategic lenses. "He was defeated by the Tea Party" or "By resigning he's freed himself from pressure, and has a month to govern however he wants". But it sure looks to me, from my distant perch on the high seas, like he just kinda snapped. I know the political implications are fascinating, but I feel like the mental health issues could use some attention, too. How, as a nation, did we reach the point where one of the most powerful people in the country, um, pulled a Boehner?