Boehner caves to Obama?

I’ve always seen pragmatism as somewhat of a virtue. When you have a dispute with your wife, you search for a compromise or, if you’re like many husbands, you give in. There are, of course, times when compromise is a dirty word, such as when it involves core principles. Most of you wouldn’t rob a bank or participate in murder regardless of the terms involved.
But when a politician agrees to come half-way with someone of the other party, you can bet there is a deeper, political motivation somewhere.
That’s what everyone is trying to figure out in the wake of House Republican Leader John Boehner’s sudden decision over the weekend to vote in favor of President Obama’s plan to extend the Bush tax cuts only for those earning less than $250,000 per year.

Boehner, of course, believes Obama is wrong to let the tax cuts expire for the rich. I agree with him. The wealthy are responsible for much of the investment and job creation in this country. Raising their taxes will be a drag on the economy, which doesn’t need any more drags right now.
But Boehner says it’s better to support half an extension than none. That’s curious, because Obama probably could get his way without any Republican votes, especially in the House.
Here’s a Christian Science Monitor story on what might really be going on.
The story says Boehner might be trying to appear more statesman-like in the event he becomes speaker of the House next year and has to deal with a sizable Democrat minority. He also may be trying to counter the Democrats’ campaign strategy of painting the GOP as the party of “no.” Boehner could say he opposed health reform and the stimulus out of principle, but he was willing to work with Democrats to get at least part of a tax plan he likes.
The timing is indeed curious, considering some Democrats had shown a willingness to extend all the Bush tax cuts.
I don’t see a lot of upside for the GOP out of this. Being the party of “No!” has worked pretty well politically. The most recent polls show Republicans will win the House in November.
So, what do you think is going on?