On the House

On the House Plot Summary

Introduction

John Boehner's journey from a small house in Reading, Ohio, where he was one of twelve children, to becoming the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives embodies the American dream in its purest form. With his trademark cigarette in one hand and a glass of red wine in the other, Boehner navigated the treacherous waters of Washington politics while maintaining his straightforward, no-nonsense Midwestern values. His career spanned over two decades in Congress, culminating in his tenure as Speaker from 2011 to 2015, a period marked by intense partisan division and the rise of the Tea Party movement that would ultimately complicate his leadership. What makes Boehner's story compelling is not just his rise to power but his unwavering authenticity throughout his political career. As he often said, "I'm the same jackass I was when I first got here." Through his experiences, we gain invaluable insights into the inner workings of American politics, the art of compromise in an increasingly polarized environment, and the personal toll of public service. His candid reflections on encounters with presidents from Nixon to Obama, confrontations with both Democrats and Republicans, and his eventual decision to resign on his own terms reveal a man who never forgot his humble roots even as he ascended to become second in line to the presidency.

Chapter 1: Midwestern Roots: Family Values in a House of Twelve

John Boehner's story begins in the modest neighborhoods of Reading, Ohio, a blue-collar suburb of Cincinnati. Born in 1949 as the second of twelve children, Boehner grew up in a small house with just two bedrooms and one bathroom. His father Earl ran Andy's Café, a neighborhood bar where young John would begin working from the age of eight, waking before dawn to help open the establishment alongside his father and older brother. This early exposure to hard work would shape his character for decades to come. The Boehner household operated like a well-oiled machine out of necessity. With so many children sharing limited space, there was little room for privacy or personal possessions. John slept in a bunk bed in a room shared with his brothers, and fresh towels were a rare luxury. At dinner time, all twelve children would gather around the table, and there was a strict rule: the oldest child couldn't have seconds until the youngest had been served their first helping. This instilled in Boehner an appreciation for fairness and patience, traits that would later serve him well in political negotiations. Catholic faith was central to the Boehner family's life. They attended Mass together every Sunday at Saints Peter and Paul Church, and the teachings of the Church provided a moral compass that guided John throughout his life. His later emotional response to Pope Francis's address to Congress in 2015 was rooted in this deep faith that began in his childhood home. The discipline and structure of Catholic education at Moeller High School further reinforced these values under the tutelage of coach Gerry Faust, who taught him that being a "Man of Moeller" meant putting team before self. Financial struggles were a constant backdrop to Boehner's youth, but they bred resourcefulness rather than resentment. To earn money for his first bicycle, he worked Saturdays at Andy's Café, saving five dollars each week until he could afford a secondhand Raleigh. He took on numerous odd jobs throughout his teens – caddying at a local golf course, delivering newspapers, shoveling snow, and working construction. These experiences gave him firsthand knowledge of the working-class perspective that would inform his political views and help him connect with constituents. The formative experiences of his youth cultivated in Boehner a particular kind of resilience – the ability to maintain composure amid chaos. Growing up in a household where sibling fights, bathroom queues, and constant noise were the norm prepared him surprisingly well for the tumultuous environment of Congress. As he would later reflect, after growing up in that household, managing the chaos of Washington politics seemed manageable by comparison. This upbringing also instilled in him a genuine appreciation for order and neatness – he became known for his pressed suits and tidy appearance, a stark contrast to the modest clothing of his youth. Perhaps most importantly, Boehner's family experience taught him the value of authenticity. In a household where resources were stretched thin, there was no room for pretense. This translated into his political style – straightforward, occasionally blunt, but always genuine. While this sometimes put him at odds with the more calculated approach of many politicians, it earned him respect across the aisle and from constituents who appreciated knowing exactly where he stood.

Chapter 2: The Ladder to Power: From Bartender to Congressman

John Boehner's path to political influence was far from direct. After graduating from high school, he briefly joined the Navy but received a medical discharge due to a back injury. Returning to civilian life, he worked construction jobs while attending Xavier University part-time, taking seven years to complete his degree as he worked multiple jobs to pay his tuition. During this period, he met his future wife Debbie while working an overnight janitorial shift at Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, where she was employed. Their marriage in 1973 marked a turning point, giving his life new direction and purpose. With his business degree in hand, Boehner joined Nucite Sales, a small plastics and packaging company. His natural talent for connecting with people and understanding their needs helped him rise through the ranks, eventually becoming president after his boss passed away. This business experience gave him firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by small businesses – regulations, taxes, and economic uncertainty – themes that would become central to his political platform. It also honed his negotiation skills, teaching him when to push and when to compromise, abilities that would prove essential in his political career. Boehner's entry into politics began almost accidentally. After moving into a new neighborhood in 1977, he attended a Fourth of July pool party where he was spontaneously nominated to serve on the local homeowners' association board. This modest beginning led to increasingly significant roles – township trustee in 1981, Ohio state representative in 1985, and finally, U.S. Congressman in 1990. Each step up the ladder expanded his understanding of governance and built his reputation as someone who could get things done without sacrificing his principles. The economic policies of the Reagan administration resonated deeply with Boehner, who had seen his own tax burden increase dramatically as his business career advanced. In 1978, he paid more in taxes than his entire gross income from just two years earlier. This experience cemented his transition from the Democratic Party of his family tradition to becoming a committed Reagan Republican, advocating for lower taxes and smaller government – positions he would maintain throughout his political career. His first congressional campaign in 1990 was challenging, particularly because his name proved difficult for voters to pronounce (it's BAY-ner, not "Boner" as many initially assumed). Despite this obstacle, he defeated the better-known former congressman Tom Kindness in the Republican primary and went on to win the general election in Ohio's 8th District. Arriving in Washington as a freshman congressman in 1991, Boehner quickly established himself as a reformer by exposing the House banking scandal, where members were allowed to overdraw their accounts without penalty – a practice funded by taxpayer dollars. This willingness to challenge the status quo, even within his own party, became Boehner's hallmark. As part of the "Gang of Seven" freshmen Republicans who exposed corruption, he helped change the public perception of Congress while making powerful enemies on both sides of the aisle. His early confrontations with House leadership demonstrated a willingness to risk his career for what he believed was right – a trait that would both propel his rise to leadership and eventually complicate his ability to govern during increasingly partisan times.

Chapter 3: Leadership Amidst Chaos: Navigating Washington's Turbulence

John Boehner's ascent through the Republican leadership ranks was marked by both triumphs and setbacks. After helping expose the House banking scandal as a freshman, he joined Newt Gingrich's Conservative Opportunity Society, positioning himself with the reform-minded wing of the party. When Republicans won control of the House in 1994 for the first time in 40 years, Boehner was elected Conference Chairman, the fourth-highest leadership position. This meteoric rise for a congressman in just his third term demonstrated his political acumen and ability to build relationships. However, Boehner's leadership journey was not without reversals. Following Republican losses in the 1998 midterm elections, he lost his Conference Chair position to J.C. Watts of Oklahoma. This setback forced him to rebuild his influence patiently from the committee level, particularly as chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee, where he worked closely with Democratic Senator Ted Kennedy on President George W. Bush's No Child Left Behind education reform. This bipartisan achievement showcased Boehner's pragmatic approach to governance and his willingness to find common ground with ideological opponents when it served the national interest. By 2006, Boehner had regained his leadership footing, winning election as House Majority Leader after Tom DeLay stepped down amid controversy. When Republicans lost their majority in the 2006 midterms, Boehner became Minority Leader, and then Speaker in 2011 after Republicans recaptured the House in the 2010 midterm elections. This comeback demonstrated his resilience and political staying power – qualities that would be repeatedly tested during his Speakership. What distinguished Boehner's leadership style was his emphasis on transparency and inclusion. Unlike some predecessors who operated with top-down authority, he maintained an open-door policy and encouraged debate within the Republican Conference. His daily management meetings with leadership teams were conducted as conversations rather than lectures, seeking genuine input rather than merely issuing orders. This approach earned him loyalty from many members who appreciated being heard, even when they disagreed with the final decisions. Boehner's leadership was severely tested during the 2008 financial crisis, when President Bush and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson requested congressional approval for the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Despite his own fiscal conservative principles, Boehner recognized the catastrophic consequences of inaction and worked to convince reluctant Republicans to support the measure. The intensity of the moment was captured when Paulson literally got down on one knee to beg Pelosi for support after an initial failed vote threatened economic collapse. Boehner's willingness to make difficult, unpopular decisions to avert national disaster exemplified his view that leadership sometimes required putting country before political self-interest. Throughout his career, Boehner remained remarkably consistent in his approach to power. He frequently stated: "If you do the right things, for the right reasons, the right things will happen." This philosophy guided him through turbulent times and complex negotiations with Presidents Bush and Obama. His leadership style emphasized personal relationships, direct communication, and maintaining his authentic self – a sharp contrast to the performative, media-driven approach that increasingly dominated Washington. As he often said, he walked out of the Capitol "the same jackass he was when he walked in," a testament to his unwavering commitment to authenticity in a city often defined by calculation and pretense.

Chapter 4: Battling Extremism: Standing Against the Chaos Caucus

The rise of the Tea Party movement following the 2010 midterm elections dramatically transformed the political landscape Boehner had to navigate as Speaker. What began as a grassroots reaction to government bailouts, spending, and the Affordable Care Act quickly evolved into something more radical than traditional fiscal conservatism. Boehner, who had built his career as a conservative reformer focused on limited government and fiscal responsibility, suddenly found himself labeled as part of "the Establishment" by newly elected members who viewed compromise itself as betrayal. The pivotal moment came during the 2011 debt ceiling crisis, when Boehner attempted to negotiate a "Grand Bargain" with President Obama that would have addressed long-term federal spending and entitlement reform. The package would have achieved significant conservative policy goals while allowing the necessary increase in the government's borrowing limit. After weeks of careful negotiation that appeared to be nearing conclusion, Obama suddenly demanded an additional $400 billion in revenue – a demand that would have made it impossible for Boehner to secure sufficient Republican votes. The collapse of this deal represented one of Boehner's greatest disappointments, as he believed it offered a rare opportunity for meaningful deficit reduction. The 2013 government shutdown crystallized the growing division within Republican ranks. Led by Senator Ted Cruz, a faction of House Republicans demanded that any continuing resolution to fund the government must defund the Affordable Care Act – a strategy Boehner recognized as politically impossible given Democratic control of the Senate and White House. Despite his private assessment that the approach was "a dumbass idea," Boehner ultimately went along with it, recognizing that his members were determined to fight this battle regardless of his counsel. The resulting 16-day shutdown damaged the Republican brand while achieving none of its stated objectives, validating Boehner's initial concerns. Boehner's frustration with what he termed the "chaos caucus" – members more interested in disruption than governance – became increasingly evident. He described this faction as "political terrorists" whose goal was not policy achievement but perpetual crisis that could be leveraged for fundraising and media attention. The emergence of outside groups like the Senate Conservatives Fund and Heritage Action, which raised money by attacking Republican leadership, created perverse incentives for members to oppose compromise regardless of potential policy gains. This dynamic made basic governance functions like passing budgets and avoiding government shutdowns increasingly difficult. The Speaker reserved particular contempt for what he called "legislative terrorists" like Mark Meadows, who once dropped to his knees in Boehner's office begging forgiveness after voting against him for Speaker, only to resume undermining him shortly thereafter. Boehner's colorful descriptions of these members – calling Ted Cruz "Lucifer in the flesh" and a "miserable son of a bitch" – reflected genuine frustration with their destructive approach to governance. He was particularly bothered by the hypocrisy of members who claimed to be fiscal hawks while later supporting massive spending increases under President Trump without complaint. Despite these challenges, Boehner maintained his commitment to institutional norms and constitutional processes. He eliminated earmarks despite their usefulness in building coalitions, promoted regular order in committee work, and protected the integrity of the House as an institution. His battles against extremism were not about ideological disagreements – Boehner himself maintained a consistently conservative voting record – but about preserving the basic functionality of democratic governance in an era of increasing polarization. The toll of these battles eventually led to his decision to resign in 2015, but not before securing a long-sought visit from Pope Francis to address Congress – a fitting capstone for a Catholic Speaker who had fought to maintain civility in an increasingly uncivil political environment.

Chapter 5: Balancing Principles with Pragmatism: The Art of Negotiation

John Boehner approached negotiations with a philosophy that set him apart from many of his contemporaries in Washington: "You never get in trouble for something you don't say." This measured approach, learned early in his congressional career, guided his interactions with presidents, colleagues, and adversaries alike. Unlike politicians who sought the spotlight with bombastic rhetoric, Boehner understood that excessive talking often undermined effective deal-making. When he did speak, particularly in high-stakes negotiations, his words carried weight precisely because they were carefully chosen. Boehner's negotiating style was grounded in preparation and realistic assessment of what was achievable. During the No Child Left Behind education reform efforts with President Bush, he navigated between ideological purists who wanted to eliminate federal involvement in education entirely and Democrats who resisted accountability measures. Rather than pursuing an all-or-nothing approach, Boehner focused on securing meaningful improvements that could actually pass Congress. When pressured by the White House and fellow Republicans to include provisions that would have killed the bill, Boehner stood firm, explaining to President Bush that the perfect should not be the enemy of the good. Bush ultimately sided with Boehner's pragmatic approach, leading to bipartisan legislation that passed with significant Democratic support. His approach to President Obama revealed both the possibilities and limitations of cross-party negotiation in an increasingly polarized environment. Their relationship was complex – Boehner recognized Obama's intelligence and seriousness of purpose, but was frustrated by what he perceived as the president's lecturing style and occasional arrogance. Their 2011 golf outing, joined by Vice President Biden and Ohio Governor John Kasich, was designed to build personal rapport that might facilitate their policy discussions. While the game itself went smoothly, with Boehner and Obama winning against Biden and Kasich, the subsequent debt ceiling negotiations ultimately collapsed despite weeks of good-faith efforts. Boehner's pragmatism was often misunderstood by those who equated compromise with surrender. During the fiscal cliff negotiations of 2012-2013, when Bush-era tax cuts were set to expire, Boehner proposed raising taxes only on incomes above $1 million – a position that would have protected more Americans from tax increases than Obama's proposed $400,000 threshold. Yet the most ideological members of his conference refused to support even this compromise, leaving Boehner with diminished leverage. The final deal ended up setting the threshold at $400,000, exactly where Obama had wanted it – demonstrating how refusal to accept partial victories often resulted in worse outcomes for the very principles the hardliners claimed to champion. Perhaps most telling about Boehner's negotiating philosophy was his assessment of Reagan's approach to governance: "Reagan didn't operate on the principle of 'all or nothing.' He knew that getting 80 percent of what you wanted counted as a victory." This perspective put Boehner increasingly at odds with members who viewed any compromise as betrayal, regardless of the policy achievements it secured. He recognized that in a divided government, incremental progress through good-faith negotiation was not only politically necessary but constitutionally intended. This balance between principles and pragmatism defined Boehner's career. He never abandoned his conservative values of limited government, fiscal responsibility, and individual liberty, but he recognized that advancing these principles required practical engagement with political reality. His approach can be summarized in another of his favorite sayings: "If you do the right things, for the right reasons, the right things will happen." For Boehner, the "right thing" was rarely the most politically expedient or ideologically pure position, but rather the course of action that would produce the greatest good for the country while remaining consistent with his core values.

Chapter 6: Personal Connections: Golf, Wine, and Political Relationships

Golf served as more than recreation in John Boehner's political life – it was a crucial venue for relationship building and candid conversation away from the partisan pressures of Washington. An avid golfer with a single-digit handicap, Boehner found the game's emphasis on honesty, patience, and self-discipline aligned perfectly with his approach to politics. His annual Boehner Bus fundraising trips across the country frequently incorporated golf outings with members, donors, and local business leaders, creating natural opportunities for meaningful connection away from staff and press. These connections extended to presidents from both parties. His golf outing with President Obama in 2011 temporarily thawed their relationship before the debt ceiling negotiations. With President George W. Bush, their shared love of golf fostered a genuine friendship that facilitated their work on education reform. Most memorably, Boehner's participation in former President Gerald Ford's annual invitational tournament led to a deep bond with Ford, who had also served as House Republican leader before becoming vice president and president. Ford's mentorship provided Boehner with valuable perspective on the House as an institution and how to maintain personal integrity amid political pressures. Wine became another signature element of Boehner's personal style. Though raised in a beer-drinking household – his father ran a bar serving primarily German-style lagers – Boehner gravitated toward red wine as his drink of choice in adulthood. His preference for merlot became so well-known that it formed part of his standard response when asked if he would run for president: "I like to play golf, I like to drink red wine, I like to smoke cigarettes, and I like to cut my own grass. If you think I'd give all that up to be president, you're crazy." This candid self-assessment reflected Boehner's commitment to remaining authentic rather than sacrificing personal enjoyment for political advancement. Boehner's emotional openness set him apart in Washington's often guarded culture. His tendency to tear up during meaningful moments – whether during his swearing-in as Speaker, discussing children's education opportunities, or meeting Pope Francis – became a well-known characteristic that humanized him to colleagues and constituents alike. Rather than viewing this emotional transparency as weakness, Boehner embraced it as part of his authentic self. When asked about his tears, he would simply respond, "I'm a pretty emotional guy." These personal qualities facilitated Boehner's ability to work across the aisle. His friendship with Democratic Representative George Miller, despite their significant ideological differences, enabled productive collaboration on education policy. Similarly, his genuine respect for Senator Ted Kennedy allowed them to find common ground on No Child Left Behind despite Kennedy being "the patron saint of the national teachers' unions." Boehner recognized that personal connections created pathways for political progress that ideological posturing could not. Boehner's emphasis on personal relationships extended to his staff management. Unlike some leaders who berated staff during stressful moments, Boehner maintained a calm, respectful approach. His office operated with a familial atmosphere – demanding excellence but also demonstrating loyalty and care for team members. This leadership style created exceptional staff cohesion and longevity, with many team members staying throughout his congressional career. The strength of these bonds was demonstrated when, years after leaving office, many former staffers continued working with him on business ventures and personal projects, including the development of his post-congressional career.

Chapter 7: Leaving on His Terms: Pope Francis and Retirement

John Boehner's departure from Congress came at a moment of profound personal fulfillment, despite the increasingly toxic political environment he was leaving behind. For twenty years, he had worked to bring a pope to address Congress, and in September 2015, that dream was finally realized when Pope Francis delivered a historic address to a joint session. The emotional significance of this achievement for Boehner, a devout Catholic raised in a working-class Catholic household, cannot be overstated. As the Holy Father spoke to the assembled lawmakers, Boehner was visibly moved to tears – a characteristic display of emotion that had become his trademark in Washington. The day after Pope Francis's visit, Boehner shocked Washington by announcing his resignation as Speaker and from Congress entirely. Though he had been contemplating retirement for some time, the timing was unexpected. He later explained that the Pope's visit had provided a moment of clarity – with this long-sought achievement accomplished and the presence of the Holy Spirit filling the chamber, Boehner recognized it was time to end his congressional service. The contrast between the unity and dignity of the papal visit and the fractious political landscape he had been navigating made his decision clear. Boehner's retirement came entirely on his own terms – a rarity in Washington where careers often end in scandal, electoral defeat, or forced resignation. Despite persistent rumors of plots to oust him as Speaker from discontented members of his own party, Boehner maintained sufficient support to continue serving had he chosen to do so. His decision to leave voluntarily preserved his dignity and allowed him to depart with his head held high, something he had valued throughout his career. As he put it, "I wanted to leave the party and the institution in better shape than I found them." In the years following his retirement, Boehner has embraced a blend of business, advocacy, and personal pursuits. He joined the board of tobacco company Reynolds American (fitting for a lifelong smoker), became a senior policy advisor at law firm Squire Patton Boggs, and even entered the cannabis industry as a board member of Acreage Holdings – a surprising move for a former Republican Speaker, though he maintained he had never personally used marijuana. These diverse activities reflected his pragmatic approach to post-political life, focusing on areas where his experience and relationships could provide value. Most importantly, retirement allowed Boehner to reclaim personal time that his congressional duties had limited. He could finally spend more time with his wife Debbie, their two daughters Lindsay and Tricia, and his growing number of grandchildren. His home in Florida provided opportunities for relaxation and golf – activities that had sustained him through the most challenging periods of his Speakership. The simple pleasure of watching sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico replaced the constant pressure of managing an increasingly ungovernable House of Representatives. Boehner's reflections on his career reveal a man at peace with his legacy despite the turbulent final years of his Speakership. He maintained that despite the challenges posed by increasing polarization and the rise of what he called "legislative terrorists," he had stayed true to his principles while respecting the institutions of American democracy. His parting advice to those still engaged in politics echoed the philosophy that had guided his own career: "If you do the right things for the right reasons, the right things will happen." In Boehner's view, the "right things" included honesty, civility, and a willingness to find common ground – qualities he believed were essential to effective governance but increasingly rare in contemporary politics.

Summary

John Boehner's journey from the son of a bartender to Speaker of the House embodies a quintessentially American story of opportunity and perseverance. His career spanned a period of dramatic transformation in American politics – from an era where bipartisan cooperation was still possible to the hyper-polarized environment that now defines Washington. Throughout these changes, Boehner maintained a consistent approach defined by authenticity, pragmatism, and institutional respect. His willingness to seek compromise when necessary, even at political cost to himself, stands in stark contrast to the zero-sum approach that increasingly dominates contemporary politics. The core wisdom Boehner leaves behind is captured in his frequent refrain: "If you do the right things, for the right reasons, the right things will happen." This perspective offers a valuable counterpoint to the cynicism and performative outrage that characterizes much of today's political discourse. It suggests that genuine leadership requires moral clarity, personal integrity, and a focus on achievable results rather than ideological purity. For those interested in governance rather than merely winning political battles, Boehner's career demonstrates that maintaining one's principles need not mean abandoning practical compromise. As polarization continues to challenge democratic institutions, Boehner's example reminds us that responsible leadership often means finding the balance between standing firm on core values while recognizing that in a diverse democracy, no side can or should expect to get everything it wants.

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John Boehner

John Andrew Boehner is an American politician who served as the 53rd speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 2011 to 2015.[4] A member of the Republican Party, he was the U.S. Representative for Ohio's 8th congressional district from 1991 to 2015. The district included several rural and suburban areas near Cincinnati and Dayton.(wikipedia)

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