The internet is still abuzz with Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner’s epic, and very public, fail on Thursday night. Predictions of Boehner’s doom and the end of the world as we “tumble” over a fiscal cliff that is more like a gentle curve have been running rampant. But really, Boehner never had a chance. I almost feel bad for the guy.

Almost.

On the one hand, he’s faced with a caucus filled with Tea Party crazies who, let’s be honest, would like the country to burn to the ground, thank you very much. They’re practically salivating for the debt ceiling debate next year. They managed to get the United States credit rating by a single agency downgraded last year, put a serious dent in the recovery and shook the world’s markets. Just imagine how much damage they can do this time if they just stick to their guns? These people are nihilists and Boehner has no control over them at all.