Deliciously refreshing, if I do say. His remarks also leave tea party members of Congress a little wiggle room by implying that, though they acted in good faith, they were being manipulated by powerful forces.

This is the part where Angry Tough Guy creates contrast for Cool Pocket-Protector Jock — the budget-savvy, fully seasoned, conservative-but-sane presidential candidate with crossover appeal. No longer is Ryan the kid standing next to the grown-up, he has matured into a full-throated advocate for bipartisan problem-solving with a tough stance on fiscal restraint, who is also humorous, humble and respectful toward his political opponents. He even speaks with greater authority than when he was Mitt Romney’s sidekick.

At first glance, one wonders whether Republicans are spiking their coffee with testosterone. What’s clear is that the era of Boehner’s bottom-up approach to leadership has ended. Not again will he allow the obstructionist wing of the party to force showdowns and shutdowns that hurt the American people and the Republican Party. Even if he has to draft Democrats to help him, Boehner enjoys the further benefit of speaking the truth.