The old line among libertarians circa the late 1970s was that Democrats are the evil party and Republicans are the stupid party. I think both parties have covered both adjectives in recent years, what with wars, torture, drone killings based on little evidence, etc. Those are both evil and stupid.

But back to the label in the good old days. The Republicans, in the last 24 hours, have shown that they deserve the stupid label.

1. The budget deal. The deal in 2011 was one of Boehner’s few accomplishments. There was serious restraint on discretionary spending. Now he has given that up, with a comment about cleaning out the barn: instead he’s befouled the barn further.

2. The debate tonight. Leftist John Harwood as one of the questioners? Really? How does that help any of them?