What may turn out to be the great irony in the demise of Grover Norquist is the fact that his unwillingness, and that of his likeminded followers, to compromise may lead to an even bigger setback for his cause then would have been obtained had he been willing to compromise two years ago. Back then Obama and Speaker Boehner were on the verge of a “Grand Bargain.” Two years ago President Obama was willing to accept three dollars in reduced spending for every one dollar in increased revenue, a plan acceptable to Speaker Boehner, that was shot down by House Republicans. Republicans may wind up with much less now as the 2012 elections have changed the dynamic in Washington and the mood beyond the Beltway is far less favorable to the anti-government crowd within the G.O.P. then it was just two years ago. Needless to say, when the dust settles and the right-wing media spin has been undone, Grover Norquist will be left standing as the chief ideological loser in the piece and he will be seen as a much diminished figure in Washington as a result.