Eric Cantor Denies Reality During “60 Minutes” Interview

Via Steve Benen, Rep. Eric Cantor was interviewed on 60 Minutes last night. Lesley Stahl asked Cantor why he refuses to compromise when his “idol,” Ronald Reagan didn’t have a problem doing so. Here’s the relevant portion:

Stahl: But you know, your idol, as I’ve read anyway, was Ronald Reagan. And he compromised.

Cantor: He never compromised his principles.

Stahl: Well, he raised taxes and it was one of his principles not to raise taxes.

Cantor: Well, he — he also cut taxes.

Stahl: But he did compromise —

Cantor: Well I —

At that point, Cantor’s press secretary, off camera, interrupted the interview, yelling that Stahl was lying when she said Reagan raised taxes. As Stahl told “60 Minutes” viewers, “There seemed to be some difficulty accepting the fact that even though Ronald Reagan cut taxes, he also pushed through several tax increases, including one in 1982 during a recession.”

What is it with these Republicans and their inability to accept reality?